I really liked the first novel in this series (A Beautiful Blue Death), but didn't care for the second one as much (The September Society). Now that I've read Home by Nightfall, I want to catch up on the books I've missed.
In 1876, Lenox and his new detective agency are (along with all of London) captivated by the disappearance of a famous pianist. It appears to be a locked room mystery.
At the same time, however, Lenox is worried about his brother Edmund whose wife has recently died. Worried enough that he believes it is more important to return to his childhood home for a while to spend time with Edmund-- even though his business partners are reluctant for him to be absent. Lenox's love for his brother and his childhood reminiscences illustrate such a change from the first two novels I read. Lenox has become a more interesting character with greater depth--which is why I would like to read the novels I've missed that will detail more of Lenox's growth as a character.
While Lenox is staying with Edmund, a village mystery crops up. Edmund becomes intrigued and accompanies Lenox in his investigation; the only times Edmund surfaces from his grief is when attempting to solve the puzzle.
Back in London, the missing German pianist is still all the news, and Lenox's detective agency becomes involved.
As in previous books, Charles Finch evokes a fine image of the time period, both in the country village and in London. Even his minor characters have details that bring them to life. I'm glad to have rediscovered this series!
Review scheduled for Oct. 21
NetGalley/St. Martin's Press/Minotaur Books
Historical Mystery. Nov. 10. Print length: 304 pages.
Good to know that this is a series which can be read in order for best results, but can also be read separately as stand-alones if need be. I love authors who are able to do this-- make them all connected but make each one a good experience. Glad you enjoyed it.
ReplyDeleteGood historic mystery fiction is a favorite, and Charles Finch does this well!
DeleteSounds like a great series and I'm glad to know this could be read as a standalone as well. The characters sound very intriguing too!
ReplyDeleteI love connections in series, but since I don't always begin with the first book (although I did with this series) and frequently miss some of the books (also did with this series--missed a lot), it is especially nice to have each one function as a standalone!
DeleteI'd forgotten about this series. I read A Beautiful Blue Death and really liked it, but never got around to reading any of his other books. I don't know why. Sometimes life gets in the way of reading, doesn't it? :)
ReplyDeleteSo many books...impossible to keep up. I did read the second in the series and didn't care as much for it, then missed so many until this one, which I really liked!
DeleteI am familiar with this series, altough I haven't read it. I love the time period and setting. Funny though how I don't especially find myself drawn to books set in America during that time period . . .
ReplyDeleteThe series is a good one, and I especially liked seeing the changes in Charles in this book. I'm always drawn to novels, especially mysteries, set in England -- regardless of the period. :)
DeleteI have the first book in the series sitting on my shelves and just have not gotten around to it. I already know I would enjoy the period setting. Oh I wish I could read faster!
ReplyDeleteHa! The eternal dilemma of more books than we have time for!
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