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Charles Lenox Mysteries #4
A Stranger in Mayfair
In this enthralling mystery, detective Charles Lenox tries to resist the lure of a case and focus on his new career in Parliament.
Returning from a continental honeymoon with his new wife, Lady Jane, Lenox is asked by a colleague in Parliament to consult in the murder of a footman, bludgeoned to death with a brick. His investigation uncovers some unsettling facts about the family he served and a strange, second identity that the footman himself cultivated.
Going into the boxing clubs and public houses, the Mayfair mansions and servants' quarters of Victorian London, Lenox gradually realizes that an old friend may be implicated in the footman's death. Soon a suspect is arrested, but Lenox has his doubts. Desperately trying to balance the opening of Parliament and what he feels sure is a dark secret surrounding the murder, he soon discovers that the killer is someone seemingly beyond suspicion, and may be prepared to spill blood again—even a detective's.
Returning from a continental honeymoon with his new wife, Lady Jane, Lenox is asked by a colleague in Parliament to consult in the murder of a footman, bludgeoned to death with a brick. His investigation uncovers some unsettling facts about the family he served and a strange, second identity that the footman himself cultivated.
Going into the boxing clubs and public houses, the Mayfair mansions and servants' quarters of Victorian London, Lenox gradually realizes that an old friend may be implicated in the footman's death. Soon a suspect is arrested, but Lenox has his doubts. Desperately trying to balance the opening of Parliament and what he feels sure is a dark secret surrounding the murder, he soon discovers that the killer is someone seemingly beyond suspicion, and may be prepared to spill blood again—even a detective's.
320 pages, Hardcover
First published November 9, 2010
286 people are currently reading
2844 people want to read
About the author
Charles Finch
36Ìýbooks2,418ÌýfollowersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ' database with this name.
My name is Charles Finch - welcome! I'm the author of the Charles Lenox series of historical mysteries, as well as a recent novel about expatriate life in Oxford, THE LAST ENCHANTMENTS. I also write book reviews for the New York Times, USA Today, and the Chicago Tribune and essays in many different places.
Like most people on this website, I'm a huge reader. My taste is all over the place, though I tend to really like literary and mystery fiction. Some of my favorite writers: George Orwell, Henry Green, Dick Francis, Anthony Trollope, David Lodge, PG Wodehouse, Bill Bryson, Roberto Bolano, Jonathan Franzen, Shirley Hazzard, Leo Tolstoy, AR Ammons, Philip Larkin, Edgar Bowers, Laurent Binet, Laurie Colwin, Jane Austen, Arthur Conan Doyle, Philip Roth, Henrik Ibsen, Geoff Dyer, the list could go forever...
A bit about myself: I was born in New York City, and since then I've lived all over the place, in America, England, France...at the moment I'm in Chicago, where I just recently moved. I spend most of my time here writing, reading, walking my dog, and trying not to let my ears freeze off.
You can find me on Facebook () where my reader are always giving fantastic book reviews, or Twitter () which I don't like quite as much, though it's okay. I'll also try to blog here. Please let me know what I'm doing wrong, since I have remedial goodreads skills...
My name is Charles Finch - welcome! I'm the author of the Charles Lenox series of historical mysteries, as well as a recent novel about expatriate life in Oxford, THE LAST ENCHANTMENTS. I also write book reviews for the New York Times, USA Today, and the Chicago Tribune and essays in many different places.
Like most people on this website, I'm a huge reader. My taste is all over the place, though I tend to really like literary and mystery fiction. Some of my favorite writers: George Orwell, Henry Green, Dick Francis, Anthony Trollope, David Lodge, PG Wodehouse, Bill Bryson, Roberto Bolano, Jonathan Franzen, Shirley Hazzard, Leo Tolstoy, AR Ammons, Philip Larkin, Edgar Bowers, Laurent Binet, Laurie Colwin, Jane Austen, Arthur Conan Doyle, Philip Roth, Henrik Ibsen, Geoff Dyer, the list could go forever...
A bit about myself: I was born in New York City, and since then I've lived all over the place, in America, England, France...at the moment I'm in Chicago, where I just recently moved. I spend most of my time here writing, reading, walking my dog, and trying not to let my ears freeze off.
You can find me on Facebook () where my reader are always giving fantastic book reviews, or Twitter () which I don't like quite as much, though it's okay. I'll also try to blog here. Please let me know what I'm doing wrong, since I have remedial goodreads skills...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 510 reviews
April 20, 2025
The marriage of Charles Lenox and Lady Jane Gray has taken place. We join the happy couple in Paris, just before they return to London from their honeymoon.
"It was fortunate that the man who had designed and built the ten houses along Hampden Lane in 1788 had built them to the same scale, albeit in different configurations. Lenox’s and Lady Jane’s houses both had twelve-foot-deep basements where the staff could work and live, eight-step front stairs that led to broad front doors (his was red, hers white), four floors of rooms, and a narrow back garden. It meant they fit together."
"They were reducing their staff. They only required one coachman now, two footmen, one cook (Lenox’s, Ellie, was foul-mouthed but talented), and one bootboy."
"Little did Lenox know how involved he would soon become, and how close to home danger would strike."
Marriage has brought changes and a significant portion of the book describes the domestic merger including the architectural merger of the adjoining houses.
"Despite the fusion, this room had retained entirely Jane’s personality, and he adored every part of it—the old letters tied with ribbon on the desk, the deep sofas, the rose-colored and white wallpaper (his own study had a brooding mahogany), the pretty curlicued mirror over the dainty bureau. Gradually, he knew, his own ways would suffuse her rooms, and hers would suffuse his. For the moment, it reminded him how special, how lucky, his new life was, and how intimate an act living together could be."
Yet getting married is the easy part. Domestic tranquillity is more difficult to maintain.
Charles Lenox is now a Member of Parliament and this is a step-up in the eyes of society from being a private investigator. It also creates some domestic friction. "“When I’m in the House I won’t be home till much later than this on occasion.� “That’s different.� “How?� “It’s your job.� “Being a detective is my job, Jane.� Lady Jane’s voice rose. “Not any longer!� “As long as I live!� “You’re in Parliament, Charles!� “So that’s worth staying out late for? Are you ashamed to be married to a detective?� She looked as if he had slapped her: suddenly still, suddenly silent. Without a further word she swept out of the room and ran up the stairs."
The mystery of this novel concerns the death of a footman in a back alley. Lenox reluctantly agrees to help a long-time acquaintance. It isn’t long before he discovers that he hasn’t been told the truth in the attempt to persuade him to investigate. Apparently, there is the need to keep the investigation quiet because a peerage might be involved. Then, Lenox is told that his services are no longer needed. But readers of this series know that that would not dissuade Charles Lenox once he is engaged.
There are some great descriptions of what “upper class� life was like in England at this period (circa 1870-80). This includes how the Houses of Parliament had been recently reconstructed and how Lenox tries to see a role for himself. "…and he realized that to last in Parliament you had to be one of two sorts of people. You could be the dogged, workaday type (there had been plenty of Prime Ministers and Chancellors of the Exchequer who belonged to this category, and it was by no means lesser), and spend long hours in study and work. Or you could be the sort who felt strongly the inciting passion of ideas, and work to bend other men to your will. He had no chance of being the first kind. It wasn’t in his makeup. But he could be the second kind, he hoped."
A very enjoyable “cozy� mystery.
"It was fortunate that the man who had designed and built the ten houses along Hampden Lane in 1788 had built them to the same scale, albeit in different configurations. Lenox’s and Lady Jane’s houses both had twelve-foot-deep basements where the staff could work and live, eight-step front stairs that led to broad front doors (his was red, hers white), four floors of rooms, and a narrow back garden. It meant they fit together."
"They were reducing their staff. They only required one coachman now, two footmen, one cook (Lenox’s, Ellie, was foul-mouthed but talented), and one bootboy."
"Little did Lenox know how involved he would soon become, and how close to home danger would strike."
Marriage has brought changes and a significant portion of the book describes the domestic merger including the architectural merger of the adjoining houses.
"Despite the fusion, this room had retained entirely Jane’s personality, and he adored every part of it—the old letters tied with ribbon on the desk, the deep sofas, the rose-colored and white wallpaper (his own study had a brooding mahogany), the pretty curlicued mirror over the dainty bureau. Gradually, he knew, his own ways would suffuse her rooms, and hers would suffuse his. For the moment, it reminded him how special, how lucky, his new life was, and how intimate an act living together could be."
Yet getting married is the easy part. Domestic tranquillity is more difficult to maintain.
Charles Lenox is now a Member of Parliament and this is a step-up in the eyes of society from being a private investigator. It also creates some domestic friction. "“When I’m in the House I won’t be home till much later than this on occasion.� “That’s different.� “How?� “It’s your job.� “Being a detective is my job, Jane.� Lady Jane’s voice rose. “Not any longer!� “As long as I live!� “You’re in Parliament, Charles!� “So that’s worth staying out late for? Are you ashamed to be married to a detective?� She looked as if he had slapped her: suddenly still, suddenly silent. Without a further word she swept out of the room and ran up the stairs."
The mystery of this novel concerns the death of a footman in a back alley. Lenox reluctantly agrees to help a long-time acquaintance. It isn’t long before he discovers that he hasn’t been told the truth in the attempt to persuade him to investigate. Apparently, there is the need to keep the investigation quiet because a peerage might be involved. Then, Lenox is told that his services are no longer needed. But readers of this series know that that would not dissuade Charles Lenox once he is engaged.
There are some great descriptions of what “upper class� life was like in England at this period (circa 1870-80). This includes how the Houses of Parliament had been recently reconstructed and how Lenox tries to see a role for himself. "…and he realized that to last in Parliament you had to be one of two sorts of people. You could be the dogged, workaday type (there had been plenty of Prime Ministers and Chancellors of the Exchequer who belonged to this category, and it was by no means lesser), and spend long hours in study and work. Or you could be the sort who felt strongly the inciting passion of ideas, and work to bend other men to your will. He had no chance of being the first kind. It wasn’t in his makeup. But he could be the second kind, he hoped."
A very enjoyable “cozy� mystery.
August 4, 2014
With the exception of the first book, I think this is my favorite story in the series so far!
I was as proud of Charles for giving his first speach in Parliment as his wife was!
This was a great story about having to make choices. Charles wants so much to be a difference in his work in Parliament, and he is missing his old life - not only as an amateur detective, but as a bachelor too.
I am looking forward to see how things turn out in the next books.
I was as proud of Charles for giving his first speach in Parliment as his wife was!
This was a great story about having to make choices. Charles wants so much to be a difference in his work in Parliament, and he is missing his old life - not only as an amateur detective, but as a bachelor too.
I am looking forward to see how things turn out in the next books.
January 5, 2011
First Sentence: “Clara, who is that gentleman?�
Charles Lenox has, at forty, entered a new phase in his life. He is newly married to Lady Jane, for years his best friend and neighbor, and he is newly elected to Parliament’s House of Commons. The second of these events necessitates spending less time doing detective work—but not yet. A colleague in Parliament, Ludovic Starling, has asked Lenox to investigate the murder of one of his footman. As Lenox, and his protégée Dallington, move forward in the investigation, they are met with resistance not only from Scotland Yard but from Starling, who asks them to give up the case. An attack on Lenox stiffens his resolve to find the killer.
Finch has become a favorite of mine and this book, once again, demonstrates why as there were so many levels on which I enjoyed this book.
We are introduced to Lenox and Lady Jane through a conversation held by others, via a prologue which actually works as it allows their back story to be told without it seeming forced or cumbersome. Each of the characters are fully drawn with very brief exposition that brings them to life. One thing by which I am very impressed is how, with each book in the series, the characters lives individually grow and develop. This impacts not only each character but the relationships amongst them. Relationships are something Finch does extremely well, including the awkwardness of a newly married couple and a man making a major change in his career.
Mr. Finch’s knowledge of Victorian England is evident in every page and yet, again, so seamlessly incorporated into the plot that it is informative rather than intrusive. Through Lenox’s work in Parliament, we learn the concerns of the period and meet historical figures in their proper settings and appropriate roles. Through the birth of a child, we observe the customs and etiquette of the time. Although Finch is American, is studied at Oxford, now lives in the UK and delightfully conveys British humor and understatement, “For an Englishman is was a strange time to be in France�.first because of Napoleon’s rather uncouth attempt to conquer Europe…� The dialogue has a natural flow but also reflects the speech of the time.
Neither of the above is meant to undervalue the plot. The mystery is intriguing, and full of effective twists. I like that solution is no more obvious to Lenox than to us, the reader. We are presented with numerous possibilities, each dismissed, until the final resolution. Might I have figured it out? Perhaps; but the story involved me to the point where I wasn’t deliberately trying.
The only reason I did not rate the book as “excellent� was the use of portents which were completely unnecessary. Otherwise, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and do highly recommend it with the proviso suggestion of starting the series at the beginning.
A STRANGER IN MAYFAIR (Hist Mys-Charles Lenox-London, England-Victorian) - VG+
Finch, Charles � 4th in series
Minotaur Books, ©2010, US Hardcover - ISBN: 9780312625061
Charles Lenox has, at forty, entered a new phase in his life. He is newly married to Lady Jane, for years his best friend and neighbor, and he is newly elected to Parliament’s House of Commons. The second of these events necessitates spending less time doing detective work—but not yet. A colleague in Parliament, Ludovic Starling, has asked Lenox to investigate the murder of one of his footman. As Lenox, and his protégée Dallington, move forward in the investigation, they are met with resistance not only from Scotland Yard but from Starling, who asks them to give up the case. An attack on Lenox stiffens his resolve to find the killer.
Finch has become a favorite of mine and this book, once again, demonstrates why as there were so many levels on which I enjoyed this book.
We are introduced to Lenox and Lady Jane through a conversation held by others, via a prologue which actually works as it allows their back story to be told without it seeming forced or cumbersome. Each of the characters are fully drawn with very brief exposition that brings them to life. One thing by which I am very impressed is how, with each book in the series, the characters lives individually grow and develop. This impacts not only each character but the relationships amongst them. Relationships are something Finch does extremely well, including the awkwardness of a newly married couple and a man making a major change in his career.
Mr. Finch’s knowledge of Victorian England is evident in every page and yet, again, so seamlessly incorporated into the plot that it is informative rather than intrusive. Through Lenox’s work in Parliament, we learn the concerns of the period and meet historical figures in their proper settings and appropriate roles. Through the birth of a child, we observe the customs and etiquette of the time. Although Finch is American, is studied at Oxford, now lives in the UK and delightfully conveys British humor and understatement, “For an Englishman is was a strange time to be in France�.first because of Napoleon’s rather uncouth attempt to conquer Europe…� The dialogue has a natural flow but also reflects the speech of the time.
Neither of the above is meant to undervalue the plot. The mystery is intriguing, and full of effective twists. I like that solution is no more obvious to Lenox than to us, the reader. We are presented with numerous possibilities, each dismissed, until the final resolution. Might I have figured it out? Perhaps; but the story involved me to the point where I wasn’t deliberately trying.
The only reason I did not rate the book as “excellent� was the use of portents which were completely unnecessary. Otherwise, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and do highly recommend it with the proviso suggestion of starting the series at the beginning.
A STRANGER IN MAYFAIR (Hist Mys-Charles Lenox-London, England-Victorian) - VG+
Finch, Charles � 4th in series
Minotaur Books, ©2010, US Hardcover - ISBN: 9780312625061
March 7, 2020
I am loving this series more and more with each book of it I read. It is smart; at times - humorous, and always a wonderfully researched, written and constructed mystery with lots of red herrings.
As for characters, the main ones are well developed throughout the series and little nicks in their armor become exposed over the course of time. The characters are as real humans which elicits empathy from, at least, this reader. In this story, the lisping bishop (a minor character) was amusing and it may be a bit sacrilegious for some. For this anglo-catholic, a little poke at the Church of England wass a delight. If you cannot laugh at yourself, then who can?
New readers may ask, "Should I start at the beginning of this series or wade in mid-stream?" Frankly, if you are just now considering diving into this series, I would recommend starting with the three prequels. They really set the stage for the series and provided good solid background for the various characters.
Synopsis (from inside book's dust jacket):
In the fourth book of this Agatha-nominated series, gentleman detective Charles Lenox tries to resist the lure of a case -- a murder in the opulent streets of Mayfair -- and focus on his new position in Parliament. As the strange details of a family's complicated history are discovered, he finds himself pulled back into his old areer.
Returning from a continental honeymoon with his lifelong friend and new wife, Lady Jane Grey, Charles Lenox is asked by a colleague in Parliament, Ludovic Starling, to consult in the murder of a footman, bludgeoned to death with a brick. The investigation requires discretion all the more, Lenox learns, because Starling is up for a title; a scandal would certainly ruin his chances with the royals.
Almost as soon as Lenox begins his investigation, the Starlings abruptly call him off the case, but not before he learns some unsettling facts uncovers some unsettling facts about the family that the footman served, not to mention a secret identity the young man had been carefully cultivating.
Lenox, of course, has a new career to attend to, but curiosity gets the better of him.
Going into the boxing clubs and public houses, the Mayfair mansions and servants' quarters of Victorian London, the detective gradually realizes that an old friend may be implicated in the footman's death. Soon a suspect is arrested, providing a full confession, but Lenox has his doubts.
Desperately trying to balance the opening of Parliament and what he feels sure is a dark secret, he soon discovers that the killer is someone standing harmlessly, it would seem, in his midst -- and who may be prepared to spill blood again.
As for characters, the main ones are well developed throughout the series and little nicks in their armor become exposed over the course of time. The characters are as real humans which elicits empathy from, at least, this reader. In this story, the lisping bishop (a minor character) was amusing and it may be a bit sacrilegious for some. For this anglo-catholic, a little poke at the Church of England wass a delight. If you cannot laugh at yourself, then who can?
New readers may ask, "Should I start at the beginning of this series or wade in mid-stream?" Frankly, if you are just now considering diving into this series, I would recommend starting with the three prequels. They really set the stage for the series and provided good solid background for the various characters.
Synopsis (from inside book's dust jacket):
In the fourth book of this Agatha-nominated series, gentleman detective Charles Lenox tries to resist the lure of a case -- a murder in the opulent streets of Mayfair -- and focus on his new position in Parliament. As the strange details of a family's complicated history are discovered, he finds himself pulled back into his old areer.
Returning from a continental honeymoon with his lifelong friend and new wife, Lady Jane Grey, Charles Lenox is asked by a colleague in Parliament, Ludovic Starling, to consult in the murder of a footman, bludgeoned to death with a brick. The investigation requires discretion all the more, Lenox learns, because Starling is up for a title; a scandal would certainly ruin his chances with the royals.
Almost as soon as Lenox begins his investigation, the Starlings abruptly call him off the case, but not before he learns some unsettling facts uncovers some unsettling facts about the family that the footman served, not to mention a secret identity the young man had been carefully cultivating.
Lenox, of course, has a new career to attend to, but curiosity gets the better of him.
Going into the boxing clubs and public houses, the Mayfair mansions and servants' quarters of Victorian London, the detective gradually realizes that an old friend may be implicated in the footman's death. Soon a suspect is arrested, providing a full confession, but Lenox has his doubts.
Desperately trying to balance the opening of Parliament and what he feels sure is a dark secret, he soon discovers that the killer is someone standing harmlessly, it would seem, in his midst -- and who may be prepared to spill blood again.
March 28, 2024
I enjoyed this mystery but I didn't think it packed quite the punch that the previous ones did. This is a transitional book, as Charles moves to a married life as well as a Member of Parliament. He's struggling with both lives as well as his enjoyment of his detecting life. He does, of course, solve the murder of a member of Parliament's footman, a challenge with red herrings and twisty relationships and clues. I'm on to the next in the series.
March 27, 2017
An ok read, but mainly if you've read the previous books in this series. I was a bit bored by this one, and thought the mystery to be pretty weak. (I figured it out early on, and I'm rarely able to do so.) Even the events in the lives of the series regulars wasn't as interesting this time around. Maybe the next book in the series will be better?
May 29, 2017
The mystery is good. I knew who dunit way before Charles Lenox, though. :)
But the best thing about this novel is how effortless and vividly Finch brings Victorian London to the reader. Remarkable, really.
But the best thing about this novel is how effortless and vividly Finch brings Victorian London to the reader. Remarkable, really.
March 16, 2013
Good entry in series & perfect for a weekend or airport read. Charles Lenox is trying to settle into being newly married to Lady Jane Grey & his new seat at Parliament while being drawn into investigating a murder case involving footman Frederick bludgeoned with a brick in a Mayfair alley. I won't give away the answer to the case but I will say that I figured it out before the reveal. I don't think it was a flaw in the writing just good clues woven through & easy enough to work out if one pays attention. The way it all came together with the other strands regarding the killer & those others suspected was quite well done & I enjoyed reading it.
There was also a lot of Parliamentary politics as Charles settles in but it wasn't related to the case, so I basically enjoyed that we get to see Graham (former butler to Charles, now secretary) take on his new role & even impress his new peers. Lady Jane came off a bit odd to me as she was a bit of a harridan about Charles & his penchant for detecting & though married, she knew this was his thing before & she had no issue with it so I don't know why she was so stroppy about it. Anyway, she was brought back around entirely for me when she showed up at Charles's office with Bear & Rabbit, so I was satisfied.
There was also a lot of Parliamentary politics as Charles settles in but it wasn't related to the case, so I basically enjoyed that we get to see Graham (former butler to Charles, now secretary) take on his new role & even impress his new peers. Lady Jane came off a bit odd to me as she was a bit of a harridan about Charles & his penchant for detecting & though married, she knew this was his thing before & she had no issue with it so I don't know why she was so stroppy about it. Anyway, she was brought back around entirely for me when she showed up at Charles's office with Bear & Rabbit, so I was satisfied.
February 17, 2013
by is the fourth installment in the Charles Lenox series. I find the series a delight and Stranger in Mayfair does not disappoint. The characters are complex and interesting and the historical information (as far as I have tracked it, and I have checked several facts) accurate. I love entering Finch's Victorian world and hate to leave it.
In this entry in the series, Lenox is beginning both his Parliamentary and marital career. His work is interrupted when he is asked to solve the mystery of the murder of a footman. It rapidly becomes clear that this is no mundane murder. Lenox is torn between following his old love (detecting) and committing himself to his new career in Parliament, as it appears impossible to do both.
I strongly recommend this series to mystery lovers who enjoy the character-driven story (I did guess the murderer long before the end).
In this entry in the series, Lenox is beginning both his Parliamentary and marital career. His work is interrupted when he is asked to solve the mystery of the murder of a footman. It rapidly becomes clear that this is no mundane murder. Lenox is torn between following his old love (detecting) and committing himself to his new career in Parliament, as it appears impossible to do both.
I strongly recommend this series to mystery lovers who enjoy the character-driven story (I did guess the murderer long before the end).
September 17, 2013
A Stranger in Mayfair was a fun, quick read that kept me engaged and was, particularly in the last half of the book, difficult to put down. It is the fourth in a series of Charles Lenox mysteries written by Charles Finch, however, it was the first that I have read but it will certainly not be the last. These stores take place in London during the 1860's - I cannot say how accurately that place and period have been portrayed as I have never been in London during the 1860's.
Charles Lenox, a high born English gentleman who has recently been married and elected to Parliament, and his protege, John Dallington, another high born gentleman, are amateur detectives. Dallington, who has a rather colorful past as a playboy type, is learning detection from Lenox. Lenox is quite well know for his detecting skill and, as a result, is asked by a friend to help determine who killed the friend's footman. As one might expect, the deeper that Lenox and Dallington get into the case, the more complicated and surprising it becomes.
The plot is clever in it's construction, featuring several twists and a red herring or two. The character development is quite good for some key characters but a little shallow for others. The language was not as stilted as it is in some books from this time period and I found that quite appealing although others may prefer what might be a more authentic version.
Since Lenox was a newly elected member of Parliament attending his first opening session, I learned a good deal about the traditions of the English Parliament which was very interesting and a substantial bonus.
I enjoyed the book a great deal and have no hesitancy in strongly recommending it to those who like either a clever mystery or historical fiction.
Charles Lenox, a high born English gentleman who has recently been married and elected to Parliament, and his protege, John Dallington, another high born gentleman, are amateur detectives. Dallington, who has a rather colorful past as a playboy type, is learning detection from Lenox. Lenox is quite well know for his detecting skill and, as a result, is asked by a friend to help determine who killed the friend's footman. As one might expect, the deeper that Lenox and Dallington get into the case, the more complicated and surprising it becomes.
The plot is clever in it's construction, featuring several twists and a red herring or two. The character development is quite good for some key characters but a little shallow for others. The language was not as stilted as it is in some books from this time period and I found that quite appealing although others may prefer what might be a more authentic version.
Since Lenox was a newly elected member of Parliament attending his first opening session, I learned a good deal about the traditions of the English Parliament which was very interesting and a substantial bonus.
I enjoyed the book a great deal and have no hesitancy in strongly recommending it to those who like either a clever mystery or historical fiction.
June 6, 2016
This book was enjoyable. It is my second book in this series (the Charles Lenox Mysteries series)by Charles Finch. I like the characters. They are well drawn and very English. The author writes great dialogue and manages to keep it reigned in. That is always a plus. This book had a few subplots going on and I liked that too. It helped to keep the book in constant motion. It also helped to give the characters depth.
The way the MC goes about uncovering the mystery is really my favorite part. He is so methodical about it and rarely ever makes wild leaps of assumption. This was between 3 and 4 stars.
The way the MC goes about uncovering the mystery is really my favorite part. He is so methodical about it and rarely ever makes wild leaps of assumption. This was between 3 and 4 stars.
November 5, 2012
Another in the series featuring Charles Lenox, Victorian gentleman, member of Parliament, and part-time detective. In this entry, a friend asks Lenox to investigate the murder of one of his servants. But as the case progresses, the friend wants Lenox to forget about the investigation and leave it to the police. When the rest of the family urges Lenox to "butt out", he begins to wonder about their motives and if one of them might be involved. Another good entry in this short series.
July 18, 2020
A complex and entertaining mystery
A complex mystery, and as usual, plenty of personal dramas to enjoy. Charles adjusting to married life, his responsibilities as MP and leaving the detective life behind.
A complex mystery, and as usual, plenty of personal dramas to enjoy. Charles adjusting to married life, his responsibilities as MP and leaving the detective life behind.
August 24, 2015
I'm very sad that there are no more Charles Lenox books left to read. This latest installment finds Charles and Lady Jane returned to London from their honeymoon and Charles about to begin his first term as an MP in the House of Commons, fulfilling what he always believed was a life-long dream. Unfortunately, like many dreams, this one comes with a price: in donning the cap of a politico he must doff that of detective. Or must he? As he prepares for his first round of committee meetings, a new case arrives literally on his doorstep in the shape of Ludo Starling, a fellow MP whose footman has just been found dead in an alley with a gaping hole in his head.
Upon his arrival in the alley, however, Charles begins to suspect that things are not quite as they seem. Starling, who had fairly begged Charles to take the case, now wants to shake him off. The dead footman has a spartan bedroom with Hegel on his bedside table and tailored suits in the closet. Just as Lenox is beginning to unravel the many mysteries, a suspect is arrested and provides a full confession...but what was his motive? And what secret is the Starling family hiding? Dashing from the Houses of Parliament to an exclusive boxing club to the posh houses of Mayfair (both upstairs and downstairs), Charles has work out the man, means, and motive behind these crimes before the killer strikes again and even more closely to him.
I really love this series and am devastated that I have to wait until November for another installment. Lenox is a wonderful, earnest, and engaging hero. A Stranger in Mayfair finds him even more vulnerable than The Fleet Street Murders, which saw Charles campaigning for a seat in Parliament and for the hand of Lady Jane. There he was out of his element, to be sure, but there is a difference between hoping for something you haven't got yet and getting it and then finding it (or yourself) not all you hoped it would be. Charles loves the idea of Parliament, but is disillusioned by the reality of the compromises and slow pace of government. He loves Jane, but married life, like politics, demands compromise and responsibility. Neither of his new mistresses will allow Charles to go running off after each new lead--does becoming a husband and a politician mean that Charles must give up detecting, his first great love? And what if he and Jane follow the lead of Thomas and Toto McConnell (at last blissfully happy) and start a family?
Only time will tell. Charles Finch had better hurry up and write another one so I can find out.
Upon his arrival in the alley, however, Charles begins to suspect that things are not quite as they seem. Starling, who had fairly begged Charles to take the case, now wants to shake him off. The dead footman has a spartan bedroom with Hegel on his bedside table and tailored suits in the closet. Just as Lenox is beginning to unravel the many mysteries, a suspect is arrested and provides a full confession...but what was his motive? And what secret is the Starling family hiding? Dashing from the Houses of Parliament to an exclusive boxing club to the posh houses of Mayfair (both upstairs and downstairs), Charles has work out the man, means, and motive behind these crimes before the killer strikes again and even more closely to him.
I really love this series and am devastated that I have to wait until November for another installment. Lenox is a wonderful, earnest, and engaging hero. A Stranger in Mayfair finds him even more vulnerable than The Fleet Street Murders, which saw Charles campaigning for a seat in Parliament and for the hand of Lady Jane. There he was out of his element, to be sure, but there is a difference between hoping for something you haven't got yet and getting it and then finding it (or yourself) not all you hoped it would be. Charles loves the idea of Parliament, but is disillusioned by the reality of the compromises and slow pace of government. He loves Jane, but married life, like politics, demands compromise and responsibility. Neither of his new mistresses will allow Charles to go running off after each new lead--does becoming a husband and a politician mean that Charles must give up detecting, his first great love? And what if he and Jane follow the lead of Thomas and Toto McConnell (at last blissfully happy) and start a family?
Only time will tell. Charles Finch had better hurry up and write another one so I can find out.
Read
May 18, 2018I'm really enjoying this series, and I highly recommend the audiobooks. The stories aren't particularly complicated, but the characters are so lovable, they absolutely feel like family.
December 29, 2021
Just returned from his honeymoon and ready to begin his new career as a member of Parliament, Charles Lenox looks into a footman's murder. Knowing his time will be limited due to his duties as a public servant, he involves his protege John Dallington in the investigation. Charles comes up with a solution to the problem of two butlers by having his own come to work for him in his new role. I suspected the perpetrator almost from the beginning, but the author did probably develop enough other options to distract many readers from the solution. I listened to the audiobook read by one of my favorite narrators, James Langton. (3.5 stars)
December 11, 2011
In England there is no such thing as Fall, it is and has always been called Autumn. There are no such things as City Blocks either. England was building cities long before formal planning became the norm and therefore it is delightfully higgledy piggledy. You're never going to get 5 stars out of me Charles Finch unless you make these books more authentic. No devilish plot twists or great characterizations can make up for inauthenticity. I think I better go and find out where I can email this guy.
April 10, 2013
KIND OF a mess. I'd probably be less annoyed if my copy from the library weren't written all over by some angry copy editor/~scholar of nobility. The Denver Metro Editing Police has a point, though: this needed editing, tightening, fact checking, and a little oomph. I guess similar to the way I don't think about an actor being good until I see an actor who is not good, I don't really think about mysteries being well written until I find one that is NOT well written.
July 1, 2018
The fourth book in the very smart and enjoyable Charles Lenox mystery series. Once again in Victorian London, we find Charles newly married and newly elected to Parliament. But, once he gets there, it isn't all it seems, there's a bit of trouble in marital paradise, and he has a new case.
These books are always smart and intelligent, with a lot of historical background (Irish home rule, cholera, etc.) You also get to know the characters and enjoy spending time with them.
These books are always smart and intelligent, with a lot of historical background (Irish home rule, cholera, etc.) You also get to know the characters and enjoy spending time with them.
November 24, 2010
Charles Finch! I just love, love, love his characters. Lenox, and Lady Jane in London with a murder, mystery and a bit of mayhem. What more can you ask of a book than to take you somewhere interesting. I can't wait to find out what happens in the next book. I hope one is in progress right now.
June 15, 2022
A pretty good mystery. Will Charles actually give up detecting for politics? The relationship between Charles and Jane seems to take second place to everything else where as before they were married it was the relationship that interrupted the detecting.
Spoiler alert
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I'm left with one question: why did Ludo come to see Charles in the first place regarding the murder? Did I miss that?
Spoiler alert
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I'm left with one question: why did Ludo come to see Charles in the first place regarding the murder? Did I miss that?
July 26, 2017
A Stranger in Mayfair is another exquisite installment in the Charles Lenox mysteries. Following their blissful honeymoon, Charles and Jane have returned to London to settle into their lives as a couple and combined households. Charles is a newly elected Member of Parliament (MP) into the House of Commons and it seems his amateur detective days are behind him as he settles into the fulfillment of his long-held dream of being in Parliament and married to his lifelong friend and woman he adores.
However, both Charles and Jane soon discover that married life is far more complex and difficult than they anticipated. The couple goes through very realistic growing pains as they tried to adjust to married life, combining their two homes, staff, and lives into one. The reader could feel the tension between Charles and Jane in juxtaposition with the younger, married couple Thomas and Toto McConnell whose married has become stronger following a rough patch.
Charles' elation of being a MP is tempered with his love of being a detective and during his first series of committee meetings, a case is presented to him in the person of a fellow MP, Lodovich Starling, who initially implores Lenox to examine the murdered body of Starling's footman. Soon Lenox is juggling his Parliamentary responsibilities with visiting the scene of the crime and trying to track down leads along with his apprentice, lord John Dallington. Thankfully, he has chosen Graham as his personal secretary who expertly takes to his duties of keeping Lenox prepared.
It is just so wonderful to settle down with a well-written book without fear of running into vulgar language or gratuitous sex and violence. Spending quality time reading about flawed but decent characters is so refreshing that I can just stay in the Charles Lenox and Lady Jane Grey’s world for a long while. Finch's writing is so engaging that when historical characters briefly appear in the stories...Queen Victoria, Benjamin Disraeli. But it is the fictional character, primary and secondary, that give this book gravitas and substance. Reading these books are fantastic way to spend my time and money.
However, both Charles and Jane soon discover that married life is far more complex and difficult than they anticipated. The couple goes through very realistic growing pains as they tried to adjust to married life, combining their two homes, staff, and lives into one. The reader could feel the tension between Charles and Jane in juxtaposition with the younger, married couple Thomas and Toto McConnell whose married has become stronger following a rough patch.
Charles' elation of being a MP is tempered with his love of being a detective and during his first series of committee meetings, a case is presented to him in the person of a fellow MP, Lodovich Starling, who initially implores Lenox to examine the murdered body of Starling's footman. Soon Lenox is juggling his Parliamentary responsibilities with visiting the scene of the crime and trying to track down leads along with his apprentice, lord John Dallington. Thankfully, he has chosen Graham as his personal secretary who expertly takes to his duties of keeping Lenox prepared.
It is just so wonderful to settle down with a well-written book without fear of running into vulgar language or gratuitous sex and violence. Spending quality time reading about flawed but decent characters is so refreshing that I can just stay in the Charles Lenox and Lady Jane Grey’s world for a long while. Finch's writing is so engaging that when historical characters briefly appear in the stories...Queen Victoria, Benjamin Disraeli. But it is the fictional character, primary and secondary, that give this book gravitas and substance. Reading these books are fantastic way to spend my time and money.
Read
January 21, 2013New favorite thing: sitting in front of the fire with tea and fruitcake reading about a man sitting in front of the fire with tea and a book of Roman history or Elizabeth Gaskell. American, like Martha Grimes, Charles Finch is the male Anne Perry (Australian), giving us this Charles Lenox series, as sprightly informative of 1850-60s London, as sweet in love, as intriguing and as well written as those by the two women (Pitt works in the 1870-80s and Jury is 1990s into 2007). All best read in order, and as we greet #28 in the Pitt series and perhaps #23 in the Jury, I hope Finch's Six will grow to as long a list (Finch is 42 years younger than Perry and 49 years younger than Grimes, so there is hope). This #4 Lenox is the best so far, I think, with a closer and more intriguing look at political workings (cholera question in Parliament!) and the rocky shoals of post-honeymoon marriage, even when the couple wants nothing more than to be married, and how couples, happy and unhappy, manage. All this is simply presented, easy to follow, and even the murder plot (with sadly mixed-up marriages at the root) is just convoluted enough to trip through easily.
October 12, 2011
Akin to Deanna Raybourn and her Lady Julia Grey series and Anne Perry’s William Monk series, Charles Finch puts together a smart, fresh historical mystery series with a debonair gentleman detective Charles Lenox. In this book, the fourth in the series, Lenox begins working as a Member of Parliament in 1860s London, but called upon to do some investigating when the servant of a fellow MP turns up murdered. Sadly, his new wife, Lady Jane Grey, is not too pleased his sleuthing…she would rather he be home with her, so that leads to some tension. Mostly, Lenox is an easy-going and dapper fellow who appeals to all. I think most mystery readers, especially those who like historical or British mysteries (or both) will like Finch!
July 10, 2017
This is the first of these books I've read, apparently fourth in a series. I've heard its not the strongest outing by Finch, and I believe it. The story was fairly engaging, with some interesting inside details on the workings of Victorian Parliament, but the mystery was not particularly mysterious and the detective seems distracted, lets say.
Having your main character as a detective retire from the work and train a less than excellent mind for a replacement while missing the most obvious clues and conclusions didn't impress me with Charles Lenox as a detective mind.
The book is frightfully proper and upper class, which isn't my favorite mileu, shall we say, but I'll try an earlier book in the series to see what I've missed.
Having your main character as a detective retire from the work and train a less than excellent mind for a replacement while missing the most obvious clues and conclusions didn't impress me with Charles Lenox as a detective mind.
The book is frightfully proper and upper class, which isn't my favorite mileu, shall we say, but I'll try an earlier book in the series to see what I've missed.
March 14, 2011
I am sad to report that this book is middling at best. Before I was even close to finishing the book, I had solved the crime, and let's be honest, that is not a good thing since I rarely figure out the mystery (I like to think it's because I read only high-quality, well-written mysteries).
And the whole we-can't-communicate drama between Charles Lennox and his best friend, turned wife is tiresome. Surely, Lady Jane didn't get married and turn into a complainer, distant person overnight. Bah humbug.
Of course, with all of this said, I will read the next installment, hoping that Finch will redeem himself, Lennox, and Jane. They all deserve it.
And the whole we-can't-communicate drama between Charles Lennox and his best friend, turned wife is tiresome. Surely, Lady Jane didn't get married and turn into a complainer, distant person overnight. Bah humbug.
Of course, with all of this said, I will read the next installment, hoping that Finch will redeem himself, Lennox, and Jane. They all deserve it.
December 4, 2010
I enjoyed this entry in the Charles Lenox series. The only problem with this series is the backtracking continually to talk to people or to the murder scene--maybe I don't notice this in other mysteries, but it seems very obvious in this one. I'm happy with the relationship between Lady Jane and Lenox, but I wish they would talk more, and that the reader was privy to those conversations.
Recommended.
Recommended.
March 9, 2019
AMAZING!!!!
September 3, 2021
At the end of the previous book Charles Lenox is elected to Parliament. This book finds him trying to strike a balance between his new job in the House of Commons and his detective work. Just as he's settling into his new role, Ludovic Starling, a fellow member of the House, asks Lenox to investigate the murder of his footman Frederick Clarke in the alley behind Starling's house. Someone struck the young man down from behind, using a brick from the alley's paving to deliver the killing blow.
Lenox insists that he's too busy getting ready for his maiden session in Parliament, but agrees to take a quick look at things before handing the case over to his assistant John Dallinger. He can't keep from thinking about the murder though and when Starling suddenly insists that he no longer needs Lenox, the detective's interest is doubled. The two detectives soon discover that the footman was leading a double life--as a member of an exclusive boxing club and the recipient of mysterious packets of money. The trail leads from boxing clubs to butcher shops. A second (unsuccessful) attack occurs and someone is arrested for the crimes. But Lenox is convinced that someone is covering for the real killer. But who? And why?
Spoiler Ahead! (second paragraph down)
I have to say that this one disappointed me. One reads mysteries with the expectation that the detective will detect. Dallinger is fine--but he's no Lenox. And Lenox is distracted--having him split his time between Parliament and detecting really doesn't work for me. And then, of course, he isn't distracted enough by trying to do two jobs at once. We've got to throw in this weird not-communicating-properly thing with his new wife. It's not like they have known each other since they were children and have been best friends all this time or anything....so naturally they're being all weird now that they're married.
I was also a little mystified about the whole gentleman's boxing club thing. I mean, it seems rather a long way to go just to have a red herring to throw in and then it didn't seem to serve all that well as a false. Lenox barely pays attention to it, save for one visit to the gym, and I never got the idea that he thought a boxer might have slugged Frederick over the head. I honestly expected there to be some real reason for Frederick's involvement in the boxing club and that it would figure more prominently in the solution. With the boxing thing being such a dud, it was pretty obvious who was behind it (especially after we learn about Frederick's other secret...).
My primary reason for giving this three stars rather than less is my fondness for the characters. I enjoy Lenox's relationship with Graham (reminding me of Wimsey and Bunter) and his relationship with Dallinger (despite his protégé not being up to snuff in the detecting department). There are also good moments with his brother Edward and the description of the opening of Parliament is quite interesting (even if I do wish Lenox were just detecting). I hope the next installment will see more detective work on display and less of the extraneous material--these are billed as mysteries, after all.
First posted on my blog . Please request permission before reposting portions of review. Thanks.
Lenox insists that he's too busy getting ready for his maiden session in Parliament, but agrees to take a quick look at things before handing the case over to his assistant John Dallinger. He can't keep from thinking about the murder though and when Starling suddenly insists that he no longer needs Lenox, the detective's interest is doubled. The two detectives soon discover that the footman was leading a double life--as a member of an exclusive boxing club and the recipient of mysterious packets of money. The trail leads from boxing clubs to butcher shops. A second (unsuccessful) attack occurs and someone is arrested for the crimes. But Lenox is convinced that someone is covering for the real killer. But who? And why?
Spoiler Ahead! (second paragraph down)
I have to say that this one disappointed me. One reads mysteries with the expectation that the detective will detect. Dallinger is fine--but he's no Lenox. And Lenox is distracted--having him split his time between Parliament and detecting really doesn't work for me. And then, of course, he isn't distracted enough by trying to do two jobs at once. We've got to throw in this weird not-communicating-properly thing with his new wife. It's not like they have known each other since they were children and have been best friends all this time or anything....so naturally they're being all weird now that they're married.
I was also a little mystified about the whole gentleman's boxing club thing. I mean, it seems rather a long way to go just to have a red herring to throw in and then it didn't seem to serve all that well as a false. Lenox barely pays attention to it, save for one visit to the gym, and I never got the idea that he thought a boxer might have slugged Frederick over the head. I honestly expected there to be some real reason for Frederick's involvement in the boxing club and that it would figure more prominently in the solution. With the boxing thing being such a dud, it was pretty obvious who was behind it (especially after we learn about Frederick's other secret...).
My primary reason for giving this three stars rather than less is my fondness for the characters. I enjoy Lenox's relationship with Graham (reminding me of Wimsey and Bunter) and his relationship with Dallinger (despite his protégé not being up to snuff in the detecting department). There are also good moments with his brother Edward and the description of the opening of Parliament is quite interesting (even if I do wish Lenox were just detecting). I hope the next installment will see more detective work on display and less of the extraneous material--these are billed as mysteries, after all.
First posted on my blog . Please request permission before reposting portions of review. Thanks.
November 22, 2018
Whoooo-Wheeeeee, this was a ride of a book.
I had a lot of it figured out fairly quickly, but not all of it and the important stuff unraveled for me as the book started to wind up and even though I guessed most of it, it is so well-written that you cannot help but gasp, sit at the edge of your seat and bite your fingernails in anticipation and in horror at what is going on. SUCH a great read.
I think that this one has to be one of my favorites of the series so far. The author is such a great writer and researcher and it really shows as the series gets further in. I am so happy I picked up the first book last year and that I have kept with it; this is one of my favorite series right now!!
I had a lot of it figured out fairly quickly, but not all of it and the important stuff unraveled for me as the book started to wind up and even though I guessed most of it, it is so well-written that you cannot help but gasp, sit at the edge of your seat and bite your fingernails in anticipation and in horror at what is going on. SUCH a great read.
I think that this one has to be one of my favorites of the series so far. The author is such a great writer and researcher and it really shows as the series gets further in. I am so happy I picked up the first book last year and that I have kept with it; this is one of my favorite series right now!!
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