Charles Lenox, Victorian gentleman and armchair explorer, likes nothing more than to relax in his private study with a cup of tea, a roaring fire and a good book. But when his lifelong friend Lady Jane asks for his help, Lenox cannot resist the chance to unravel a mystery.
Prudence Smith, one of Jane’s former servants, is dead of an apparent suicide. But Lenox suspects something far more sinister: murder, by a rare and deadly poison. The grand house where the girl worked is full of suspects, and though Prue had dabbled with the hearts of more than a few men, Lenox is baffled by the motive for the girl’s death.
When another body turns up during the London season’s most fashionable ball, Lenox must untangle a web of loyalties and animosities. Was it jealousy that killed Prudence Smith? Or was it something else entirely? And can Lenox find the answer before the killer strikes again—this time, disturbingly close to home?
Finch is a new author to me, I decided to start this series at the beginning. So far there are three Lenox mysteries. I read somewhere how they were comparing the main character Lenox to Sherlock Holmes. I didn't see any resemblance between the two other than they are both white males that like to solve crimes. While I did like parts of the story and plan to read book two. I had a difficult time finishing the book. Found it slow and some of the dialogue boring some words like "Sir" used far to much in conversations. 2.5 out of 5
