On any given day in London, all Charles Lenox, Victorian gentleman and armchair explorer, wants to do is 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 another chance to unravel a mystery, even if it means trudging through the snow to her townhouse next door.
One of Jane’s former … former servants, Prudence Smith, is dead — an apparent suicide. But Lenox suspects something far more sinister: murder, by a rare and deadly poison. The house where the girl worked is full of suspects, and though Prudence dabbled with the hearts of more than a few men, Lenox is baffled by an elusive lack of motive in 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? Or was it something else entirely, something that Lenox alone can uncover before the killer strikes again — disturbingly close to home?
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Excellent book, historical era with great characters in a continuing series from great author.
One of the best writers known today. His books are totally engrossing, including this one. Story line is never boring, never stilted; remarkable descriptions of life in England; always leaves you wanting more of his writing. Every book is a gem.
Read a very long timer ago, and my memory is not what it used to be.
This was a mixed bag. The mystery was fine. However the writing to me was rather stilted, and it took me much longer than usual to read. Maybe I prefer more action in my books? Even the relationships seemed staid to me. Be that as it may, I think I’ll probably give the second book a try.