Northminster, 1840: a once-picturesque cathedral city, where dirty smoke stacks now rival ancient spires. When workmen make the shocking discovery of a mutilated corpse in a ditch outside the ancient walls, Giles Vernon and Felix Carswell are charged with solving the case. Intelligent and practical, Chief Constable Major Vernon has transformed the old city watch into a modern police force, and he … and he throws himself into the investigation with the same energy. But as he probes a murky world of professional gamblers and jilted lovers, he is drawn into a dangerous emotional game that threatens to undermine his authority.
Newly-qualified police surgeon Felix Carswell is determined to make his way in the world on his own terms despite being the bastard son of prominent local grandee Lord Rothborough. Called to treat a girl in an asylum for reformed prostitutes, what he uncovers there brings him into conflict with his new employer, Vernon, and throws the case into disarray.
Together they must overcome their differences and find the brutal truth behind the mystery of The Butchered Man.
The Butchered Man is the first Northminster Mystery featuring intrepid early-Victorian detectives Vernon and Carswell.
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This series is GREAT! Such good character development and intriguing stories. I wish Julian Fellowes would read these and adapt them for TV!!!!!!!!!!!!!
An enjoyable historical murder mystery full of intrigue and false clues. It is well written, interesting plot line with well developed characters.
Set in Victorian England in the 1840s, a mutilated corpse sets events in motion. With a well-written plot and characters exhibiting traits associated with the time period, it’s easy to become immersed in the combined efforts of Chief Constable Major Vernon and police surgeon Felix Carswell to solve the mystery. Will they find the villain? Grab a copy and find out! I look forward to moving onto the second book of the series.
A very “smart” mystery series. I discovered this author via Bookbub, and am currently reading Book 4. The are English mysteries set in the Regency period, and are quite well done. I really like Felix, and the fact that there are no cliff-hanger endings. Each book stands nicely alone.
I enjoy a good Victorian CSI. The “team” is the chief constable and the police surgeon, who use methods available at the time to determine who murdered and butchered the parson of Northminster. The two have their own shortcoming, including getting roaring drunk and allowing themselves to be seduced (the constable was seduced by a prime suspect), but they learn to work together in this first novel of the series. Sufficiently entertaining that I’ll look for more of them.
Moderately interesting detective story.
The author’s research included learning to sew men’s shirts in the manner in which they were sewn in Victorian times. Outstanding!
I enjoyed this look at the class system in England and in particular the disdain for those in the medical profession as it evolved into today’s highly respectable career path. The characters were well developed and realistic in their portrayal. Good writing and easy to read.
Wonderful characters. So enjoyable to follow them from one case to the next. I’ve read three so far. Don’t want them to end.
Good mystery of the 1830’s
I enjoyed the book since I like historical fiction but there were a number of situations that occurred in the story which were never explained in the epilogue. If the situations are part of the plot or clues it seems there is a responsibility to resolve them and there were several left unresolved.
It’s often interesting to read mysteries set in another century. This one did not disappoint. I liked both heroes, in spite of or perhaps because they were not perfect, but tried to be honorable. The mystery was acceptable, and i would like to spend more time with these characters.
Not the typical know it all detective characters. Felix and Giles are very real, with interesting back stories.
Intrigued me enough to read Book 2
I enjoyed this book, especially the characters. They weren’t predictable and it was an interesting story that could have been true in times past.
I enjoyed it so much that I read the entire series!
a “who done it” that keeps you engaged with interesting characters, plot and a touch of humour.
a phenomenal period piece!! fabulous!!
Twist and turns
Not in depth characters.