R E K. (bigstone) - , reviewed on 8/27/2022 + 1440 more book reviews

This prequel to a historical mystery series introduces one to the earliest Scotland Yard days and a new career, the private investigator, chosen by Charles Lenox. Since I like the Lenox novels the rest is history. The author uses the prequel for readers to meet characters in following mysteries.

It's the Victorian age, actually May of 1850. Lenox is twenty-three and has finished studies at Oxford. He hopes to become a private investigator and has solved some minor mysteries. But when a letter appears in the newspapers bragging about a perfect murder, then two, he and Graham, his valet and friend, investigate. With the discovery of two dead women, the young investigators focus on who sent the letters.

A perplexing and complex mystery, the author leads the reader in different directions. The murderer is so clever that it's difficult to find him. Additionally, Lenox is in conflict with Scotland Yard men who doubt the ability of a young inexperienced man. As the mystery deepens additional plots are introduced. One involves a man who receives cash gifts in the mail for no reason he can determine and the second is about Lenox's friend Elizabeth.

With flawless writing and well drawn characters, the tale moves quickly and ends with a surprising twist. This book is an entertaining and delightful introduction to the Lenox series. Try it for yourself.

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