June 1853 after some months without a case Charles Lenox is invited to call on the Duke of Dorset at his home. It seems that something of value has been stolen and the Duke wishes to know why. The Duke believes that the wrong painting was taken and is now concerned. Unfortunately the Duke has his secrets which will lead to murder. But Lenox needs help in unraveling the mystery.
A very enjoyable and interesting mystery and I look forward to the next prequel before I start reading the series.
A NetGalley Book ( )

The young Charles Lenox continues to pursue his chosen "profession" with his valet Graham. So, when a duke (!) needs his help, Charles wonders if this will be his big break. However, politics, family, and other aspects conspire to make this case more complicated than expected. A great prequel that provides further background into Lenox's character.

I have read others in this series. Each provides an inside look at life in the upper echelons of British society in the mid 19th Century. Each also features a mystery for the amateur sleuth, Charles Lennox. The story seemed to wander somewhat with somewhat more chit-chat than seemed to be necessary. The resolution seemed stretched and, in contrast to the rest of the book, quickly presented. Throughout I found myself engaged and then rather bored. Still a good read. ( )

Another Lenox mystery — enjoyable!

Charles Lenox is asked to look into a matter for the Duke of Dorset. It is a very delicate matter with some ties to the Dorset family history, that the family prefers to not be made public. It can also give Lenox a little more credibility in his endeavors to establish himself in the new career of private investigator.

A painting of the fourteenth Duke of Dorset has been stolen from the house. The interesting part is the current Duke is not overly concerned with its theft as he is about the portrait that hangs next to where the stolen painting hung. There is a secret history and high value that is part of the neighbouring painting. Lenox is tasked with finding the missing painting and not revealing its secrets. Secrets that could cause a grand scandal to the house of Dorset and demolish Lenox’s reputation in high society.

I enjoy Charles Finch’s Lenox series. When reading it I am able to escape into the Victorian world he writes of. The character and their interaction, along with his descriptives of the scenes make me feel as if I am there. Definitely great reading to escape into. ( )

I'm officially entranced by this Victorian gentleman detective!

Dare I say it? I am SO enamored of Charles Lenox, a gentleman detective of Victorian times who can't ask for payment as that would seem like he's in 'trade.'
He is a thoroughly nice man (now 26), intelligent, a sense of humor, compassionate and always willing to learn.
This case was a difficult one for Lenox as he stepped into the rarified atmosphere of Dukes (of which there are only twenty-eight), their closeness to the throne in the pecking order of things, and how all this impacts Lenox's investigations when his particular Duke, the Duke of Dorset, is taken to the Tower when his manservant of thirty years, Craig, is killed.
A lively and often discouraging investigation that includes something stolen from the Duke's real private study (as opposed to his public private study--I love that!), lost Shakespearian realia, a kidnapping, and murder.
Somewhat puzzling, because it's never quite front and center, an inmate in Bedlam claiming to be falsely incarcerated becomes a concern for Charles.
Then there's Charles best friend and lost love Lady Jane (previously referred to as Elizabeth), and his rambunctious and delightful scamp of a nephew, Lancelot who provided some fabulous light relief. Lancelot's interaction with the Duke is priceless.
Mrs Huggins, Charles' most exacting housekeeper finds a scintillating relationship with cats, Graham is as always present and we meet the mysterious Mr Thaddeus Bonden, a man with a peculiar talent for observing and finding things.
Filled with intrepid, puzzling and often downright humorous happenings, this is a very clever and well written novel.

A Minotaur Books ARC via NetGalley ( )