Well, I did it again. I started a book that has been a series. What I did NOT realize is that this is a "prequel" to the Charles Lenox series. In this book we get to see the back story as he talks about his first case.

I recommend this book and I will be looking for the rest of the series to read.

My thanks to netgalley and Minotaur Books for this advanced readers copy.

Great entry into the Charles Lenox series. I wouldn’t mind another earlier novel like this.

A wonderful prequel to the Charles Lenox mystery series. All the established characters from the previous books appear here, Lady Elizabeth, Graham and Charles brother Edmund. The appearance of
Charles is especially poignant knowing what the future brings. The mystery itself is quite good being that this is Lenox's first case and with a serial killer to boot. Just a lovely, well done book.

I've read many of Charles Finch's Charles Lennox historical mysteries and enjoyed them. The Woman in the Water is unusual because it details the first investigation by a very young Lennox, who is determined to become a detective, treading cautiously between youthful hubris and social hierarchies, learning as he goes.

Sometimes young Lennox makes mistakes and looks foolish, but his occasional flashes of insight outstrip his missteps. He is balancing so much at once: his eagerness and lack of experience; his social life and the derision of many of his peers; his love for Elizabeth with her newly married status; his frustrations with dealing with his housekeeper; his reluctance to take the salary of a Scotland Yard consultant; his father's illness; and his love and jealousy of his brother.



An anonymous letter claiming to have committed the "perfect murder" claims the interest of both Lennox and his friend and valet Graham. The two spend time each day cutting articles out of the paper and comparing them for possible criminal investigations that might be stepping stones for an aspiring detective. Then the body of the first victim, a young woman, her body enclosed in a trunk washes ashore. There are few clues, but Lennox manages to become involved in the investigation (here, family connections help his cause). The letter writer promises more perfect murders, and Charles races to prevent another murder.

In contrast to the more experienced detective in the later books, it is interesting to see how the young Charles Lennox begins to learn and practice his trade.

Read in Dec.; blog review scheduled for Feb. 14, 2018.

St. Martin's Press/Minotaur

Historical Mystery. February 20, 2018. Print version: 304 pages.

It was fun and I teresting to get the story of the beginnings of young Charles as he struggled to begin his unconventional career.

Excellent. I simply adore Charles Finch's writing.

We return to Victorian-era England, meet a much younger Charles Lenox, and witness his first real case as a detective. He is 23 years old and living on his own in London. His parents are present, and the parts with his Father and Mother are written so beautifully, with such love and sadness. It was emotional, heartwarming, bittersweet, all that without being syrupy or manipulative or too much. Finch got the balance just right, and I was really touched.

Alongside the important presence of Lady Jane, brother Edmund and Graham, we have glimpses of Dr McConnell, we see Charles finding his feet as a consulting detective, and his early interactions with Scotland Yard. The case includes boastful letters announcing that a 'perfect murder' has occurred, and that another will be forthcoming. But are the murders what they seem?

So far I have not found any Charles Finch book to be lacking, and this one I liked very well.

This is a prequel of the Charles Lenox series. So it's actually Book 1 and Book 11 at the same time. Perfect for fans of Sherlock Holmes and titles set in the Victorian time period. We always buy Charles Finch for our library.