Charles is requested to leave England for a trip to America while three of the four commissioners of Scotland Yard are brought up on charges of corruption that he initiated. His trip is under the seal of the English Crown which makes him an ambassador plenipotentiary. He is wined and dined in New York and then is off to Boston.

This is the first book of the series to continue where it left off when Finch took a detour (of three books) to the beginning of Lenox's carrier. It is now 1887 and there are still many wounds that exist from the Civil War, and there is tension between the old line Knickerbocker families and the incredibly wealth families of the Robber Barons.

On the way to Boston he is diverted to Newport RI at the request of William Schemerhorn one of the New York two hundred. A debutante has been murdered and two scions of the wealthiest families in America are the prime suspects. With his fame as a detective on both sides of the Atlantic he is requested to solve this murder and put everything to right.

Lenox solves the murder but is stab in the side by the villain when he confronts him. The wound is almost fatal and Charles ends up being laid up for three month, during which time Lady Jane comes over with his two daughters to help him convalesce. At the end Charles decides he no longer wishes to be a detective and most now find himself a new carrier.

After a series of prequels to the main series, Charles Finch returns to Charles Lenox as married, middle aged, seasoned detective. Book fourteen finds the detective fresh off a case finding a good portion of Scotland Yard guilty of crimes. The prime minister asks Lenox to leave the country for an American tour so a Lord will not be embarrassed during the trial of the Lord's Yard appointees.

Lenox had dreamed of travel in his youth but as a married father he doesn't want to leave his family. Under pressure from the prime minister and Queen, he finally agrees to the trip with some concessions. He will travel under the Queen's seal, and be knighted. Arriving in New York, he is fascinated with the city and the societal differences from London.

Meeting with members of the police department, Lenox meets a young man named Blaine, a younger son like himself interested in becoming a detective. Lenox is surprised to find Blaine is from a wealthy family and not a police officer. The next morning Lenox departs for the train station to head to Boston. Blaine meets his with a retinue and asks to accompany Lenox on the journey, he has questions about becoming a detective. Lenox agrees but they only make it to New Haven before the train is stopped by special envoy from a Knickerbocker royalty. It seems a beautiful, young lady has been found dead on the beach at Newport, Rhode Island.

The summer season is getting ready to kick off in Newport and they want the crime solved now. How fortuitous that the "world's greatest detective" is in America. Lenox has been asked to come solve this crime and they won't take no for an answer.

Finch's Lenox series is, as always, a great read. A beautiful historical mystery that really conveys the time and place. This one leaves behind London for the New York/ Newport social whirl. A must read for mystery lovers!

Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the advanced copy of this book. The comments and review are my honest opinion.
Charles Lenox a detective in Scotland Yard is dispatched to America after bringing down some powerful, corrupt men in Scotland Yard. Although feeling guilty about leaving his wife, Lady Jane, and his two young children, he is thrilled to be traveling to America which was a long held dream of his youth. Charles is quickly embroiled in solving the mysterious death of a young socialite. Moving through the circles of high society including the Astor’s and the Vanderbilt’s, Charles finds that the death is not as it first seems. Reading the account of the early history and glamour of the golden age, only adds to this great mystery by Charles Finch, a new author to me.

At the special request of the British Prime Minister, Disraeli, Charles is encouraged to go to America. This is the time period following the Civil War. Disraeli wants Charles to visit friends in New York and cultivate American-British relations. The ulterior motive is to get Charles out of town, while a trial is going on. Charles is not eager to leave his wife and daughters, but Disraeli's request is more of an order than a request. Charles goes to Newport, Rhode Island, to spend some time at the cottages and along the cliff walk. Soon after his arrival, a body is discovered on the cliff walk. Charles' detective skills are immediately call on as the investigation proceeds. The history and politics of the gilded age are so enjoyable to read about. These are opulent lifestyles many of us will only ever read about. The mystery unfolds page by page. We experience the excess of the time, and the class divisions and prejudices. The mystery takes many unexpected turns, and turns out to be a cracking good mystery.

"In what promises to be a breakout in Charles Finch's bestselling series, Charles Lenox travels to the New York and Newport of the dawning Gilded Age to investigate the death of a beautiful socialite.

London, 1878. With faith in Scotland Yard shattered after a damning corruption investigation, Charles Lenox's detective agency is rapidly expanding. The gentleman sleuth has all the work he can handle, two children, and an intriguing new murder case.

But when Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli offers him the opportunity to undertake a diplomatic mission for the Queen, Lenox welcomes the chance to satisfy an unfulfilled yearning: to travel to America. Arriving in New York, he begins to receive introductions into both its old Knickerbocker society and its new robber baron splendor. Then, a shock: the death of the season's most beautiful debutante, who appears to have thrown herself from a cliff. Or was it a suicide? Lenox’s reputation has preceded him to the States, and he is summoned to a magnificent Newport mansion to investigate the mysterious death. What ensues is a fiendish game of cat and mouse.

Witty, complex, and tender, An Extravagant Death is Charles Finch's triumphant return to the main storyline of his beloved Charles Lenox series - a devilish mystery, a social drama, and an unforgettable first trip for an Englishman coming to America."

Gilded Age New York and Newport! Insert Kermit flailing his arms about here!

Oh my - what a delightful book! I requested it from NetGalley just because I suspected it would be a nice change of pace for me - a detective story, yes, but set in London in the late 1870s. What I got was history blended with superb (for the times) detective work interspersed with decidedly British witticisms that made me smile throughout. Alas, I didn't read any of the 13 preceding novels featuring detective Charles Lenox, but for sure I don't intend to miss another one. And for those who, like me, aren't familiar with the character, I assure you I had no trouble following this one.

Lenox is living in London with his wife, Lady Jane, and young daughters Sophia and Clara (to put the setting in perspective, the Prime Minister, with whom Lenox is well acquainted, is Benjamin Disraeli). It is Disraeli, in fact, who challenges Lenox's comfort level: He asks him to leave his successful detective agency and travel to America to make nice and share his considerable detective expertise with police in several major U.S. cities. Reluctant at first despite his longing to travel, Lenox caves in and sets off by boat - arriving first in New York, where his insights on New York society are a real treat.

But on his way to Boston, the train is stopped so Lenox can be handed a personal letter asking him to stop in Newport, Rhode Island, to look into the death of a beautiful young debutante. At first blush, it's thought that she committed suicide; but some insiders, including the young woman's best friend, are convinced she was murdered. In hoity-toity Newport, Lenox gets an up-close-and-personal look at how society of the era operates as he tries to figure out what happened and, more importantly, who did it.

Needless to say, Lenox gets there - but there's many a slip between cup and lip, and one of them threatens his very existence (as well as provides fodder for the next book). My overall assessment? Thoroughly entertaining, and I thank the publisher for providing me with a pre-release copy to read and review.

An Extravagant Death by Charles Finch
In his 14th Charles Lenox mystery, Charles Finch has written an entertaining, if uneven, entry in this long-term Victorian series.
Charles Lenox has just spent two months investigating a series of robberies that led him to trouble within Scotland Yard, identifying three of four Detective Chief Inspectors involved in corruption, shocking Parliament and the people of London. To minimize damage to the ministers who recommended these detectives initially, Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli believes it would be better if Lenox provided his testimony in writing and was out of the country during the actual trial. Disraeli proposes that Lenox “should meet with the police in the major American cities to establish international investigative cooperation and exchange the latest methods.”
As Lenox rides by train from NYC to Boston for the second leg of his visit, at an interim stop, he receives a telegram requesting he help with the investigation of the murder of a young woman in Newport, RI, where the wealthiest citizens of NY have “cottages”. One of those residents, a Wm Schermerhorn IV has requested the urgent assistance in investigating the murder. When a follow up telegram remarks on the unfitness of the local police, Lenox decides to put aside his future appointments and head to Newport to assist in the investigation.
Lenox’s investigation takes him to the cliffside mansions of Newport, where in addition to dealing with the murder of Lily Allingham, he finds preparations ongoing for Lady Caroline Astor’s annual ball opening the spring season in Newport. There, Lenox is treated to the wealth, glitter and glamour of 1880s Newport, surely something that would rival scenes to be found in aristocratic London.
Lenox’s charm is ever present, and he moves through the Newport society with his normal steadfastness. However, the pace of his investigation is restrained and the path to the resolution is exciting, but somewhat strained. Still, fans of Charles Finch should find much to like in his latest Charles Lenox mystery.
I thank NetGalley and Minotaur Books for an Advanced Reading Copy of this book.

This is the fourteenth book in the ‘Charles Lenox Mysteries’ series.
Time period: Summer 1878 ~The Gilded Age Location: Newport, RI
In this story Sir Charles Lenox travels to New York on behalf of the Queen (actually this is an effort to keep him out of the publicity of a trial that is currently going on in English.
. Word soon is out that this famous detective is in the US. He receives an urgently request.to investigate the death of a nineteen year beautiful socialite, Lily Allingham., She is found dead at the bottom of a cliff after a lavish exclusive party where she is supposed to get engaged.

I totally loved reading a story in this time period. Nice slow pace ~ no nasty language, no social media, no cell. Etc.; reminded me of the Amory Ames mystery series by author Ashley Weaver. Although this story is not a big mystery/thriller, it is still an Enjoyable read! Plus a story with no nasty profanity is always a treat for me!
⭐⭐⭐⭐+
Want to thank NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press ~ Minotaur Books for this uncorrected Digital Galley. This file has been made available to me before publication in an early form for professional review purposes only. Opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for February 16, 2021

After taking Scotland Yard down for corruption, Charles Lennox is sent to America by Prime Minister, Disraeli, so not to embarrass people in his cabinet. Of course the offer is sweet with a knighthood and an appointment by the Queen to investigate law enforce agencies. So Lennox takes off and ends up investigating a murder of a young, beautiful girl with ties to the rich and famous in Rhode Island.

It's only a few years after the Civil War and feelings are still running rampant. Lennox is shocked by the conspicuous consumption of the Americans and the display of wealth. The young girl has been courted by several members of the rich and famous and Lennox has numerous suspects to pick from.
The rich are rushing to cover up the murder.

Luckily, Lennox is married to Lady Jane so gets an invitation to the fabled Astor Ball. People are so envious but the events at the Ball almost kill Lennox. This was a tightly plotted mystery full of historical details that were quite fascinating. I was entranced from beginning to end. Thanks to Net Galley for a copy of this book in exchange for a fair review.

Charles Finch never seems to disappoint in telling the story of his main character Lenox. Now he has added extra spice by taking Lenox to the "new" America. We are gifted with his insightful observations of this new society seemingly intent on mimicking Lenox's England. All is skillyfully woven into an intriguing and enjoyable mystery.

Charles Lenox has finished his latest case successfully, but unfortunately it has made him some enemies (he put an end to a criminal scheme run out of the Metropolitan Police) and caused trouble for Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli, who advises Lenox to leave the country for a little while. Reluctant to leave his wife Lady Jane, their precocious daughter Sophia, and new baby Clara, and carrying the Queen’s seal, which will guarantee him passage anywhere in the United States he wishes to go, Charles heads across the Atlantic. After a few days getting to know the “names” in New York City, Charles is traveling to Boston when he is summoned by wealthy William Schermerhorn, one of the favored “400” who attend Caroline Astor’s fabled balls, to Newport, RI, where a beautiful young woman, Lily Allingham, has died, ostensibly by suicide. He is accompanied by Theodore Blaine, the lame son of another wealthy family, who is as absorbed by detective work as much as Lenox, and who helps him as he reluctantly begins to untangle the murder, along with young Fergus O’Brian, an Irish boy who’s taken a job as his personal servant. He also becomes re-acquainted with Kitty Ashbrook (the woman he almost married in the last of the three recent prequels, The Last Passenger), now a widow, who guides him through the intricacies of American society. Schermerhorn’s son is a suspect in Lily’s death, as is young Lawrence Vanderbilt, who believed Lily was going to marry him when she was previously engaged to Schermerhorn.

This was a change-of-place (literally) story for Lenox, whose adventures usually take place in England. It was interesting getting his eye-view of the upper classes of America, not as glowing as fawning newspaper society pages, not as critical as Dickens on one of his tours. He feels an immediate rapport with Teddy Blaine as he was also fascinated by detective work as a boy, and also comes to enjoy the company of O’Brian, and through his eyes we note the differences and the similarities between the American and the British upper class, feel his surprise when he first sees the Newport “cottages,” and work the mystery with him.

I had my suspicions about the culprit about halfway through, and was pleased to have figured it out, as these are usually very complicated. I also appreciated the ending, which chronicled a difficulty in 19th century living that we would find much different today. An excellent entry in this series, which I have been reading since the first book.

This book is the first by the author that I have read and I will be looking for other novels by him. The plot involves an English detective who ends up in the United States and is recruited to help solve a crime. It is well written and is a fast paced novel making it an enjoyable read. I recommend this book for anyone looking for a new author in the crime/mystery genre.

I received a free Kindle copy of this book courtesy of Net Galley and the publisher with the understanding that I would post a review on Net Galley, Goodreads, Amazon and my nonfiction book review blog. I also posted it to my Facebook page.

Charles Lenox finds a new venue for his sleuthing activity, in America and most specifically in Newport, RI. Prime Minister Disraeli wants him to go away for awhile, because he has recently solved a case involving corruption at the high levels and they don't want him to actually testify at the trial, apparently believing that by testifying in person (as opposed to by written testimony), he will open areas that the powers that be don't want discussed. It's a little thin and unconvincing, but it serves as a device to get him into a new setting!

Although he plans to spend his time in America travelling around meeting with various police/crime solving groups, he quickly gets asked by an extremely wealthy man to come to Newport to investigate a murder. One of the most interesting features of this book is the description of Gilded Age Newport - with "cottages" that are extravagant mansions, and a social hierarchy to rival that of Victorian England. Charles gets invited to the most exclusive ball of the season, because he is married to Lady Jane.

While having to investigate this murder without his normal familiarity with the people and places of London, Charles is able to transfer his knowledge of the upper crust to a new location - his ability to "read" people is in no way diminished by the change in locale. This adds to the book, I think - keeps it fresh. I've read every book in this series, and while I always enjoyed them, I think it was a nice switch to move to a new location, and to see the challenges this presented.

The book hints that there may be further changes to come in this series, and I'm eagerly awaiting the next book!

A well written historical mystery, in a style reminiscent of the golden age of mysteries only this one takes place in the 1870’s in America. It still offers a sense of the English style of writing, featuring the famous English detective Charles Lenox in the ninth book of the series. This one is very much a standalone with Lenox traveling to America at Prime Minister Desrali’s request.

Through Lenox, the reader has the opportunity to see a very young, very wealthy part of the United States as he is asked to investigate the murder of a young woman which took place during an elaborate balls given by one of the monied New York families who have a summer “cottage” on Newport, RI. These cottages are actually the huge estates built by wealthy families, some descended from the “Knickerbocker’s”, those families who are related to the original dutch who represent “old” money; and the “new” money families who owe much of their wealth to success in business and industry.

Although Lenox is asked to travel to America to keep him out of the limelight of a trial taking place in England, before he can get settled into his travel routine he is approached by the patriarch of one of the wealthy families to investigate the murder of young debutant Lily Allingham. Lily has been sought after by numerous young men as a bride because of her extreme beauty, and her body is found at the base of a cliff on his property.

At the same time he is making his way to Newport, Lenox is approached by Teddy (Theodore) Blaine, the youngest son of yet another extremely wealthy family. Teddy professes to be interested in becoming a detective and asks to be allowed to accompany Lenox as he investigates. Teddy soon makes his value know in terms of gathering information, and later demonstrating how much easier it is to get some doors to open just because of his family name.

Throughout the book, which can easily be read separate from the other books in the series, Leno makes observations, often of the difference between American society and that of the English. These observations include the differences in the show of wealth, the more casual manner of Americans, particularly those of the working class.

The entire book is a well crafted mystery that moves at a steady pace toward a satisfying conclusion. In the grand mystery style, there is not an overt amount of blood and gore, but rather a story that moves at a gentle pace that gives the reader time to sit and relax as they try to solve the puzzle. For anyone who enjoys books written in the style of Agatha Christie, with a good mystery, a logical conclusion, and pace that allows them to breathe, this is one not to be missed. My thanks to St. Martin’s Press, Minotaur Books; and NetGalley for providing me an advance copy of this book for review. The opinions stated here are entirely my own.

A full review is scheduled to be published at WWW.MyteryandSuspense.com on 1/20/21

4.5 / 5.0 stars

This fourteenth book in series, is yet another brilliant addition to the Charles Lenox mysteries by talented writer, Charles Finch. The depth of Finch's historical research appearing in each story is tremendous and spot on. The books usually hold more than just one mystery, and this one was no exception. The richness of descriptive detail transports the reader to a different time and place wrapping them in a richly woven blanket of observation and sensation. The subtle clues are all there but not easily discerned, thus pulling the reader along through all the various cat and mouse moments and red herring. The energy builds up gradually over the course of the story to a striking moment and gently eases off toward a satisfying conclusion.

It is a marvel how Mr. Finch weaves the delicate dance of Parliamentary politics into his story, thus bringing characters of history to life. His portrayal of Prime Minister Disraeli, the man of great intellect and political maneuvering, is nothing short of brilliant. His description of an 1878 transatlantic voyage is marvelous, (of note: an escorting pod of dolphins alongside ship). The descriptions of the various strata of the American people of late nineteenth century, whether it's of the aspiring new immigrant class, the nouveau riche or the well established scions of wealth, were rich and historically accurate in the telling - even amusing at times.

Yet, beyond the usual tension and machinations of a fine mystery, Finch also brings to bear a wonderful depth in his characters. As we hear the tender ruminations of Lenox regarding his young family or observe his irritations as a detective thwarted by those in power and wealth, we appreciate the humanity of his character. We grin at the playful exchange of emotion and banter between Lenox and his brother or his wife, Lady Jane. Our hearts melt at the tender moments shared between father and precocious child #1.

All in all, this was a most enjoyable read and this reader for one, eagerly awaits the next installment in this richly told tale.

I am grateful to author Charles Finch and his publisher, Minotaur Books, for having provided a complimentary uncorrected digital galley of this book. Their generosity, however, has not influenced this review - the words of which are mine alone.

Another solid Sir Charles Lenox mystery. I believe all the previous Lenox mysteries have been set in England, but this story unfolds in 1878 across the pond in Newport, Rhode Island. The set-up for his travels is believable if not exactly comfortable. After destroying Scotland Yard, Disraeli wants Sir Charles far away when the legal proceedings begin. What I found so interesting and engrossing was the American history lesson regarding the celebrated “Four Hundred” of high society. Finch, through Lenox’s character, exposes the Knickerbockers as well as the “nouveau rich” as being less than admirable for all their money, but he does it with dignity – a bit of an oxymoronic comparison.

The descriptions of the “Newport Cottages” were spot on and if you have had the pleasure of visiting this New England city you will readily recognize the territory. If you enjoy period pieces, a solid mystery, and a bit of the history of who, how and where American “High Society” originated and flourished you will not be disappointed. I would like to thank NetGalley and Minotaur Books as I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

My favorite part of this book was seeing America circa 1878 through the eyes of an Englishman (Charles Lenox). Part historical fiction, part Sherlock Holmes, and a dash of wit, this book was a fun read for me. I love a good mystery and enjoyed learning some cultural differences between Britain and America during this time period as well as just some interesting facts.

It begins with Charles Lenox being asked by a superior to go to America so that he's out of the country while a trial is underway for the corruption in the Scotland Yard that he was part of uncovering. Being well-known in America, he is roped into investigating a suicide/murder case in ritzy Newport, Rhode Island.

I was not aware of the opulent summer "cottages" of Newport so it was really interesting to google these. And now I'm obviously going to go visit and tour them in person. They would have cost hundreds of millions of dollars to build today. (And these were second homes!!) You can actually walk the infamous Cliff Walk where the case in question took place so that would be pretty cool.

I love the historical parts of this story and all the descriptions of New York during this time period. It was well-written and reminiscent of Arthur Conan Doyle or Agatha Christie's mysteries. Lots of little clues to pick up on that you'll probably miss and then once you know whodunit you'll want to go back and read it again to see what you missed. This seemed like a wrap up book for the series a little bit so I'm not sure where the next one will go if there is, indeed, another one to come.

I've never read anything by Charles Finch before so reading this was jumping ahead of a lot of Charles Lenox's life and career. However, it didn't take away from being able to understand and still enjoy this book. I would like to go back and read some of the earlier books so hopefully knowing the future won't ruin any of them for me.

I can't speak too much about character development considering this is book #14. One could argue that Charles Lenox and his wife lacked depth in this book but I'm sure people who've read all the other books would see things differently. I thought Lenox was likable. He meets up again with a woman he had fallen in love with earlier in his life (who is now married to her second husband). I'm assuming that takes place in one of the earlier books. Since I hadn't followed his journey to his current wife and read much about their relationship, part of me held my breath hoping he wasn't going to be unfaithful while away from his wife. But thankfully, he stayed true. Well done, sir.

So anyway. If you are a fan of mystery novels, I would definitely give this one a try!

P.S. A few things I learned while reading this book:

- 'Godmanchester' is pronounced 'Gumster'
- Shrapnel was invented by Lt. Henry Shrapnel
- Saltboxes are a type of house common in colonial America
- Hearing something 'through the grapevine' came to be a thing because there was a tavern during the Civil War called the Old Grapevine where officers often dined and spies were usually lurking around to gather information
- The history behind the 'white elephant' gift exchange
- At this point in history, Trinity Church in New York was the tallest building in the city
- New York City used to be called New Amsterdam and began with Dutch settlers

**Received an ARC via NetGalley**

Surprised this was book 14 in the series and glad I didn't notice prior to reading this book which would have made me hesitant to start.
You really can read is as a standalone and there are enough references to the past that you don't feel like you’re missing something.
It is interesting to see the reaction of an English gentleman in 1878 during his first encounter with life in America. The difference cultures between the English and Americans. The extreme wealth of some people when been invited to Newport and gets to know some of the residents of the mansions. Compare that to the nobility in England who are barely able to maintain their centuries old family estates. But it is not all leisure because he gets involved in trying to solve a murder. Plenty of candidates and Charles has a bit of a hard time trying to determine the actual murderer. I found this book an enjoyable read and highly recommend.

This may be the best one yet. This was an incredibly paced novel from start to finish. The familiarity that longtime readers have with reoccurring characters, the attachment readers may develop with new ones. Everything draws you in. I will probably be nonstop talking about this book this year. The plot twist was visceral. I am just reliving this novel in my head over and over, and it’s been awhile since I’ve done that. It was a refreshing return to the original course of the series and a triumphant feat to center the novel in the US not England. I am trying to not give anything away, but if readers like me fantasize about the possibility of future revisits with new characters, the plot twist is almost MORE intense. Just...wow.

Thank you #netgalley and @minotaur_books for gifting me this lovely new #historicalmystery series!!

Synopsis: London, 1878. With faith in Scotland Yard shattered after a damning corruption investigation, Charles Lenox's detective agency is rapidly expanding. The gentleman sleuth has all the work he can handle with an intriguing new murder case as he travels to Newport, RI to investigate the death of a beautiful socialite at the dawning of the Gilded Age.

This is 16th book in the series, and as soon as I finished it I rushed to find the first. I am fascinated by the excess of the Gilded Age, and always love a good socialite murder 😆 There were a few minor details that I could tell I was missing by coming in so late in the series, but it certainly didn't affect the story for me in any way.

I'm obviously late to the game with this series, but if you haven't read it you should give it a try!