I always like Charles Lenox tales. In this book Charles is back in London and has a new mystery to solve. An old servant has asked for his help. He delves into an old case. In the course of his investigation we reconnect with many of his friends and colleagues from his past.

The Hidden City by Charles Lenox is a highly entertaining mystery that weaves together an unsolved murder, family dynamics, and personal conflicts with ease. Despite being part of a long-running series, the book stands strong on its own, with no confusing references or cliffhangers. Lenox’s writing style is engaging and easy to follow, keeping me hooked from start to finish. As a recent visitor to London, I especially enjoyed the familiar street names and neighborhoods that brought the setting to life. Overall, I loved the book and would definitely read more from this author.

Do you enjoy mysteries and historical fiction? Pick up The Hidden City by Charles Finch. This book had it all.

Another good book in this series. I enjoy how he brings in older characters while introducing new ones. Story holds your interest. Good ending and I look forward to the next book. Hope it is soon.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.

"The Hidden City" by Charles Finch is a masterful blend of suspense, rich historical detail, and compelling human drama, taking readers on an evocative journey into the shadows of 19th-century London. Finch, already renowned for his Charles Lenox detective series, dives deeper into the grit and glamour of Victorian society, crafting a tale that feels as much an exploration of hidden truths as it is a riveting mystery.

The novel centers on a disappearance shrouded in mystery, leading the protagonist into a labyrinth of secrets hidden within London’s underbelly. Finch’s talent for world-building is evident as he paints a vivid picture of the city's contrasting realities—opulent drawing rooms and dim, dangerous alleyways both come alive under his pen. His atmospheric descriptions feel almost cinematic, immersing the reader in a time and place where every shadow might conceal a clue or a threat.

One of Finch’s greatest strengths lies in his characters, and "The Hidden City" is no exception. The protagonist—complex, flawed, and driven—anchors the story with a blend of vulnerability and tenacity. Equally memorable are the supporting cast, from enigmatic allies to villainous figures whose motivations are revealed in tantalizing layers. Finch ensures that even the minor characters feel integral to the story, enriching the narrative and amplifying the stakes.

The plot unfolds with meticulous precision, each twist and revelation satisfying yet surprising. Finch keeps the reader guessing until the very end, offering a conclusion that ties up loose ends while leaving room for reflection—a hallmark of a truly great mystery.

"The Hidden City" also poses poignant questions about morality, loyalty, and the nature of justice. Finch’s nuanced exploration of these themes adds depth to the narrative, elevating it beyond a typical whodunit.

Fans of historical fiction, mysteries, and Charles Finch’s previous works will find "The Hidden City" a standout addition to his bibliography.

If you love 18th-century British mysteries or anything with a Sherlock Holmes vibe, this one’s for you. Detective Charles Lennox is back, tackling a case full of secrets and deception, and while this is the 12th book in the series, you don’t need to have read the others to enjoy it. That said, knowing a bit about Lennox’s past adds some extra depth.

What really stood out to me—beyond the mystery itself—was the personal side of the story. Lennox is caring for his cousin, which brings a more emotional layer to the book. It’s not just about solving crimes; it’s about the people in his life, too.

Thank you to NetGalley and Saint Martin’s Press (Minnaar) for a free copy in exchange for an unbiased review. Publication Date: November 4, 2025.

Charles Lenox, an amateur sleuth in Victorian London, tries to unravel a mystery in 1879 hidden in the city's architecture. It's my first in the 12-book series but I had no problem reading it solo, caught up by the gripping narrative, the well-researched historical details, and the author's fine wit. I dare you to put this compelling novel down before you finish it. And like me, you'll want to start with Book 1 and read the whole series through. Highly recommended!

Charles Finch’s writing is elegant and witty, capturing the nuances of both the era and the human spirit. It’s a perfect read for anyone who loves a clever puzzle wrapped in atmospheric charm and historical intrigue.

I was a big fan of this book, I love a historical fiction and mystery mixture. It kept me on my toes but also gave me that cozy feeling of historical fiction as well!

Thank you NetGalley for allowing a preview of the book before publication date.

The Hidden City is an installment in a series of books with the main character being Charles Lenox. Although you can read the books out of order and take away the key plot to the book, reading in order allows you to meet characters that may arise in the different novels at a later date, as well as allows you to see the evolution of the characters and Finch's writing itself.
This book focuses on Charles Lenox investigating another murder but while doing so something else catches his eye...a symbol. He sees it etched in other areas and his inquiring mind leads him onto a dual path. There are other themes of the era that are touched on such as women's rights and class divisions. Finch does a fabulous job of drawing you into the Victorian era staying true to historical facts although this is a work of fiction.
The characters are realistic and memorable. The dynamics of the characters are interwoven expertly throughout the book. If you're like me when you read, it's as if you are right there with them as they develop and grow. Charles Lenox after having a conversation with the villain asks himself later whether he was a villain in the true sense.

"I want to hear about it all again. This hidden city you and your friends discovered-created-mappped."

This book really is a page turner and appropriate for anyone 16+. Finch brings them to life with his simple yet moving prose.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book even though I hadn't read other books in the series but it absolutely has me on the search for his other books. I definitely recommend reading Finch's Charles Lenox series books especially the Hidden City. His writing style is witty, his characters well developed, and most importantly there are thought provoking statements found in reading his books.

"A chance. That was what he must fight for other people to have."

This review can also be found on goodreads.

This book was worth the wait. I have read this series from start to finish in order and it never disappoints. Lenox is older and his past is starting to catch up with him physically. He takes to a new fad of working out and massage to get through it.
When his retired maid tells him a vagrant is sleeping in front of her house, he is obliged to look more closely for her. His new protege, Montague, assists. Dallinger and Polly appear too and you can see the progression of the detective agency and it’s success.
Then there is Jane and her fight for woman’s voting rights. This book is so engaging as a mystery and a fictional account of a family in the 1860s. Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher and Mr Finch for an early read of the next chapter in the series. Keep them coming please!

Thanks to NetGalley and Minotaur Books for the ARC of this book. This was my first time reading a book from this series and I’m sure if I had been caught up it would have been a more enjoyable read.

There was a lot about this book that I liked, the writing style, the characters, the setting and the sub plots were excellent. But the main story felt a little slow and very low stakes.

Number 15 in this historical mystery series, but number one for me. Regardless of not knowing the history of the characters I was able to follow the story very well. I would definitely categorize this as a “cozy” as there were no “thrilling” (i.e. terrifying for the reader) scenes to get my anxiety going. Fine by me! Interesting that as a cozy written by a man, there was less filler of the tea parties and gown description types (also fine by me) but plenty of historical detail about the Victorian Age in which the stories are set. This included plenty of social as well as policy / political commentary. I particularly enjoyed the description of various “guilds” (known here as “livery companies”) started in medieval times — all styled as the “Worshipful Company of <fill in the blank>.” Tickled me. Some good bits on women’s suffrage and the complete injustice of the treatment of London’s “lower classes.” This particular episode felt like more of a novel than a mystery, although there was a mystery obviously (old murders just tied together with a current threat to someone living in the house where one of them occurred). I quite liked the characters and will likely go back to number one and see how things progress!

Charles Lennox has had a rough year. A wound that still hurts, no interest in work and a wife who is publicly working for women's votes. Then his old housekeeper asks for help, a young cousin arrives and life improves. Wonderful!

Oddly enough, this is the first book I have read by Charles Finch, and I enjoyed it immensely. The author's minute examination of the various parts of London city and the unusual plot kept me reading almost non-stop. The plot has an interesting "cozy" element, and at the same time, the reader is introduced to disparate characters who fill the pages with curious types and where they haunt the various geographies of London in 1879. In addition, Finch describes in detail Lenox' upscale London dwelling and the people who inhabit it.

His wife, Lady Jane, is involved in the suffragist movement, and early in the book, his cousin Angela arrives by ship from India with her friend, Sari, who is Indian. Angela has lost her parents, and Sari is her best friend. The plot of their introduction to London society enhances the book greatly. When we meet the various people who help the Lenox family, the book becomes a cozy mystery of sorts.

The mystery, which moves a bit slowly but cleverly, looks at a certain small carving that appears on buildings where a murder has taken place, and Lenox eventually ferrets out the connections among all these settings.

Finch deftly combines setting, rich historical detail, various intriguing characters, and weaves them all together with skill and interest.

Thanks to Minotaur Books and Net Galley for the opportunity to read this excellent book.

Charles Lenox cracks a plethora of puzzles in "The Hidden City" to solve a seven-year-old murder.

Newcomers to Charles Finch's mystery series set in the late 1800s in London and starring a gentleman of leisure should enjoy the story. Devoted fans of the series will enjoy the stroll down memory lane as Lenox comes to the aid of a former housekeeper, asks the help of his former valet and visits old friends who have populated earlier mysteries.

Lenox and Lady Jane now have two young daughters and add two more young women to their household when a cousin names Charles as guardian. A changing society forces Lenox to consider women's suffrage, the equality of races and the plight of the poor.

An enjoyable, insightful story.

3 stars

The year is 1879 and our hero Charles Lenox is in the midst of a long recovery from a brutal stabbing in Newport, Rhode Island, U.S.A (those heinous Americans! And, darn it, I missed that one. Since this is listed as the tenth in the Lenox series I think I may have read all the others, save that one.) A letter from an old servant reaches him during his recuperation (I pause to note that I believe this may be the only book so far in which Charles does not comment (internally) on his use of an old….toast holder(?) to organize his letters. Was this written by an impostor? But I digress.) and she puts him on the trail of an old murder case which, to be honest, is very, very dull. And that’s even with a super secret villain’s mark and a worthy scoundrel. Don’t you just love a worthy scoundrel?

What is good about the book? Everything else. The life among the rich, moneyed and royal-adjacent in 1879 London. Lady Jane has taken up the suffrage movement! Quelle horror! Lenox’s cousin (but think niece) and her companion show up from India, the cousin to be Lenox’s ward. The Lenoxes throw a big party which I could have read at least another chapter about (friends, I would have read a chapter about what everyone was wearing, the menu and what the floral arrangements looked like, so don’t mind me. Note to author: definitely include the menu next time. Everyone loves that.) There are things going on with friends, the detective agency…just life. And I loved all those parts. These things are why I will keep on reading these books. I just hope for a better crime next time!

Recommended for all the above reasons if you’ve read and enjoyed the series before, but if you haven’t, this isn’t the best entry and you would be well fixed to k ow the rest of the characters first. In fact, start with the first in the series and enjoy!

Charles Lenox is asked by a former servant to solve a cold case which seems to have come back to life. Lenox and his detective colleagues painstakingly follow the trail of a murdered man and the suspects in his death against the background of a changing London, including Lenox's wife's public advocacy for women's suffrage. Best suited for longtime readers of the series, as the recurring characters and their long-standing relationships may be difficult for a new reader to grasp. Thank you to NetGalley and Minotaur Books for the eARC.

This is the latest installment to the Charles Lenox series, which I absolutely love. It's the perfect blend of mystery, historic setting, and just the slightest bit of cozy. The author Charles Finch had released the previous book 3 years prior, and I think that showed in his writing. He was trying to do something a bit different with the last two books, making them darker. In The Hidden City, he takes that a bit further, stepping away from the cozier aspects of the series. Charles, our intrepid private detective, is recovering from an injury, and the book wrestles with his recovery as he tries to solve a case for his previous housekeeper Mrs. Huggins (featured in the prequels).

I really loved seeing all of the characters back in action with appearances from Mrs. Huggins, Skaggs, McConnell and Graham who I've missed seeing in the previous books. However, the time in between books led to this one feeling like it wasn't quite in line with the series, and the characters didn't exactly act like themselves. I missed the cozy and historical elements in this one, although I did still enjoy it overall. In the end, this book wasn't my favorite in this series and I hope the story will be continued(as it is hinted at the end) by going back to the original vibe.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for this early copy!

Thank you Net Galley for giving me this advance reader copy. I got about half way through this book, feeling thoroughly lost, when I figured out that it was the twelfth in a series. Had I known, I would not have requested it until I had caught up. The writing style was enjoyable and the characters reminded me of something out of the Professor Layton games. Victorian, cozy and quaint, with a small unassuming murder to solve, I can see myself getting swept up in this series… from the beginning. Starting in the middle when past cases are constantly being referenced? Do not recommend.