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I rarely invest in long running book series. But, every year I look forward to Charles Finch’s newest installment in his Victorian mystery series.
The series features Charles Lenox, a wealthy gentleman who lives in London and solves crimes as a hobby. As the novels progress, Lenox becomes an invaluable asset to the city’s police. In the last couple of books, he formed his own detective agency and hopes for success.
The current book, “Home By Nightfall,” is set in 1876 as London is focused on the mysterious disappearance of a famous German pianist. Lenox’s detective agency is not hired to investigate, so when his brother, Edmond, invites him to the country, he accepts.
Edmund is recently widowed and could use the company. Something odd is happening in Sussex. The Lenox brothers are drawn to a strange break-in at an insurance agent’s home and many small thefts occurring in the town.
Charles and Edmund investigate the crimes together, while back in London, Lenox’s colleagues try to find the missing pianist.
Lenox, through the nine books, has evolved beyond a gentleman of leisure who would rather drink tea and plan trips he’d never take. He married his childhood friend and neighbor, Lady Jane, and became a father to Sophia.
His detective agency seems promising, but like all new businesses, it’s struggling to stay afloat. Lenox isn’t someone who has to work, but he takes pride in the agency and wants to see it succeed.
His friends and family also evolved. His former valet, Graham, now holds Lenox’sformer seat in Parliament. His friend Dr. McConnell now has purpose in life and is no longer the unhappy, hard drinker we met at the start. Edmund is learning to cope with life without his wife.
There is a certain joy in reuniting with beloved characters which is why I look forward to the yearly release of a new books. The books never feel formulaic, a trap that so many series fall into.
A change of scenery does the ninth book good. Sussex is close enough to London that all the regular characters make appearances, but the story feels like a breath of fresh air. Setting the plot in the country allows the brothers to spend more time together and showcases the detective’s childhood in a quirky English village.
“Home By Nightfall” is one of the best installments. While I recommend the entire series, some books are better than others. It strikes the perfect balance of advancing the characters’ lives, while delivering unique mysteries. Lenox remains the epitome of a Victorian gentleman: witty, elegant and rational, making “Home By Nightfall” a welcome addition to this cozy mystery series.
