Review copy was received from NetGalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
The Last Passenger by Charles Finch Series: Charles Lenox Mysteries #13
Published by Minotaur Books on February 18, 2020
Genres: Historical Fiction, Mystery
Pages: 304
Format: eARC
Source: NetGalley
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London, 1855: A young and eager Charles Lenox faces his toughest case yet: a murder without a single clue. Slumped in a first-class car at Paddington Station is the body of a young, handsome gentleman. He has no luggage, empty pockets, and no sign of violence upon his person - yet Lenox knows instantly that it's not a natural death.
Pursuing the investigation against the wishes of Scotland Yard, the detective encounters every obstacle London in 1855 has to offer, from obstinate royalty to class prejudice to the intense grief of his closest friend. Written in Charles Finch's unmistakably warm, witty, and winning voice, The Last Passenger is a cunning and deeply satisfying conclusion to the journey begun in The Woman in the Water and The Vanishing Man.
We arrive at the final book of prequel mysteries in the Charles Lenox Mystery series. This trilogy goes back to the beginning and shows how Charles Lenox came to become a private detective, establishes his place, and his first meetings with several figures that play a strong role in his later years. I have found these absorbing after reading the books when he is already established, to know how it all came about and how a quietly confident Lenox came into his own, which these prequels do a great job of laying out.
The Last Passenger begins with Charles trying to figure out how he has suddenly become the bachelor du jour of the London social scene with all the matchmaking mamas and their daughters as well as a male friend or ten with their eligible lady relations. Even his friend, Lady Jane, is not immune. He ponders his new social life and the repercussions even as he has come to peace with Lady Jane’s choice of husband and Grey becoming his own dear friend along with Jane.
But, then a gruesome death is discovered on a passenger train that consumes Charles and his intrepid manservant Graham, first to the startling identity of the deceased, and then to a solution- which is followed by a big twist. On this case, Lenox is assisting Scotland Yard with pressure to either join the force or get out of their way and his own observations of how many in society will cut him for his choice to pursue detective work. Meanwhile, the elements of the murder victim’s life illuminate the darkness of slavery and the ongoing fight to end it, even as some powerful types work to keep the horrific institution in play, even if it means dividing the former colony, America, in war.
There was a great deal of introspection in this one as I’ve pointed out and the facts of the case were teased out steadily with a few blips of excitement and a couple lightning twists. I caught onto a few tricky bits before Lennox and thought I had worked it all out until I didn’t. It was a good mystery even if it didn’t raise the pulse much.
The historical backdrop and social history elements were superb as always. I love how the author slips in those etymology tidbits so I learn the origin of some phrases and words that were- and in some cases, still are- used. It always makes me smile to think of Charles Lenox as a Victorian Era geek with his fondness for trivia and maps and clipping crime stories.
But, beyond all that, this story led up to a few sad moments for both Lenox and Lady Jane that, as a series reader, I knew was coming. It didn’t make it easier. And, there was the added bit of private sorry for Lenox’s additional loss.
Now, I have the desire to go back to the first story and see the series with a new light after getting these three prequels. As to reading order when it comes to new readers, definitely follow the release order, starting with A Beautiful Blue Death, and not the chronological one. Those who enjoy historical mysteries should give this Victorian Era detecting series a go.
About Charles Finch
My name is Charles Finch – welcome! I’m the author of the Charles Lenox series of historical mysteries, as well as a recent novel about expatriate life in Oxford, THE LAST ENCHANTMENTS. I also write book reviews for the New York Times, USA Today, and the Chicago Tribune and essays in many different places.
Like most people on this website, I’m a huge reader. My taste is all over the place, though I tend to really like literary and mystery fiction. Some of my favorite writers: George Orwell, Henry Green, Dick Francis, Anthony Trollope, David Lodge, PG Wodehouse, Bill Bryson, Roberto Bolano, Jonathan Franzen, Shirley Hazzard, Leo Tolstoy, AR Ammons, Philip Larkin, Edgar Bowers, Laurent Binet, Laurie Colwin, Jane Austen, Arthur Conan Doyle, Philip Roth, Henrik Ibsen, Geoff Dyer, the list could go forever…
A bit about myself: I was born in New York City, and since then I’ve lived all over the place, in America, England, France…at the moment I’m in Chicago, where I just recently moved. I spend most of my time here writing, reading, walking my dog, and trying not to let my ears freeze off.
As a lifelong reader, it was inevitable that Sophia would discover book blogs and the joy of blog reviewing.Sophia is a prolific reader and audiobook listener which allows her to experience so many wonderful books, authors, and narrators.Few genres are outside her reading tastes, but her true love is fiction particularly history, mystery, sci-fi, and romance.Though, sorry, no horror or she will run like Shaggy and Scooby.
Friend or follow me at Goodreads.
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glad it was good for you
Thanks, Sherry!
It’s a series I find easy to get into and enjoy all the characters.
Hopefully, if I binge the series fast enough I’ll remember quite a bit when I get to this one, although it’s different when you already know things. I think I’ve read just one of these and hope to continue. Fantastic review!
Yes, its different when its a prequel follow up so you know somethings and now they make more sense. 🙂 I enjoyed this prequel trilogy after I got through several of the original series and now I need to go back and get caught up on that part. 🙂
Oh why not. it looks quite well done and it looks like a good last book.
Yes! It was a lot of fun getting the finish to the prequel series.
This one sounds really promising. I hope you really enjoy it, Anne – and thank you for your comments regarding my choice today:)
It’s a great series. Thanks for stopping by! 🙂
I think that a prequel like this one can really help the reader see a well-loved character in a new light. This series sounds really well done and it is a great sign that you are tempted to read the series again with this new insight into the character. Great review!
You expressed my sentiments exactly, Carole. Now that I know the details of his early life, I want to go back and read the series again to see how it all fits.
Excellent review!
Thanks, Bea! I had a good time with this one.
Thanks Sophia. Good to know to read in release order and not chronological order. I think that is a good rule of thumb with books because an author who writes a prequel after the series is established always knows to include things about the characters or upcoming situations that tweak the story just a bit – you know?! This series continues to sound wonderful.
Yes, that is exactly what I’ve come to think after a reading a few of these series where the author goes back to the beginning. And, its true of this series, for sure.
I can enoy a mystjery even if it’s not a fast moving plot. I like trying to figure it out. Sounds like this has the makings of a good movie.
I like these gently paced mysteries, too. Yes, I would love to see these as a TV series.
This looks like an interesting series. I like the era it is set in and sometimes prequels can add so much depth to the original series that when done well they add a lot to the overall setting of the series.
I love the Victorian setting, too, Robin. And, absolutely yes this was that type of prequel that enhanced the main story. I have the itch to go back through it now.