A Beautiful Blue Death

Charles Lenox Mysteries Series #1

By: Charles Finch

Narrated by: James Langton

Length: 8 hrs and 58 mins

Publisher's summary

Charles Lenox, Victorian gentleman and armchair explorer, likes nothing more than to relax in his private study with a cup of tea, a roaring fire and a good book. But when his lifelong friend Lady Jane asks for his help, Lenox cannot resist the chance to unravel a mystery. Prudence Smith, one of Jane's former servants, is dead of an apparent suicide. But Lenox suspects something far more sinister: murder, by a rare and deadly poison. The grand house where the girl worked is full of suspects, and though Prue had dabbled with the hearts of more than a few men, Lenox is baffled by the motive for the girl's death. When another body turns up during the London season's most fashionable ball, Lenox must untangle a web of loyalties and animosities. Was it jealousy that killed Prudence Smith? Or was it something else entirely? And can Lenox find the answer before the killer strikes again---this time, disturbingly close to home?

©2007 Charles Finch (P)2011 Tantor

Critic reviews

"Vividly capturing the essence of Victorian England, Finch presents us with a unique sleuth who combines the deductive powers of Sherlock Holmes with the people skills of Thomas Pitt. A sparkling achievement." ( Library Journal, Starred Review)

Great listen.

Enjoyed it. I originally got a few Lennox mysteries out of order. I am now listening to all of them in order.

Solid mystery if you don't mind a slower pace

A bit slow at times, but I enjoyed the mystery and the characters. The narration was mostly excellent - except for the main character, who had a most unpleasant voice. I wondered if I'd make it through the entire book, but luckily the story and voices of other characters were engaging enough to overcome Charles's flat delivery.

Great story -- narration, not so much

This character driven mystery is charming; description of place and time are very good. The narrator, however, detracts from the story, particularly in the voice of Charles Lenox. He sounds supercilious, and flippant. I find this in contrast to the character's actual words. Nonetheless, I've bought the next 2.

For Fans of Victoriana

This book is a moderately diverting tale set in Victorian London. Its hero is an aristocratic sleuth, who is all intelligence, kindness and insight. These qualities are counterbalanced by...nothing. He is an extraordinarily tepid character, carrying on a barely perceptible courtship with an equally intelligent and pallid aristocratic widow. Blood hardly seems to flow in their veins. They have money and position and time, none of which is at stake, so they spend all three in the service of solving the troubles of the lower orders.

Charming, and a good read

I love the style of writing, makes one think of Jeeves and Wooster. Look forward to listening to the next in the series.

I like cozy

Would you consider the audio edition of A Beautiful Blue Death to be better than the print version?

N/A

Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

I wouldn't say on the edge of my seat, but I always wanted to see what would happen next.

Which scene was your favorite?

I thinks the budding romance scenes. I enjoy the old fashioned purity where love is slow to be realized and strong emotional urges are held in check.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes.

Any additional comments?

People say its "cozy" like it's a bad thing. I truly enjoyed this book and I am about ready to download the next one.

Refreshingly different!

I enjoy mysteries and detective stories. While this wasn't the deepest plot, it was very enjoyable and the setting makes it a nice diversion from the usual detective stories. Very enjoyable and well worth the time to listen! I will read/listen to more of these in the future.

Not bad, but not good

Novel was OK. I considered it to be dry and predictable and to offer none of the joy of having an actual mystery where you puzzle over 'who did it's as it was so obvious from the very first. The ending was dragged out.

Well written Victorian mystery.

I am a new fan. I don't u as usually go for period mysteries but this series is great.

Excellent

It really took me awhile to get into the story and get use to the narrator.

There is a backstory on Charles and Lady Jane I am sure so looking forward to more. Charles seems a little tame but think there is more to him.