An Extravagant Death

A Charles Lenox Mystery

By: Charles Finch

Narrated by: James Langton

Length: 8 hrs and 17 mins

Publisher's Summary

"Peppered with fascinating local history, this is a riveting listen for mystery and history lovers alike." (AudioFile Magazine)

In what promises to be a breakout in Charles Finch's best-selling 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.  

A Macmillan Audio production from Minotaur Books

©2021 Charles Finch (P)2021 Macmillan Audio

a great story

a fabulous writer and perfect narrator!! I've read and listened to all of the Inspector Lennox series and I'm never disappointed. thanks for a wonderful series.

Charles Lenox series still fantastic

This novel as I was sure it would be, was phenomenally written. It only adds to the amazing development of the Lenox series. Finch is able to write prequels as well as continue the series in such a way to keep readers interested. He also continually gives info on historical customs of the time, which are fascinating.

Another Successful Lenox Mystery

Charles Lenox holds a place in my heart along with Walt Longmire and Armand Gamache, each so uniquely different than the other but sharing the most admirable qualities of kindness, compassion and integrity.

I held off listening to An Extravagant Death until I had my first vaccination as a guard against COVID. It seemed appropriate that if I became ill at least I would have the comfort of another of Charles Finch’s wonderful tales of Charles Lenox and his extraordinary investigative skills.

It is no surprise that An Extravagant Death is filled with very interesting history, clearly Finch spent long hours of research to accomplish a well written mystery that not only entertains but educates the reader of times long past. I am glad he ventured to the USA. I rarely write reviews and dislike the synthesized versions so refrain from details about the plot. Suffice it to know that it will be well worth the time invested to enjoy this Finch’s latest in this wonderful series. I just wish Lenox was not aging so rapidly!

Brillaint and Riveting soujourn in the Gilded Age

Wonderfully written and constructed mystery set in the Gilded Age. As always Finch takes time to weave an intricate historically rich tapestry breathing life into all his charecters. The mystery itself is somewhat reminiscent of Foley’s guest list albeit vastly different in nature. Somewhat bittersweet ending as I feel Finch is morphing Lenox into a new phase of life and maybe wrapping up the series (or as I fervently hope!)evolving Lenox’s life journey to incorporate a more travel focused diplomatic role within the British Govt allowing him to travel with his family and “encounter” mysteries in foreign lands. I am heartened to see Lenox remains in America en famille at the end of the book so I feel we can expect at least one more following book in the Americas. Bravo Mr Finch! Please keep writing and evolving both young and mature lenox for us avid readers for whom, like Graham, Lenox is now an old beloved friend. Thank you for this magical gift!

One of the best stories in this series

It was interesting to return to the "present day" so to speak of the main character, Charles Lenox, after several books dating from a period before his marriage to Lady Jane. Since I come from a town in southern Massachusetts which is quite close to Newport, RI, the setting for this story was an extra treat. This story with one foot in New York and the other in Newport was very interesting and the plot was very clever, a most enjoyable listen. It seems that the author may want to write a different kind of story for his hero next time while leaving open the possibility of the pursuit for complete closure in this one. I hope we do not have long to wait!

Superb Addition to the Charles Lenox Series!

Whether a new or an avid reader of the Lenox series, you won’t want to stop listening! The masterful story by Charles Finch combined with James Langton’s narration will bring you into the worlds of England and America as Lenox leaves London on this adventure. In addition, I love the historical accuracy, the side characters, and the humanity of the characters. You will not be disappointed!

Not my favorite Charles Lenox

Narrator struggled with US accents. Story was tiresome, largely because the upper crust characters were all repulsive. I miss the days of Lenox dealing with seedier criminals.

The detail was exquisite.

The story was engagingly written and read. This was my first foray into Mr. Finch’s work but will not be my last. I enjoyed the descriptive contrast between London and New York and the accuracy of his elaboration of the time period. I truly look forward to reading or listening to the entire series and anything else Mr. Finch has written.

Another great book

this one takes us to the uber wealthy in NY, I loved this new adventure

Its All About the Money

This is an excellent addition to the series, with a change in location to the USA. Lenox spends his time investigating a murder amongst America's richest families in NYC and Newport RI. The twisted way Americans view money was the recurring theme throughout the book, providing an entertaining metaphor for our current day struggles to define what America is.