The September Society

Charles Lenox Mysteries Series #2

By: Charles Finch

Narrated by: James Langton

Length: 8 hrs and 46 mins

Publisher's summary

In the small hours of the morning one fall day in 1866, a frantic widow visits detective Charles Lenox. Lady Annabelle's problem is simple: her beloved son, George, has vanished from his room at Oxford. When Lenox visits his alma mater to investigate, he discovers a series of bizarre clues, including a murdered cat and a card cryptically referring to "The September Society".

Then, just as Lenox realizes that the case may be deeper than it appears, a student dies, the victim of foul play. What could the September Society have to do with it? What specter, returned from the past, is haunting gentle Oxford? Lenox, with the support of his devoted friends in London's upper crust, must race to discover the truth before it comes searching for him, and dangerously close to home.

Investigate more mysterious doings with Charles Lennox.

©2008 Charles Finch (P)2011 Tantor

Critic reviews

"Even the most astute reader will be guessing to the end. Another triumph." ( Library Journal)

Entertaining Victorian Mystery

Any additional comments?

This is a pleasant listen. Very well written and an insight into the British Aristocracy of the 1800s. It has the feel of being written in Victorian times. A good detective story with a welcome departure from the sex and violence that many contemporary authors feel obligated to include.

Enjoyable, human Victoriam detective story

I really enjoyed this book because I liked Charles Lennox. He's a kind man who makes mistakes and is mature enough to evaluate and regret them. He sacrifices position and relationships to serve humankind as a detective, seeing nobility in his calling. A *good* man. A human man without the cockiness or certitude of a Holmes or Poirot.

The pace is slow, with the clues unfolding gradually - not a good choice for readers who want a lot of action or an all-knowing detective. But it has heart. And there are a number of historical tidbits as a bonus, if one enjoys that sort of thing, as I do.

The narrator is wonderful, really differentiating the characters with different voicings and traits.

I'll definitely read more in the series.

Great story for rush hour traffic

I got stuck in gridlocked traffic a few days ago and it was the engaging plot and the measured tones of the narrator that saved my sanity.

Great audiobook

Where does The September Society rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

One of the very best on audio--takes a bit to get used to narrator's slightly diffident tone, but a fascinating, well developed mystery, and a likeable aristocratic detective...in the mold of Wimsey and Campion but a real original. Highly recommend!

Any additional comments?

Great story

Love the narrator's voice. Great story and very likable characters. Will definitely read the next one in the series.

The characters are growing on me!

I read "A Beautiful Blue Death" and, while I enjoyed it intellectually, I didn't really connect emotionally with the characters. This second novel fleshes the main characters out and I enjoyed it a great deal, even if a few of the characters (Toto, in particular) still seem a little thin and two-dimensional.

Enjoyable historical

My first Lennox story but definitely not the last. The story was a bit rambling, but it all came together in the end. The narration was perfect and really added to the story.

another great read.

I gave the story 4 stars because I figured out the ending. it was still an adventure worth taking.

The September Society is a good read!!

Finch has added more character development and lI thoroughly enjoyed Lennox adding Graham & a new young apprentice to the mix . The fight between his bachelorhood and feelings for Lady Jane take a new twist.

Ho hum is right

After hearing and enjoying the first 2 books, I thought I wanted more but this supersaturates with many short interviews and like scenes. Worse was Lenox’ dithering about proposing. I wanted PG Wodehouse to step in and take charge. Lenox could smother Jane in kisses and declare “My mate!” Alas they’re not in Blandings Castle.
If you just want it to end but not miss all the tie-ups, skip to Chapter 48.