A Beautiful Blue Death Audiobook By Charles Finch cover art

A Beautiful Blue Death

Charles Lenox Mysteries Series #1

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A Beautiful Blue Death

By: Charles Finch
Narrated by: James Langton
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Buy for $19.32

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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 Mystery Detective Historical Traditional Detectives Exciting Suspense Thriller & Suspense Fiction Heartfelt

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)
Engaging Mystery • Complex Plot • Excellent Narration • Historical Atmosphere • Twisty Storyline

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

Great listen.

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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.

Solid mystery if you don't mind a slower pace

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Is there anything you would change about this book?

If we make this detective from old London, with a doctor as an assistant (really), less compassionate, less friendly and not so disturbingly polite, he might be more interesting, but I think Sir Arthur Conan Doyle has already done this. I can only imagine this author purposely imagined "what would a Sherlock Holmes mystery be like if he didnt have any of his most interesting personality traits". The answer is a slow, mostly uninteresting story. The solving of the mystery was a bit disjointed as the detective sometimes seems brilliant beyond belief while at other times a bit slow on the uptake.

Any additional comments?

The love relationship develops more like a high school crush and is a bit painful to witness. Just nothing of real interest here for me.

Seems familiar.... hmmmm?

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I love the British sleuths...and this narrator makes a good story even better. I've found a new series to relish.

good story, good listen!

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narrator was excellent! matched the book so well. would definitely recommend this book to friends

loved it

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