3.63
Part of "Charles Lenox Mysteries" series
In "A Beautiful Blue Death," Charles Finch introduces readers to a charming and unforgettable protagonist, Lenox, a Victorian gentleman and armchair detective. The story is set in the winter of 1866, in the heart of London, where a series of mysterious and seemingly unrelated events take place. When Lenox's dear friend, Prudence Smith, requests his help in finding her maid's killer, Lenox cannot refuse. The maid was found dead in their home, having ingested a lethal dose of a rare and exotic poison, known as "beautiful blue death." Finch masterfully weaves a complex and intricate plot, filled with twists and turns, as Lenox embarks on a dangerous journey to uncover the truth. Along the way, he encounters a colorful cast of characters, from the upper echelons of London society to the city's seedy underbelly. From the beginning, Finch establishes Lenox as a sharp-witted and observant detective, who uses his knowledge of human nature and his keen eye for detail to solve the case. What sets "A Beautiful Blue Death" apart from other detective novels is Finch's vivid and evocative portrayal of Victorian London. He brings the city to life, capturing its sights, sounds, and smells, and immersing the reader in its rich and complex history. Finch's prose is elegant and refined, and his dialogue is sharp and witty, making for a delightful and engaging reading experience. In conclusion, "A Beautiful Blue Death" is a must-read for fans of detective fiction and historical novels alike. Finch's debut novel is a captivating and thrilling mystery, filled with intrigue, suspense, and a cast of unforgettable characters. With its rich and atmospheric setting, and its sharp and witty prose, "A Beautiful Blue Death" is a standout addition to the genre, and a testament to Finch's talent as a writer...
Alan Bradley
The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie
Fans of 'A Beautiful Blue Death' will enjoy this debut novel by Alan Bradley, which, like Finch's book, features an amateur sleuth who is just as clever and witty. In this case, the sleuth is 11-year-old Flavia de Luce, who sets out to solve a murder that takes place in her family's estate in 1950s England.
Learn MoreP.D. James
An Unsuitable Job for a Woman
Like 'A Beautiful Blue Death', this novel by P.D. James features a smart and resourceful protagonist who is drawn into a murder investigation. Cordelia Gray, the young female detective in this book, is a great counterpart to Charles Lenox, and the London setting will be familiar to fans of Finch's series.
Learn MoreNicholas Meyer
The West End Horror
This book, which features Sherlock Holmes, is a great choice for fans of 'A Beautiful Blue Death' who enjoy historical mysteries. The West End Horror is set in Victorian London and features a complex plot that will keep readers guessing until the very end.
Learn MoreLaura Amy Schlitz
The Beekeeper's Apprentice
This is another great historical mystery that fans of 'A Beautiful Blue Death' will enjoy. The Beekeeper's Apprentice features a young girl named Mary Russell, who becomes Sherlock Holmes' apprentice and helps him solve a series of murders in early 20th century England.
Learn MoreCaleb Carr
The Alienist
Fans of 'A Beautiful Blue Death' who enjoy historical mysteries with a darker edge will appreciate The Alienist. This book, which is set in 1896 New York City, follows a team of investigators as they try to solve a series of gruesome murders. The attention to historical detail and the complex plot will appeal to fans of Finch's book.
Learn MoreUmberto Eco
The Name of the Rose
This historical mystery, set in a medieval monastery, is a great choice for fans of 'A Beautiful Blue Death' who enjoy complex plots and intellectual challenges. The Name of the Rose features a Franciscan friar named William of Baskerville, who investigates a series of murders with the help of his young apprentice, Adso of Melk.
Learn MoreMatthew Pearl
The Dante Club
This historical mystery, set in post-Civil War Boston, is a great choice for fans of 'A Beautiful Blue Death' who enjoy intellectual challenges. The Dante Club follows a group of poets as they try to solve a series of murders that seem to be based on Dante's Inferno. The attention to historical detail and the complex plot will appeal to fans of Finch's book.
Learn MoreSir Arthur Conan Doyle
The Hound of the Baskervilles
Fans of 'A Beautiful Blue Death' who enjoy historical mysteries with a supernatural twist will appreciate The Hound of the Baskervilles. This classic Sherlock Holmes novel features a mysterious hound that is terrorizing a family in Dartmoor, and the investigation leads Holmes and Watson into a web of intrigue and danger.
Learn MoreDashiell Hammett
The Thin Man
Fans of 'A Beautiful Blue Death' who enjoy witty banter and a fast-paced plot will appreciate The Thin Man. This classic detective novel features a retired detective named Nick Charles and his wealthy socialite wife, Nora, who become embroiled in a murder investigation. The snappy dialogue and the complex plot will appeal to fans of Finch's book.
Learn MoreRaymond Chandler
The Big Sleep
Fans of 'A Beautiful Blue Death' who enjoy hard-boiled detective novels will appreciate The Big Sleep. This classic novel features Philip Marlowe, a private detective who is hired to investigate a blackmail case but soon finds himself involved in a complex web of crime and corruption. The gritty atmosphere and the fast-paced plot will appeal to fans of Finch's book.
Learn MoreDashiell Hammett
The Maltese Falcon
Fans of 'A Beautiful Blue Death' who enjoy hard-boiled detective novels will appreciate The Maltese Falcon. This classic novel features Sam Spade, a private detective who is hired to investigate the murder of his partner but soon finds himself caught up in a dangerous game of intrigue and deception. The gritty atmosphere and the complex plot will appeal to fans of Finch's book.
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