When Lucy Lawrence’s husband, Charlie, is killed in what appears to be an accident, her world falls apart as she discovers that not only was Charlie far from the man she imagined him to be but that she is almost penniless. In the aftermath of Charlie’s death, friends melt away and those Lucy should be able to rely on, her family, are far much less than supportive. She is forced to turn to the cool and possibly calculating Phineas Stone, an insurance investigator with a ‘confidential’ interest in her husband’s death. Lucy has no other choice despite being unsure of his motives or if he is ‘up to scratch’ as her stalwart maid, Mary, puts it.

Lucy is a delightful character, very much a woman of her time who has never truly had to stand on her own feet before. Impulsive (she had eloped ten years earlier) and quick-witted, when Lucy herself is targeted, she swiftly learns to not only stand on but to think on her feet, assisted by ever resourceful Mary. What follows as Lucy uncovers the mystery surrounding her husband’s death is a thrilling page-turner.

London of 1886 is recreated through the unique details of time and place threaded seamlessly through the narrative. The smoothly flowing prose is laced with humour yet also brings to chilling life the darkness and cruelty of London’s criminal underworld. Absolutely recommended.

This compelling murder mystery is the first book of Pam Lecky’s Lucy Lawrence Mysteries.