Brutal murder in a Victorian music hall? A feisty heroine? Humour and twists galore? Definitely count me in!
Thanks to Gallic Books for sending me a copy of this book for review – as always, opinions are my own.
This murder mystery takes us into the Variety Palace Music Hall in 1876 – and immediately introduces us to a cast of brilliant characters led by Minnie Ward, the theatre’s scriptwriter. When her best friend is found dead in grim and seedy circumstances, Minnie engages private detective Albert Easterbrook to solve the mystery of the death. However, Minnie isn’t prepared to take a back seat at all, resulting in the unlikely duo making their way through elements of London’s high and low society in search of answers.
From the very first scene in this book, I knew I was in the hands of a brilliant storyteller. The vivid way that the Variety Palace Music Hall is brought to life is pitch perfect – and I especially love the humour with which the story is told. From Minnie’s commentary on some of the less talented acts on the bill to the keen eye with which the social divide between Minnie and Albert is explored – I adored it all.
Despite the humour, this isn’t a cosy tale. It’s actually quite dark and disturbing in places, especially with the Hairpin Killer terrorising the streets and the murky world of prostitution, poverty and crime cutting through all levels of society – even the seemingly respectable. It’s beautifully done though – there is tonnes of tension and peril, but also warm characterisation and pin-sharp historical detail.
I was heartened to see that this is intended as the first in a series featuring Minnie and Albert. While I loved them both and the repartee they share, I fell in love with Minnie. She is determined, brave and used to living on her wits, so it was satisfying to see her run rings around Albert at times. I wanted her to be the one to make the breakthroughs and the rescues rather than a passive damsel in distress, and she absolutely delivered.
Underneath it all, there is some sharp social commentary around violence towards women, gender inequality and the social divide. I wish I could say these were Victorian concerns only, but sadly some of the issues still feel fresh and modern. The book is absolutely the better for this and it never feels preachy or didactic – instead, the reader is left to make their own judgements and realisations. It would be very sobering reading if it wasn’t also so entertainingly written – I genuinely relished every moment with Minnie.
If you’re happy to dive into London’s seamy underbelly in fabulous company, this is the book for you. It’s cleverly plotted, often funny and thought-provoking, and a rip-roaring story to boot. I cannot recommend this more highly – and I cannot wait for Book 2!
This book will be published on 25th May – if you’d like to pre-order a copy, please use my affiliate link below. Thanks for supporting my blog with any purchases.
I love that this book has apparantely some good social commentary around violence towards women, gender inequality and the social divide of the time, even though these are also things we struggle with in today’s society. Thanks for sharing, Kate!