The September Society

Charles Lenox Mysteries Series #2

By: Charles Finch

Narrated by: James Langton

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.

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.

Satisfactory historical mystery

The mystery was compelling, plenty of clues and twists and an interesting setting.
However the characters were not very engaging, I didn't care a jot for the main character's love interest and for some reason the narrator chose to give the main character a voice more suited to a simpleminded, aristocratic idler.

Good Victorian mystery

A bit wordy sometimes.
A look at what appears, at first, to be a silly disappearance by an Oxford undergraduate and which then turns into a nasty murder.
Very rose-coloured look at Oxford.
The protagonist does go on a bit about his undeclared love for his neighbour and there are what seems to be unnecessary complications and tensions there, which intrude on the main storyline. (It's probably just me.)

Well-written, well-researched, and great stories.

I highly recommend! Plenty of mystery, danger, delicate and interesting relationships, plus a good sprinkling of humor. I’ve listened to seven of the Charles Lennox mysteries now and none of them haven’t disappointed. I have enjoyed the many historical references as well as the propriety and elegance that he treats the characters.

Great

Really starting to get more into this series It was a journey to find out was going on with so many twist and turns. Very surprising at the end. Getting use to the narrator and enjoying.