The Woman in the Water

Charles Lenox Mysteries

By: Charles Finch

Narrated by: James Langton

London, 1850: A young Charles Lenox struggles to make a name for himself as a detective...without a single case. Scotland Yard refuses to take him seriously and his friends deride him for attempting a profession at all. But when an anonymous writer sends a letter to the paper claiming to have committed the perfect crime - and promising to kill again - Lenox is convinced that this is his chance to prove himself.

The writer's first victim is a young woman whose body is found in a naval trunk, caught up in the rushes of a small islets in the middle of the Thames. With few clues to go on, Lenox endeavors to solve the crime before another innocent life is lost. When the killer's sights are turned toward those whom Lenox holds most dear, the stakes are raised and Lenox is trapped in a desperate game of cat and mouse.

In the tradition of Sherlock Holmes, this newest mystery in the Charles Lenox series pits the young detective against a maniacal murderer who would give Professor Moriarty a run for his money.

©2018 Charles Finch (P)2018 Tantor

So happy this prequel was written and read!

I feel closer to the characters, Lenox, Graham and Lady Jane! I'm anticipating more mysteries!

Comparison

I enjoyed this book and look forward to reading another by this author. However I couldn’t help thinking of the comparison between the two main characters and the in Negeo Marsh’s books with Peter Whimsey and Bunter

Well Seasoned

It is unusual for the first book in the series to be written toward the end. However, it makes the book well-seasoned and thought out. I am very much looking forward to next year's book. The Lenox character is easy and soothing, and this book is particularly poignant as it puts the reader in the hero's life during the foreboding loss of his lone real love and his father, while at the same time allowing his blossoming interest in detection to unfold during such trial and uncertainty. I am not sure if a new reader to the series should start with the prequels. This one is particularly mature and rich. It gives the reader much to think about as the plot moves along.

My first finch

I listened to the audio with a smile on my face practically the whole time. What a stimulating delight. I am onto the first book in the series.

not memorable

read one of the others in the series
characters are too murky, action not dramatic enough. not worth your time.

Ever so British!

Ok, I’m not so discerning as a reader...but I love the description of every detail into the life of Lenox. His clothes his politics and importantly his character.
The reader is fantastic, modulating his voice and keeping all the characters in their own cadence. I have not grown tired of his voice or his nuances. I have to admit I have grown tired of the manner of speaking after 10 or 12 novels of another series...
The story was captivating as the story played out, but it did take awhile to get to the murder itself...I see that is beauty of this writer and am enjoying book number 1.

A Good Historical Mystery Series

I really like the character development and attention to details by this author. This is my third book in the series, probably best to read in order, but not necessary.

Fabulous series!

Loved it! I always look forward to stepping back into Charles Lenox's London. "The Woman in the Water" did not disappoint. Charles Finch is so good at immersing the reader with wonderful details and characters that are so real and enjoyable.

Prequel to the Charles Lenox mysteries

This gives the background on how Lenox, a young aristocrat and second son of a lord in 1850 England, just out of university, became a detective, against all the rules of the upper class. I love these books, listening to them in the impeccable British and getting to know Charles, his valet Graham, his love interest Jane Elizabeth, the bumbling Scotland Yard detectives. But best if all, Lenix is as delightful a character as you will meet in literature. For all the ridiculous British hierarchy and social rules, he is real, generous, smart and caring. He thinks and feels deeply. This is my third in the series and I can't wait to hear more.

A Fun Little Mystery

This is a nifty little murder mystery which is a prequel to an entire series featuring this same detective (even though this one is published after the others).

The atmosphere is great and so are the characters. The detective isn't quite as prescient as Sherlock but he is a clever thinker and figured out the criminal from a minimum of clues. The story winds around and keeps you entertained till the very end.

The narrator does a fine job, although it was sometimes difficult to discern one character from another. Still, his voices for the two main characters -- Charles Lenox (the detective) and his butler Graham (who does much of the heavy research) are quite good.

It was a fun ride.