Lisa M. Lane

I enjoyed this book a lot. It's a fun romp through mid-ninteenth century British society, with an exciting blend of historical figures and compelling original characters. I thought the overarching focus on photographic and artistic advancements was interesting. I learned quite a bit. I do think the book's pacing was difficult at times: we get an excerpt of the murder at the start of the book, and then it doesn't show up again until nearly a third of the way through, which for me had the effect of dulling my interest. And for all the wonderful history included in the book, it can sometimes drift into reading a little bit like the historical figures' CV. But overall, quite fun, and I look forward to reading more of the author's work.

I received an early copy through the LibraryThings Early Reviewers program and post this review voluntarily.… (meer)

This was interesting - my first win of a sequel to a previous win. Murder on the Pneumatic Railway by Lisa M. Lane is the third in her Tommy Jones Mysteries series, but I believe it works on its own. Like the first, Murder at Old St. Thomas’s, it is a well-done mix of Victorian Era history and mystery with an appealing cast of characters. While continuing to illuminate the status of women at that time, there is also much to learn here about advancements in medicine and technology (the pneumatic railway and mining conditions, in particular.)
When I finished the first book, I was surprised to learn that Tommy would be the focus of the series. I am pleased with the way the author is developing his character, believably and at a reasonable pace. I will definitely read the second book in the series and look forward to future installments – even if the LibraryThing algorithm isn’t kind enough to send them my way.… (meer)

Recently, While on a cruise, I had the leisure to read Lisa M. Lane's "Murder on the Pneumatic Railway". As a Fan of PBS Masterpiece theatre, this Victorian era Murder mystery sounded right up my alley. Lane took me to the familiar streets of Victorian London and further afield to the country town of Durham, weaving an interesting tale that combined the emerging technology of the industrial age, the gender and social barriers of the Victorian era and a well written mystery featuring plenty of unexpected twists and turns. The cast is believable and likable with a bit of graft and romance thrown in with some fine detective work. Some may think the plot to be overly simple, but I found it to be simply very readable. The pace of the story kept my attention and was a perfect, relaxing summer read. I look forward to reading more of the likable Tommy Jones.… (meer)