Having enjoyed a short story related to this series, published in 'Midwinter Mysteries' I decided to try the first novel in the series. It it set in 1849 and Dickens is 30-something, at the height of his powers, beginning work on 'David Copperfield' and living with his wife Catherine, although the cracks are starting to show in their relationship. Quite a lot of Dickens' actual biography is worked into the novel, including his lasting psychological scars from his childhood employment in a factory while his father was incarcerated in debtor's prison.

In the story, he works alongside Superintendent Sam Jones, a fictional detective based upon Inspector Charles Field, the real-life detective who became his model for Inspector Bucket in 'Bleak House'. Dickens founded a home for 'fallen' women which was designed to give prostitutes and other women and girls a new start in life. A wealthy heiress, Miss Coutts, provided the financial backing. In the novel, disaster threatens the home when the assistant matron, Patience Brooke, is murdered. As well as desiring justice for Patience, Dickens is aware that the scandal could bring closure to the home since Miss Coutts would be forced to cease her involvement. There is already a kernel of opposition to its presence in the community from a group of bigots centred around an extreme Methodist minister, although the local Church of England vicar is more tolerant.

The story evokes the atmosphere of London, its squalor, extreme poverty and misery and how those exist adjacent to the homes and businesses of the wealthy and privileged. Dickens is a social reformer, as in real life, who uses his contacts in the police and other organisations to visit the more dangerous areas of the city and meet the inhabitants. In the novel, he and Sam do so to try to get to the heart of the mystery surrounding Patience, who was a refined woman but never spoke about the circumstances that brought her to the home. The characters and locations of London are vividly evoked. The only reason I hold back from awarding this a full five stars is that there is perhaps a little too much to-ing and fro-ing from place to place in tracking down the murderer, but I am happy to award it four stars as I really enjoyed it. ( )

Charles Dickens has set up a Home for Fallen Women, at Urania Cottage, which is managed by the matron Mrs Morson. In November 1849 Mrs Morson discovers the murdered body of helper Patience Brooke. Charles Dickens, and his friend Superintendent Jones of Bow Street investigate the death, and discover the secrets of Patience.
An enjoyable well-written and paced mystery with its likeable characters. A good start to the series ( )

horror, murder-investigation, historical-fiction, historical-figures, historical-research, law-enforcement

I had never cared enough to learn about the early life of Dickens but it plays a prominent part in this mystery. It seems that Dickens knew well the hardships which rang loudly in his books, and even more so in this horrific tale of multiple murder and the great difficulties incurred in trying to find who and where the murderer is as well as why.
The investigation is very well done and clearly depicts the lives of the people at both ends of the economic spectrum. The publisher's blurb gives hints and there is no need for spoilers here. Geeks of historical mysteries rejoice. Here is an excellent choice!
I requested and received a free ebook copy from Sapere Books and am very glad that I did! ( )