A private detective whodunnit set in Victorian England.
The story is interesting, the historical background seems encouragingly authentic, and the whole comes off as a pleasant diversion. ( )

The Tumbling Girl is the introductory mystery in the Variety Palace Mysteries that center on Minnie Ward, the intrepid glue that holds the somewhat rickety Variety Palace together. She writes songs, skits, organizes acts, keeps the peace among the large cast, all while solving murders. She is the embodiment of the phrase, “if you want something done, ask a busy woman.”

While Albert Easterbrook, the private detective may think he is the Holmes in this story, he’s clearly the Watson. Minnie is the driver. She brings him the mystery, she goes undercover, she is the one who is threatened, who is in jeopardy. I assume in future episodes, the detection will be slightly more balanced as Minnie and Albert are falling in love.

There are two mysteries. Who killed Minnie’s best friend and who is killing women in London and desecrating their bodies? Minnie’s death was ruled a suicide, so there is no reason to connect it to the serial murders. Still, there are uncanny connections.

I liked several things about The Tumbling Girl. The mystery is complex, but fair. There is humor as well as murder and mayhem. I like the irrepressible Minnie and the more restrained Albert. However, I wish Bridget Walsh trusted her readers more. She sort of bludgeons us with the obvious at the end. The last sentence was so unnecessary. We already knew.

I received an ARC of The Tumbling Girl from the publisher.

The Tumbling Girl at Gallic Press | Belgravia
Bridget Walsh on Twitter

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