Confess I haven't read any of the other books in this series featuring Charles Lenox, amateur detective, and his inamorata Lady Jane Grey. Perhaps I ought to read "A Beautiful Blue Death" - the first book in the series which, I understand, was nominated for all sorts of awards - before I pass judgment on this 3rd book in the series.

But while I found the main characters charming and the Victorian ambiance beguiling, this wasn't enough to distract me from the frustrations of the plot, which I felt to be over-reliant on coincidences, inconsistent detectival rigor, improbable deductions, and plot holes. Don't want to risk spoilers, but will challenge fellow readers to ask themselves at the end of this: would any remotely competent criminal have devised such an unnecessarily complex crime? Neither the plot nor the psychology seemed to make much sense to me. I was also a bit disappointed that the novel, despite its title, delivered little insight into the machinations of Fleet Street, but perhaps that's just me.

Having said that, I get that many readers of historical fiction are willing to tolerate a bit of sloppy plotting in exchange for authentic period detail and likeable protagonists. Those readers are likely to find "The Fleet Street Murders" a sufficiently satisfying read. Indeed, despite my critiques of this particular outing, there was enough promise here that I'm going to give "A Beautiful Blue Death" a try. But there are so many great historical mysteries out there these days, readers like me can afford to be a little picky about the ones we choose to invest our time in, right? ( )

Another good one in this series (liked this one better than book #2) ( )

No. 3 in the Charles Lenox Victorian mystery series. Lenox is campaigning frantically in a by-election for a seat in Parliament for a rural district, while back in London two journalists have been murdered almost simultaneously and naturally the police have it all wrong. Or do they? Charles itches to get back and get into it, but he also really wants to take a seat in the House of Commons...can he manage both? And when things get rotten again with his old friend McConnell and wife Toto, Charles's fiance, Lady Jane, begins having second thoughts about the wisdom of getting married. Almost cozy, perfectly enjoyable and diverting. ( )

This third book in Charles Finch's "Charles Lenox Mystery" series continues a brilliant story of an aristocratic, bright and intelligent self-made detective. The writing is excellent and imagery - atmospheric.

The setting is 1866 London. Our 40ish detectective is betrothed to his childhood friend and must leave her as he campaigns in Stirrington for a Parliamentary seat. She has developed cold feet and he's now gone. Meanwhile, two journalists are murdered, virtually simultaneously. One is deemed virtuous and the other, "a corrupt and corruptible soul". Will Scotland Yard carry out its due diligence and find the perpetrators of these crimes or will Charles again step into the breach to resolve the matter at hand.

Mr. Finch has written a most clever story, drawing on English history and laying out the breadcrumbs for the mystery loving reader. The references to a prior book of the series were a delicious reminder of much which came before. I eagerly look forward to reading the subsequent books of this brilliant series. ( )

Charles Lenox runs for a House of Commons seat and investigates suspicious deaths of men in finance. Lenox and Lady Jane Gray make plans for their wedding. While I'm certain the author will use the Parliamentary seat in future novels, it seemed more a distraction in this one. I'm not certain how I feel about a private investigator holding that title and continuing to practice private investigation. James Langton always does a good job narrating books. ( )