Death at Epsom Downs

Death at Whitechapel (Robin Paige Victorian Mysteries, No. 6)Death at Gallows Green (Victorian Mysteries, No. 2) There are 13 in all, so far as I know. Reading them in order is a good idea because the author(s) have done excellent research for what I believe to be mostly Victorian and into the Edwardian times in the UK, mainly England. As new, to the period; products/inventions, fashions, popular beliefs, etc., come to the fore. They will be mentioned, at the least. Our husband and wife heroes' relationship progresses as well. For those who enjoy the "Brit" detective stories, there are ample plots and interesting characters; most are fictional, while some are real and had their place in history. Generally light, but very enjoyable, "Death at Whitechapel" relates a disturbing "bit of gossip", that may, indeed, be more real than many would like to believe. The books are highly descriptive, painting many a day, or place, that will fill the senses to the brim with "real" experiences. If there is a negative aspect to these delightful excursions to the moors, the seaside, village life, the gritty, or posh side of London; it is the fear that the husband and wife team who are "author" may grow weary of telling new ones. Bravo(a) to Susan and Bill, my neighboring Texans. Please continue!

I admit I do enjoy this series, but it is strictly a "fun" read. I agree with the other reviewers that the author(s) really make a royal hash of the British titles, alternately referring to the same character as Lord "surname" and then as Lord "first name" - yet the same person would NEVER go by both of those. Charles, as a peer, would never EVER be referred to a Lord Charles, and it would be terribly gauche to do so. A prince is never Your Majesty. These are pretty simple things that even an American like me can figure out and understand, yet the author(s) screw this up every time in book after book.However if I just grit my teeth and bear it the rest of the book is funny and informative, a "light" read, so I guess I cannot expect too much accuracy. But fun. Brain candy.

This is the latest in a wonderful series, a series featuring two fine leading fictional characters (now married) and some very interesting non-fictional characters. In this one The Jersey Lily herself is joined by figures of the late nineteenth century British and American horseracing world, including an appearance (as in other books) of her paramour, the Prince of Wales. The problems are serious; murder is involved, yet a deft, light touch and very appealing characters make this book, and others of the series, terrific reading.

The latest of the Kate and Charles Sheridan series lives up to the previous mysteries. All of my favorite characters are there, and the setting of the racecourse at Newmarket is different than most of the Victorian and Edwardian mysteries. The description of Lillie Langtry and her life seems pretty accurate from all that I have read, and so does the decription of the racing world at the time. I really enjoyed the mystery, although I was a bit disappointed if not surprised by the resolution. I enjoyed it very much on the whole. The authors have a knack for bringing historical figures to life and writing a good mystery along with it.

In 1899, Lord Charles Sheridan, Baron of Somersworth, and his wife Lady Kathryn attend Derby Day at Epsom Downs. Charles, a photography buff, plans to shoot the hoses as they cross the finish line. However, tragedy strikes during the race when one of the thoroughbreds Gladiator goes berserk killing his jockey and another horse.The highly respected racing horse owner and fan, the Prince of Wales, believes someone drugged Gladiator. He asks Charles to investigate. While Charles is sleuthing, Kate visits Lillie Langtrey in an attempt to interview the famous actress for a magazine article that Kate wants to write under a pseudonym. Kate learns that Lillie owes a fortune to a bookie, who happens to have been shot at the same time he was supposed to meet the renowned performer. Charles sees the link between his inquiries and the bookie shooting. He files his report, but no one knows whether the guilty party will be punished or even if the doping will stop.DEATH AT EPSOM DOWNS is as much a social commentary of a time in which the excesses of the aristocracy was slowly ending (but still prevailing) in England as it is a mystery. The cleverly arranged mystery absorbs the audience, but takes a back seat to the human drama at the tail end of the nineteenth century. Robin Paige provides a page-turning novel that will entice historical fiction buffs and Victorian mystery readers to seek her previous works in a strong series.Harriet Klausner