The Earl of Wrexford is more interested in chemistry than society or his reputation. So when the satirist A. J. Quill skewers his current conflict with an anti-science preacher, Wrexford doesn’t much care. However, when said preacher is murdered and Bow Street decides that he’s the most likely culprit, Wrexford sets out to clear his name, and since Quill seems always know details that no one else does, he plans on tracking down the cartoonist. Charlotte Sloane took up her husband’s trade after his death and has managed to survive on it. At least until Wrexford’s discovery of her identity. But she agrees to help him investigate the murder. But as the two of them investigate and more murders occur, it seems that Charlotte too might have a personal connection to the murders, and both she and Wrexford might have lives on the line.
This is such a great historical mystery. The mystery itself is great, and I love how it all comes together. It’s also pretty clear that the author has researched what was going on with science in the time period. I also appreciated that the story isn’t confined to the upperclass, and it’s pretty cognizant of just how difficult life was if you didn’t have a lot of money. Our main characters are great in that they’re both distinct and memorable and work well together. Wrexford is slightly aloof, sarcastic, and acts very much like he doesn’t care, though his actions speak otherwise. Charlotte has clearly been through a lot but has survived and has a strength to her. She isn’t afraid to challenge Wrexford and is good at keeping him from getting too arrogant. Their skills also compliment one another really well.
One of the things I really love about this book is the just how much Wrexford respects Charlotte’s intelligence. There’s a moment in the book where she’s like I have no solid proof to basis my conclusion on and you probably won’t believe me, and his response is you’re incredibly observant and I don’t that you’re just making things up. I also like the fact that he respects her enough not to press her on secrets she’s keeping when they’re not relevant to their investigation. Both Charlotte and Wrexford are great characters, and neither overpower the other or dominate the story. The supporting cast are great too. Raven and Hawk, the two street urchins that Charlotte has basically adopted, can clearly weasel their way into many places and people’s affections. Wrexford has his valet, Tyler, who’s not only a trained scientist as well but also sasses his employer
I also really love the fact that the author very much took the tract that art and science could work together rather than being in opposition. So many pieces of media take the track of science versus art and someone who’s into both I really appreciate it when they get to work together. And it does take both for Charlotte and Wrexford to solve the mystery. There’s a lot of potential with these characters. Charlotte and Wrexford already have a great team with Tyler, Raven, Hawk, and Kit, and I’d love to see them tackle a mystery that might not have such personal stakes for them to see how that might change things. I’d also love to see more female characters, but I’m definitely picking up the next book in the series to see where things go. Five out of five stars.
