I love the Charles Lenox series, written by Charles Finch. The Last Passenger, which is the third and final in a prequel series (named book 0.3), is the thirteenth overall.

I read the prequel series in short succession — The Woman in the Water, The Vanishing Man, and now The Last Passenger — and this final installment is my favorite.

In it, Charles Lenox makes a subtle but marked turn from a borderline dilettante detective to one who consciously chooses to use detection as his way to make a difference in the world. He has a remarkable sense of his own privilege, which perhaps mirrors conversations happening in our modern world today, and decides that detection is how he can spend his time in a meaningful way.

The Last Passenger is a murder-mystery that touches on new topics for the series, including a dive into the American slave trade. It also tidily wraps up a few early narratives that we don’t see in the later books, such that there isn’t a weird conflict between the prequel and the main series.

Like all Charles Lenox books, there are a few spare threads that don’t seem necessary to the narrative, but I’ll happily overlook them to keep seeing more books appear in the series.

I came to this series late with “The Vanishing Man” and was excited to download the last and final in a prequel trilogy to the Charles Lenox series. Another great period piece that opens on October 1, 1855 when the city of London, England decides that it is time for Charles Lenox to be married. While not the central theme of the story it does help move it along together with Lenox’s contemplation of his profession and whether that course is sustainable. The characteristics of dry wit, humor and a smidgeon of self-deprecation that Finch attributes to Lenox win out on every page making him so very human and likable.

The story is involved and is not a straightforward investigation by Scotland Yard into a murder that has too many questions and no blatant answers. The murder is the front and center story but its resolution requires meandering down many lanes and alleys and as far afield as the time’s prevalent politics in the United States. Of course there is the murder, but attention is also paid to friendship, public and private conscience, an examination of class structure, prejudice and greed. It took no effort to become reacquainted with Lenox’s inner circle; his butler Graham, good friend and next door neighbor Lady Jane, and his brother Edmund. His introduction of new characters was done skillfully and served to enhance the story through their distinct personalities.

There is no doubt that I have to and will read each and every book in this series.Thank you NetGalley and Minotaur Books for a copy.

The Last Passenger is the third prequel in the Charles Lenox mystery series. A man is found dead on a train in Paddington Station. All manner of identification has been removed, including his taylor's tags. There doesn't seem to be a clue on who he is, or why he was killed. We know with Lenox on the case all will be discovered in time. There is also the relationship between him and Scotland Yard that could either help or hinder his investigation. We also learn more about Lenox and his personal life, is he ready for another love than his adoration for Lady Jane? Lady Jane and Deere have their own story with chess games, military life and true love.

Another completely enjoyable book in the series. Thank you to #NetGalley for the chance to read #TheLastPassenger, a highly recommendable read. The characters and plot line are strong and the book is hard to put down.

London, 1855. A young and eager Charles Lenox faces his toughest case yet: a murder without a single clue. Slumped in a third-class car at Paddington Station is the body of a handsome young gentleman. He has no luggage, empty pockets, and no sign of identification on his person. And putting together the clues to the mystery of the man’s identity only raises more questions, when Lenox discovers that the crime has a significant connection to America.

In all of my years of reading, I have never come across a book that in any way talks about the impact of America’s race relations on the UK. This book did and it was clear that Mr. Finch had done a lot of research into the issue. And he has created a very readable book. I was caught up in the mystery but the addition to the back story of Lady Jane and Lenox was also interesting. I was a bit worried that I wouldn’t like that part but I did. And I learned an amazing amount about the impact of cotton and tobacco on the slave trade.

As always, I am looking forward to the next Charles Lennox story. I thank Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of the book. The review is my own. And even better, I have learned Mr. Finch will be coming to my city for a book signing.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press Minotaur Books for an e-galley of this novel.

This is the third book in a trilogy of prequels giving readers insights into how Charles Lenox progressed toward a successful career as a private investigator. This was definitely my favorite of the three books and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The mystery on this one proved most difficult for Lenox (and me!) to solve because everything possible had been done to keep the identity of the victim obscured. All the labels in the clothing of the victim had been removed showing that the murderer was willing to run the risk of being discovered with the body on the train; keeping the identity of the victim unknown was that important. And it did turn out to be just that important.

In this book I was aware of the more intimate aspects of the life of Charles Lenox, something I had begun to sincerely miss from some of the more recent books. Charles was fun again and he was still vulnerable enough to be hurt by being cut in society by men he had attended school with. Everybody seemed to be against him taking up this profession he was designing for himself. He did have some support from family and friends but not universal acceptance in society. Lady Jane Grey features very prominently in this prequel and my questions about her marriage were covered to my satisfaction.

Having read many of the books in this series I found myself glad about reading this final book in the prequel. I read the other two, but this is my favorite. Now I'm ready to get back to the "present" with Charles in the next book. It was like taking a refresher course; I found out a lot about a subject I had thought I already knew about. That turned out to be a very good thing.

Like so many books I have found through NetGalley I had never read any of the books in the Charles Lenox series. I am so happy that I was given access to the ARC for The Last Passenger, and I can’t wait to explore the entire series. The Last Passenger is actually a prequel to the series and focuses on Charles as a younger man, which was good for me since I did not have any other point of reference for him. The story involves the murder of a man who has no form of identification and then winds along a path that leads to the “peculiar institution” (slavery) and how it is dealt with in England and America. There are also romantic moments as Charles tries to find his future wife. The historical fiction components of this book are excellent with lots of interesting facts thrown in about the time period and the origins of phrases and practices. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and have already started on The Vanishing Man.

I have read every published word of the Charles Lenox series, and my love for it has never faltered. The end of this instalment left me in tears, partially, I have to admit, due to recent personal circumstances, but also simply because these characters have been so dear to me for so long that they feel like friends.

The Last Passenger is the third in the prequels for Finch's Charles Lenox series. It has been interesting to read these books about the young Lennox, who wants to establish himself as a detective since I've liked the plots and characters in the original books with the mature Lenox.

The series is one of my favorite historical mystery/detective series, and I enjoyed the latest book as well. Young Charles Lenox is encouraged by his mother to marry, and Charles is a desirable husband--except for the fact that he continues to pursue a career as a detective, which is not highly thought of in his social class.

Inspector Hemstock seeks Charles' help when the unidentified body of a young man is discovered at Paddington Station, and Charles is eager to be involved with the Scotland Yard investigation.

As usual, there are many historical details that add to the plot, the characters are well-developed, the writing is excellent, and the mystery intriguing.

Read in Oct.

NetGalley/St. Martin's Press
Historical Mystery. Feb. 18, 2020. Print length: 304 pages.

I can't for the life of me what made me request this book other than the fact that I'm HF books. Certainly not mysteries or sleuths. That being said, and because I didn't finish the book, it would be difficult for me to give an honest review. However, I will give thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read the book, had I wanted to. As far as how many stars to give it, suffice it to say I have to be fair even in my poor judgement, so 3 stars it will be as the onus is on me and not the author..

This is the third of three prequels to the Charles Lennox mystery series. I’ve now read all three of them and very much enjoyed them. Finch is a master story teller. He skillfully knits together bits of Lennox’s personal life, his relationships, some historical facts and a mystery to create a very satisfying novel. This one kept me up until 2 in the morning.

Lennox comes across as such a real person. He’s smart and intuitive, brilliant at times but he also makes mistakes. He can be very vulnerable. He truly cares about people and wants to serve them. I like the snippets about his everyday life and relationships just as much as the mystery.

This novel depicts some of the tensions and issues that ultimately culminated in the American Civil War. I found the historical context just as interesting as the mystery, which is a good one, well plotted and full of twists and turns. An unknown passenger on a train is found brutally murdered. Thanks to Lennox’s skills, he is soon identified, Scotland Yard is on the case, and they aren’t crazy about Lennox getting into their business. However, Lennox identifies the victim for them......and then they pretty much have to let him in on the case, although they aren’t at all gracious about it. But, identification is just the tip of the iceberg. The plot thickens...and thickens.....

Highly recommended for anyone who enjoys a well researched historical mystery with a great plot and characters.

The third prequel to the Charles Lennox mystery series fills in the last gaps in Charles' early history and that of his future wife, Lady Jane.

The historical background is interspersed with an engrossing mystery that begins with a body found on a train with no identification and all identifying marks removed from his clothing. Working with Scotland Yard and his valet/assistant, Lennox gradually unravels the puzzle, which involves an American congressman and the tensions leading to the US Civil War.

The mystery can be enjoyed by any reader but fans of the Lennox series will get the most enjoyment from the book.

A wonderful addition to this series, the last of four books in Charles Lenox's early career as a detective. Some familiar faces show up for the first time which is a lot of fun and the story involving the slave trade and abolition is very good. Just an all around good read.

This is a brilliant third prequel in the Charles Lenox historical mystery series set in 1850's London.

In this outstanding installment, we again meet a younger Lenox, Lady Jane (and her husband), and Graham, but this time, as they were dealing with the murder of a train passenger whose clothing had all of its tags removed, making it difficult for police to identify the body.

I especially loved how author Charles Finch wove in details about the U.S. and American slavery to create an exceptionally interesting plot.

One of my favorite mystery series and, as always, highly recommended!!

I was given an ARC by Net Galley. Thanks! I had never read a book by Charles finch and I love a good mystery so this book was a treat for me. Will definitely read more by this author!

REcommend!

4.5 / 5 stars

Author Charles Finch has done it again! Thirteen books into this series and the writing is still fresh and keeps getting better with each installment. If you're a fan of well conceived and delightfully written historical fiction, then I commend this book to you, without reservation.

The story opens in London - October, 1855 with our young protagonist, Charles Lenox, being introduced to all the young ladies of London who are marriage suitable for a man of his standing. Initially, he finds it all rather tedious. There is one who caught his eye but who knows how all that will turn out.

Meanwhile, tippling Inspector Hemstock appears at Charles' home hoping to engage Charles' assistance in solving a murder down at Paddingtron Station. Not rushing to the inspector's aid, Charles eventually heads off to Paddington and arrives there even before the inspector. It's a messy business. The eviscerated young victim had no identification and it all appeared to be a mystery with no clues. Fear not; Charles Lenox is on scene and happy to offer his services in aiding the Yard solve yet another crime. Charles is never boastful but he is clever and has had some success to his credit.

This is the third installment in the Charles Lenox mystery prequels. Of the three, this one by far is the best, in my opinion. Lenox is at a pivotal point in his rather lonesome life. Charles Finch does a spectacular job sharing with us the gravitas of decisions Lenox makes and how they will impact his future. We all are exposed to Lenox's vulnerable side and frustration with himself when he falls short of perfection. But one of his best traits is his desire for at least justice when fairness cannot be easily obtained. Lenox has a gentle soft spot for the folks who struggle through life owing to the lives into which they were born. He sees industrious and clever young Willikens selling papers, tobacco and mints on the train platforms, hustling to be present and available as each train disembarks. Willikens is a child born into poverty and abandoned. It pulls on Charles' heartstrings and results in some kindnesses extended to the boy.

Finch is superb at his character development. The humorous banter between Lenox and those he holds dear is absolutely charming. There are quite a few red herrings as the book progresses but when all is said and done, it is an extremely satisfying yarn which has been spun. I cannot wait to see what Lenox gets himself into next.

I am grateful to author Charles Finch and his publisher, Minotaur Books for having provided a free e-book through NetGalley. Their generosity, however, has not influenced this review - the words of which are mine alone.

Quiet. Reflective. That's what I think of whenever I read a story with Charles Lenox. His relationships with family and friends. His desire to learn how to serve his clients and profession better. His fears of not succeeding. His character is so appealing. I enjoy every case he's on and this one is no exception. It is a multi-layered mystery and it is a pleasure to read as layers are revealed by Lenox, his assistant, and others.

Finch is back with another (young) Charles Lennox mystery. I’ll admit to being nervous during the first 20-30 pages of the book as it seemed like he was veering towards a retelling of the Thomas Briggs murder, but I was relieved once it became obvious that was not what was happening.
Over a dozen Lennox books in and they haven’t gotten stale yet. While other authors in this genre write progressively worse books each year, Finch is reliable and enjoyable, running circles around the rest of them. The denouement could have been a little more developed, but overall, I was satisfied and will eagerly await the next installment. Here’s hoping the streak of good writing continues.

When I got my first library card, I pedaled my bike to the local branch and took out as many mysteries they would allow. I read all of Perry Mason, all of Sherlock Holmes and never stopped loving the genre. I’ve advanced to Tana French, Tami Hoag, Michael Connelly, Robert Dugoni and the like. This book reminds me of the Lynley series, a nobleman a century later who actually works at Scotland Yard. I found this latest sleuth, and his sidekick too much of a clone of better drawn characters in other novels. The book reads like a 19th century writer would have written it so it’s authentic sound is a plus. The story line is competent, but it just did not enamor itself to me as other well loved sleuths have managed.

I have been a fan of Charles Finch's Charles Lenox books from my introduction to his first book. And, THE LAST PASSENGER was not an exception---they are engrossing stories with a rich historical footing. I enjoy most historical novels, but occasionally it feels like the author "cuts and pastes" historical facts into the narrative to fill space or justify calling it an historical novel. That is definitely not the case with this series.

Finch takes the reader right into the sophisticated society of his detective and the characters are so brightly drawn that , after reading, I feel like I could aptly cast the tv series or movie. As someone who reads for character, more than plot, that is something I look for in a book, and appreciate when I find it.

I felt the abolitionist theme of this mystery was a bit tedious at times, but my pleasure in finding a new Charles Lenox story was sufficient to overlook that point. I hope that there will be many more encounters with Mr. Lenox, his associate Graham, and his most charming friend, Lady Jane.

NetGaley provided me with a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for a candid review.