Fans of the historical mysteries about detective Charles Lenox will not be disappointed by this latest entry in the series. Charles arrives in the United States of America with the intention of learning more about detection techniques and meeting some interesting and famous people. However, soon upon his arrival, Charles is called upon to assist in solving the mystery of a young woman's death. In the process, Charles becomes involved with Newport, Rhode Island and its wealthy inhabitants. He also acquires an assistant! However, things are not as they seem, and Charles finds himself in imminent danger amidst the wealthy and powerful in Newport society.

Those readers familiar with the series will enjoy the ways in which the characters have moved on with their lives, as well as this foray into American society. While some parts of the novel seemed to move slowly, the run up to the finale makes up for the slower parts of the novel. Although I read many mystery novels, this one certainly got the better of me! Many plot twists and turns will keep even the best armchair detectives puzzling this one out along with Charles Lenox. Returning to this series was like meeting up with old friends. Highly recommended.

I received this novel from the publisher and from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are entirely my own.

When Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli offers Lenox the opportunity to undertake a diplomatic mission for the Queen, Lenox welcomes the chance to satisfy an unfulfilled yearning: to travel to America. Arriving in New York, he begins to receive introductions into both its old Knickerbocker society and its new robber baron splendor. Then, a shock: the death of the season's most beautiful debutante.

The newest book in the Lenox series was a tiny bit disappointing .for me. I really like the Lenox series but as much as anything, I like the British part of the series and this was too much America. I am quite ready for Lenox to get back on the boat and go home. I know that Mr. Finch was looking for a way to change the perspective of the series from Lenox just solving a crime in is local area. But part of what I find fascinating about that and the series is the clues that he reveals and how we them work to solve the crime with Lenox. There were clues in this book also but I think the reveal was just okay. I like having Lenox as a crime solver.

But as much as anything about the Lenox books is the amount of research that Finch puts in to revealing the British customs. While I do consider myself knowledgeable in the area, having spent quite a bit of time in Great Britain over the year, there is always something new to learn. And I almost always do learn from his books. So it is my hope that Lenox will soon return to his life in England and we will hear more about his wonderful wife and children. And who knows, maybe his brother with marry again.

I would like to thank the author, the publisher and Netgalley for my copy of this book. The comments are my own.

Charles Lenox renowned sleuth glides into this tale of wealth and secrets among the Knickerbocker set. Set amid the glamour and privilege of ole Newport. It is a setting ripe with rules for every manner of life. Charles is not only at home here but he adds a sophistication that is the envy of all he encounters while keeping an objective view he investigates the death of a young woman held in great esteem. Full of historical nuance this captures the time expertly and defines a man both clever and endearing.

I've always enjoyed this series and this installment was no exception. It was great having the setting changed up for this book, as we find Lenox in America for the better part of the story. The author always does an excellent job inserting historical facts into his fiction to give the reader a real sense of the time period. I loved reading about Mrs. Astor, Newport and New York City. Very good!

The latest in this series by Charles Finch takes Charles Lenox to America, first to Knickerbocker New York, and then to the elegant shores of Newport. Lenox leaves his wife, Lady Jane, and his two daughters behind as he leaves an ugly finished case behind at Prime Minister Disraeli’s request. As the Queen’s representative to America, Lenox is burdened with diplomatic responsibilities as well as his ever-present curiosity. As a result, he quickly finds himself investigating a murder. An ocean away from the assistance of his usual partners, he finds a new assistant to help him navigate the unfamiliar society of ultra-wealthy Newport.

Its nice to be back to Lenox’s current life, and I look forward, as always, to more in this must-read historical series.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Confession: this is the first Charles Finch book I’ve read. I’m not sure why as it falls in my reading wheelhouse – I love historical novels and Finch is covering a period of history I enjoy reading about. I’ve certainly devoured books by Tasha Alexander, Deanna Raybourn, Dianne Freeman, Maureen Jennings and Anne Perry. Finch takes a comfortable seat beside these writers, and his detective, Charles Lenox, is an appealing Englishman, covering the London streets of the 1870’s. This is a later book in the series and Lenox is comfortably married to the glamourous and capable Lady Jane, he’s settled in his career, but he has always felt a yearning to travel.

When Prime Minister Disraeli calls Lenox to his office and asks him to go abroad – specifically to be away during a trial of top Scotland Yard officers he helped to expose – he’s at first reluctant but the call of travel and of seeing the new world, especially as the Queen’s agent, proves too much for him to resist, especially when Lady Jane gives him a gentle nudge.

Before he knows it he’s at sea, heading for New York. I found his point of view – an Englishman taking in a newly formed country – especially interesting and it made this novel stand out to me among the many other historical novels I enjoy. He’s not in New York for too long before he plans to head to Boston, but his train is stopped on the way, and a man comes aboard looking for him. He has a request from someone in Newport to look into a local death, and there’s a “special” (i.e. private train) standing by. As he is learning, America runs on money, not titles, and the promise that everyone has a chance of earning some of it for themselves. Newport turns out to be an especially garish example.

A man he had met in New York, Blaine, an admirer who also want to be a detective, turns up on his train to Boston and ends up accompanying him to Newport. He is able to provide valuable local background, as his family owns one of the 50 bedroom “cottages” that made Newport so famous. The murder turns out to be the murder of one of the loveliest girls of the social season, who is rumored to be engaged to one Willie Schermerhorn and it’s on the Schermerhorn property that her body has been discovered. It’s his father who has requested Lenox though as Lenox makes clear, he’s the Queen’s agent, and not for hire.

He’s certain the crime will be resolved before nightfall, but when it isn’t, he takes up residence at a local boarding house and begins his investigation. The descriptions of Newport, the food (both high and low), and the people that live there (again, both high and low) intrigue Charles and they intrigued this reader. The denouement is Lady Astor’s ball, and the descriptions of the almost grotesque lavishness of the affair is both fascinating and horrifying.

The mystery itself, in golden age style, has few suspects, but Finch plays his cards close to the vest. The resolution is both surprising and horrifying. There are clues throughout that have laid the path and the ruminations of Charles at midlife as he both misses his family and relishes his experience abroad make this a book to be cherished.
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I love this author, I love this series, I love these characters, I loved this book - but I didn't find the resolution of the murder all that satisfying. I had a feeling about the murderer early on but didn't make all the connections that ultimately led to Lenox revealing who did it and why. But it all seemed just a little too tidy. So happy to see Lenox travel to America, and especially to Newport and all the gilded splendor that goes with it. I especially enjoy that the author always manages to add in some little bits of trivia that ensure the reader learns something useful while reading the book, like the origin of the words shrapnel and backlog. I find the writing to be pitch perfect, not too flowery with lots of unnecessary words, just enough to help the reader visualize the setting. Other reviewers commented that the pace of this book was too slow, and I agree there were times when I wanted Lenox to move along I did not feel it impacted my enjoyment of the story.

This was my first read in the Charles Lenox series, but I was able to dig right in and enjoy the story.

It's a fun British whodunit, that just happens to take place mostly in America but keeps all the charm of Lenox's homeland and the classic characteristics of the gentleman detective.

I love the Gilded Age time period and it really created a great atmosphere for the book and mystery at hand. It's an entertaining read full of period charm and high society featuring familiar names like the Astors. Lenox is a classic observer and it's fun seeing his perspectives of New York High Society and the bluebloods and nouveau riche. And of course, there a mystery that needs to be solved. This time, it's the murder of a young debutante, bringing Lenox deeper into the Newport world. If you're a fan of historical mysteries, this is a great one to add to your collection!

Thank you to Netgalley and Minotaur for the advanced readers copy.

It may seem weird to read the 14th (!) book in a series without having read any of the others, but I was in the mood for a Victorian London type mystery.

Well, it turns out that in this book the detective, Charles Lenox isn’t in London, he is in the US in Newport! Way different atmosphere from London in 1878, but every bit as interesting, with the huge “cottages” and knickerbocker society.

I immediately was drawn to the author’s descriptive writing. The choice of adjectives was always compelling and I really felt like I was there.

The mystery was a good solid mystery with plenty of twists and turns. I loved being inside Lenox’s head as he worked to solve the murder mystery of the young girl.
As interesting as the mystery was the setting - the wealthy high society in America during the Gilded Age. The main characters included the Vanderbilts and Mrs. Astor. We even get a peek into one Mrs. Astor’s famous Gilded Age Balls.

An enjoyable mystery.

A perfectly proper English whodunit…
Charles Lenox, world renowned detective, has just solved a high level crime involving none other than Scotland Yard. To minimize the political fall-out during the trial, Prime Minister Disraeli has personally asked Charles to embark on a diplomatic trip to the United States, reigniting his passion for travel and adventure that had been repressed due to responsibilities for his family and detective agency. With his reputation preceding him, Charles receives invitations from various movers and shakers of American society. But one urgent summons to Newport captures his detective sensibilities after learning of the death of a beautiful debutante who is alleged to have thrown herself from a cliff. While not on his diplomatic itinerary, Charles is compelled to follow the facts in this mystery when his observations do not add up, leading him to put more at risk than just his schedule.

An Extravagant Death by Charles Finch is book 14 in a rich selection of mysteries centering around the upper crust gentleman, Charles Lenox, and the detective agency he founded. While the Charles Lenox Mysteries are frequently compared to Sherlock Holmes; intriguing stories that take unexpected twists and turns before being solved by a highly intelligent Englishman, Charles Lenox is most decidedly not a knock off but a memorable character in his own right. However, An Extravagant Death has all the characteristics that have made Sherlock Holmes so popular: a solidly English character who is both extremely smart and quirky, a fascinating diorama of the various strata of society, and a captivating murder mystery that leaves the reader guessing until the very end.

I absolutely love a book written with a classical English flavor: a period specific and elaborate vocabulary, a very controlled and proper main character, and a markedly slow build to the climax of the story. An Extravagant Death fits this bill perfectly providing a wonderfully entertaining piece of literature that keeps you guessing until the very end then blindsides you with the ending. I have not read a Charles Lenox Mystery before this book, which I will have to remedy, but I was able to read this as a stand alone with no issues or gaps in understanding. An Extravagant Death is a wonderfully suspenseful, decidedly English, murder mystery that you don’t want to miss.

I have not read the previous books in this series, but I don't think it held me back when reading this book. This book was just a little too slow for me. It felt like it was an overview/summary of what was happening. I just couldn't get into the story.

i thoroughly enjoyed this mystery! Hope there will be more to come! Lots of twists and turns and complex interesting characters make this a page turner!

An Extravagant Death, by Charles Finch, is the latest entry in the Charles Lenox mystery series. Lenox is a worthy hero; he is the smart, wealthy, second son of a British aristocratic family. He is also unfailingly kind, reflective and appreciative of his gifts. Following his investigations and identification of the villain is a pleasure. In this entry, he travels to the United States and is called upon to investigate a murder in Newport. We are given a glimpse of the almost unimaginable display of wealth, extravagance, and arrogance for which the town (and the era) became famous. Finch gently contrasts the living conditions of the haves with the have-nots. Nonetheless, this is an entertaining and diverting read which I thoroughly enjoyed.

While this is a fairly long series, each book can be read as a stand-alone. However, I urge you to start at the beginning to appreciate the character development and the relationships that evolve over time. Thank you so much to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the opportunity to read a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review. It was a pleasure.

After being the driving force behind the bust of biggest corruption scandal of the year, Charles is tired. He simply wants to spend time with his family and recuperate, but his life turns surreal when he ends up among the Knickerbocker Set and Nouveau Riche of New York and Newport during the glittering Season of America’s Gilded Age… Just in time for murder.

An Extravagant Death is the fourteenth of the Charles Lenox historical mystery series that each present a fresh mystery while the story of the characters progresses forward through the whole series making them best read in order.

In An Extravagant Death, Charles leaves his own world and the author nailed it when he not only presented a different country and society through Charles’ eyes, but painted America’s Post-Civil War and Gilded Age so detailed I felt I was there seeing it all beside Charles. It was intriguing seeing Charles trying to solve a mystery when some of the culture layered with upper American society was quite confusing to him. I enjoyed glimpses of their way of life particularly the old Dutch wealthy Knickerbockers who were the American blue bloods next to the new Money Aristocracy like the Astors and Vanderbilts.

Each book in the series, including this one, is a wonderful dichotomy of Charles’ personal journey and his detective work. One could feel his weariness. He’s burnt out when he takes the Prime Minister’s not so subtle hints to make himself scarce during the firestorm he stirred up when he exposed the rot within Scotland Yard. He is of two minds about wanting to follow his dream and travel, but feeling that he needs to be home to see his two little girls growing up and spending time with his wife. There is an edginess to him as he works to solve the case as a result and a bittersweet tone to the whole story.

As to the mystery, Charles must get past the blank faces and closed doors of those who know more than they realize, don’t want their secrets drawn out, or are wary of the Englishman who is not one of them. Oddly enough, I figured out the who, why, and how quite early. Not because I’m brilliant, but simply because I latched on the person early on and saw only mounting evidence as collaboration. The part that surprised me was at first I was sad because I didn’t want it to be this person, but later saw I was not feeling all that bad about it. In fact, I kinda wished for a nasty end for this villain.

The last few chapters had me with my heart in my throat and I couldn’t have put the book aside for anything. Things were left in an interesting spot. I’ll be curious to see what comes next. It feels like either the end or a new season of the series is upon us. In any event, I can heartily recommend this one to historical mystery lovers who like a smart, gentleman-detective and a fab cast of characters surrounding him.

It feels weird to describe a book that’s ostensibly about a violent crime as “cozy,” but for me, that’s what the Charles Lenox series is — as warm and comforting as a stout cup of tea. You see, I’ve read about Charles Finch’s erstwhile Victorian detective series since “The September Society” was published in 2009, and I love any opportunity to return to this world he’s created.

I was a British history major with a focus on the “modern” — i.e., I’ve taken a lot of classes on 19th century England and genuinely enjoyed them — so I love reading about some familiar political and social situations, combined with a touch of violent crime. Don’t worry, Lenox is a “gentleman detective” so it never gets too gory or scary; these stories are just the right level of suspenseful, but I’ve never for a minute either guessed the villain or been worried that Lenox wouldn’t figure it out.

You may be wondering what I mean about “gentleman detective,” and I think this is the first time I’ve brought up this series on She’s Full of Lit — so I’m going to take a minute to tell you about one of my favorite characters of fiction. Lenox is a second son in Victorian England, and so, he’s not inheriting his family’s seat in Parliament (yes, he’s of the landed gentry) and he’s challenged to find his own spot in the world. Over the course of the series, he grows in his detective skills, working alongside the nascent Metropolitan Police and Scotland Yard, eventually moving from a talented amateur to the first — and most famous — professional detective in England (there’s no Sherlock in this London), following a brief stint in the House of Commons. We, the reader, get to go along this journey with him over Finch’s books, and we get to know everyone in his life: his wife, Lady Jane; his partners, Polly and Dallington; and my favorites, Toto and Graham.

That said — we spend little time with those familiar characters in this book — instead of an adventure in and around London, as is his normal wont, Lenox is off to America. Long story short, but he’s being sent to the United States as an emissary of the Crown, and after just a few days, ends up called to Newport to solve the murder of the season’s most notorious beauty.

Honestly, I’m thrilled with this departure; it was fun and frothy to see how the other half lived in the United States in Newport. Charles Finch is a talented observer of societal mores, and it was interesting to see him turn his eye on one of the more decadent eras in American history. However, even though the setting was different, the heart of the story remained the same. Lenox was the same detective as always — meticulous, quiet, thoughtful — and he had new foils in the United States.

Of course, I refuse to spoil the central mystery, but I will say, yet again, didn’t guess who actually did it until it was literally in front of me on the page. I enjoyed the journey, and I’m only concerned that this book ends with Lenox contemplating retirement; I am not ready for this literary relationship to end — and wouldn’t every good mystery series end up on the thirteenth? Fingers crossed.

After three excellent prequels in the Charles Lenox series, An Extravagant Death brings us back to the main timeline. The novel begins with Lenox headed for America at the behest of HRM’s government. While there, he is summoned by Mr. Schermerhorn, the head of one of New York’s most wealthy, prestigious families, to solve the murder of a beautiful young woman along Newport’s famous Cliff Walk.

Lily Allingham’s death proves anything but straightforward. Was she killed by Schermerhorn’s son Willie, to whom she had recently become engaged? Or by Laurence Vanderbilt, who also loved her? Or by some third person, for reasons unknown? And why was she walking along the Cliff Walk that fateful night, instead of resting quietly at home, or still dancing at the ball she had attended earlier that evening?

Aided by young Teddy Blaine, the second son of one of New York’s nouveau riche and an aspiring detective himself, Charles must navigate the treacherous waters of Newport’s glittering social scene and win the respect of the working-class fishing families of the original village if he is to uncover the killer’s identity before he, or she, strikes again.

The book is wonderful, a fitting return to the older, wiser Lenox following three novels (The Woman in the Water, The Vanishing Man, The Last Passenger) in which we saw his development from an aspiring, somewhat naive young detective to a somewhat more seasoned professional honing his skills. The older Lenox of An Extravagant Death is his usual observant, thoughtful self, despite being in unfamiliar territory both geographically and socially. And as always, Charles Finch’s writing is as quietly eloquent, his characterizations as insightful, and the plot as well-constructed as I have come to expect from this series. The story does get off to a slow start, however, with several chapters dedicated to the reasons for Lenox’s departure from London and his impressions of New York City before the summons to Newport signals the beginning of a case. It’s not boring—Finch’s novels are never that!—but readers who prefer to plunge immediately into the whodunnit will have to exercise some patience.

Once the mystery really gets going, Finch does an excellent job of laying out the investigation, giving the reader the necessary clues while pulling the figurative wool over their eyes. My own suspicions focused on several individuals by turns; the final solution came as a surprise, because I had already considered and dismissed the true murderer as a suspect.

But that wasn’t the only surprise toward the end of the book, and I have to admit that when I finished reading, I felt simultaneously deeply satisfied and slightly unsettled. I look forward eagerly to the next book to resolve that feeling, and for the next chapter in Charles Lenox’s storied career.

4.5 stars

Charles Lenox has been engaging readers since his first appearance in A Beautiful Blue Death. An Extravagant Death, fourteenth in the series will be enjoyed by those who already know the series and those who want to begin here.

It is now 1878. Lenox is an established detective who also has a full and busy personal life. However, he cannot turn down an opportunity that is brought to him by Prime Minister, Benjamin Disraeli. The situation leads him to the U.S., upper crust Society and a murder. Will Charles’s reputation remain intact? Will he solve the case of the debutante’s death? Readers will delight in turning the pages as they wait to find out.

This book has interesting characters and settings. I especially enjoyed spending time in Newport.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher. Keep those Lenox titles coming, please. All opinions are my own.

1878 Due to the results of a recent case Lenox is on a fact finding mission in the States. When he is invited to investigate a death in Newport, R.I. The death of socialite, 19 year old Lily Allingham.
A story showing the ostentatious flouting of the wealth of the inhabitants, and a good well-written historical mystery.
An enjoyable story with in the main, likeable characters. A good addition to the series.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Charles Lenox , a famous detective uncovered a major underhanded criminal group within the famous Scotland Yard. This nefarious criminal enterprise also was in the upper echelons of the British Parliament as well.
The Prime Minister was afraid if Charles was here that he could possibly lose his hold on his own upcoming election and he decided to send him to America on a goodwill visit for the Queen. Charles was offered a multitude of things to undertake this mission because it would also enable his family to have rewards for there future.
After being in America he was asked to help in a murder mystery investigation.
I am sure there are fans for this series, but I found it to be not my type of book. I even read it twice to make sure I wasn’t missing anything, but the author lost me in several areas and it wasn’t clear.
The ending was short and I am to assume there will be another one to pick up somewhere?

I honestly would not recommend this book to a friend, but again I am sure there are followers of this type of book or actually this specific one.

I received a free advanced copy from NetGalley and these are my willingly given thoughts and opinions.

The cover is what grabbed my attention at first and then the blurb sealed the deal. An intriguing storyline and interesting characters kept me quite entertained. This was book fourteen in the series, but the first one I've read. Thanks to the author's first few chapters about the MC's (Charles Lennox) past history, I was able to keep up easily. I enjoyed the "golden age of history" vibe, the descriptions of America during the late 1800's, and the main character's ability to solve crimes. A nice, solid, well-written story.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. My thoughts and opinions are my own and without bias or favor.