An Extravagant Death is the fourteenth book in the Charles Lenox Mysteries series by Charles Finch. An intriguing story full of suspense, mystery, and intrigue. A well-written historical mystery that is reminiscent of mysteries' golden age, only this one takes place in the 1870s in America. An Extravagant Death is a well-crafted mystery that moves at a steady pace toward a satisfying conclusion. A must-read for fans of mystery.

Unbelievably, this is the first book of the sixteen-book Charles Lenox series that I've read. On the bright side, I have lots of catching up to do. Also, if--like me--you're new to the series, you needn't fear being able to follow. Although I didn't know Lenox's backstory, it was easy enough to leap right in.

Benjamin Disraeli makes investigator Charles Lenox an offer he can't refuse, and although he's loathe to leave his wife and two daughters--one an infant--for an extended period of time, he can't pass up the opportunity to visit the United States. Lenox is bemused by his welcome to New York. He's en route to his eagerly anticipated visit to Boston when his train in stopped. A man named Clark boards and begs him to detour to Newport, Rhode Island to investigate the death of a beautiful young woman.

Soon Lenox is immersed in this seaside town with its fabulously wealthy denizens living in "cottages" and the strange social order they maintain. Although he does solve the mystery, his success involves a terrible toll.

The setting and characters in this mystery are perfection. I impressed myself by figuring out who the murderer was, but the journey was fun nonetheless. I'm looking forward to reading the first 15 books of the series. #AnExtravagantDeath #NetGalley

I missed out on Charles Finch's earlier books in the Charles Lenox series, but I plan to correct that soon. This was a delightful read: historically rich, culturally sensitive, drily witty, and suspenseful. I was thrilled to encounter a new series in which to immerse myself.

This is such a smart book. Dialogue, period details, cultural comparisons (British with American, shamelessly wealthy with everyone else) were so precisely right.

British detective Lenox is "banished" to America for political reasons, and while on the Eastern Seaboard, is appropriated by a wealthy family to investigate a debutante's suspicious death. The author didn't make a false step, including building to a satisfying resolution while simply Telling. The. Story.

Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's for an advance readers copy.

Charles Lennox Investigates a Death in Newport

Charles has been heavily involved in investigating corruption in Scotland Yard for the past several years. Now the trial is approaching and the Prime Minister, Benjamin Disraeli, wants him to write his testimony, and then leave the country during the trial. He proposes that Charles visit police departments in America to learn their methods.

With a new baby girl, Charles is reluctant to go, but he has wanted to travel, so he’s finally persuaded. Being a representative of the queen he is treated royally in New York’s Gilded Age. On his way to Boston, he receives a telegram asking him to come to Newport, Rhode Island. A beautiful young woman has been killed by a fall from a cliff. Was it an accident, or murder?

A wealthy young man, Teddy Blaine, has attached himself to Charles telling him that he wants to learn to be a detective. Charles agrees and they arrive in Newport together to investigate.

This is a page-turner with a delightful setting. I love the Gilded Age in Newport. Charles is a wonderful character. He has grown throughout the series and now at fifty is at the height of his powers. Although we see little of Lady Jane, she is also a marvelous character. I hope to see more of her in future books. The plot is intricate and will keep you guessing until the very end.

I highly recommend this new adventure of Charles Lennox.

I received this book from St. Martin’s Press for this review.

“An Extravagant Death” by Charles Finch, MInotaur Books, 304 pages, Feb. 16, 2021.

London, 1878. Charles Lennox, the greatest English detective, is called to Parliament. The last two months of his life have been spent in an investigation into corruption by three detective chief inspectors at Scotland Yard. He has all the work he and his partners, Lord John Dallington, and Dallington’s wife, Polly Buchanan, can handle.

Charles is so busy that he rarely sees his wife, Lady Jane, and their two daughters. Then Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli asks him for a meeting. When he arrives, his brother, Edmund, is also there.

Charles declines the offer of a knighthood, but Disraeli asks him to take on a diplomatic mission to America for the Queen. He wants Charles to be out of the country when the trial takes place so he has to file a written report instead of testifying to minimize sensationalism.

Disraeli asks him to set up a method of international joint investigations. Charles refuses at first, but when Disraeli visits him at home, he agrees to go. He has always wanted to travel to America. He arrives in New York.

After a successful meeting in New York City, Charles is heading to Boston on the train. Theodore (Teddy) Blaine, the second son of a wealthy and influential family, is with him because Teddy wants to become a detective and is taking advantage of the opportunity to talk with Charles.

The train unexpectedly stops, and Charles soon discovers that he is the reason. William Schermerhorn IV, head of another wealthy family, wants Charles to investigate the murder of Lily Allingham, 19, a young socialite who was killed on his property in Newport, Rhode Island. His son, Willie, was courting her. Lawrence Vanderbilt was also courting her. Charles agrees to investigate.

This is the 14th in the series. This is rich in historical detail. Finch’s plotting is detailed and his characters are excellent. He makes brief digressions into historical trivia, such as the original of the word shrapnel. The revelation of the murderer came as a total surprise to me. People who like Victorian mysteries will enjoy this one.

In accordance with FTC guidelines, the advance reader's edition of this book was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for a review.

After a three-book journey into the beginning years of Charles Lenox's career as a detective, we return to 1878 London. Lenox is thriving and has gained considerable fame. There is a new addition to his household in a baby daughter, quite a surprise since Charles is nearing 50, and his wife, Lady Jane, is in her forties. For weeks, Charles has been embroiled in a case of corruption involving highly placed inspectors at Scotland Yard. He is looking forward to getting acquainted with the new baby, but fate intervenes. The Queen's Prime Minister, Disraeli, wants him to write up his testimony for the upcoming trial and visit police departments in America to consult on police methods. In reality, Disraeli just wants him out of the country during the trial. Charles is reluctant but has always harbored a desire to travel. The combination of the difficulty of refusing Disraeli and Lady Jane's approval sends him on his way.

Since Lenox is traveling under the Queen's Seal, he is naturally welcomed by all and is accompanied by a seasoned diplomat. However, he suspects that the New York City Police are not all that interested in sharing methods. He is most struck by the considerable wealth he sees, the sense of equality between the classes, and the hold that the Civil War still has on everyone he meets. A diffident young man approaches him named Teddy Blaine, who wants to speak with him about methods, and offers his services. On the train journey to his next stop, Boston, he receives a telegram which sends him to Newport, RI. A young woman has been murdered, and his assistance is requested. Never has Lenox seen such opulence as the "cottages" of Newport. Nor did he foresee a near-death experience and a reordering of his priorities.

I thoroughly enjoyed An Extravagant Death. Not only was it a page-turner, but Finch also sprinkles little pieces of historical trivia into the text. This time, I particularly remember the origins of 'white elephant." Charles Finch goes from strength to strength in this long-running and delightful series. Thanks to NetGalley and Minotaur Books for an advance digital copy. The opinions are my own.

An Extravagant Death by Charles Finch is another Charles Lenox mystery and may be Finch's best yet. Maybe it's my age but in this book I could feel the trauma Charles is feeling as he gets older. Although he's only about 50, he now recognizes that missing seeing his children grow is traumatic; that not having his wife with him changes the quality of his life. He is a lucky man and he knows it, but he is feeling the loss. Finch also gives the reader a glimpse of America through the eyes of Lennox and it is not so different than today's America. It is jolting to be with him as he notes the similarities and the differences, the freedom Americans enjoy which is so different from the way it is in England, despite the fact they are a free country. Exhilarating is the word I would use to describe the way Charles feels as he watches the ocean and walks the streets of Newport. This is Finch's (or Lenox's) most deeply personal book yet.

Charles has to get out of England to avoid embarrassing the Prime Minister and possibly triggering a political crisis. He has uncovered rampant corruption in the police force and the trial is to begin. The government is willing to pay his expenses and allows certain other "perks" as well. After discussing it with Jane, he agrees to their suggestion of a trip to America. He has not been able to travel nearly as much as he would have liked, and this is the perfect opportunity. While traveling from New York to Boston, his train is waylaid with men with an urgent message regarding a murder and requesting Lenox to divert and solve the crime. After ruminating in the situation, he agrees to go, taking with him the young man who has been traveling with him who aspires to become a detective. This is the situation, which leads him to Newport and the exceptionally wealthy society ensconced there. I loved this book. I am Charles Lenox fan and read faithfully, but this book was exceptional. I cannot give it enough stars. I am, once again, a fan. Please enjoy it as much as I have.

I was invited to read a free ARC of An Extravagant Death by Netgalley. All opinions contained herein are solely my own. #netgalley #anextravagantdeath

This is the first Charles Lenox mystery that I have read....I had no problem picking up on what was going on. It started maybe a little slow but by the time Lady Jane convinced Charles he should, in fact, go to America as requested the flow of the story had picked up. Not only is there an excellent mystery to solve but it's fun seeing New York from Lenox's British point of view! This is number 14 of the series...I would like to go back and read the rest.
Thank you to Netgalley for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Vanderbilts, Astors, Stuyvesants! Lenox moves to American High Society!

An extravagant death! An interesting title and one worth contemplating post read. I think the clue to many things, including Charles last investigation, possibly pave the way for a turn of the page for Charles Lenox’s future.
It’s 1878 and Charles has been involved in a highly profiled dark investigation. Charles is now probably the most preeminent detective England.
Having been requested by the Prime Minister (Disraeli) to leave the country for a period whilst the trial is underway, Lady Jane encourages him to do what he’s always planned to do—travel.
Charles arrives in New York and through a set of circumstances ends up investigating the death of a young socialite, the fêted Lily Allingham, in Newport, near the famed Forty Steps along the Cliff Walk. The Cliff Walk is where the crème de la crème have their summer ‘cottages’. Charles’ impressions of the very rich in this part of the United States as contrasted to the titled but often much poorer aristocracy of England are noteworthy.
The glimpses of life led by the wealthy upper crust of New York, the absolute extravagance of their lifestyles is eye opening. And we learn something more about the circles Lady Jane can move in.
The food descriptions at Caroline Astor’s annual Newport Ball are staggering BTW.
With the help of the very earnest and pleasant ‘Teddy Blaine’, scion of a wealthy Newport family Charles moves forward with his investigations.
The resolution of Lily’s murder is somewhat of a shock, twisted and yet not, when you reflect.

A St. Martin's Press ARC via NetGalley
(Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.)

You need not have read the three books previously written about Charles Lenox to appreciate the story and humor in this book. He is the best detective in London, 1878, and has just solved a case in which he caught the crooked cops working for Scotland Yard. Now He’s been asked to go to America and work with law enforcement officials there on behalf of the queen. Leaving his wife, Lady Jane and their two young daughters he is sidetracked on his way to Boston because of the death of rich debutante. Itis another well-done story in the series with new characters making their appearance.

In 1878, British detective Charles Lenox, on a request from Disraeli, sails to America to confer with colleagues about new policing methods. On his way to Boston, he receives a telegram from William Schermerhorn IV summoning him to Newport. A young debutante has been murdered on Schermerhorn’s property and he wants the crime solved immediately by the best detective available for any named fee. Lily Allingham is said to have been a beautiful girl, not descended from money, but possessed of a striking loveliness which managed to raise her social standing all on its own. Surrounded by suitors and marriage proposals, she was outspoken and all too well aware of her attraction, which she used to advantage.
Finch’s Lenox is a genuinely charming man; soft-spoken, thoughtful, astute, always alert to everything around him, and congenial by nature. William Schermerhorn’s flattery does little to appease Lenox’s bristling at being told where to go and what to do.
Stumbling into Newport high society, Lenox, is taken aback by the sheer opulence and outspokenness of it all. The old money of England looks like small change compared to the new money of the American aristocracy and they don’t mind flaunting it. After identifying several possible culprits, Lenox ruminates, makes copious notes, rethinks, second guesses himself and finally confronts the killer at Mrs Astor’s lavish ball. The conclusion goes a bit unconvincingly sideways, but it does spell another sequel even though Lenox has decided being a detective isn’t for him any longer. I’ve been following Charles Lenox for years so any sequel is fine by me.

A charming period mystery that spans two continents and whose customs and cultures span a bit farther than that! Quite detailed in every aspect, it took me a bit to get into the meat of it, but once I followed the cadence of the story, I was enthralled and eager to see it to the end. Well done and I will certainly be reaching for another of Finch’s mysteries.

An Extravagant Death is the 14th Charles Lenox historical mystery by Charles Finch. Due out 16th Feb 2021 from Macmillan on their St. Martin's imprint, it's 288 pages and will be available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats.

Part of the reason I like series is that I get to see the development of the recurring characters. Especially with mystery (which is my favorite genre), the continuity and the characters' development over time are very satisfying to me. This is a very well written, civilized, erudite, and intelligent series with a refined and practical protagonist. This installment sees Charles traveling to America to avoid some political fallout from his last successful (some would say *too* successful) case.

The characters are beautifully rendered, the dialogue is never clunky or distracting, and the clues and mystery progression follow the accepted rules of engagement. The resolution and denouement were satisfying and very well done. I'm enjoying the development of Lenox very much after his marriage and fatherhood - it adds an agreeable and believable fullness and depth to his character. Although it's the 14th book in the series, it works well as a standalone (with the codicil that some of the background and development spoil the earlier books somewhat).

I recommend the series highly to fans of the genre. Four and a half stars.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes

After solving a rash of burglaries that involved detectives of Scotland Yard, Charles Lenox is summoned by Prime Minister Disraeli. He would prefer that Lenox not be available for questioning during the trials to come, which could provide embarrassment to several important people. As a result, Lenox is offered a knighthood and a an opportunity to travel to America as a Queen’s representative. The opportunity is tempting, but the idea of leaving his family behind gives him pause. It is his wife, Lady Jane, who reminds him of his dreams to experience foreign travel and convinces him to go. As a prominent detective it is a chance to observe law enforcement in America and meet with public officials.

Lenox is charmed by New York. The variety of neighborhoods, the friendliness of the people and the buildings fascinate him. At a dinner at Delmonico’s he meets Theodore Blaine, a son of one of the richest families in New York. Blaine expresses a desire to become a detective and has been following Lenox’s career. It was a difficult path for Lenox with little support from family and friends so he sympathizes with Blaine. Their conversation continues the next day when Lenox leaves by train for Boston and Blaine joins him for a portion of the journey. The trip is disrupted by a request for help in Newport, where a young woman has been murdered.

Lily Allingham was known for her beauty and had been courted by a number of men. William Schermerhorn, the gentleman who sent for Lenox, believed that his son was going to marry her, but Lawrence Vanderbilt also claimed that she had accepted his proposal. Throughout his investigation, Blaine provides assistance with introductions to Newport’s wealthy residents and his familiarity with the area. They know that she had attended a ball on the evening of her death, leaving early and by herself. Some time during the evening she had gone off by herself and later seemed distracted. Lenox believes that discovering her actions during the ball may be a key to finding her killer. As Lenox investigates, Newport prepares for Mrs. Astor’s lavish annual ball. It is there that Lenox finally discovers the killer, while also putting himself in danger.

Charles Finch’s series has taken Lenox from his early years as an inexperienced investigator to his present status as a renowned detective. In a profession that had often found him shunned by his peers, he has now earned respect. An Extravagant Death allows him to apply his skills in an unfamiliar environment. This is an excellent entry in the series and will appeal to fans of Gilded Age mysteries. I would like to thank NetGalley and St. Martin Press for providing this book in exchange for my review.

An Extravagant Death is the fourteenth book in Charles Finch's addictive Charles Lenox Mysteries series. This series is one of the primary reasons I became a big fan of historical mysteries. I've only read the previous three books, which were prequels to the main series, and they were enough to get me hooked! This installment returns us to the primary storyline. If you haven't read any of them, this mystery stands perfectly on its own. However, I'm pretty sure that, like me, you will start collecting all the books you've missed!

Gentleman detective Charles Lenox has just finished a corruption investigation surrounding Scotland Yard, and he's now getting ready for the trial of that case. Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli doesn't want Lenox in London during the trial, and he offers him a trip to America in the guise of a diplomatic mission for the Queen. Lenox doesn't want to leave his beloved wife Lady Jane and their two darling little girls, but he does long to travel and gives in to Disraeli's wishes. Lenox travels from London to 1878's Gilded Age New York. It's the time of old Knickerbocker society and new wealth. While on the way to visit his next American city, his train is stopped; a wealthy Newport man begs the esteemed detective to travel to his home to investigate the death of a young woman on his property. In Newport, Lenox begins to hunt the killer. Was it a random attack, or is the murderer one of Newport's own wealthy elite?

Out of the four Charles Lenox books I've read, this one was my favorite! Lenox is no stranger to high society in London, but seeing the difference between London society and the decadence of New York and Newport through his eyes is a lot of fun. When he hears about the cottages in Newport, he's dumbfounded to find that the huge glittering mansions surrounding him are the "cottages"! We also see the differences between the haves and have-nots in the people who are assisting Lenox in his investigation: O'Brien, a young Irishman assigned to Lenox as a valet who works to support his family, and Teddy Blaine, the son of an extremely wealthy man, who wants to be a detective and whom Lenox takes under his wing. I enjoyed the tender moments between Lenox and his family. The mystery, though, is of course the main attraction. Every time I was absolutely sure whodunit, I was wrong! It's fascinating to watch Lenox work through the clues and red herrings. The next Charles Lenox mystery cannot come quickly enough for me!

I received an ARC of this book courtesy of the publisher and NetGalley. I received no compensation for my review, and all thoughts and opinions expressed are entirely my own.

I will admit that it was the cover that drew me to this book. It is just so beautiful and I could only hope the story within its pages was just as good. An Extravagant Death is the 14th book in the Charles Lenox Mystery series. I haven't read the previous books, but I didn't have any trouble jumping right in.

Charles Lenox is a private detective in 1870s London. He is the second son of an aristocrat so PI isn't exactly an expected career, however, he has sat in Parliament. Plus he made a most promising marriage. And recently he had a career-making case - routing out corruption in Scotland Yard. It is a case though that could prove embarrassing to the current Prime Minister and he wishes Lenox was far away during the trial. And America is about as far away as he can get. Charles is torn. As a young man, he dreamed of world travels, but now with a small child and infant daughter, not to mention a wife he truly loves, he is torn. Lady Jane, though, knows her husband's desire and though she loves that he would give up a dream trip to be with her and their daughters she bids him go so that there may never be a grain of regret between them.

What promised to be a royal sight-seeing trip, meeting with police forces and private groups interested in crime-solving, is quickly derailed as he is summoned to Newport to help solve the murder of a society darling.

I don't read many books set in the 1870s, and when I do they are even more rarely set in the United States. Therefore, I know little about the Gilded Age of America. It was a time of great new wealth, yet poverty was quite prevalent, particularly among the Irish immigrants. It was interesting to see this time period in America through the eyes of an Englishman who is visiting for the same time. I liked his observations.

"In Delancy Street, or so was my impression, each person seems to wake up sure that this is the day their fortune will be made. And every so often no doubt they're right. Such is the undeniable charm of America."

I wondered if this observation is still true. I assume it must be in some instances as people still scrape together their last pennies and often brave treacherous travels to come to the United States.

I also thought his observations of how present the Civil War was still. An Extravagant Death is set in 1878, so it had only been 13 years since the end so I wouldn't think that it would be so unusual for people still referring to the war or displaying Union regimental items. I'm sure there was still some mistrust of who was loyal to the Union during the war and who may have had dealings with the Confederates, even in these decidedly northern states. Many men had made their fortunes in shipping and industrial materials during those times.

And one other thing I really enjoyed about Lenox's observations is where idioms and phrases originated. I love that kind of thing so learning about the origin of backlog and grapevine was interesting.

I enjoyed the mystery as it took the reader through the who's who of Newport society. It's no doubt that readers will recognize the names of Aster and Vanderbilt. But we also get glimpses of those who regularly live in Newport - the townspeople and fisherman. While often we assume these poorer individuals would be resentful of these wealthy interlopers. It seems for the most part that they recognize that their wealth does trickle down to them - the parties offer locals job opportunities that may bridge the gaps when fishing was lean.

About halfway through I started suspecting one particular character who didn't seem to be on Lenox's radar. I was hoping I was wrong as I really liked the character. There are a number of characters I liked and as it is unlikely for many of them to turn up in future novels (or previous novels for that matter) as they are all Americans, I was glad that we got some idea of what the future holds for them.

I enjoyed Charles Finch's writing style. There was plenty of observational and descriptive text but it was complementary to the plot. It was never heavy or too drawn out. It was perfectly balanced to give the reader a full picture of the scene.

If you are a fan of historical mysteries, then you definitely should pick up this book. I know that seeing it is the 14th book in the series could be daunting, but don't worry about not starting at the beginning. I often forgot that it was part of a series, though I'm happy that there are more books for me to read.

My review will be published at Girl Who Reads on Monday, February 15 - https://www.girl-who-reads.com/2021/02/an-extravagant-death-by-charles-finch.html

This new entry in the Charles Lenox series takes Lenox to America, into one of my favorite periods of our history - The Gilded Age and the world of the Astors. Lenox is at another crossroads in his life. He finds himself facing a political sticky wicket when he covers serious crimes committed by police in high places. As things heat up he is made an offer by PM Disraeli and he decides to accept. Off he goes to America to visit various police departments until things calm down back home.
The Gilded Age has just begun and the very, very rich have discovered Newport and they spend the summer season residing in their "cottages". That's really a very lavish mansion and they hold equally lavish parties in their cottages. This turns out to offer Lenox a new case to investigate. A beautiful and very popular young woman, Lily Allingham, is found dead at the foot of a cliff on the property of one of her suitors. Lenox sets out to find the answers and, along the way, he is joined by Teddy Blaine. Teddy is part of the Newport elite and he wants to shadow Lenox in his investigating in order to learn the art of detecting. Teddy wants to be a detective and it turns out he is an asset. His name gets them through many doors and gets people to talk.
I am a big fan of this series and I'm the sort of reader who wants to read books in order but I think this entry stands well on its own. The mystery was everything I have come to expect from the pen of Charles Finch.
My thanks to the publisher, Minotaur and to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.

I liked An Extravagant Death and may have enjoyed more had I read the books that come before this one. It is a historical mystery set in the late 1800's. The book begins in London and finds Charles Lenox traveling to America where he is involved in solving a mystery. When he arrives in America, he receives a letter asking him to travel to New Port and solve the mystery of the death of Lily Allingham who was found dead on the beach.

The reader gets a very insightful look into the summer season in Rhode Island during the late 1800's. I really enjoyed learning about that time period and what it was like in Rhode Island as I have been to Newport and saw the summer "cottages".

I will admit that I was surprised by the ending of the book and who committed the murder. I had thought it was someone else. The character of Lenox is a very observant detective.

In the 14th book of this detective series, Charles Lennox leaves London and sails to America. What is supposed to be a diplomatic visit and vacation turns back to detection when he his drawn in to help solve a murder in Newport. Charles finds himself in the world of the extremely weather, with th Astors and Vanderbilts. What he discovers puts him in grave danger.

It was such a great pleasure to read the latest Lenox book.. I tried to read it slowly, but stayed up to near 3 a.m, to find out who the murderer was. This was my favorite book in the series because I loved the American setting, the rich detail of Gilded Newport and the depth in which the author describes his characters and weaves his story. However, it can be read as a stand- alone book.
The ending had the feel that it was wrapping up the series. I hope not because I see a bright future still ahead for Sir Charles, maybe as an emissary of the Crown, or as a spy. Exotic locales await.
Thanks to #NetGalley and #AnExtravagantDeath for an advanced digital copy.