I am a big fan of the Museum Detective series, I have read all of the series to date, and whilst they could all be read as stand alone novels, the reader benefits from reading the series in order to understand the relationships with in them.

The book is set in London in 1897 and Daniel Wilson and Abigail Fenton are asked by the Curator at the National Gallery to help to exonerate the artist Walter Sickert, who is implicated in the death of a woman found murdered (in a style reminiscient of the recent Ripper murders). Sickert is a real historical character, a post-impressionist artist, who at the time suggested he had lodged in a room used by the Ripper, and whilst not considered a suspect at the time, there has subsequently been some who have considered him either the Ripper or an accomplice of the Ripper. This is where I think Eldridge is really clever, in each book he included real life characters or real events, which adds a level of interest and authenticity to the books.

I am a big fan of Abigail and Daniel, both subvert societal norms, have a fabulous relationship and I have developed a real fondness for them throughout the books. Eldridge creates strong, well-drawn characters, and whether you love them or hate them, you feel something and you care about them.

The sense of time and place created is perhaps my favourite aspect of these books, and whilst I thoroughly enjoy the mystery behind the murders, which are often very visceral, despite the cosy nature of the books, I love feeling as if I am walking alongside Daniel and Abigail, smelling, seeing, hearing, feeling and tasting everything they are.

I couldn't put this book down and I can't wait for the next instalment.

Thank you to NetGalley and Allison & Busby for an ARC in return for an honest review.

3.5 rounded up to 4 stars.

This is a solid historical murder mystery. It is the seventh in a series, but it can be read as a stand alone, and that was the position I was in picking it up as I hadn’t read any of the others.

In this book we follow our two main characters, Daniel Wilson and Abigail Fenton, a couple who have fallen into the role of private investigators for museums and galleries in Victorian England. Daniel used to be a police officer and Abigail is a renowned archeologist, which is an unusual pursuit for a woman at this time. In this installment they are called on by the National Gallery to investigate a series of murders that have implicated an up and coming artist. Shockingly there seems to be some connection to the infamous Jack the Ripper case from a decade before.

The mystery in this book was thoroughly engaging and had me trying to piece together all of the clues right alongside the detectives which is my favorite thing to do when I am reading a mystery novel. The connection to Jack the Ripper was also very well done, it felt believable that if a series of murders was committed like this it would be linked back to the Ripper.

Where this book let me down a little was with the main characters. They weren’t very memorable. Unlike Sherlock and Watson, or Poirot, our protagonists were just missing a spark to bring them to life. We didn’t get to see their personality at all, at least not in this installment of the series.

If I can get a hold of the earlier books in the series from my library I will happily go back and read them all as palate cleansers between more challenging reads.

THANK YOU NETGALLEY FOR THE FREE REVIEW COPY IN EXCHANGE FOR MY HONEST REVIEW.

What I Enjoyed
* The Sherlock Holmes style mystery
* How quickly the author moved the story along
* The mini history lessons of everyday London back in the late 1800s
* The incorporation of real people into the story to make it seem more believable
* It was easy to follow along despite being the seventh book in a series (I’m definitely going to go back and read books 1-6)

What Lacked
* I didn’t find myself fully invested in any of the characters
* Certain topics were repeatedly mentioned but nothing came of them (example: Abigail and her expedition). I’m assuming they will be addressed in the following book in the series… I hope.

This series gets better and bette (and I think I said this after the last book)
The museum detectives are investigating two terrible murders which echo the Ripper cases.
Both found at the National Gallery they link directly to the painter Walter Sickert who was also involved in the Ripper cases
But all is not what it seems. Or is it.

I enjoy the cultural references and that I learned about 19th century art
I like the relationship between the different characters across the books but that this book can stand alone.

London February 1897, Daniel Wilson and Abigail Wilson are back in their seventh adventure as the so-called (by the British press) Museum detectives. This time they are requested by the Director of the National Gallery on London’s Trafalgar Square to assist. The famous/notorious painter Walter Sickert has been summarily arrested by the police, Chief Superintendent Armstrong to be precise, Daniel and Abigail’s bête noir, for the murder of Sickert’s model Anne-Marie Dresser, whose eviscerated body was found at the entrance to the Gallery. With unpleasant similarities to the unsolved Jack the Ripper case from a decade or so ago, and with Sickert having come under suspicion then from the Metropolitan Police, the bullish and aggressive Armstrong is confident he has his man this time around and, as usual, wants no meddling from outsiders. But when another body is found and with Sickert able to establish his innocence, it seems that someone wants revenge on Sickert. More deaths and violence occurs as suspect mount and Daniel and Abigail struggle to uncover the mystery and protect the innocent, while coming under threat themselves.
The plot is well constructed and as ever, the narrative flows along smoothly. There are a few instances of characters giving background lectures as a form of conversation, which does not work terribly well and is rather clunky in the text. Also, the editing could be a little tighter in places, with the occasional phrasing or scenario not seem quite in keeping with late nineteenth century English language and society. But nonetheless, this is another entertaining installment in an engaging and enjoyable series.

Murder at the National Gallery is the 7th book in Jim Eldridge's Victorian-set series Museum Mysteries. I read books 5 and 6 and enjoyed them a lot; this one, however, is my favorite of the three. Each mystery stands alone, so don't hesitate to jump in at any time. You will miss, however, the progression of the romance between our Museum Detectives. This won't hinder your enjoyment of the story any.

It's 1897 in London, and the body of a murdered woman has been found at an entrance to the National Gallery. As if that wasn't disturbing enough, the body has been eviscerated in the same manner as the victims of Jack the Ripper. Daniel Wilson and Abigail Fenton, nicknamed the Museum Detectives by the press, are called by the curator of the Gallery to investigate the murder. Walter Sickert, a suspect in the Jack the Ripper murders, is arrested for this murder by Scotland Yard; the murdered woman, who modelled for artists and was also a prostitute, had an affair with Sickert. He swears he is innocent and that someone is trying to frame him, but who? Then there is another murdered woman. Will Daniel and Abigail survive their investigation and find the true culprit?

This book was another solid installment in this fun historical mystery series. I really enjoyed our "Museum Detectives" duo of Daniel Wilson - a private enquiry agent and former detective with Scotland Yard - and his partner in work and life, Abigail Felton - an archeologist and renowned Egyptologist. They're from different sides of the track, so to speak, and each brings a unique prospective to their cases. In a time when everything is outwardly proper, Daniel and Abigail live together as an unmarried couple...though they intend to change that when Abigail returns from a scheduled dig in Egypt. This case was an interesting one, as I've always been fascinated with the unsolved murders of Jack the Ripper. What I loved here was that Walter Sickert was an actual artist who really was a suspect in the Ripper murders. Not only that, but Frederick Abberline, who was Daniel's former boss, was also a real historical figure, a chief inspector of the London Metropolitan Police who was prominent in the Ripper murders in 1888. The blend of fact and fiction made the mystery even more exciting. I didn't figure out who the culprit was, which hightened my enjoyment. I hope to see many more adventures featuring the Museum Detectives!

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.

There was a point in the book where the author suddenly veered off-course to talk about impressionist paintings. That's not really *that* of a big deal, but it's important to me that you know that. It did nothing but break the immersion of the story for me.

But apart from that little qualm, the story and especially the mystery was so damn addicting. Or maybe it's just me, but every story involving Jack the Ripper always gets a second glance from me. This book did live up to most of my expectations.

Doesn't help that the cover is so breathtaking, too.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Allison & Busby for this Advanced Reader Copy and the opportunity to review “Murder at the National Gallery.” All opinions and comments are my own.

The seventh book in the “Museum Series” by Jim Eldridge finds Abigail Fenton excited about the upcoming archeological expedition that she’s leading to Egypt. Yes, she’ll be gone for a long time. But her partner in their “private enquiry agency,” Daniel Wilson, is happy for her. First, however, they receive notice about another investigation – a body’s been found at the National Gallery.

The ties to “that” serial killer of a few years’ past are immediately evident -- the description ‘tis not for the squeamish. And immediate suspect is pointed out in a note sent to the police – Walter Sickert, a prominent artist (who was actually a real suspect for the “Whitechapel Murders”). Sickert’s wife hires our pair to prove he didn’t do it. What follows is quite the history lesson interspersed with a bunch of dead bodies. The primitive use of fingerprints is mentioned, the start of the first forensic lab used at Scotland Yard, and then people; you will “meet” Fred Abberline, prominent in the original police investigation, even in passing Herbert Wells, even Somerset Maugham.

In between all these explanations and a lot of exposition, witnesses are being killed. It’s drummed into you that someone has it in for Walter Sickert. Eventually, things turn deadly for Abby and Daniel, and not in a good way. Never fear; we get an ending, and a murderer. A rather abrupt ending, given what’s come before, I thought.

An Acknowledgement section discusses the real people mentioned in the book and the “real events,” including much more about Walter Sickert. I didn’t find “Murder at the National Gallery” quite up to the standards of earlier books in the series, as it felt like readers received way more information in the course of the writing than was strictly necessary for the plot. And I had problems with the ending, that can’t be discussed here because that would be giving away too much. I will of course look forward to more books in the series, because I do enjoy how Daniel and Abby work together to solve their cases.

When I requested this i didn't know it was part of a series, so I'm not going to lie, i was kind of confused at the beginning. The mystery was fun and well written and I've enjoyed the writing and the style a lot. Now i want to read the other books because this one was a fast paced read for me and the cover is stunning!

Elegant And Immersive,,,
The seventh in the Museum Mystery series, 1897, London and a body is discovered at the National Gallery. The death is chillingly reminiscent of the Jack the Ripper killings. Tautly plotted with a well crafted cast of characters, and a solid mystery to give Wilson and Fenton a run for their money. Can they catch this very elusive murderer? Elegant and immersive and a worthy series addition.

I was so drawn in bybtye cover and title of this book when I requested it that I failed to realise it was 7th in a series, but saying that it did work as a stand alone. I'm a sucker for a book set late 19th century England although this book wasn't the Cody murder mystery I expected, it was quite gory. A good fun read.

This is my second Museum Detectives mystery. (I really should start at the beginning of this series so I find out how Abigail and Daniel met).

Anyway, I liked this book. Eldridge has an easy, uncomplicated writing style, and I could easily slip into Victorian London with its streets crammed with coaches, omnibuses and carts, noisy, dirty and smelly.

This time, the pair of detectives is summoned to the National Gallery when a woman’s eviscerated corpse is found there. Her shocking state is eerily reminiscent of the Ripper murders, and that connection is reinforced when it turns out she was a model for artist William Sickert. He, along with two members of British aristocracy (one a royal) had, nine years earlier, been rumoured to be the Ripper. Police had eliminated Sickert and the others from their enquires then, as they swiftly do with this case, but when another model who sat for Sickert also turns up dead, the police, and Daniel and Abigail’s, questions about these murders become more focused on their connections to the Ripper killings.

I like the relationship between Abigail and Daniel, and they seem to have a better working relationship this time between themselves and Scotland Yard, which proves to be vital in narrowing down motives.

The story reads quickly, and is nicely diverting, despite its grisly murders.

Thank you to Netgalley and to Allison & Busby for this ARC in exchange for my review.

Thanks to Allison & Busby and Net Galley for this ARC. So glad to have found this author though Net Galley. Loving this series, great character development.

Enjoy the partnership between Wilson & Fenton - very daring living together unmarried. Good mix of true characters too, involving elements of the Ripper case. I did not know about the artist's connection to the Ripper case so was prompted to look all that up. Jim Eldridge combines fact and fiction really well throughout his various detective series and they are all most enjoyable. Thanks to Netgalley.

February 1897. Daniel Wilson is called in to investigate when a body of a prostitute and artist’s model is found at the entrance to the National Gallery, and painter Walter Sickert is arrested. Meanwhile his partner Abigail Fenton is organising an expedition to Egypt. But then another body is discovered. Is Sickert guilty or is he being framed, and if so by whom.
Another well-written and entertaining historical mystery in this series. With its varied and likeable characters, especially the two main characters. Another good addition to this series.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

This was good read and for me something different which I enjoyed - change is as good as a holiday. I didn't realise until I was into the book that this was part of a series. It didn't seem to matter that much once I got me head around it so I would say it could be read as a standalone.

For me this took a while to read whilst getting used to the era and the writing, but this my not be an issue for other people.

I was given an advance copy by netgalley and the publishers but the review is entirely my own.

Once again, I didn't realize when I requested the book it is the seventh of the series... That being said, I have read before a book that is part of a series, but works also as a standalone. I had no problem following the story and the characters. The writer giver enough information to help you understand the backstory!
It was a cozy mystery, a quick read that I enjoyed a lot. Not the best mystery book, not the best story, but easy to read and enjoyable!

Thank you to the NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

Dubbed ‘The Museum Detectives’, Daniel Wilson and Abigail Fenton are called to the National Gallery to investigate a dead woman left on the steps. An art model is dead, Jack the Ripper’s crimes are being copied and fingers are being pointed at an artist named Sickert who claims he’s innocent.

It wasn’t until I started reading this book that I found out it was the seventh book in a series. That being said, read as a standalone, it totally works. There’s enough background given that I wasn’t really confused about the characters or the story thus far.

This was a quick and easy read. There wasn’t much in way of descriptions, either of characters or settings. Things were very much to the point, making the flow of the story feel jerky. We were being told what was happening, but not being shown.

Thanks to NetGalley and Allison & Busby for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

NOTE: As I slogged through the first chapter of this novel, I was so bored and unimpressed by the writing I almost put it down. This is because Eldridge felt a need to spend a full chapter introducing us to the team of Daniel Wilson and Abigail Fenton, the Museum Detectives in a purely unnecessary and plodding way. With his extensive writing experience,. he should do more integration of his characters' past and present relationship, successes and plans because he only kept me because I requested this book on Netgalley and am committed to writing reviews for the books I receive there. Next time, don't do this! Yes, give us the info we need to follow the tale and sell the earlier books, but not in one boring dose at the beginning and as subtly as possible. Heads up to the editors!
BUT: After that first chapter, this was a totally enjoyable read, set in 1897 White Chapel about eight or nine years after Jack the Ripper was active. In fact, Wilson is a former officer who worked on the Ripper case. Abigail is an Egyptologist. They are called in by the National Gallery's curator because a prostitute was found dead on the museum steps, mutilated much the way the Ripper's victims were. Walter Sickert, a successful artist who in recent years has come up in various theories as possibly being Jack the Ripper is accused of this murder. His alibi is weak. His wife is about to divorce him for constant philandering and he is not well-liked about town. Eldredge gives us several murders, a look into Sickert's personal life, an entertaining plot with several red herrings and a likable couple of detectives. The resolution was kind of predictable but not certain and there were plenty of twists.

I read this novel as an ARC.
Eldridge has used an interesting premise for this murder mystery in London, UK. It's based on the inability of detectives to Identify Jack the Ripper and when a new rash of murders occurs a decade later, tie them together.
The "Museum detectives" are called in to assist by the National Gallery which annoys the police.
The book moves along at a good pace, the characters are interesting, but I had hoped for more on that score.
I figured out who the murderer was and why he did what he did about two-thirds of the way into the book —also who the accomplice was.
Setting was well handled.
The ending was a quick confession, which disappointed me.
I'm sure those who love a historical murder mystery will enjoy this one's approach.