Another well plotted and entertaining historical mystery featuring Dickens. I had fun, enjoyed the plot and the solid mystery that kept me guessing.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this arc, all opinions are mine

Charles Dickens and superintendent Sam Jones are hot on the trail of Martin Jaggard, a ruthless criminal involved with murder, jewel theft, forgeries, kidnapping and human trafficking.

A dark and violent tale set in London and Southampton around 1851, cleverly plotted and blessed with a terrific cast of exquisitely drawn characters. This lastest installment in the series is a bleak fictional tapestry of Victorian England but the writing is gorgeous and the historical details are simply fabulous.

Many thanks to Sapere Books and Netgalley for this magnificent ARC

I have been looking out for books in the series as I love the vintage feel of
detection plus the meticulous follow up by both Inspector Jones and the unofficial
role of detective played by Charles Dickens.

1851 London from both the Inspector's and Dickens point of view not the most salubrious
place to be. The description of the places where the poor live and where crime abounds
sounds like hell on earth. This part of the story is itself descriptive enough to be
the base of a story. Then the characters in the story like Dickens, Jones, Stemp followed
by Elizabeth, Catherine, Scrap, Posy who are present throughout the series makes the book
very character driven. You then add the villains in the piece - Jaggard, Phib, the
Millers, Craggy and his minions and you have a plot there itself.

The crime of murder/s, forgery, robbery, human trafficking is the core for this book.
very well written, absolutely engrossing, makes me want the next one immediately - makes me give this a five star review

‘That was always the way of it. Someone needed him and he was gone.’

London, 1851. Superintendent Sam Jones is away from home searching for Martin Jaggard, a missing murderer when his wife Elizabeth’s servant Posy goes missing. Desperate to find Posy, Mrs Jones enlists the help of Charles Dickens.

Superintendent Jones returns to London after apprehending Jaggard’s mistress, Cora Davies. While Davies is in possession of jewels stolen from Jaggard’s victim, Sir William Pell, she is unable (or unwilling) to shed light on Jaggard’s whereabouts. Once back in London, Jones meets with Dickens. Posy is still missing; Jaggard is still evading capture.

As they investigate, with the support of the marvellous Scrap, it seems that both cases have links to Clerkenwell. Jones, Dickens and Scrap are also in danger. They are being followed, and Posy is not the only person missing.

This is the tenth book in Ms Briggs’s marvellous Dickens and Jones series. Ms Briggs brings 19th century London to life, providing Dickens with inspiration for his stories as well as showing the reader the hardships faced by many.

If you enjoy mysteries set in the Victorian era, then I recommend this series. They do not need to be read in order because each case is self-contained, but you would miss some terrific character development as the series progresses.

Note: My thanks to NetGalley and Sapere Books for providing me with a free electronic copy of this book for review purposes.

Jennifer Cameron-Smith

This is the first book I have read in the series. Although previous cases were mentioned I did not feel I was missing anything. I did find the plot very slow and at times repetitive interviewing the same people twice. Although historical murder mysteries are usually my top choice in books, I struggled with this one. So unfortunately not for me. Having written so many other books in this series, Briggs is obviously popular so I'm sure many others will enjoy it.
This is an honest review of a complementary ARC.

Another entertaining and well-plotted historical read with its cast of great characters. It is another good addition to this well-written series which is a bit less of a murder mystery and a bit more of a missing persons case as the villain is well know and it's more about tracking him down while he adds to his bad deeds. Still a great story although throughout this series I do hate how Dicken's marriage is portrayed although I have no idea if it historically correct for the couple. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

1851. Superintenent Sam Jones is in Southampron trying to apprehend Martin Jaggard, a murderer. Days later he is back in London as he follows the clues. Meanwhile a kitchen maid, Posy, at his home has gone missing. With Jones away it is up to Charles Dickens to try and trace her. Soon both cases become intertwined.
Another entertaining and well-plotted historical mystery with its cast of likeable characters. It is another good addition to this enjoyabe and well-written series which can easily be read as a standalone story.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.