This London based murder mystery is not my typical genre but I enjoyed it very much. Lenox, the main detective is thoughtful, a family man and very dedicated to his work. He is part of the British upper crust but not buried by the rules like others. The cast of characters includes ruffians, a worried old lady, a mysterious person leaving initials carved into stone entry ways, a Dr. whose become an alcoholic because society sees having an occupation as beneath his stature in society and a very smart young man forced to grow up on the streets. Many twists and turns and very engaging.

4-1/2 stars. I was not aware of this series and am now very excited to go back and read the first 11 titles. Finch transports the reader to Victorian London with great descriptive prowess and attention to detail. Add in an intriguing mystery and back story and details of his family life, past and present ,and you have a wonderfully entertaining mystery. I also appreciated the historical context as the novel is set in a very class and gender restricted time. Highly recommended for English mystery fans of the non-cozy variety. It would pair well with the fantastic new Ellie Griffiths Victorian mystery Frozen People..

‘The Hidden City’ by Charles Finch is an engaging mystery that pulls you into Victorian London. Detective Charles Lenox dives into a complex mystery while balancing his personal life, which adds a nice emotional depth to the story. Finch’s writing is sharp and immersive, making the setting feel alive, and his characters, especially Lenox, continue to evolve in a way that feels genuine. However, I did find myself a bit disappointed with the outcome of the mystery. The resolution felt anticlimactic and didn’t quite live up to the tension built throughout the story. I also found some of the filler moments to be a bit tedious, with certain sections dragging on longer than necessary. While I appreciate the character development and the world that Finch has built, there were times when the plot seemed to stall.

Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the Advanced Reader Copy. I appreciate the opportunity to read and review this book before its official release.

Charles Lennox is back! Hooray! Interesting story with a lot of historical London. The case was solved pretty quickly but the story continued as Lennox explored some curious links he found.

Did not finish. My first in this series, and I felt all the characters were explained well enough (although there was clearly history behind them), but the pacing was so slow. Every time I put the book down, I felt no interest in picking it back up again.

This was a great story with more than a few twists and turns. I really liked the characters of this story Lennox is such a likable guy. His jaunts through town so well drawn with words.

I would recommend this book.

I want to thank NetGalley and St Martins Press for- Minotaur Books for this advanced reader copy and this is my honest opinion.

I always like Charles Lenox tales. In this book Charles is back in London and has a new mystery to solve. An old servant has asked for his help. He delves into an old case. In the course of his investigation we reconnect with many of his friends and colleagues from his past.

The Hidden City by Charles Lenox is a highly entertaining mystery that weaves together an unsolved murder, family dynamics, and personal conflicts with ease. Despite being part of a long-running series, the book stands strong on its own, with no confusing references or cliffhangers. Lenox’s writing style is engaging and easy to follow, keeping me hooked from start to finish. As a recent visitor to London, I especially enjoyed the familiar street names and neighborhoods that brought the setting to life. Overall, I loved the book and would definitely read more from this author.

Do you enjoy mysteries and historical fiction? Pick up The Hidden City by Charles Finch. This book had it all.

Another good book in this series. I enjoy how he brings in older characters while introducing new ones. Story holds your interest. Good ending and I look forward to the next book. Hope it is soon.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.

"The Hidden City" by Charles Finch is a masterful blend of suspense, rich historical detail, and compelling human drama, taking readers on an evocative journey into the shadows of 19th-century London. Finch, already renowned for his Charles Lenox detective series, dives deeper into the grit and glamour of Victorian society, crafting a tale that feels as much an exploration of hidden truths as it is a riveting mystery.

The novel centers on a disappearance shrouded in mystery, leading the protagonist into a labyrinth of secrets hidden within London’s underbelly. Finch’s talent for world-building is evident as he paints a vivid picture of the city's contrasting realities—opulent drawing rooms and dim, dangerous alleyways both come alive under his pen. His atmospheric descriptions feel almost cinematic, immersing the reader in a time and place where every shadow might conceal a clue or a threat.

One of Finch’s greatest strengths lies in his characters, and "The Hidden City" is no exception. The protagonist—complex, flawed, and driven—anchors the story with a blend of vulnerability and tenacity. Equally memorable are the supporting cast, from enigmatic allies to villainous figures whose motivations are revealed in tantalizing layers. Finch ensures that even the minor characters feel integral to the story, enriching the narrative and amplifying the stakes.

The plot unfolds with meticulous precision, each twist and revelation satisfying yet surprising. Finch keeps the reader guessing until the very end, offering a conclusion that ties up loose ends while leaving room for reflection—a hallmark of a truly great mystery.

"The Hidden City" also poses poignant questions about morality, loyalty, and the nature of justice. Finch’s nuanced exploration of these themes adds depth to the narrative, elevating it beyond a typical whodunit.

Fans of historical fiction, mysteries, and Charles Finch’s previous works will find "The Hidden City" a standout addition to his bibliography.

If you love 18th-century British mysteries or anything with a Sherlock Holmes vibe, this one’s for you. Detective Charles Lennox is back, tackling a case full of secrets and deception, and while this is the 12th book in the series, you don’t need to have read the others to enjoy it. That said, knowing a bit about Lennox’s past adds some extra depth.

What really stood out to me—beyond the mystery itself—was the personal side of the story. Lennox is caring for his cousin, which brings a more emotional layer to the book. It’s not just about solving crimes; it’s about the people in his life, too.

Thank you to NetGalley and Saint Martin’s Press (Minnaar) for a free copy in exchange for an unbiased review. Publication Date: November 4, 2025.

Charles Lenox, an amateur sleuth in Victorian London, tries to unravel a mystery in 1879 hidden in the city's architecture. It's my first in the 12-book series but I had no problem reading it solo, caught up by the gripping narrative, the well-researched historical details, and the author's fine wit. I dare you to put this compelling novel down before you finish it. And like me, you'll want to start with Book 1 and read the whole series through. Highly recommended!

Charles Finch’s writing is elegant and witty, capturing the nuances of both the era and the human spirit. It’s a perfect read for anyone who loves a clever puzzle wrapped in atmospheric charm and historical intrigue.

I was a big fan of this book, I love a historical fiction and mystery mixture. It kept me on my toes but also gave me that cozy feeling of historical fiction as well!

Thank you NetGalley for allowing a preview of the book before publication date.

The Hidden City is an installment in a series of books with the main character being Charles Lenox. Although you can read the books out of order and take away the key plot to the book, reading in order allows you to meet characters that may arise in the different novels at a later date, as well as allows you to see the evolution of the characters and Finch's writing itself.
This book focuses on Charles Lenox investigating another murder but while doing so something else catches his eye...a symbol. He sees it etched in other areas and his inquiring mind leads him onto a dual path. There are other themes of the era that are touched on such as women's rights and class divisions. Finch does a fabulous job of drawing you into the Victorian era staying true to historical facts although this is a work of fiction.
The characters are realistic and memorable. The dynamics of the characters are interwoven expertly throughout the book. If you're like me when you read, it's as if you are right there with them as they develop and grow. Charles Lenox after having a conversation with the villain asks himself later whether he was a villain in the true sense.

"I want to hear about it all again. This hidden city you and your friends discovered-created-mappped."

This book really is a page turner and appropriate for anyone 16+. Finch brings them to life with his simple yet moving prose.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book even though I hadn't read other books in the series but it absolutely has me on the search for his other books. I definitely recommend reading Finch's Charles Lenox series books especially the Hidden City. His writing style is witty, his characters well developed, and most importantly there are thought provoking statements found in reading his books.

"A chance. That was what he must fight for other people to have."

This review can also be found on goodreads.

This book was worth the wait. I have read this series from start to finish in order and it never disappoints. Lenox is older and his past is starting to catch up with him physically. He takes to a new fad of working out and massage to get through it.
When his retired maid tells him a vagrant is sleeping in front of her house, he is obliged to look more closely for her. His new protege, Montague, assists. Dallinger and Polly appear too and you can see the progression of the detective agency and it’s success.
Then there is Jane and her fight for woman’s voting rights. This book is so engaging as a mystery and a fictional account of a family in the 1860s. Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher and Mr Finch for an early read of the next chapter in the series. Keep them coming please!

Thanks to NetGalley and Minotaur Books for the ARC of this book. This was my first time reading a book from this series and I’m sure if I had been caught up it would have been a more enjoyable read.

There was a lot about this book that I liked, the writing style, the characters, the setting and the sub plots were excellent. But the main story felt a little slow and very low stakes.

Number 15 in this historical mystery series, but number one for me. Regardless of not knowing the history of the characters I was able to follow the story very well. I would definitely categorize this as a “cozy” as there were no “thrilling” (i.e. terrifying for the reader) scenes to get my anxiety going. Fine by me! Interesting that as a cozy written by a man, there was less filler of the tea parties and gown description types (also fine by me) but plenty of historical detail about the Victorian Age in which the stories are set. This included plenty of social as well as policy / political commentary. I particularly enjoyed the description of various “guilds” (known here as “livery companies”) started in medieval times — all styled as the “Worshipful Company of <fill in the blank>.” Tickled me. Some good bits on women’s suffrage and the complete injustice of the treatment of London’s “lower classes.” This particular episode felt like more of a novel than a mystery, although there was a mystery obviously (old murders just tied together with a current threat to someone living in the house where one of them occurred). I quite liked the characters and will likely go back to number one and see how things progress!

Charles Lennox has had a rough year. A wound that still hurts, no interest in work and a wife who is publicly working for women's votes. Then his old housekeeper asks for help, a young cousin arrives and life improves. Wonderful!