The Lost Boys of London

This latest book in Mary Lawrence's Bianca Goddard mysteries delivers a good read and escape into the gray streets of Tudor England. The main character, Bianca Goddard, is a believable protagonist, and with each book, she grows in complexity and strength. You'll enjoy the rich atmosphere of the time: market street characters, constables and vendors, flavorful dialogue, winding alleys, impressive architecture, and the portrayal of social classes. You'll soon be deep into the investigation of a little boy's death that sends Bianca into dangerous territory. Fisk is a delightful character, and the opening of the story takes you on a breathtaking chase, hopeful and delighted at his cleverness and pluck. My favorite is the continued information on herbs and home remedies. The reader is also treated to scenes in Scotland where her husband, John, is fighting on the battlefield. As tensions increase, it's clear life will not be the same for John and Bianca after he returns home. Although this is book five, it can stand alone. But do go back to book one and enjoy the growth of Bianca. This is a good story with an intriguing and solid plot, engaging escalation of trouble for Bianca, and plenty of murder and suspicion to take you away from a week of stress.