Reviewed by annieb123 on
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
Reading updates
- Started reading
- 15 February, 2021: Finished reading
- 15 February, 2021: Reviewed