An Extravagant Death: A Charles Lenox Mystery (Charles Lenox Mysteries Book 14)

I finished Charles Finch's latest Lenox detective novel, An Extravagant Death. For me, it was the best one he's done so far - and I've enjoyed all of them. Honestly I found it to be one of the sweetest, yet cruel mysteries I have ever read. I know that doesn't make a lot of sense.All I can say in that regard is that the villain was truly dastardly. And the hero was a very sympathetic person. And I'm still thinking about the characters today as if they were real - even though I know full well they aren't.Okay. Actually that's not all I can say about it. There's more...Another odd thing about it from my perspective: although the detective, Lenox, is a British character - in this novel he goes to America. Basically I'm not that crazy about American historical mysteries - much prefer a British setting. Nor have I ever really been that interested in the fabulously wealthy inhabitants of Newport, Rhode Island in the late 1880's.And yet I absolutely loved this book. Seriously!There's more I could say but it seems appropriate to end this by talking about the book's, um, ending. The final few chapters had a haunting, almost wistful effect on me in spite of the fact that the novel had the requisite amount of murder and mayhem.So I can't really explain why the book affected me this way except it's sort of like sitting down to what looked like fictional oatmeal to me (American historical setting among a bunch of fabulously wealthy snobs) and finding it's the best dessert I've ever eaten.Yeah, that's about all I can say about it.

Charles Lenox, British private investigator extraordinaire, doesn’t get a murder to solve until page sixty-nine. It takes that long to find out why the prime minister wants Lenox to make himself scarce for a bit, to follow Lenox on his sea voyage to New York, and to hear his first impressions of America.But Lenox’s itinerary is interrupted by a summons to Newport, where an elite group of fabulously wealthy Americans spend their summers. A nineteen-year-old society beauty has been found murdered on a beach.Lenox doesn’t want this problem but finally lets himself be persuaded to investigate. The case exposes him to the over-the-top luxuries and extravagances of the Astors, the Vanderbilts and other privileged people awash in old and new money. Lenox is rich in suspects because beautiful Lily Allingham had dozens of suitors. The investigation turns up a plethora of surprises as well as a few false leads — and Lenox risks his life with his deductions.The case is intriging, and the portrait of nineteenth-century Newport in season is fascinating. As usual in this series, the author has fun exploring the origins of certain words and phrases (like backlog, shrapnel, and white elephant). I always look forward to these flights of entomology.It’s true the story starts slowly. But once it gets going, it’s a riveting read.

I enjoyed this book - after all it was a Charles Lenox tale by Charles Finch but. . . it just wasn't quite up to some of the others - or the sum of the others. I missed Lady Jane and John and Polly and most especially Graham, though that all was eventually remedied. The mystery was sufficient though I found the setting kind of out of sync. But there were still the things I love most about these books - the off-handed explanation for words and phrases and how they fell into common usage, Lenox's ponderings and how comfortable it feels to be inside his head. I most especially love his kindnesses to those around him, it's easy to love a character who is loved by his fellow characters. I pre-ordered this book at the first opportunity, then read it in 2 days after it arrived. I suppose I'll probably read the entire series again before the next one comes along. (Sigh) I feel interested/concerned what the next one will bring, as I am sure was the intention.

I preordered this at the first available opportunity and when the delivery was delayed by snowstorms in my area I was very unhappy. When it finally arrived I devoured it in a day. And honestly that is usually what happens when a Charles Finch novel appears on my doorstep.The characters are like family at this point, their triumphs our own to revel in and their defeats ours to shed a tear over. I adore these books and will be despondent at best when they are no longer being written. The historical notes that are slipped seamlessly into the story are interesting and not out of place or forced. The detail is crisp and well written.If you haven’t yet, I strongly encourage you to start the Charles Lenox series. They’re truly wonderful.

I love this series. This book was a bit of a departure as it is set in America, but still enormously enjoyable. The detailed description of the Astor party was particularly fascinating. I am perturbed that Lenox is thinking about quitting the detective agency....I hope that doesn't mean we've seen the last of him.

Charles Finch is my favourite author. This book was my favourite in his Charles Lenox series. It was exquisitely written and plotted. I enjoyed every minute. Thank you so much for this wonderful experience!

I looked forward to this latest from Charles Finch. I was a bit disappointed. Not as punchy as previous books. I didnt like the American angle at all.Sorry Charles.

I have all of this author's books!