Barbara’s rating: 4 out of 5 Stars
Series: The Field & Greystone Series
Publication Date: 11/26/24
Period: Victorian London – 1883

This author may be new to writing mysteries, but she has brought over every ounce of her enviable writing abilities. The Mudlark Murders is the second captivating and intriguing mystery in her new Field & Greystone series featuring Scotland Yard Inspector Henry Field and widowed Amelia Greystone. Field and Greystone are interesting and relatable characters with a dynamic interpersonal relationship – dare we hope there is a budding romance there?

Amelia is interviewing barge captain Booth for an article she is writing for London Life when two young children discover a body along the shore. The two children are mudlarks – and the body belongs to their young friend and fellow mudlark, Nora. Nora was fine the day before, how could she suddenly be dead? There are no wounds, but she appears to have flecks of throw-up on her lip and shoe. Poison? Who would poison a defenseless child?

When Scotland Yard declines to open a case – because – well – poor, powerless, child – Henry knows he has to investigate on his own time. Amelia also wants to do her share and they stir the hornet’s nest between them. With another death, the solution becomes more urgent. Who might be next?

This is an intriguing read with nefarious government organizations, disappearing children, and murder. With other children and even Amelia in the murderer’s cross-hairs, they know they have to move quickly.

I enjoyed the excellently done mystery, the hints of romance to come, and the cast of characters. I also enjoyed Sergeant Adam Fletcher’s return and assume he will continue to be a supporting character.

If you want an interesting, well-written mystery with a tad of romance, this might be the book for you. I’m looking forward to seeing Amelia and Henry’s romance blossom, and to seeing them solve many more excellent mysteries.

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.