Devotees of Victorian nobleman/sleuth Charles Lenox, whose armchair exploits author Charles Finch has explored in 12 previous volumes, will delight in this prequel of sorts ... Finch paints a vivid portrait of London at mid-19th century—all picturesque snow on cobblestones—and offers delightful turns of phrase ... If you’re not already a Lenox fan, The Last Passenger certainly won’t be your last visit with him.
In his 13th novel in this series, Finch smoothly integrates the era’s politics, fashion, culture and views, including how American issues have infiltrated British society. Finch also cleverly delves into Lenox’s personality, which has fueled this beloved series.
... this tightly plotted mystery, winding through the back alleys of Whitechapel to the halls of Parliament itself, is rich in historical detail and quite enjoyable on its own merits but will be of particular interest to fans of the series, as it provides useful backstory to favorite characters. Lenox, quick-witted, fair-minded but still fallible, is an extremely likable protagonist who is drawn to his somewhat unusual profession out of a genuine wish to help others—even against the whispers of society and at some personal cost. His coming into his own as a detective is a delight.
Finch effectively integrates the politics of the time, including pre–Civil War tensions in America, and his insertion of subplots regarding his lead’s romantic life doesn’t distract from the clever murder puzzle. Anne Perry and David Dickinson fans will be satisfied.
This [matchmaking] subplot almost takes the spotlight away from the mystery while it provides satisfying backstory for key relationships in the series. Avid mystery readers will enjoy Lenox’s thorough review of his sleuthing process, not in the sense of 'this is how I solved this' but rather 'this is how I could have done better.' Overall, a bit more history than mystery. Choose this if you revel in atmosphere.
