In this last in a trilogy of sequels to Finch's Charles Lenox series, the young and eager detective faces his toughest case yet: a murder without a single clue. Pursuing the investigation against the wishes of Scotland Yard, Lenox encounters every obstacle 1855 London has to offer, from obstinate royalty to class prejudice to the intense grief of his closest friend.
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.
