The Murder of Patience Brooke (Charles Dickens Investigations #1) by J.C. Briggs
Genre: Historical Mystery
Read: 8th January 2019
Goodreads
Purchase: Amazon
★★★★ 4 stars
I'd like to thank #JCBriggs, #NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC of #TheMurderOfPatienceBrooke in exchange for an honest review.
Set in Victorian London in 1849, THE MURDER OF PATIENCE BROOKE is the first in the series of historical mysteries featuring Charles Dickens. Accompanied by his police detective friend Superintendant Sam Jones, Dickens finds himself embroiled in the mystery surrounding mysterious Patience Brooke, who came to the Home Dickens had set up for "fallen women" and worked as an assistant housekeeper. When Mrs Morson, matron of the Home, discovers Patience's blood-soaked body on the step, her throat having been cut, she pens a note to Dickens and sends for him at once. And to bring Superintendant Jones as well.
Patience's life before she came to Urania Cottage is cloused in secrecy. She never spoke about it and no one asked. However, her past is soon discovered with "old school" detective work, knocking on doors and speaking to neighbours and possible witnesses - all without the aid of forensics and technology of today.
Then another young girl from the Home disappears and it feared the killer - a man with a crooked face - has a taste for innocent young girls, an abhorrent and distasteful crime even in Victorian times.
Throughout the book, Dickens often refers to the books her has written and the one he is currently writing - "David Copperfield" - and draws parallels to the the backstories surrounding the crime, which becomes a sort of investigative aid for both him and Jones.
The one irritant I found in this book was the frequent descriptions of routes taken around the city, which means nothing to me (not being a resident of London), though for those who do know the city might find it interesting and enhances the story for them. I, however, did not. It was irritating and I thought a little unnecessary. Here or there maybe, but every time Dickens walked home or was in pursuit of a lead, the routes down which roads, streets and alleys were given.
Aside from that one point, I found the story completely atmospheric. Although I have never read any Dickens' novels as I found the old English dialect a little hard to absorb, this book really did feel as if you were in Victorian London. It was a really enjoyable and easy to read story. I loved the camaraderie between Dickens and Jones and thought they made a wonderful team. The mystery surrounding Patience Brooke's murder is dark and twisted, keeping you guessing till the end. Whilst identifying the killer was one thing, locating him was another.
A brilliant, atmospheric read. Highly recommended!
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