The Mangle Street Murders

The Mangle Street Murders by M.R.C. Kasasian Summary: The first in a charming, evocative, and sharply plotted Victorian crime series starring a detective duo to rival Holmes and Watson. After her father dies, March Middleton has to move to London to live with her guardian, Sidney Grice, the country’s most famous private detective. It is 1882 and London is at its murkiest yet most vibrant, wealthiest yet most poverty-stricken. No sooner does March arrive than a case presents itself: a young woman has been brutally murdered, and her husband is the only suspect. The victim’s mother is convinced of her son-in-law’s innocence, and March is so touched by her pleas she offers to cover Sidney’s fee herself. The investigations lead the pair to the darkest alleys of the East End: every twist leads Sidney Grice to think his client is guilty; but March is convinced that he is innocent. Around them London reeks with the stench of poverty and gossip, the case threatens to boil over into civil unrest and Sidney Grice finds his reputation is not the only thing in mortal danger. Karyn's Comments: Set in the late Victorian era, this story lends itself to being compared to the most famous (albeit fictional) London personal detective, Sherlock Holmes.  The author even goes so far as to have her character state he would “retire to my estate in Dorset, where I shall write my memoirs, drill for oil and keep bees.” There is also a reference to a prior case where Grice is called in to search for a missing race horse ala The Adventure of Silver Blaze. However Sidney Grice is no Sherlock Holmes. While I liked this book, I found Sidney Grice a very disagreeable character.  While he had the pompousness and arrogance of Holmes, he was very lacking in the compassion Holmes often showed to his clients, as well as Dr. Watson.  Grice’s character grated on the nerves throughout most of the book.  March Middleton and Inspector Pound make up for what is needing in Grice through their quick witted conversations and more caring personalities. While at times March is a little naive in her dealings with the accused and his mother-in-law, her compassion is her saving grace. I would recommend this book to fans of Victorian mysteries, mysteries in general or someone who would just like a quick read. Sherlockians might want to steer clear as it could cause a headache. Request this item