Why am I passionate about this?
Most stories about murder in the Victorian era are set in London. Not all the best mysteries, however, take place there as I have discovered as a long-time reviewer for City Book Review. Some are; some are not. In my own writing, the setting must complement and even amplify the murderous doings being depicted. With this in mind, let me take you on a deadly country-wide tour of mystery, with each of our five stops brightened or darkened by one of my favorite murder stories. Each of them engaged me, mystified me, and, above all, entertained me.
Lyn's book list on geography for Victorian murder mysteries
Why did Lyn love this book?
Our next stop is Essex for a classic English village mystery. I knew from the moment I read the opening scene—the grisly discovery of a young man entombed in the crypt of the usually murder-free parish church—that I was going to love the story. And I did.
I was delighted to see how the tranquility of the pastoral scenes—the thatched-roof cottages, the earthy smell of horses in the stable, the square, Norman-style church tower overlooking the village green—carried through the story and beautifully counterpointed the skullduggery at the heart of the mystery.
The quaint village atmosphere heightens the tension in this well-constructed first installment of what promises to be an exciting new mystery series.
3 authors picked Murder in the Crypt as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.
When the body of a young man is found stuffed into the tomb of a medieval knight, Parish Constable Daniel Haze is tasked with investigating his first solo murder case. Suspicion instantly falls on the only stranger to arrive in the village of Birch Hill just before the crime took place, but the American captain proves to be an unexpected asset. A former soldier and a skilled surgeon, Jason Redmond is not only willing to assist Haze with the investigation but will risk his own safety to apprehend the killer.With no suspects, no motive, and few leads to follow, Redmond…