An Extravagant Death by Charles Finch is a historical mystery set in 1878 and 1879 and is set in London, New York, and Rhode Island. Queen Victoria is on the throne and Benjamin Disraeli is the Prime Minister. Despite this novel being the fourteenth book in the series, I had no problem connecting with the characters and the time.

The protagonist, Charles Lenox, is the leading and most distinguished detective in England. He had once been a Member of Parliament, but now has his own detective agency. He has just wrapped up a case that involved corruption within Scotland Yard. When called to the Prime Minister's office, he is asked to undertake a diplomatic mission for the Queen. After some thought and persuasion, he accepts and arrives in New York. After meeting with both the police and members of society, he heads to Boston, but is stopped in route and asked to go to Newport, Rhode Island. A debutant is dead. Is it suicide, an accident, or murder?

Charles is an engaging character and definitely someone you want to succeed. His flaws only served to endear him to this reader. He also showed growth and some character change during the course of the story.

The author does a fantastic job of giving the reader a strong sense of time and place. The cultural elements seemed accurate and made the reading experience an immersive one. However, this is not a thriller. It takes a while to get to the debutant's death, but I did not mind the slower pace. I was having too much fun enjoying the society of 1878 in London and New York.

Overall, this book is entertaining, humorous at times, and a well-done historical mystery. I definitely want to read more of this series. If you like historical mysteries, then you may enjoy this one as much as I did.
I received a copy of this book from the St. Martin's Press - Minotaur Books and Charles Finch in a Goodreads Giveaway. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way.

I have not read any of the previous books in the series so I have no bias in reading this except that I geek history and this is set mainly in Newport, RI and NYC in 1878. Due to other circumstances, the very British Lenox is sent to the states without his wife and children but with astounding credentials and winds up becoming involved in a murder investigation halfway between NYC and his destination. Fortunately his assigned valet is well able to help him with the due diligence he would be unable to do quietly and that the local police are glad for his aid because the moneyed class is as intolerant of police in Newport as they are in Britain. He also has the aid of a past acquaintance as well as a new and eager one, both of whom are both moneyed and familiar with the milieu. Good sleuthing by all! I found it quite enjoyable.
I requested and received a free ebook copy from St. Martin's Press/Minotaur Books via NetGalley. Thank you!

I recently discovered the author Charles Finch and I love his books! Excellent stories and writing! I will read all the books I find! I highly recommend reading them!

Good idea moving Lennox to America for this one book. Shows wealthy people in U.S. are not really any different than wealthy people in England -(minus Titles). In actuality, rich people here act even more ridiculous than those in the UK. Its a great, twisting romp.