Murder on Black Swan Lane

The Reverend Josiah Holworthy has been brutally slain.  His face splashed with something that caused disfigurement and his throat slashed.  Due to an ongoing feud via letters in the newspaper, it would appear that the Earl of Wrexford is the likely culprit.  A print has been distributed by an artist called A. J. Quill, which depicts the scene quite graphically and accurately.  Wrexford wants to meet with the artist.

Wrexford’s valet, Tyler, helps him begin his own investigation into the murder.  However, he first he wants to find Quill, who has now printed another drawing of Wrexford accurately depicting him and his friend Sheffield looking at the previous drawing in his house.  He is surprised to discover that A. J. Quill is not a man, but is in fact A widow, Mrs. Charlotte Sloane.

They strike a deal to work together.  Charlotte explains to him how she gathers her information for her drawings.  She has two young lads who occasionally help her, brothers Raven and Hawk, who are not her children.

The following day, Wrexford and Tyler are on the verge of entering a chemist’s lab when it unexpectedly bursts into flame.  They manage to put the flames out, and find the chemist on the floor.  As Wrexford lifts the man up, he finds his hand sticky with blood.  It is at this time that Griffin, a Bow Street Runner walks in.

Fortunately, Wrexford has an explanation, which undeniably proves he is not the killer.  Wrexford is also sure that the chemist’s death is related to that of the late reverend. How can he prove it?

Speaking with Charlotte, They come to realise that there is a connection to a group called The Ancients.  While Wrexford continues his investigation, Charlotte will attempt to provoke them with her drawings as A. J. Quill.  That drawing brings surgeon Henning to the pair, and an idea from him leads to a potential suspect.  Now, the question is, how to get the Bow Street Runner to apprehend the culprit?

Author Andrea Penrose has some excitement set up for Charlotte, Wrexford and the two lads in the concluding pages of this thriller.  This is the first in a new series and I thoroughly enjoyed it.  I’m looking forward to reading the sequels.