The Cabinets of Barnaby Mayne: A Mystery
It’s 1703, and Sir Barnaby Mayne is the proud owner of the most extensive and envied collection of curiosities. Cecily Kay arrives in London to consult Sir Barnaby’s plant collection. Later that day, other men arrive at the house for a tour. By tour’s end, Sir Barnaby is discovered stabbed to death. His curator proclaims to the group that he did it and runs off, but the pieces don’t quite add up. As Cecily dives deeper into the events of that fateful night, she finds herself a target of shady figures and life-threatening attacks. Cecily is aided by a childhood friend, Meacan. Can the duo uncover Sir Barnaby’s killer before they wind up part of his collection of dead specimens?
Cecily and Meacan share a dynamic, complementary relationship. It’s been a long time since they last saw each other, so there’s an element of trust that readers and characters need to develop. This adds an enjoyable layer of suspense to the plot. The trail of clues before and after the murder is woven expertly into the narrative, treating readers to multiple unexpected twists and turns. I couldn’t wait to find out what Cecily and Meacan uncovered next. The world of obsessive collectors and their elaborate collections is intriguingly brought to life through the men and their unusual objects—the serious and whimsical aspects deftly crafted.
Elsa Hart’s novels are not just on my must-read list but my must-buy list, as her historical mysteries always keep me hooked from engaging start to satisfying finish. Engrossing characters and lush setting, enshrouded within a murder mystery brimming with compelling curiosities, make this a stunning read. Highly recommended.
