Murder at the Serpentine Bridge (A Wrexford & Sloane Mystery)
It’s 1814, and London is preparing for the peace celebrations, when major European sovereigns, politicians, and military leaders will gather for a series of parties and dinners celebrating victory over Napoleon. But when a Black engineering genius is murdered, newly married Charlotte Sloane and Lord Wrexford are thrown into another investigation that will test their skills and even force some examinations of racism in Regency England.
Readers may be familiar with Penrose’s historical mystery series, but even if this is your first time meeting satirical cartoonist Charlotte Sloane and brilliant scientist Lord Wrexford, you’ll be quickly absorbed in their world. Penrose brings back key characters like the Wrexfords’ young wards, Raven and Hawk, and drops plenty of clues as to how relationships have grown and changed in previous books so it’s not necessary to read the series in order, though doing so may help you keep track of all of the names.
This particular story starts slowly, but the build-up is worth it because Penrose takes the time to fully flesh out her characters. Jeremiah Willis, the murder victim, is an inventor of color based on historical figures. Penrose writes in her author’s note that “our view of the past is constantly changing,” and part of what she aims to do in this book is remind us to celebrate the long-overdue uncovering of the people of color who made brilliant discoveries that changed our world and are finally starting to receive credit.
