Marion Lane and the midnight murder (Marion Lane #1) by T. A. Willberg

In the secret tunnels under the heart of London, a mysterious group of detectives recruited for Miss Brickett’s Investigations & Inquires use their cunning and gadgets to solve crimes that have stumped Scotland Yard. Marion Lane, a first-year Inquirer-in-training, finds herself being drawn into the death of a fellow Inquirer within the halls of Miss Brickett’s. Marion must prove that her friend and mentor is innocent, even though all the evidence points to someone within this secret group!

This historical cosy mystery features a world that is based on a realistic London, but the agency itself is like a completely different world. Set just after WW2, this is a fun, clever and sophisticated read which includes some intriguing engineering and steampunk elements.

It is a classic whodunit, wrapped within a strange world full of secrets, dark and gloomy settings, untrustworthy characters, questionable hidden agendas, and a bunch of creative gadgets (which you would want to try out for yourself if they were real).

All the cast are likeable and have unique characteristics which brings an entertaining feel to the story. Marion is an independent young woman, inquisitive and ready to do her best for the job. And she definitely doesn’t mind getting her hands dirty!

Masterful, clever, and deliciously suspenseful, this is a solid start to Willberg’s debut series. If you like James Bond gadgetry or Sherlock Holmes murder mysteries with a pinch of fantasy, then you will love this book.

Continue Marion’s adventures as she embraces the dark terrors of London with Book 2: Marion Lane and the Deadly Rose.

Reviewed by Diane Stewart
Library Assistant