DEATH & THE JUBILEE (Hist. Mys-Lord Francis Powerscourt-England-1897) - VGDickinson, David – 2nd in seriesConstable, 2003, UK Hardcover – ISBN: 1841195847First Sentence: One nondescript room at the top of the War Office in London had become the nerve center of the British Empire.London is excited about the upcoming Diamond celebrating the 60th year of Queen Victoria’s reign, but there are also great concerns about security. A corpse, without head or hands, is found floating in the Thames. Because the body appears to be a wealthy, older gentleman, Lord Francis Powerscourt is brought in to work with the security forces to identify the corpse and determine whether there is a greater threat. The investigation leads Powerscourt back to his native Ireland, into the world of international banking and facing a personal threat.I was afraid, at first, that this book might be a bit dry for my taste. It definitely was not. There are great characters. Powerscourt is an ex-soldier, who is wealthy, urbane, literate, polite, and confident of his position in life. He loves his wife, Lady Lucy, and family, is capable of expressing emotion. Lady Lucy is no vapid Victoria female, but intelligent and holds her own. There is delightful interaction between Powerscourt, Lady Lucy and their children which adds humor and a softer note to the story. While they take the lead, the supporting characters, some of whom are recurring in the series, are well developed and integral to the story. Dickinson’s sense of place is strong enough that his description of a cricket match made me actually want to understand the game. The verbally paints with contract: “All around were the signs of England in the Spring…Then Powerscourt saw the sad remains of Blackwater House.” The story is very well plotted with escalating suspense. It begins with a seemingly straightforward murder but quickly become much more and goes places I didn’t expect. There is no question that I shall read more books in this series.
In this second instalment of the series, Lord Francis Powerscourt is called in to solve the murder of a headless and handless corpse found floating in the Thames. Of course he does it. The reader learns a lot about politics and the world of finance of the late 1800's. This is interesting, indeed. We learn that nothing much has changed in the time between then and now. Greed and avarice are deeply human attributes.Dickinson takes his time telling the story. There are lots of likeable characters who are described in some detail. We also find out a lot about Powerscourt's marriage and personal life. It does take somewhat away from the supense but doesn't hurt the novel as such. After all, there's going to be another instalment. Overall, I found it to be a well written novel with a very likeable protagonist - but, perhaps a bit too slow. Too many forays into issues (such as the Irish incidents) not central to the plot.I'm not sure I will read on in this series.
What do You think about Death And The Jubilee (2015)?
As England gets ready for Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee, authorities are concerned with possible Irish terrorism. Private investigator Lord Francis Powerscourt is hired to look into the mysterious death of a banker, whose family connections link him to German secret societies. What Lord Francis discovers will put him, his friends and even his amily in danger. I find these a little slow-moving up until near the end; this one is also disquieting in that Lord Francis, who grew up in Ireland, knows of the injustices English has perpetrated, but seems all too willing to ignore the legitimate complaints of the Irish.
—Susan
The time is 1897 and England is preparing for Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee. There are foreign influences plotting to undermine, not only the Jubilee but the stability of the entire government. Initially Lord Francis Powerscourt is called upon to solve a murder but when a second corpse appears it becomes clear to him that more is involved and the future of his country and ultimately his family are at sake. The complex plot takes a lot of unraveling and makes for an enjoyable read for mystery lovers.
—Sharon
