Victorian Mysteries...one of my favorite genres!

In my last post I mentioned that I was already hooked on a new book after only two chapters. I finished the book this afternoon and it didn't disappoint. My only disappointment comes from desperately wanting more of the sweet, tense, awkward, humorous, and biting interactions between the two main characters. Secret Letters by Leah Scheier is a mystery set in Victorian London. Two of my most favorite adult book series are mysteries set in Victorian London (The William Monk series by Anne Perry) and turn of the century London (The Mary Russell series by Laurie R. King.) That being the case, I was a little worried about how this book would stack up to such beautifully written and beloved characters. Remembering that the book was written for young adult readers, I tried not to compare it to the much more complex adult mysteries I'm used to reading. As I read, I couldn't help but wonder if Leah Scheier is familiar with and influenced by Anne Perry and Laurie R. King. Maybe this book will serve as a bridge for young readers leading them to a love of the genre!

Dora Joyce is a 16 year old in the care of her aunt with a shameful secret. She has traveled with her cousin, Adelaide, who is being blackmailed over old love letters, under the pretense of seeking help from a private investigator. Her aim is Sherlock Holmes but must settle instead for a Mr. Porter after Sherlock Holmes is thrown from a waterfall. Through Mr. Porter, Dora meets the mysterious Peter Cartwright, a young apprentice to Porter. The tentative relationship that develops between Dora and Peter is where the real beauty of the novel lies. Looking into Adelaide's blackmailer leads to a connection with another case in which Dora deceives her cousin in order to go undercover as an assistant to Peter posing as a maid at a country manor.

Dora has always been a bit of a rebel and a disappointment to her family since she finds it difficult to conduct herself in the proper, demure manner that is expected of upper class women. There are whispers of Mary Russell (Laurie R. King's heroine) and Hester Latterly (Anne Perry's heroine from the Monk series) in Dora which only served to increase my affinity for her! She is clever and strong-willed, frequently speaking before thinking. While many other young adult books rely on descriptions of physical relationships in order tell a love story, Scheier relies on brilliantly constructed conversations to build the chemistry between Dora and Peter. Obviously, this is as it should be since the story is set in Victorian England. In my opinion, the delayed gratification that comes from witty word play is much more satisfying for my romantic sensibilities. Plus, as I've previously admitted, I crave a literary love/hate relationship between characters!

While some lovers of the mythology of Sherlock Holmes may be put off by the liberties Scheier takes with Holmes' character and reputation, I didn't find it to be distracting. I hope that Scheier continues to write. Her mysteries will only get better and more intricate with time and practice. Both her main characters are tortured by feelings of personal guilt which will allow her to further develop them as she continues her writing career. There is also a looming unsolved mystery from Peter's past that beautifully sets the stage for many more books to come. Although the book has been marketed for young adult readers, I would recommend it for readers of all ages!

Secret Letters by Leah Scheier will be released on June 26th. Please purchase it or request it from your library! I would love for this author to be a success!