Murder at the Manchester Museum

David Wilson, a former Scotland Yard detective once involved in the Jack the Ripper case and his close friend Abigail Fenton, a famous Egyptologist, receive a telegram from Bernard Steggles, the director of the Manchester Museum requesting them to go to Manchester and help investigate a body has been found in the museum. Steggles approaches the couple because he is aware of their recent work in unravelling murder mysteries at other museums around the country.<br /><br />The couple duly attend and thus begins a lengthy, and tortuous investigation into not only the initial death that has been reported but another that takes place hot on the heels of the first. And when two other bodies are later discovered it appears that there is some serial killer on the loose with an unidentified agenda.<br /><br />It is difficult for Wilson and Fenton to initially discover a connection between the deaths but eventually, due to their diligence and meticulous attention to detail, they manage to piece together a series of events that has led to the murders. Along the way they meet up with a number of nasty characters, some of whom try to warn the couple off and, as well as giving Wilson a beating, even consider killing them. But they fight off all resistance and solve the case so as to be able to move onto another museum murder - of which this title is number four in the series and if they are all as good as this one, the others will be well worth a read.

For me this is the worst book in the series. I have enjoyed all the books bar this one.

Daniel and Abigail head to Manchester to investigate the death of two unidentified women at the Manchester Museum. Another interesting mystery set in a fascinating time period. Past events cause present tragedy. I liked the characters we meet in this 4th book in the series.

3.5*

I really enjoy this series! A great combination of well-written, exciting murder mysteries and British history.<br /><br />The characters of Daniel and Abigail are really a wonderful pair of crime-solving partners. I love that both of them strain against the accepted roles for women and men of their time, but manage to be likable at the same time as they are being stubborn and contrary, both with the people they work with and investigate, and also with each other. They are complex but really relatable people and I very much like both of them!<br /><br />The mysteries in this series do a very good job of combining history lessons of the time in an engaging way that naturally flows with the murder investigations. I love learning a bit about the history along with my mystery in these books.<br /><br />These are just entertaining well-written stories and I will definitely read more in this series. It is quickly becoming a favourite.

A 2.5 really and I have to say I was disappointed. I had such high hopes for this and maybe that was the problem. Also, this is 4 in the series and I've only just discovered it so not always a good thing to start in the middle. <br />Having said that, it is tightly written plot wise; quite forward looking - a male and female detective team who are also co-habiting which leads to a lot of prejudice; has a social comment element and pulls no punches in relation to the crimes violent aspects. <br />However, somehow it just doesn't fit together. A famous female archaeologist and her former Jack the Ripper detective team member partner investigating mystery murders in Museums up and down the country. Grotesque murders of unknown women at that. They aren't married yet are employed by these organisations but have to pretend to be married at the hotel and when travelling and everywhere else and to everyone else. Feminism and radical Politics stalk the pages as much as the killer but he doesn't appear until the final 5 or so pages. <br />Either it's set in 1895 or it isn't. This mix of modern and old just doesn't sit well with me. I understand the context of both features but it gets in the way. Does it add to Abigail's character? Over the space of 4 novels? Probably. And her continuing her talk following the gun shot? Yes. But not when she keeps going on about it at every tip and turn. Overall, that and the Jack the Ripper tag just seem sensationalist add-ons. Whereas, with Bickerstaff? Interesting side line, at least it fits with the novel and serves a purpose. <br />I don't know - just doesn't feel right. All I can say is - read it and see what you think. I'd love to hear what you think..........<br />Toast <br /> <br /><br />

I love these books so much. Mr. Eldridge combines mystery with pieces of History. In this one 2 women are brutally killed in the Manchester Museum, Daniel and Abigail are called in to try to figure out who did the terrible deeds when the police deem it no case. They make their way to Ireland to talk to family members, when they figure out it has to do with a massacre at Peterloo 80 years before. Book 4 in the series and soooo good....

Would recommend reading these in order ?. I think I missed a lot of character and world building and jumped right into the drama. <br />Nonetheless, it was a good books. Very readable. I finished it in a few days and I thought the premise was interesting. ?

dnf

I haven't read any other novels in this series, however I still very much enjoyed the relationship and dialogue between the two protagonists, Daniel and Abigail, without knowing their past adventures, and found it to be the best part of the novel. The actual mystery was ok - there were many interesting historical points and characters - but the resolution was disappointing. <input type="checkbox" class="spoiler__control" aria-label="The following text has been marked spoiler. Toggle checkbox to reveal or hide." onchange="this.labels[0].setAttribute('aria-hidden', !this.checked);" id="fadb1ffd-cc9f-4cc6-b4c5-5f56bb404bfb" /><label aria-hidden="true" class="spoiler" for="fadb1ffd-cc9f-4cc6-b4c5-5f56bb404bfb">The culprit turned out to be someone who hadn't featured or even been mentioned in the novel at all, and whose motivations for two brutal murders were left explained as protecting his father's reputation and nothing deeper.</label> However, I enjoyed the ride, and also counting how many times the author uses the word 'rueful' - it's a lot!