Synopsis

1876, Victorian London.

Minnie Ward, the feisty scriptwriter for the Variety Palace Music Hall, is devastated when her best friend is found brutally murdered. She enlists the help of private detective Albert Easterbrook, who already has his hands full trying to catch the notorious Hairpin Killer. But Minnie can’t help getting involved in the investigation, and as the bodies begin to pile up, Albert’s burgeoning feelings for his amateur partner start to interfere…

Review

There’s something about Victorian London that makes it perfect for gothic horror, murder mystery and crime novels. Perhaps it’s the general sense of darkness, fear and poverty we’ve come to expect from a time haunted by Jack the Ripper, or maybe it’s something else…

Whatever it is, I’m rarely disappointed by books set in this period. The Tumbling Girl is another great story that provides an insight into a different side of this turbulent time.

The pairing of Minnie and Albert is excellent. Their different personalities and life experience work really well together and it’s a delight to watch their relationship evolve throughout the book. Minnie refuses to conform to societal norms and her passion and loyalty are a joy to behold.

Walsh is a fantastic writer and manages to capture the essence of the Variety Show and its performers, as well as the other members of society. The pacing is good and as a whole it’s a real page turner.

Parts of it are slightly unrealistic and it’s less gruesome than expected, but it’s a brilliant start to a series and no doubt the books will get better and better. I can’t wait for the next instalment.

Thanks to Gallic Books for my proof copy. Opinions my own.