The Man in the Shadows - (World's End Bureau Mystery) by Alys Clare (Hardcover)

About the Book

London, August 1881. Private investigators Lily Raynor and Felix Wilbraham have cause to celebrate: business is thriving. Lily privately wishes for a case that doesn't involve the tangled love affairs of the upper classes - but soon regrets it when two puzzling, seemingly impossible cases arrive: a missing Jewish child, and a horrible murder ...

Book Synopsis

Private investigators Lily Raynor and Felix Wilbraham tackle a puzzling miscarriage of justice and the curious case of a missing child, in the new, gripping World's End Bureau Victorian mystery.

London, August 1881. After a difficult few months, the World's End Investigation Bureau is thriving. Affairs, sex scandals, divorces . . . Lily Raynor is delighted to have so much work for herself and her capable assistant, Felix Wilbraham, but she can't help wishing for a case that doesn't involve the rich, over-indulged - and not terribly moral - upper classes. It's a wish she soon has cause to regret.

The Reverend James Jellicote arrives at the Bureau, seeking help on behalf of an elderly Jewish refugee who fled the pogroms in Russia. Yelisaveta and her young grandson arrived safely in London, only for the unspeakable to happen: eleven-year-old Yakov disappeared, without a trace. The case is impossible to refuse, but seems equally impossible to solve.

And troubles don't come alone. Soon, Lily and Felix have another impossible puzzle on their hands. Hop-picker Abel Spokewright was hanged last year for murder, but his brother Jared is determined to clear his name. If Abel didn't kill cheerful, pretty dairymaid Effie, though, who did? Only one thing's certain: the murderer isn't going to be happy about having the past raked up . . .

From the Back Cover

ALYS CLARE
THE MAN IN THE SHADOWS

London, August 1881. After a difficult few months, the World's End Investigation Bureau is thriving. Affairs, sex scandals, divorces . . . Lily Raynor is delighted to have so much work for herself and her capable assistant, Felix Wilbraham, but she can't help wishing for a case that doesn't involve the rich, over-indulged - and not terribly moral - upper classes. It's a wish she soon has cause to regret.

The Reverend James Jellicote arrives at the Bureau, seeking help on behalf of an elderly Jewish refugee who fled the pogroms in Russia. Yelisaveta and her young grandson arrived safely in London, only for the unspeakable to happen: eleven-year-old Yakov disappeared, without a trace. The case is impossible to refuse, but seems equally impossible to solve.

And troubles don't come alone. Soon, Lily and Felix have another impossible puzzle on their hands. Hop-picker Abel Spokewright was hanged last year for murder, but his brother Jared is determined to clear his name. If Abel didn't kill cheerful, pretty dairymaid Effie, though, who did? Only one thing's certain: the murderer isn't going to be happy about having the past raked up . . .

Review Quotes

Clare provides an intriguing look at English life in the nineteenth century, buoyed by an engaging plot and two richly developed leads

Fine reading for fans of English historical mysteries

Industrial London and rural Kent provide the Victorian backgrounds for two fascinating stories of love, hate, and madness-- "Kirkus Reviews"

Anne Perry fans will want to check this out-- "Publishers Weekly on The Outcast Girls"

Engaging, dark, atmospheric, and, at times, quite charming and humorous . . . A fine choice for all mystery collections-- "Booklist on The Woman Who Spoke to Spirits"

Impressive . . . the solid plotting, colorful Victorian settings, and fun detective duo bode well for future instalments-- "Publishers Weekly on The Woman Who Spoke to Spirits"

Marvelous-- "Kirkus Reviews on The Woman Who Spoke to Spirits"

Mystery and social commentary combine in a heartbreaking and sadly relevant tale-- "Kirkus Reviews on The Outcast Girls"

The author's writing style, likable characters, and intriguing plot will draw in readers . . . Recommended for historical and traditional mystery lovers-- "Library Journal on The Woman Who Spoke to Spirits"

About the Author

Alys Clare lives in the English countryside where her novels are set. She went to school in Tonbridge and later studied archaeology at the University of Kent. She is also the author of the Hawkenlye, Aelf Fen and Gabriel Taverner historical mystery series.