Death at Epsom Downs (A Victorian Mystery) [Paperback]

Robin Paige (Author)

Book Description

Series: A Victorian Mystery | Publication Date: February 5, 2002

Lord Charles Sheridan has launched an investigation into a jockey's recent (and mysterious) death-while his wife, Kate, puzzles over the long-ago theft of an actress's jewels. But soon the Sheridans can't help wondering if the two strange events are, somehow, connected.

"A neatly plotted tale of mayhem among the racing set. (Publishers Weekly)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

In his seventh late-Victorian mystery, Paige (the pseudonymous writing team of William and Susan Wittig Albert) makes his hardcover debut with a neatly plotted tale of mayhem among the racing set. It's time for the Derby at Epsom Downs, and Lord Charles Sheridan and his American-born wife, Kate, are on hand because Lord Charles has been asked to photograph the finish of the race for the Jockey Club with his new automatic camera. Disaster strikes when a jockey is killed on the racecourse, and race officials suspect his horse may have been doped. Though the practice of doping horses is not illegal, officials are nevertheless worried about the death's effects on betting and the presence of an American gambling ring with expertise in doping. While Charles is occupied with these matters and, subsequently, the murder of a bookie, Alfred "Badger" Day, Kate is visiting with the glamorous Lillie Langtry, doing research for a new book and puzzling over the theft of the notorious actress's jewels. Can the theft of the Langtry gems somehow be connected to Day's murder? Kate and Charles delve into the mysteries and, as usual, find the answer in another clever, richly detailed whodunit. Readers who like their historical mysteries on the lighter side will find much to enjoy here. Agent, Deborah Schneider.

Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Library Journal

When a drugged horse causes a fatal accident at the Epsom Downs race track in 1899, Jockey Club members hire Lord Charles Sheridan (Death at Devil's Bridge) to investigate. Leery of publicity, they figure that his social status will provide easy access to horse owners. Wife Lady Kate, meanwhile, sleuths in a different direction after overhearing a conversation that implicates actress Lillie Langtry in the alleged murder of her husband. Even-tempered prose, period conversation, historical characters, dialect, and culture make this a solid addition to the series. Devotees of Anne Perry and other Victorian mysteries will enjoy. (Paige also writes as Susan Wittig Albert and Bill Albert.)
Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 304 pages
• Publisher: Berkley; Reprint edition (February 5, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 042518384X
• ISBN-13: 978-0425183847
• Product Dimensions: 6.8 x 4.2 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (14 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #382,073 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #64 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Mystery & Thrillers > Mystery > Series

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars History with mystery and a smile, July 30, 2001

By 

Anne E. Donnell (Lebanon, TN USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Death at Epsom Downs (Robin Paige Victorian Mysteries, No. 7) (Hardcover)

This is the latest in a wonderful series, a series featuring two fine leading fictional characters (now married) and some very interesting non-fictional characters. In this one The Jersey Lily herself is joined by figures of the late nineteenth century British and American horseracing world, including an appearance (as in other books) of her paramour, the Prince of Wales. The problems are serious; murder is involved, yet a deft, light touch and very appealing characters make this book, and others of the series, terrific reading.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A great Victorian mysyery, February 15, 2001

By 

Harriet Klausner - See all my reviews
(#1 Hall OF FAME REVIEWER)    (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Death at Epsom Downs (Robin Paige Victorian Mysteries, No. 7) (Hardcover)

In 1899, Lord Charles Sheridan, Baron of Somersworth, and his wife Lady Kathryn attend Derby Day at Epsom Downs. Charles, a photography buff, plans to shoot the hoses as they cross the finish line. However, tragedy strikes during the race when one of the thoroughbreds Gladiator goes berserk killing his jockey and another horse.

The highly respected racing horse owner and fan, the Prince of Wales, believes someone drugged Gladiator. He asks Charles to investigate. While Charles is sleuthing, Kate visits Lillie Langtrey in an attempt to interview the famous actress for a magazine article that Kate wants to write under a pseudonym. Kate learns that Lillie owes a fortune to a bookie, who happens to have been shot at the same time he was supposed to meet the renowned performer. Charles sees the link between his inquiries and the bookie shooting. He files his report, but no one knows whether the guilty party will be punished or even if the doping will stop.

DEATH AT EPSOM DOWNS is as much a social commentary of a time in which the excesses of the aristocracy was slowly ending (but still prevailing) in England as it is a mystery. The cleverly arranged mystery absorbs the audience, but takes a back seat to the human drama at the tail end of the nineteenth century. Robin Paige provides a page-turning novel that will entice historical fiction buffs and Victorian mystery readers to seek her previous works in a strong series.

Harriet Klausner

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Fluffy but cute, May 10, 2003

By 

D. Cusick "scalloway" (Fleming Island, FL) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Death at Epsom Downs (A Victorian Mystery) (Paperback)

I admit I do enjoy this series, but it is strictly a "fun" read. I agree with the other reviewers that the author(s) really make a royal hash of the British titles, alternately referring to the same character as Lord "surname" and then as Lord "first name" - yet the same person would NEVER go by both of those. Charles, as a peer, would never EVER be referred to a Lord Charles, and it would be terribly gauche to do so. A prince is never Your Majesty.

These are pretty simple things that even an American like me can figure out and understand, yet the author(s) screw this up every time in book after book.

However if I just grit my teeth and bear it the rest of the book is funny and informative, a "light" read, so I guess I cannot expect too much accuracy. But fun. Brain candy.