Review: Murder at the Serpentine Bridge

Murder at the Serpentine Bridge by Andrea Penrose
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Probably the thing I like most about this series is how much of the plot is based on actual historical events in actual historical locations. At time there are also real-life characters portrayed doing what they did in life. All of this adds to the depth of and interest in the plot. In addition, the fictional characters form a small but interesting group of investigators of varying ages and social standing. Led by the Earl and Lady Wrexford formerly Sloane it includes a delightful pair of street urchins known as Raven and Hawk who have become wards of the two. In this book, they are joined by a young Lord of mixed race and unhappy family situation who soon becomes known as Falcon. The Wrexfords and the others of the group refer to the three as the Weasels--so perfect!

In this story, Falcon's uncle has come up with a design for a revolver, both a hand-gun version and a long gun version. In an attempt to get the plans the uncle has been murdered. So there are two issues at hand--who is the murderer and where are the plans? Since such a weapon in the hands of any country would create a major advantage in any war, the British want it for themselves, obviously, but more importantly, don't want it in the hands of any other country, friendly or not. And just as this moment, London and Oxford are teeming with heads of state and other dignitaries of all the major European powers and America for a sort of Universal conference to set the course for a world without Napoleon, who has been sent to Elba and no longer is a power with which to contend. But the void must be filled and this weapon would be a prize in anyone's hands--but who has a dog in the fight and how are they maneuvering to get their hands on the plan?



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