This book has everything fans of Mr Russell’s books have come to expect: good period atmosphere, more than a hint of weirdness, his engaging detectives and other larger-than-life characters in unusual settings. It is not hard to guess whodunit, which is a pity, but it is such fun being along for the ride that it is more than worth the price of admission. Here is an author who is good at creating everything you would expect in a novel set in late Victorian London which does not involve Jack The Ripper. Long may he write these highly entertaining and superbly succinct novels.