As my streak of mystery novels is now going on seven months, I have once again returned to historical mysteries. If you suggest a mystery that is related to the Elgin marbles, one of the subjects that originally drew me to history, there is a 99% chance I will read it. And not only did I read it, I loved it. The Elgin Conspiracy by Julia Golding is a funny and fast-paced mystery that will keep you turning the page from start to finish!
Thank you to NetGalley for providing this eARC in exchange for an honest review.
The Elgin Conspiracy, Julia Golding
Lord Elgin’s Greek marbles are the talk of London society, so when a death threat arrives, the earl hires actress Dora Fitz-Pennington and the honourable Dr Jacob Sandys to investigate. They plunge into the scandals of society’s most eminent members, from the Byron circle to the secret world of collectors.
As danger lurks around London’s every corner, in the most exclusive ballrooms and the roughest taverns, Dora and Jacob will face not only what has been left unsaid simmering between them but the threat of silent assassins, traitorous acquaintances and the darkest of secrets…
Why You Should Read This…
Here is where I have to admit- I did not do my research before requesting this novel on NetGalley. It is the second in a series, and I’ve not read the first. However, I thoroughly loved The Elgin Conspiracy despite that and I’ve bought the first book (The Persephone Code) to read later this year! (It just may end up being one of my Christmas Eve book choices…)
This is a dual-POV novel, which I know can be somewhat contentious. I think that it works really well for a mystery where both protagonists are investigating, though- we are able to learn what both Dora and Jacob discover as they are out in the field, rather than waiting for one or the other to recount. That can often be tedious, and the two POVs make for a fast-paced story that you can’t put down.
I very much enjoyed the historical side with Byron being included. Is he the most accurate Byron in literature? Perhaps not but I thought he helped to build the story in the period perfectly. The debate around the Elgin marbles is not a new concept by any stretch, and Golding worked it in well while keeping the story moving.
The one element I was not expecting was romance. It does not take anything away from the mystery at the heart for me, but it is certainly a novel for those who don’t mind some romance in their stories. (The mystery and resulting action is the dominant theme throughout.)
All in all, I think that this series is a great choice for anyone interested in the Regency period or the British acquisition of the Elgin Marbles (and other associated pieces).
Is The Elgin Conspiracy by Julia Golding on your to-read list?
Cheers,
The Historian
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