Marion Lane and the Deadly Rose

The second instalment in the Marion Lane mysteries series follows second-year Marion Lane as she investigates a new killer in London in 1959, called The Florist, while also dealing with a mystery of her own. With brilliant twists and endless suspense, the book is a deliciously fun new historical mystery that readers won't be able to put down.

Format: Hardback
Length: 320 pages
Publication date: 03 February 2022
Publisher: Orion Publishing Co

The second installment in the Marion Lane mysteries series takes readers back to 1959 London, where a new killer, known as The Florist, is causing chaos and baffling Scotland Yard. The police have once again turned to the Inquirers at Miss Brickett's for assistance, and second-year Marion Lane is assigned the case. However, Marion is already dealing with a mystery of her own. She receives an unsigned letter warning her that one of the three new recruits should not be trusted. At first, she dismisses the letter, focusing on The Florist case, but her informer seems to be one step ahead, predicting what will happen before it does. When a fellow second-year Inquirer is murdered, Marion takes matters into her own hands and must confront her informer to uncover everything they know.

With brilliant twists and endless suspense, all set within the dazzling walls and hidden passageways of Miss Brickett's, Marion Lane and the Deadly Rose is a deliciously fun new historical mystery that readers won't be able to put down. The novel is filled with memorable characters, intricate plotlines, and a fascinating setting that adds to the overall enjoyment of the story.

One of the standout aspects of the book is its witty and engaging writing style. Stuart Turton has a knack for creating vivid descriptions and clever dialogue that keep readers entertained from start to finish. The characters are well-developed, with their own unique personalities and motivations, and their interactions with each other add depth and complexity to the plot.

Another aspect that I enjoyed was the historical setting of the novel. 1959 London is brought to life with vivid detail, and readers can feel the excitement and tension of a time when the world was changing rapidly. The social and political climate of the time is also explored, with references to the Cold War, the rise of feminism, and the changing attitudes towards homosexuality.

The mystery itself is well-crafted, with plenty of red herrings and unexpected twists to keep readers guessing. The Florist is a fascinating character, with his unique modus operandi and his obsession with roses. The plot is filled with suspense and tension, and readers will be eagerly turning pages to find out what happens next.

Overall, Marion Lane and the Deadly Rose is a must-read for fans of historical mysteries. With its engaging writing style, well-developed characters, and fascinating historical setting, this novel is sure to delight readers who are looking for a fun and suspenseful read. I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good mystery with a touch of glamour and intrigue.

Weight: 528g
Dimension: 165 x 241 x 34 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781409196686