Please Note:  I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.  This did not influence the opinions in my review in any way.

Synopsis (from Goodreads):

Marion Lane and the Midnight Murder plunges readers into the heart of London, to the secret tunnels that exist far beneath the city streets. There, a mysterious group of detectives recruited for Miss Brickett’s Investigations & Inquiries use their cunning and gadgets to solve crimes that have stumped Scotland Yard.

Late one night in April 1958, a filing assistant for Miss Brickett’s named Michelle White receives a letter warning her that a heinous act is about to occur. She goes to investigate but finds the room empty. At the stroke of midnight, she is murdered by a killer she can’t see—her death the only sign she wasn’t alone. It becomes chillingly clear that the person responsible must also work for Miss Brickett’s, making everyone a suspect.

Almost unwillingly, Marion Lane, a first-year Inquirer-in-training, finds herself being drawn ever deeper into the investigation. When her friend and mentor is framed for the crime, to clear his name she must sort through the hidden alliances at Miss Brickett’s and secrets dating back to WWII. Masterful, clever and deliciously suspenseful, Marion Lane and the Midnight Murder is a fresh take on the Agatha Christie—style locked-room mystery with an exciting new heroine detective at the helm. 

Review:

London in the 1950's, plus a murder mystery?  Yes, please!  This premise was wild and fun, with aspects of secret societies, common rooms, and apprentices, that almost had the feel of Harry Potter (but a lot stabbier).  I loved this book.

What I Liked:

Premise:

Miss Brickett’s Investigations & Inquiries is a secret society where Marion is an apprentice.  The organization is one where crimes are investigated using fantastical gadgetry, and often less than legal tactics.  I loved all the secrets and mysteries, and the 1950's London setting.  I got a very Harry Potter vibe from this book as well.   The apprentices have daily tasks, hang out in a common room, and form strong bonds.  

 Characters:

Marion, the main character, is a lonely young woman who lost her mother, and has no other relatives.  But she does have a guardian angel looking out for her.  Frank is a father figure (or is he actually her father?) and is one of the leaders at Miss Brickett's.  He always seems to come through with hope for Marion.  So when he is accused of murder, Marion has a fierce need to clear his name.  Marion's loyalty, and ingenuity make her a character to root for.

The other apprentices, and investigators have secrets and it's hard for Marion to know who to trust.  I enjoyed figuring out their hidden agendas.

 Mystery:

The story revolves around the murder of one of the members of the agency.  This might be considered a "locked door" mystery, meaning the circumstances of the murder make it hard to understand who could have murdered the woman, if Frank didn't do it.  Solving the murder reveals uncomfortable truths about Miss Brickett's, and the level of commitment members really must pledge to the agency.  

 Rating: 

Release Date:  December 29th, 2020

Author:   T. A. Willberg

Publisher:  Park Row

Genre:  Historical Fantasy Fiction

Page Length:  352 Pages

Source: NetGalley

Format:  E-Book

Recommendation:   A fun mystery with some magical, steampunk twists.  I hope this becomes a series!