Roberta Rogow

This is a very interesting Victorian era mystery series featuring Charles Dodgson (Lewis Carroll) and Arthur Conan Doyle as codetectives. I find it a very interesting look at the two men and their times.

When the series opens, Charles Dodgson is in Brighton, awaiting the arrival of the daughter of one of his students, now a reformer in Parliament. Dodgson is middle-aged and already famous for his writings as Lewis Carroll. The child is being sent for a visit to shield her from the demonstrations taking place in London against her father. When she fails to arrive, and the servant accompanying her is found dead, Dodgson very reluctantly accepts the help of a youthful and eager Arthur Conan Doyle, and his new wife Touie.

Dodgson originally finds Doyle rather irritating, but he is partially redeemed by Dodgson's respect for his uncle Richard "Dickie" Doyle, and over time, he grows on Dodgson.

I particularly enjoyed the changing relationship between the two men. Arthur and Touie are charming a a loving young married couple, and the portrayal of the era is vivid.… (more)