EXCERPT: 'I want you to solve my murder,' said the woman in white.
Rachel Savernake gave a sardonic smile. 'Quite a challenge.'
'Rumour has it that you seldom refuse a dare.'
'True,' Rachel said. 'But I anticipate difficulties. You're flesh and blood, an artist who lives and breathes. Not a ghost.'
'Not yet.'

ABOUT 'SEPULCHRE STREET': How can you solve a murder before it's happened?

'This is my challenge for you,' the woman in white said. 'I want you to solve my murder.'

London, 1930s: Rachel Savernake has been invited to a private view of an art exhibition at a fashionable gallery. The artist, Damaris Gethin, known as 'the Queen of Surrealism', is debuting a show featuring live models pretending to be waxworks of famous killers. Before her welcoming speech, Damaris asks a haunting favour of the amateur sleuth: she wants Rachel to solve her murder. As Damaris takes to a stage set with a guillotine, the lights go out. There is a cry and the blade falls. Damaris has executed herself.

While Rachel questions why Damaris would take her own life - and just what she meant by 'solve my murder' - fellow party guest Jacob Flint is chasing a lead on a glamorous socialite with a sordid background. As their paths merge, this case of false identities, blackmail, and fedora-adorned doppelgängers, will descend upon a grand home on Sepulchre Street, where nothing - and no one - is quite what it seems.

MY THOUGHTS: There's a lot of mystery surrounding the background of the lead character, Rachel Savernake, but it doesn't interfere with the main storyline at all; it's just there, as tantalising as a favourite chocolate that's just out of reach.

Rachel's foil is Jacob Flint, a reporter who, more often than not, gets himself into awkward and sometimes dangerous situations due to his propensity for rushing into situations without properly thinking them through. Jacob is somewhat in awe of Rachel while she tends to treat him the rather exuberant labrador pup he reminds me of.

There are other interesting characters, not least the wealthy and mysterious Kiki De Villiers, who has a most interesting background which could be a story all on its own.

Sepulchre Street is at times an odd read, but mostly I found it to be a decent mystery and murder-mystery with some puzzling elements. Had the author not felt the need to over-explain things, this would have been a much better read. He gets rather long-winded at times which interferes with the flow of the storyline.

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#SepulchreStreet #NetGalley.

I: @medwardsbooks @headofzeus

T:@MartinEdwarsBooks @HoZ

THE AUTHOR: Martin Edwards has written sixteen contemporary whodunits, including The Coffin Trail, which was shortlisted for the Theakston’s Prize for best crime novel of the year. His genre study The Golden Age of Murder won the Edgar, Agatha, H.R.F. Keating and Macavity awards, while The Story of Classic Crime in 100 Books has been nominated for two awards in the UK and three in the US. Editor of 38 anthologies, he has also won the CWA Short Story Dagger and the CWA Margery Allingham Prize, and been nominated for an Anthony, the CWA Dagger in the Library, the CWA John Creasey Memorial Dagger, and a CWA Gold Dagger. He is President of the Detection Club and Chair of the Crime Writers’ Association, and Archivist of both organisations. He has received the Red Herring award for services to the CWA, and the Poirot award for his outstanding contribution to the crime genre.

DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Aria & Aries, Head of Zeus, via Netgalley for providing a digital ARC of Sepulchre Street by Martin Edwards for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
2023 2023-netgalley-challenge 3-star ...more62 s Cathy1,270 277

Sepulchre Street is the fourth in the author’s historical crime series featuring Rachel Savernake. It’s a series I only discovered when I read the previous book, Blackstone Fell.

Rachel Savernake is not so much a private detective as a personal detective pursuing investigations that spark her interest. As she herself admits, ‘It’s the thrill of the chase. I yearn for it an addict craves the needle’ and her favourite pastime is ‘Asking what if?’ But it’s not just any old crime that attracts her: her taste is for the ‘exotic’.

The author teases us by continuing to hold back information about Rachel’s past growing up on the remote island of Gaunt. (Some readers may find this frustrating but I find it tantalising.) What we do know is that she is a very wealthy young woman. However, her early life remains shrouded in mystery. She zealously guards her privacy and is a formidable adversary. Beware what she carries in that glittery evening bag! She’s incredibly well read, resourceful and imperturbable in even the most fraught situations, although, at times, her lack of fear appears to some to verge on recklessness. In fact, she’s just supremely confident she’ll be able to find a way out of any situation.

The members of Rachel’s household – Martha Trueman, Martha’s brother Clifford, and Clifford’s wife Hetty – are devoted to her. Although performing the role of servants – housekeeper, cook and chauffeur come bodyguard – it’s clear they’re the closest Rachel has to a family and may know more than they’re letting on about her past. Rachel is particularly good at utilising their various talents as part of her investigations whether that’s gathering gossip or carrying out a little subterfuge. Crime reporter, Jacob Flint, is once again involved in the story. It’s fairly obvious he has a huge crush on Rachel. He himself admits that from the moment of their first encounter she has fascinated him ‘to the point of obsession’.

The author describes Sepulchre Street as ‘as much a thriller as a detective story’ and the story certainly involves some dramatic scenes, often involving poor Jacob who seems to make a habit of being in the wrong place at the wrong time. There’s also a returning character who’s not your common or garden villain but performs the role of shady behind-the-scenes manipulator.

Rachel’s attempts to discover the reason behind the grisly death of Damaris Gethin, carried out by Damaris’s own hand, involve a number of other characters and plot lines which attract the spotlight for much of the book. Some of these plot lines incorporate quite contemporary themes. Of course, Rachel, who possesses observational and deductive skills to rival Sherlock Holmes, arrives at the answer to the mystery well before everyone else, including, I suspect, most readers. In fact her methodology – ‘I simply follow an idea until I find something that proves that I’m wrong’ – has a distinctly Holmesian flavour.

Sepulchre Street will appeal to fans of classic crime fiction (think Agatha Christie and Dorothy L. Sayers) and those who enjoy the challenge of unravelling an intricate plot. A neat touch is the addition of a ‘cluefinder’ at the end of the book (apparently all the fashion during the ‘Golden Age of Murder’ between the two world wars) in which the author identifies all the clues you very ly missed.advance-review-copy crime hf-reading-challenge-2023 ...more6 s Wendy(Wendyreadsbooks) Robey1,104 64

It’s been wonderful being back in the world of Rachel Savernake that Martin Edwards creates.
Mystery and intrigue aplenty fill the pages of this brilliant who-dunnit. I love the character of Rachel - clever, strong and someone who doesn’t suffer fools gladly, she keeps us informed throughout of her thoughts and ideas.
Her relationship with Jacob and the Trueman’s is as before central to the story and their support and friendship is to be admired as the team work through the various clues and red herrings of the mystery.
A wonderful nod to the Golden Age of crime and mystery writing, this is a series of recommend over and over. 4 s Janet382

In a nod to Golden Age fiction, Edwards has written another corker of a thriller / detective story set in 1930’s London. Readers who have already read one, or all, of the previous three Rachel Savernake books will know to expect a puzzle Poirot himself would be proud to have solved! You will need to pay attention to every word to try to work out the ending.

The Hades Gallery. A private viewing for a select handful of invited guests of her new exhibition. Surrealist artist Damaris Gethin has created a macabre exhibition using living actors as waxwork looking models dressed up as famous crime figures and murderers along with gruesome artefacts.

Wall candles are used giving the exhibition an eerie atmosphere.

Damaris Gethin, dressed as Marie Antoinette - on the day of her execution - approaches Rachel Savernake with a very strange request.
‘I want you to solve my murder’. Shortly after Rachel agrees to this strange request, Damaris kills herself in a most horrific way.

Rachel teams up with reporter Jacob Flint to begin investigating the reason Damaris took her own life. The trail leads them on a winding road with a tangle of clues to unravel.

Secrets, lies, hidden relationships, more murders and someone very powerful who needs to keep one secret hidden no matter what.


I had only read book three in this series so far (highly recommended) and I was really looking forward to meeting Rachel and Jacob again. Although she is the brains behind the investigation, they work very well together and she gets him out of a number of scrapes in her clear thinking level headed way.

I thoroughly enjoyed it and would recommend it to fans of Agatha Christie who a good puzzle to solve. Edwards has added a Cluefinder at the end of the book, which was popular during the ‘Golden Age of Murder’ between the two world wars. The Cluefinder highlights some of the hints and indications in the text what is really going on.

Many thanks to the publisher for my spot on the blog tour, and my gorgeous finished hardback copy.
blog-tour-physical-books3 s Wolf106 3

Perfect Blend of Golden Age Crime Adventure with Modern Sensibilities

Martin Edwards knows his vintage crime and he brings it all to bear here with an excellent blend of 1930s adventure with elements that reflect contemporary tastes. The story of criminal gang leaders, secret government agencies, a potential femme fatale and a dashing adventurer could easily fit in many crime adventures of the period; so could the newspaper man and privately wealthy investigator/busybody with helpful servants, but here the lead character is a woman and the elements that fire the plot cover a range of issues that wouldn’t have made their way into fiction of the time - or certainly not explicitly.

It could be said that some of deductions of the main investigator Rachel Savernake seem to strain at the limits of what might be. But the same can sometimes be said of Miss Marple’s uncanny intuition and, when we’re having fun, it seems churlish to complain. An acute reader should have solved many of the many mysteries that the story throws up and still find one or two final revelations to wrong foot them.

This is the fourth story in the series. I have read the first two and this feels the best entry yet - it is a series that has found its feet. I’ll be going back to read the one I missed.


Copy provided by publisher in exchange for honest review through NetGalley.2 s Brenda1,320 20

Sepulchre Street is set in glamorous and glitzy 1930s London and is the fourth in the tongue-gnawingly addictive Rachel Savernake Mystery series. Rachel is the independent and tenacious daughter of a judge and is also a wealthy heiress, an heiress with a difference. Murder is her wheelhouse and there's nothing she enjoys more than sinking her teeth into cases as an amateur detective. This time she is in attendance at a waxworks display of past criminals at Hades Gallery when the "Queen of Surrealism" artist Damaris Gethin approaches Rachel to solve her murder case. It is clearly a tricky prospect as she's still alive. But not for long. She sticks her neck out and mayhem ensues.

Rachel's journalist friend and colleague Jacob Flint is another of the twenty invited guests on hand to witness the rather untoward and dramatic death. But death isn't the only crime on order. Rachel and her team get buried up to their gullets in the dark and disturbing case.

My, oh my, but this was a juicy murder story with hints of noir and the supernatural. One of my favourite aspects is the surprise at the end, a clever addition. Rachel isn't my favourite sleuth in the world but she is spunky and entertaining. The solution is quite satisfying.

If you cozy mysteries which aren't too cozy you may adore this immersive series as much as I do.

My sincere thank you to Aria & Aries and NetGalley for providing me with an early digital copy of this thrilling novel.2 s Roman Clodia2,580 3,390 Read

After a spectacular opening scene this settles into something less exciting: lots of violent deaths, lots of identity issues, lots of untypical Golden Age components casual sex, pregnancy, illegal abortion clinics just for starters but they're all thrown in then more or less forgotten about. I mean, they're not really significant, they don't breathe as topics, and we don't feel any emotional impact.

Rachel Savernake was elusive and fascinating in the first couple of books but now she's become close to cosy, and her posse do their established things. The darkness has gone. So this is fun but it was outstaying its welcome towards the end.2 s Ellora31 9

I've got the making series on the brain, and it's a perfect week to take on a new entry in the Rachel Savernake series by Martin Edwards. Sepulchre Street is Edwards' fourth novel, and the fourth to feature his mysterious amateur sleuth, Rachel Savernake. Edwards is, of course, the premier expert on Golden Age / traditional mysteries, and I'd be excited to read this advance copy on his name alone. (Many thanks to Aria & Aries and NetGalley for the gift copy!) But I've also been a huge fan of his sleuth Rachel Savernake since I first picked up Gallows Court. The series is clever, compelling, and a dark contrast to some of my cozier "comfort" reads.

In this latest outing, Rachel and her crew pursue the alleged murderer of a dazzling contemporary artist. When Damaris Gethrin approaches Rachel to "solve her murder" - and then proceeds to execute on the same at her art exhibit - Rachel, Jacob, and the Truemans ned to learn more. As they investigate further, they uncover and wrestle with layer on layer of conspiracy. It's an intriguing premise, and Edwards is known for delivering on his puzzles. But can he keep it up in Sepulchre Street?

Rachel goes on an adventure

Martin Edwards is the ultimate scholar on Golden Age crime fiction, and it’s clear he loves the intellectual challenge of a good fair play mystery. He has brought that appreciation and wit to all of the prior entries in the Rachel Savernake series. He continues with the rigor in Sepulchre Street, going so far as to include a clue-finder at the end to “prove” the solution. If you, me, enjoy feeling intellectually challenged by a mystery, then you will appreciate this approach. It's nice to know that all elements of the ultimate solution are deducible with information fairly provided.

That said, Edwards has chosen to go a little closer to the modern adventure route than in prior entries. Rachel, Jacob, and the Truemans stumble into a broad conspiracy, and their actions incite behavior that actually uncovers information. Not only that - the criminals are also prodded on by external factors, revealing additional clues. There's a larger element here of luck and/or conspiracy than in prior works - Rachel and the team have to be more reactive.

There's nothing inherently wrong with this, and it can be fun to see what happens when an intelligent and resourceful character is put in a tough spot. But when I think of the Great Detectives, I always imagine a sense of control - that they generally have an understanding of possibilities and probabilities that allows each new incident to give them information. It's the difference between the detectives leading the charge and simply deducing the outcomes. There's nothing inherently wrong with either approach - but I'm surprised to see this more reactive mode from Edwards' characters.

What makes a detective Great?

My first recommendation, should you choose to read this novel, is to quickly refresh yourself on the cast of the series. Edwards routinely references the team's past adventures, and spends little time reintroducing the characters and their stories. Unfortunately, I did not have the opportunity to avail myself of this advice, and it took me a minute to refresh on each story and history before I could truly get into the swing of the novel.

Edwards continues to write Rachel with a vaguely mysterious past. While it was intriguing for a few novels, it's wearing thin in book 4. Rachel continues to have infinite wealth and intelligence. She can do no wrong when it comes to detecting - she's an effortless team leader and a great ally. But without enough of the personal touch, Rachel comes off as an in-story deus ex machina: there's no doubt she and her team will survive unscathed.

Of course, a mysterious crime-solver can still work when the surrounding stories and characters are sufficiently engaging. And while the story in Sepulchre Street is full of dramatic events, the characters themselves are a little thin. The victim dies in a truly shocking way - but we learn very little about her as a person. In my reading notes, I've noted one character gives off "Irene Adler in Sherlock" vibes - that is, shallow with the ongoing promise of depth.

My instinct is that Savernake could be great, if Edwards could commit to either approach. If Rachel's past stays vague, then the surrounding mysteries need to make up for it. Otherwise, it'll be important to dive deeper into her story (and her crew's). For the moment, Sepulchre Street fails to hit either mark.

Reader's notes & rating (????)

The above criticisms are in the context of a well-written traditional mystery / adventure novel. I gulped Sepulchre Street down in a single sitting and enjoyed the more dark, atmospheric vibe of the writing. This is definitely a good read, just a niche one - and one that feels it could have been even better. I'd recommend this to anyone who's already a Martin Edwards fan - but if you're just looking for a great traditional mystery and not already familiar with the series, I'd suggest starting with Gallows Court first. Because it's so reliant on series attachment - 3.5 stars.

Read this if...

You love Rachel Savernake (and have recently read the other books in the series)

You appreciate the intellectual puzzle of a good fair-play / closed-circle mystery

You’re looking for something a little more on the dark side of mystery

Skip this if...

This is your first Rachel Savernake book

You need to empathize with either protagonist or victim in your mysteries

You’re looking for something cozy ( I often cover here)

Sepulchre Street by Martin Edwards will be released on May 11, 2023.1 Laurie K.98 7 Read

‘I want you to solve my murder,’ said the woman in white. Rachel Savernake gave a sardonic smile. ‘Quite a challenge.’ ‘Rumour has it that you seldom refuse a dare.’ ‘True,’ Rachel said. ‘But I anticipate difficulties. You’re flesh and blood, an artist who lives and breathes. Not a ghost.’ ‘Not yet.’“

Rachel Savernake is not one to turn down such a challenge. And since Damaris Gethin is dead by the end of the 3rd chapter, she doesn’t have long to wait to begin her investigation.

Very early into her inquiry, Rachel’s investigation appears to get sidetracked as she is drawn into Jacob Flint’s pursuit of a story involving a scandalous socialite. For the most part it’s an interesting plot, with a dark, almost claustrophobic atmosphere—mysterious government agencies and Very Important Persons not withstanding. But here is also where my issues with the book begin. Once the story moves on to this new plot line it tends to feel long, drawn out and overly complicated. Plus, Gethin’s challenge to Rachel is the impetus for all of the events that follow it, but that part of the story seems to get lost along the way. I wouldn’t normally take issue with that, except for one thing. When Rachel does present the solution to Gethin’s death, it’s done in, what felt to me , a very off handed “oh, did I not tell you I solved that one” manner.

Martin also continues to portray Rachel and her “ménage” (the Trueman clan) as if they too are a mystery to be solved. But by doing so, they have become static characters, unchanged in any way. Every once in a while a statement will be made, always followed by a sideways glance at Rachel, hinting at something from their past. I’ve read every book in the series and, unless I’m missing something, these “clues” to the past are never followed up on. And after four books it’s all become a bit monotonous. They are really no longer the enigmatic group introduced in Gallows Court. It’s clear that their desire to involve themselves in investigating mysteries and murder is born out of their sole motivation, which is to court danger. That’s all well and good, but it’s no longer enough—for me at least. Plus it gives them an air of indifference that I now find off putting.

‘You think Damaris Gethin would be content that justice was done?’ Jacob asked. Rachel shrugged. ‘Who knows?’“

While I’m disappointed that Martin has done little if anything in the way of developing his primary characters, the strong plot and surprising ending made Sepluchre Street sort of worth reading.1 Helena StoneAuthor 31 books126

The opening of this book couldn’t be more fascinating. Damaris Gethin, surrealist artist and very much alive, asks Rachel to investigate her murder. Although she refuses to part with any more information, Rachel can’t refuse the challenge she’s been set. Things get confusing when Damaris subsequently commits suicide by guillotine, but Rachel is determined to keep her word. Damaris may have killed herself, but somebody drove her to it, and Rachel will find out who and why.

Journalist Jacob Flint would love an interview with the gorgeous Kiki de Villiers. Damaris’s death spoils his chances on that particular night, and things only get more complicated when Kiki vanishes from London, initially to parts unknown.

And thus starts a story that is at least as much thriller as it is puzzle-mystery. I suspect that the author took at least some inspiration from Christie’s Tommy and Tuppence when he created Rachel and Jacob, with Rachel being intellectually superior and Jacob being prone to finding himself in harm’s way. Having said that, while it is clear that Jacob is rather taken with Rachel, there is (at this point) no sign of a romantic relationship.

There is A LOT going on in this story. We have gangsters, murder, prostitution, people smuggling, a mysterious ‘very important person’, and blackmail for starters. And until almost the end of the story Rachel and Jacob’s investigations appear to be unconnected. Except that of course they aren’t and the way in which it is all pulled together is masterful.

I’m very impressed that despite a large and at first glance unconnected cast of characters, I never lost track of who was who. It takes a great writer to present the various protagonists in such a way that the reader can easily follow what’s happening to whom, even if the whys aren’t disclosed until the very end.

I d that the book ended with a ‘clue finder’. Apparently, it was commonplace during the Golden Age of Mystery to spell out the various clues contained in the story in an appendix- chapter. Martin Edwards does the same here and for me it was a case of discovering that I had picked up on about half of them while the other half went completely over my head. I don’t mind. Part of the fun of a mystery for me is the fact that I’ve been out-smarted by the author.

Long review short: this was a fabulous read. What’s not to love about a story in which the mysteries are well plotted, the clues are there for the observant reader, and one of the main characters is as intriguing and mysterious as the cases she investigates.

Once again, I read a series book out of order. This time I can honestly say that it didn’t matter. At no point did I feel as if I was missing vital (or even trivial) information. What’s more, I can also say without a shadow of a doubt that I will read the three earlier titles as well as any future Rachel Savernake stories. If only because I’m now VERY curious about Rachel’s personal story and background.
british crime-fiction historical ...more1 The Sassy Bookworm3,585 2,769

Book Review: Sepulchre Street by Martin Edwards

Rating: ???????? (4/5)

Martin Edwards delivers another captivating installment in his compelling series with “Sepulchre Street.” Set in 1930s London, this gripping novel follows the enigmatic Rachel Savernake as she unravels the mystery behind renowned artist Damaris Gethin’s puzzling death.

The story opens at Damaris Gethin’s latest exhibition, a spectacle featuring live models posing as infamous killers. Rachel Savernake, perplexed by her invitation, finds herself cornered by the artist herself. Damaris, moments before taking her own life on stage, implores Rachel to solve her murder. As the lights go out and the guillotine falls, a multitude of questions arise: Why would Damaris choose to end her life? What did she mean by “solve my murder”?

Edwards expertly weaves a complex web of intrigue and mystery, keeping readers on the edge of their seats. His writing is phenomenal, capturing the essence of the 1930s and creating an atmospheric backdrop that immerses readers in the story. The pacing is well-crafted, with each twist and turn propelling the narrative forward.

One of the standout aspects of “Sepulchre Street” is the character development. Rachel Savernake remains a compelling enigma, with her sharp intellect and mysterious past. Edwards skillfully peels back layers of her persona, keeping readers intrigued and eager to uncover more about her. The supporting characters are equally engaging, adding depth and complexity to the overall narrative.

The plot is intricately constructed, offering readers a challenging puzzle to solve alongside Rachel. Edwards provides ample clues throughout the book for those daring enough to piece them together. Each revelation brings us closer to understanding the truth behind Damaris Gethin’s death, heightening the suspense until the final pages.

Furthermore, the cover design for “Sepulchre Street” is truly remarkable. It captures the essence of the story and serves as a visual representation of the atmospheric setting within the book. The cover designer deserves high praise for their exceptional work.

In conclusion, “Sepulchre Street” is another solid addition to Martin Edwards’ series. With its phenomenal writing, well-paced plot, and intriguing characters, this book is sure to captivate fans of historical mysteries. Edwards continues to deliver gripping who-dunnits that keep readers guessing until the very end. I eagerly anticipate what he has in store for us next.

Disclosure: I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.crime fiction historical ...more3 s Helen454 12

Many thanks to NetGalley and Head of Zeus for this opportunity to review Sepulchre Street. All opinions and comments are my own.

Another Rachel Savernake mystery, Sepulchre Street (by Martin Edwards, its CWA Diamond Dagger Award-winning author) is a chance to explore a world of challenge and incentive, as she is asked to find a murderer before the death is committed -- but only just. The “student of criminology,” as she describes herself, can’t resist, of course, and when Damaris Gethin, the askee, kills herself at her art gallery, we’re off. Why did Miss Gethin commit self-murder; to what purpose? That’s what Rachel is tasked to find out, and that leads to a fantastical tale that will challenge the reader’s skills at following along while Rachel unmasks a complex thread of murder, and more.

One would think this would be enough; oh, no. The secondary plot line involves a society belle (with a whole lot of secrets) that has caught the fancy of a certain member of the Royal Family. One that is never named, but it’s easy to figure out -- and easy to establish who these characters are vaguely patterned upon. “Married woman with a possible sordid past, unmarried royal male who enjoys the attentions of women he shouldn’t,” etcetera, etcetera. Well, there’s danger here, too, one that Jacob Flint, the newspaperman from previous books, gets involved in.

And yet another story -- the dashing Man About Town/Bon Vivant/Adventurer that’s almost blown up by a bomb. Rachel knows him well. Who’s out to get him?

All of this is explained in a slow buildup -- what do all these people have to do with everything? Because of course, they do. Which one(s) to focus on, though. As Rachel explains to Jacob, “There’s more to everyone than meets the eye…” Truer words have never been spoken, because Sepulchre Street requires multiple viewpoints to bring this story to a conclusion.

And that’s part and parcel of the problem I had with Sepulchre Street. Rachel is almost a bystander for much of the action in the book. I enjoyed Sepulchre Street because I enjoy the character of Rachel Savernake and how she’s portrayed. Oh, Rachel is in at the finish, of course, tying everything together and revealing the who -- and especially the why -- but all these plot lines and all these people just make for muddled waters. Sometimes, the bells and whistles can be left behind.
1 Jade Dermody25 1 follower

What a shame. I had such high hopes for this novel. It ticked a lot of points which I enjoy about murder mysteries. It has a strong female detective as it lead, its a period piece set in 1930s London and it features wealthy lifestyles and glamourous characters.
Unfortunately none of these factors help to cover up the lazy writing and stereotypical characters and set pieces that the book hung itself on.
It opens well (spoilers) with the death of an artist who, minutes before she dies, asks the lady detective to solve her "murder". (I had some exciting ideas as to what the riddles at the start of the book may have meant, but they were all a lot better then what the author landed on)
However this is quickly forgotten and the stories moves onto the much more boring plot of a glamorous wealthy lady with a shady past.
I was glad that the writer did allow some scope with the abortion plot and didn't come down hard on either side.
However I did find myself rolling my eyes a lot by the other-all contriteness of the novel but that still seemed baffle ring to me
I was unsure who was suppose to be the love interest. I'm assuming it was the racing car character As the reporter, who tags along, and in infatuated by the detective, seems a little boy and, at one point is called her pet.
That being said no one in the book is able. Including the female lead. We are told she is highly intelligent and thoughtful. But she behaves stupidly in the club and nearly gets her colleague and herself killed several times (if it wasn't for her driver). She spends a lot of time thinking. But really she is guessing. She has strong instincts and is very good at reading people. We are told she is beautiful, but her beauty seems to be in the fact she is very thin, so thin the reporter is turned on by seeing the lining of her bones through her dress.
The detectives home life and her servants/family were interesting and I wish we had been given more information about them.
I did how the novel jumped from different characters point of views, such as the detective, the head of the newspaper and the chapter that turns to the assassins' point of view was an fun escape But the ending is messy and rushed and although the author says he gave hints to the books conclusion they were VERY VERY THIN and could of been interrupted many way.
Overall a frustrating book and a writer I will not be returning to1930s lady-detective murder-mystery Paromjit2,863 25.3k

This is the latest in Martin Edwards Rachel Savernake series in the style of the golden age of crime, this gothic offering, set in 1930s London, begins in a shocking way. The wealthy Rachel, an arts patron, has been invited to the aptly named Hades Gallery for the Queen of Surrealism, Damaris Gethin's private viewing of her latest macabre exhibition, a private viewing that has models emulating waxworks of notorious killers. Gethin makes an extraordinary request of Rachel 'I want you to solve my murder', and when Gethin takes to the stage as Marie Antoinette with a guillotine, the artist kills herself in a traumatising and horrifying piece of suicidal performance art in front of a small audience that includes Jacob Flint, The Clarion crime reporter.

Flint is there for different reasons, he is working on leads involving the beautiful and scandalous Mrs Kiki de Villiers, a married woman. Savernake and Flint find themselves looking into Gethin's life and her death to ascertain who is responsible, and into de Villiers, a more obstacle ridden inquiry as there are parties who have their their own plans, and will brook no interference. Part of the investigative team are longstanding series regulars, Clifford Truelove, his wife, Hetty, and his sister, Martha, members of Rachel's household. The mystery behind Rachel's character remains, and the dynamics between the characters are largely unchanged, with the reclusive Rachel in charge with her relentless determination, superior skills and abilities, Jacob is no intellectual match, and he is still in love with her. Could there possibly be any connections between the 2 cases?

This is a thrilling and twisted addition to the series with its dangerous inquiries that uncover blackmail, murders, false identities, assassins, government plots, ruthless and powerful criminals and more. Our protagonists once again work with Inspector Philip Oakes and visit the remote and desolate Romney Marshes in Kent and Rye in Sussex, the location of Sepulchre Street, both places are instrumental to this darkest of historical mysteries. Whilst I was entertained and engaged, I am hoping that Edwards goes on to throw more light on Rachel's background, and that there is more character development too in what is an enjoyable series. Many thanks to the publisher for an ARC.crime-fiction historical-fiction mystery ...more43 s CPE122 5

Sepulchre Street is the fourth book by Martin Edwards (no relation!), featuring Rachel Savernake; her staff; and the journalist, Jacob Flint. The premise is that an artist, Damaris Gethin, asks Rachel, “Will you solve my murder?” When Damaris dies, a few minutes later, Rachel accepts the challenge.

There is a small cast and they are well delineated, so it’s easy to remember who each character is. Although it is possible to read the book without having read the other books in the series, I suspect a new reader would be somewhat bewildered and certainly wouldn’t enjoy the book as much as they would if they’d read the earlier books in the series. Martin Edwards is highly skilled, as befits the President of the Detection Club and recipient of the Crime Writers' Association's Diamond Dagger award.

I enjoyed the book (thanks very much, NetGalley and Head of Zeus, for my free review copy) but I felt a little dissatisfied when I finished it. I didn’t think the reasons for Damaris’s death were really adequate – although I accept we all have different perspectives. At one point in the book, Jacob tries to work without Rachel, which is understandable and laudable as he realises his dependence upon her, but is possibly out of character. Another strand of the plot was resolved in a dramatic way that I accept was completely consistent with the characters’ behaviour and was essential for the overall resolution of the tale, but which still felt over-convenient and manufactured. That said, no, I can’t think of a better way of tying up that sub-plot, but I’m still mumbling, “It was just too convenient.”

Only those who have followed the series will appreciate an almost throwaway comment that Jacob felt Rachel’s arm firmly around his waist. Does the fact that this sticks in my mind mean that I’m alive to the subtle characterisations and can identify with Jacob, or is it an inditement of the narrative that this one line resonates after I’ve finished the book? I, obviously, to think it’s the former – but I would say that, wouldn’t I?

I definitely recommend this book, but I suggest you read the previous books in order first, as you will enjoy it so much more.

#SepulchreStreet #NetGalley Annie3,864 71

Originally posted on my blog Nonstop Reader.

Sepulchre Street is the fourth book in the Rachel Savernake series by Martin Edwards. Released 11th May 2023 by Head of Zeus on their Aria imprint, it's 448 pages and available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout.

I've seen the series touted as an homage to the golden age of British detective fiction, and while it's certainly set in the interwar period in England, it didn't necessarily feel it was of the period to me. It's very well crafted, with the hallmarks of the era (drama, skullduggery, genteel (and not so genteel) murder, wide variety of suspects), but the setting could have been any time from about 1920 to the present day.

The plotting is rather slow, built up over time rather than explosive. The narrative arc is deliberate - stately even, and the denouement is less of a crescendo than an inescapable inevitability when it finally comes. There were a number of fairly outlandish plot twists which interfered with my suspension of disbelief, but in the end the plot threads resolve, the clues are deciphered, and the mysteries are solved. This entry was a bit different, in that titular lead character Rachel was more peripheral to the action, although she was there to tie up the loose ends in the denouement.

There is very little background information provided by the author, so the book (in my opinion) doesn't work very well as a standalone. I do recommend the series and the author, so reading the first volume will reward diligent readers. With 4 volumes extant, it would make a good choice for a series binge/buddy read.

Four stars. Not classic golden age, but quite readable (and edgy with a sort of noir vibe).

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.netgalley2 s Lizzie Hayes499 25

London, 1930s, and Rachel Savernake is attending an exhibition which features live models dressed as famous killers. Artist Damaris Gethrin asks her to ‘solve my murder’ – then dies on the guillotine. A clever murder, or suicide? And if it’s suicide, what did she mean by ‘solve my murder?’

This gripping opening scene takes us straight into a clever plot in classic Golden Age style – Edwards even includes a Cluefinder at the end, pointing out key clues to solving the plot. Rachel Savernake is a wealthy, intelligent woman, rather aloof, whose servants are friends from her difficult childhood. Her sidekick is Jacob Flint, a Fleet Street reporter who was also at the opening – but his job was to find out more about the flamboyant Kiki de Villiers. He’s also wondering if Rachel was really attracted to investment adviser and racing car enthusiast Captain Malam. Other suspects are a washed-up songwriter and Malam’s ex-nurse sister-in-law. Then there’s the unpleasant Major Whitlow, DSO, who’s planning an assassination. As Flint is trying to persuade Scotland Yard to protect Kiki de Villiers, Rachel is putting on different personas to get closer to the suspects in the case. 30s crime usually includes a love story, and this one – if it is one – is subtly, plausibly sketched.

The novel is a wonderful homage to the Golden Age. After the dazzling opening, the tightly knit plot moves round different viewpoints. The blurb describes it as ‘as much a thriller as a murder mystery’ and the plot certainly races along, with hair-breadth escapes and a cast of low-life thugs, everyone deceiving everyone else, and, yes, another gruesome murder as well as clever use of actual events (I particularly enjoyed the foreshadowing in the Very Important Person strand) and nuggets of historical information. The settings are atmospheric and the writing enjoyable – in short, this book is a classic crime treat.

There are mentions of previous books, but no spoilers – however, if you your series in order, then Sepulchre Street is book 4; the first is Gallows Court.

A cleverly plotted, witty whodunnit which transports you to a roller-coaster ride in 1930s London.
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Reviewer: Marsali Taylor
For Lizzie Sirett (Mystery People Group) Darius Ostrowski904 12

Coming rather quickly on the heels of “The Puzzle of Blackstone Lodge”, we have “Sepulchre Street”, the fourth book featuring the mystery-solving Rachel Savernake in the golden-age-set series from Martin Edwards.

London in the 1930s. Rachel, a supporter of modern art, is invited to a new exhibit by Damaris Gethin, an artist who has been rather silent recently. Knowing her reputation as an amateur sleuth, Damaris asks Rachel to solve a murder: her own. Damaris then takes to the stage and uses a guillotine to behead herself in front of the crowd, her final act of performance art.

Also attending the exhibit is Jacob Flint, crime reporter for The Clarion and sometime member of Rachel’s crime-solving team. Jacob is interested in getting an interview with Mrs. Kiki de Villiers, a mysterious socialite who is in the crosshairs of a Clarion investigation. With the death of Damaris, Jacob is thrown into a second mystery as well, both with the same cast of characters.

What follows is a series of twists and turns with much of the expected vintage British mystery touches: secret identities, mistaken identities, untouchable gangsters, hidden agendas, mysterious killers, government plots, upper class frivolities, and a dark and gloomy mansion at the end of the titular Sepulchre Street.

Although this is an enjoyable and complicated mystery that we have come to expect from Mr. Edwards, it seems that this time the story has a very modern feel to it, and deals with topics that would never be covered in typical 1930s mysteries. Rachel also seems a bit crueler than previously, a bit haughtier. The initial death of Damaris is also a sidenote, and not really relevant to most of the action that takes place. For us armchair detectives, Mr. Edwards provides a listing of the clues that would have allowed us to solve the mystery along with Rachel and Jacob. A complicated modern tale set in the recent past, but missing the golden age sensibility of some of his previous work.

I requested and received a free advanced electronic copy from Aria & Aries via NetGalley. Thank you!
Elaine Tomasso3,159 61

I would to thank Aria & Aries for an advance copy of Sepulchre Street, the fourth novel to feature Rachel Savernake, set in and around London in the early 1930s.

At an exhibition of her surrealist art Damaris Gethin asks Rachel Savernake to solve her murder, then executes herself on a guillotine. Journalist Jacob Flint is at the same exhibition trying to investigate a glamorous socialite. Both are shocked by the suicide and work together and individually to solve what drove Damaris to it and a few other incidental crimes.

I didn’t realise that Sepulchre Street was part of a series when I picked it up. I found Rachel’s mysterious past frustrating but otherwise the novel works well as a stand-alone, although I suspect that I would say that even if I had read the previous three novels as it seems to be part of her mystique.

The novel is a straightforward mystery in the Golden Era style of detection. I found it quite bland even while it strayed into territory that no author of the time would have touched with a barge pole, except in the most veiled terms. Lots of things happen, motives are in plentiful supply, as are guns and yet, there is no tension or excitement. I think the novel is designed this way, because that was the style at the time with the mystery of who did what at the centre of proceedings.

I had high hopes of this novel with the dramatic opening scenes - a guillotine as a weapon of suicide is intriguing, but it soon fell into its own intrigues and got a little lost. Everyone has an agenda and there are so many threads that it is hard for the reader to see clearly. Personally I feel that the novel is spread too thin over too many possibilities, even the Secret Service and their dark arts are involved for not very veiled reasons.

I was glad to have read Sepulchre Street as I always new to me series, but it didn’t appeal to me enough to want to read the preceding novels in the series. I think it is a solid read. Sandra Vdplaats440 11

Sepulchre Street is the fourth novel in a series starring Rachel Savernake. I didn't know it was #4 in the series, and I admit I missed a lot at the beginning. I was under the impression that Rachel and Jacob did have a history with each other, at the end there is a reference to this, - 'I know what you and Jacob have done' - [..red.] . An affair maybe? No idea. I did find that unfortunate.
Rachel is asked to solve the 'murder'of Damaris Gethin. Damaris is a bohemian, and has created a Dadaist exhibition in which death, and murder - a kind of Chamber of Horrors - has been staged.
When the lights go out, however, there is a scream, and it turns out that Damaris has chopped off her head at her own exhibition. Shortly before, she has asked Rachel to investigate her death.

I really enjoyed the historical background information the author included in the book, such as the R101 Airship disaster which has been the subject of countless books. The burning of zeppelins plays to people's imagination to this day.
The First World War is still fresh in the memory, as is the stock market crash of those years, where people lost most of their capital.

There are quite a few characters, none of which I really d, apart from Damaris - I felt sad when her little 'secret' was revealed, though I had an idea what was going on. As the story progressed a bit, it read a bit easier for me and I found it an okay read.
It's mostly about the morality of the time, about forbidden loves, secret affairs... always that thing about love.

I loved the writing style and the period (golden age mystery), - I am a big fan of Agatha Christie - , but this story unfortunately could not captivate me that much. I don't think it was down to the author, I just should have read the earlier books in the series. And that is exactly what I am going to do.

I would to thank Netgalley and the publisher for this review copy. I leave my review voluntarily. Maria597

'Sepulchre Street' is the fourth novel in the intriguing Rachel Savernake series, a gothic mystery with a decidedly unexpected twist.
Set in 1930s London, our protoganist in one Rachel Savernake, the daughter of the infamous Judge Savernake, known for his frequent sentencings involving the hanging of the accused. With such an unusual name, it is difficult for Rachel to deny her connection to the disd man, but she keeps her background as secret as possible. And the frequent mentions by the author to life on Gaunt Island, and her loneliness, make me suspect that we may eventually learn of some tragic events in Rachel's past.
As always, Rachel is accompanied by her faithful servants, though they behave more as family, Cliff, Hetty and Martha. The trio acts as Rachel's sounding board, assistants and general support throughout each of her adventures.
And the final member of Rachel's team is Jacob Flint, a reporter for the Clarion. Jacob is very much is love with Rachel and hopes to impress her, but sadly cannot match her intellectual prowess.
As for the mystery, well the artist Damaris Gethrin invites Rachel to solve her murder and several minutes later, the artist dies in a pretty dramatic manner. Rachel immediately decides to resolve the mystery and readers soon find themselves in a fast-moving mystery with numerous storylines that are skillfully woven together.
All in all this is an entertaining and dark, gothic murder mystery. I would recommend reading the previous novels in the series in order to properly understand the relationships between the characters and the frequent references to previous events.
Also, I do not wish to give away any spoilers but I would warn potential readers that the topics of suicide and abortion are mentioned numerous times in the novel as these could be topics that some readers would prefer to avoid. Judy Lesley883 46

Whenever I see a new anthology of crime short stories edited by Martin Edwards, I choose it without even giving it a second thought. I haven't had quite as much luck with his books that focus on a single story. Having said that, I was still very interested in the Rachel Savernake series once it came to my attention. This story has a very distinctive noire vibe to it, beginning with the breath catching moment in the opening and continuing throughout the novel. A dark and unusual novel for readers who want something in a category very different from police procedural, crime thriller or cozy. I gave this one a four star rating but find that I'm still vacillating between that and three stars depending on the mood I'm in at the time of thinking about the book. Rachel and both the Trueman's are mysterious characters who pretty much stay that way throughout the entire book. Jacob Flint is the journalist who stumbles around and bumps into clues and dangerous situations. So, I'm wondering how Mr. Edwards is ever going to have a romantic relationship develop between Rachel and Jacob. Maybe the answer is easy to see. For all its feelings of foreboding and sinister intentions the author shies away from the crime scene that would have presented itself after the first death in the novel. I kept getting the feeling that this book was trying to take off in a direction the author wasn't comfortable with, so he had to reign it in on many occasions.

If you want to read something a little bit different, you've found yourself a good candidate here. I have another in this series ready to read but I'm going to save it for a few weeks to give this one a chance to fully digest for my mystery novel appetite. Rachel Savernacke may be a little more than I bargained for.

Thank you to NetGalley and Aria & Aries for an e-galley of this novel.3 s travelsalongmybookshelf553 42

I absolutely love this series, it satisfies my taste for golden age mystery and murder and Rachel Savernake, the daughter of a retired black cap judge is an excellent protagonist. No nonsense, clever, tough and mysterious herself, she loves a challenge.

In this tale she is certainly given that; asked to the exhibition of renowned artist Damaris Gethin which features live models as famous killers, she is uncertain why she is there. Gethin soon makes this clear by asking her to solve her murder! Taking to the stage Damaris then stages her own guillotine execution. Did she take her own life? In which case what did she mean by solving her murder. Rachel investigates…

Well, we get right into this from the start and are soon on a journey of intrigue, dark shadowy figures, hit men and murder. We leave Damaris Gethin, she sort of gets left to one side and about half way through I was wondering if we would ever find out why she took her own life but never fear with perfect aplomb the story is brought full circle and with the reveal all becomes clear.

I particularly this series for Rachel Savernake’s staff, especially Trueman and Martha, they are unfailingly loyal and kick ass; Jacob Flint as usual seems a bit all at sea getting himself entangled and up to his neck in trouble which Rachel has to extricate him from. As for the lady herself she seems to glide serenely above it all, all seeing, all knowing; which is the best part as you know it will all get sorted in the end.

A twisting piece of thrilling golden age crime fiction to get you teeth into!arc blog-tour crime-and-murder-mysteries ...more Jeremy Booty170 2

Given the publisher;s description, I was eager to dig into what seemed to be a classic closed room mystery, Who killed the famous artist by guillotine? Unfortunately, that was not the actual plot.

This is the third book in a series featuring Rachel Savernake, a brilliant wealthy daughter of a demented "hanging judge" who was brought up on a remote island in the Irish Sea. With her are companions from her days on the island as well as Jake, an ace crime reporter. Frequent mentions are made of events which took place in the other two books but it really isn't necessary to read the first two to enjoy this book.

Rachel is an interesting charachter. She at times is capable of great kindness but is also prone to condescension and cruelty in her dealings with Jake. His charachter in particular is baffling. He is bright enough to be an up and coming reporter on Fleet Street but by the same token is treated a complete dufus by Rachel and her cohort.

The plot was designed to give the reader a fair shot at solving th mystery. In fact, the author has an appendix with all of the clues he dropped along the way. However, there are so many twists and turns in the story that after a while I could hardly wait for the end to come, not because of the plot but because I was suffering from what could be described as a reader's version of motion sickness.
I appreciate being given this ARC by Netgalley and Aries in turn for an honest review Kimberly137 3

Thanks to Netgalley and Aria & Aries for this e-ARC.

This is the second Rachel Savernake novel that I've read and the fourth book featuring her. If you have not read the other books there may be some minor character connections that you'll be missing, but overall it doesn't really effect the main story or mystery.

Rachel Savernake is at it again as she is tasked with solving the "murder" of Damaris Gethin. Who has set her on this road to mystery? Why, Damaris herself has tasked Rachel with solving her murder only moments before she seemingly takes her own life by guillotine.

Perhaps it's because I've read other Rachel Savernake novels, but I actually found this quite easy to solve. While there were a few twists and turns regarding the relations of several characters, I solved the main mystery pretty early on. While I did enjoy the overall plot, I just found the characters to be unlikable.

There is pretty much no backstory or interpersonal relationship building for Rachel or Jacob, both of whom are main characters that feature in other novels. Honestly I mostly was rooting for KiKi. I thought her story was the most humane and understandable. You could easily see how her story ebbed and flowed and her character flaws made sense. With Rachel you have a haughty rich lady who s murder and everyone wants to screw. And Jacob is the puppy newspaper man who writes about murders. It's just too convenient.2023-books Lynda1,432 77


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