Although this book is the seventh by J C Briggs that features the iconic nineteenth-century novelist, Charles Dickens, I must admit that I was new to both this author and this series of novels.

The novel begins with two deaths. The first, several decades before the period in which this novel is set, is that of Sir Robert Trent, a man desperate for the birth of a son to inherit his estate. It appears, at first sight, that this wish is granted as he nears death.

The second is that of Sir Gerald Hawke, in 1851, a man around whom the stench of evil hangs. He has led a selfish, purposeless life of gambling and debauchery and at his death his estate is run down and almost worthless. The Reverend Meredith Case, a distant relative, and the heir to what little remains of Hawke’s estate, is present only out of a sense of duty. With his dying breath Hawke charges the Reverend Case with his dying wish – “Find Sapphire Hawke”.

Sapphire, it seems, is Hawke’s ward, long since sent away and who is to be the recipient of the valuable Hawke Sapphires under the terms of his will. This is an unwelcome task for the Reverend Case, who wishes only to get back to his modest life as a clergyman, but, again, he feels it is his duty to attempt to find the ward who has not been heard of for many years.

Meanwhile, in London, a young man of letters is found murdered in the doorway of a bookshop. As a social acquaintance of Felix Gresham’s family, Charles Dickens takes an interest in the case and works with his friend, Superintendent Sam Jones, to find the murderer. Not only that, but he also finds himself helping the Reverend Case in tracking down Sapphire Hawke, the heir to the Hawke Sapphires.

These two strands of plot are skilfully woven together by the author to form a complex and pleasing mystery novel which makes its way to a surprising and original resolution.

The author clearly has a detailed knowledge and understanding of life in Victorian England of the 1850s and uses this to create a detailed, memorable, and evocative sense of place as well as a cast of thoroughly believable characters from all walks of life. Her portrayal of Dickens as an energetic and determined investigator is entirely convincing.

I found this to be an entertaining and satisfying novel and will certainly be looking to catch up with the other titles in this series.

Really great read. Murder mystery’s are one of my favourite genres and this one did not disappoint. Plenty of mystery and intrigue.

Thankyou to NetGalley, Sapere Books and the author, J C Briggs, for the opportunity to read The Mystery of the Hawke Sapphires 8n exchange for an honest and unbiased opinion.
The storyline was well written with beautifully described settings that draw you in.
A good historical mystery and a part of an enjoyable series.
Worth a read.

I love mysteries and Charles Dickens so when I saw that this book included both I was looking forward to reading it.

The author did create a somewhat Dickensian feel to this book and the story was interesting, yet I think it failed to capture the character of Dickens. He seemed dry and one-dimensional, not what we do know about his personality. This book is later in the series so I did expect the Dickens character to be more developed.

When an author takes on the task of using a historical character in a fiction setting, they take on the responsibility in representing the character in a realistic manner - true to what we know about them. There lies my greatest disappointment with this book and since Dickens is the central character, it’s a big disappointment.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC copy of The Mystery of the Hawke Sapphires. All opinions are my own.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for sending me an advance copy of this book to review. I’ve read most of the books in this Charles Dickens series; in general, I think they are really great quality as far as the mystery elements go. There is a certain amount of mawkishness, but hey, the main character is Charles Dickens. The author is absolutely amazing at characterization, much like Dickens. For even periphery characters, the descriptions make them fully formed and easy to imagine. One thing I really love about this series is I am almost always surprised by the culprit, and I have religiously read mystery novels almost exclusively for 25 years. This installment was no exception. I do have to say this entry was a little slow for me at first, and it was difficult to see how the different storylines would weave together. Briggs handled it beautifully, as always, however. I’ll definitely keep my eye out for the next one!

I really enjoyed this one. The writing truly captured the feel of Dickens' London. And the plot was quite intricate... it took a while for the various threads to merge but everything tied up well at the end.
I am not a great fan of prologues... most often they reveal too much and point the reader in the direction to solve the mystery themselves which in my mind detracts from the whole point of reading a mystery novel? You don't want the answer too early? Of course in this sense it was the identity of Ms. Sapphire Hawke that was hinted at but still... I would have preferred it without the prologue.
I loved the emotional ending - I honestly had tears in my eyes as Sapphire and Beth Screech's lives changed for the better at the end - very well written.
I also appreciated the depth of research that had gone into the creation of this novel.
It was a good read. And I will definitely go back and read the rest of the series!

Once again J C Briggs has given us a magnificent literary gift with The mystery of the Hawke Sapphires, the 7th installment in the Charles Dickens Series.
Charles & Superintendent Sam Jones are back together trying to untangle a very complex murder mystery dripping with dread, violent deaths, twists, suspense & surprises....
Full of unforgettable characters, language & images of mid 19th century London, this delightful Dickensian treat is unputdownable from start to finish!

Many thanks to Netgalley and Sapere Books for giving me the opportunity to read this wonderful novel prior to its release date

I loved this book - loved it, loved it, loved it! It's been a while since I have enjoyed a book as much (and the last one was thanks to Netgalley also, incidentally). It had everything one could ask for from a historical mystery novel, and the prose style, character names and convoluted character connections woven into the story were worthy of the great Dickens himself. The pacing was faultless and the suspense built up to a satisfyingly knuckle-whitening crescendo towards the final chapters.

If the story had a fault, it was possibly that the matter of Sydney Trent/Sapphire Hawke was left somewhat vague, and a little less mealy-mouthedness regarding the explanation of this would perhaps have clarified things for those of less agile minds. Also, although this is very much a Charles Dickens investigation, and Superintendent Sam Jones took very much a back seat, considering the fact that he is the actual policeman. One sees this often with detective fiction, and it always rankles. Only in detective fiction is the amateur always better at the professional's job than the professional himself.

Nevertheless, this was an outstanding read and my first experience of Dickens and Jones. I shall definitely be reading the earlier books in the series, and any that come after.

The Mystery of the Hawke Sapphires is the 7th Charles Dickens investigation by J.C. Briggs. Released 26th Jan 2021 by Sapere Books, it's 336 pages (print edition) and is available in paperback 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 really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats lately. For Kindle Unlimited subscribers, this book (and the rest of the series) is currently included in the KU subscription library to borrow and read for free.

This is a very well written and plotted historical mystery series with believable characters and a Dickensian vibe. I've really enjoyed these historical mysteries set in the middle of the 19th century in London and environs. Charles Dickens is clever, loyal, dogged, and practical and his friendship and cooperative investigation with superintendent Sam Jones makes for engaging and entertaining reading. The plots are always convoluted and well engineered, full of twists and surprises. The story itself is written around a framework of real historical events and people and so well entwined that it's not always apparent where reality shades over into fiction.

Whilst an entertaining read, I did find myself struggling sometimes with the plethora of secondary characters and keeping all the lawyers, clergy, hostlers, drudges, shopkeepers, and servants straight was taxing. I found myself having to check back in the story to remember which family was which. It's a relatively minor problem though, and considering the high quality of the writing, worth the occasional confusion.

The dramatic arc, climax, and denouement are well controlled and immersive.

Overall, it's a good read and a quality example of the historical-person-as-amateur-sleuth sub-genre. Four stars.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

I received a copy of this novel through netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

I could not put this book down. This is my first Briggs novel and I literally loved every second of it. The story was flawless, the characters rich and deeply researched, and the way the words really made my imagination run was amazing.

The way the author portrays Dickens draws the reader in. I have read other works by authors telling stories of Dickens sleuthing, and Briggs brings him to life and makes him jump off the page.

I absolutely loved this novel, and will be reading the other novels in the series.

Highly recommend

This is completely different to what I normally read, but I’m so glad I stepped out my comfort zone! This book has multiple POV’s so probably won’t be everyone’s cup of tea, but I honestly thought the author handled it really well. 

The characters were interesting, believable and intense. I always think it can be hard writing about people who already exist, as people normally have preconceived ideas about who they are and how they act, but the author did it brilliantly. 

So many plot twists and secrets kept coming out of the woodwork. It kept me guessing and invested until the end. I will search out the previous books in this series as I loved it and want more. Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher and author, for providing a copy of this book to review.

Part of a series that would be well worth searching out. In Victorian London Charles Dickens will help Superintendent Sam Jones with a young man found murdered in a bookshop doorway. This investigation started at the deathbed of depraved Sir Gerald Hawke whose last words are to “find Sapphire Hawke”. More murders and plenty of twists and turns will lead you through the alleyways of Victorian London. You will be page turning to find the conclusion to this engrossing mystery. Charles Dickens is a beloved character in this Victorian London who references his books with the characters who form the basis of the mysteries he helps solve.
I was given an arc of this book by Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

I have a weak spot for mysteries featuring authors and other historical figures as investigators, so I wanted to read this title as soon as I found out about it. The Mystery of the Hawke Sapphires, featuring Dickens, was Dickensian, which made it a fun read. Character names were striking, connections among characters were complex.

If you enjoy reading historical mysteries, you'll find The Mystery of the Hawke Sapphires and engaging, entertaining read.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher, Sapere Books for this Advanced Reader Copy and the opportunity to review “The Mystery of the Hawke Sapphires.” All opinions are my own.

“Is it only when I’m with Charles Dickens that I meet such odd people?” Superintendent Sam Jones asks himself this question in the course of “The Mystery of the Hawke Sapphires,” and readers will be echoing these sentiments as they scratch their heads at the goings-on in this, the seventh in the series of “Charles Dickens, detective.”

There are plenty of evil men in this book, and we meet one at the beginning. (Following that prologue, which will clue you in to a BIG plot point for later, if you’re paying attention). The dead Sir Gerald Hawke’s legacy captures the entire book, a deadly presence that colors what everyone seems to do throughout; our characters (there’s a list at the back of the book) merely marionettes.

There’s a murder at the start, as Mr. Dickens and Superintendent Jones search for a missing young girl and why people are being killed. And how these beautiful sapphires, worth so much, are connected with it all.

Be prepared; this is a book of multiple narrators. That’s not always to everyone’s taste. Their use can move the story along, since Mr. Dickens can’t be everywhere, but it can also be confusing at times. Although such chapters do lend themselves to concealing secrets.

There are many deaths throughout this investigation, from anger, from rage and from desperation. And envy. “Envy’s a deadly poison,” says Mr. Dickens, in “The Mystery of the Hawke Sapphires.” But by who and why, it takes a whole book to discover. And in between we, along with Dickens and Jones, are shown London and its environs, every dark inch of it. As in earlier books, this is a hallmark of the series, the ability of the author to use setting and description to place readers at the scene.

Again, such secrets! But secrets have a way of revealing themselves when Charles Dickens is on the case. A murderer is called to justice. And Mr. Dickens’ magical way with words brings solace at last.

A Note to the Reader gives us insight into how the author choose different character names. Also included is Historical Notes, which explains a bit more about the possibility of woman bookbinders in London at the time. And how research conjures up curiosity shops, and the facts of vaccinations. Appropriate to our times.

1851 Sees the death of Sir Gerald Hawke at Hawke Court, the last of his line, his heir is clergyman Meridith Case. But there is a ward, Sapphire Hawke, who inherits jewellery in the will but she disappeared twenty years ago. Can she be found.
Meanwhile in London Felix Graham has been murdered, his father was known to Dickens, and so he feels obliged to investigate. But what secrets will be discovered, and how many deaths will occur before the answer is revealed.
Another enjoyable well-written historical mystery with its very likeable characters. A good addition to this series.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

‘Where are you? Dy’d in the blood of recent murder …’
London, 1851.

Sir Gerald Hawke (an odious man) is on his deathbed when he asks a distant cousin, the Reverend Meredith Case, to find Sapphire. She is his long-lost ward, and the heir to the Hawke sapphires. Reverend Case resolves to find her. He starts by asking Sir Gerald’s long-term housekeeper, but she claims that Sapphire disappeared ‘before her time’.

Felix Gresham (a young man with literary ambitions) is found murdered on the steps of a bookshop. Charles Dickens is an acquaintance of the Gresham family, and becomes involved in this investigation with Superintendent Sam Jones.

Dickens also becomes involved in the search for Sapphire (how he loves a mystery) and begins to wonder if there could be a connection between the missing woman and the murdered man.

This is a marvellous novel, full of Dickensian twists. There are two involved mysteries to solve, terrific characters (meet the Screeches – Ebenzer and Bella, Miss Jane Gauntlett, and (of course) the resourceful young man known as Scrap).

If you enjoy mysteries set in the Victorian era, then I recommend this series. They do not need to be read in order because each case is self-contained, but you’ll miss some terrific character development.

Note: My thanks to NetGalley and Sapere Books for providing me with a free electronic copy of this book for review purposes.

Jennifer Cameron-Smith

Set in 1851 London, dripping with atmosphere, murder and mayhem, marvelous descriptions, stellar Victorian vernacular, eccentric characters and historical bits, this book is utterly immersive and wildly enjoyable. J. C. Briggs has such a way with words, humour and wit...absolute perfection.

On his deathbed, hideous Sir Gerald Hawke demands that his missing heir Sapphire be found to claim the inheritance. Rev. Meredith Case can hardly even look at this cadaverous creature but vows to himself he will locate the heir. This book is about the journey to Sapphire with mishaps and adventures of all sorts along the way, including more death, deception and secrets galore. Dickens and Superintendent Sam Jones investigate by inveigling and listening and help from other characters. I just love the witticisms and language en route! And oh, what characters! The descriptions of Miss Gauntlett, Screech and Gerald Hawke (read the enlightening notes at the back discussing names and history in the back) are amongst my favourites. Brilliant.

In addition to the fabulous plots and subplots I learned more about bookbinding of the times. Though the book is a mystery, the characters and writing are what stood out most for me. But then I am fanatical about the Victorian era. The literary references were great fun!

Those intrigued by Dickens, the Victorian era and mysteries ought to read this. It is THAT good.

My sincere thank you to Sapere Books and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this delightfully riveting book in exchange for an honest review. Much appreciated.