Julian Kestrel ~ Kate Ross Books
Julian Kestrel is the character in a series of novels written by Kate Ross, I’ve just finished reading the first 3 books and they’re highly recommended
You don’t tend to see the books about that much in my experience so they unquestionably don’t get the exposure they deserve. I have been aware of the interest from collectors of modern crime fiction for some years as they are sought after by collectors of first editions.
Small print runs, with many of them going to public libraries, means that they are not common, the first two especially so in fine condition.
They are historically based mysteries with an amateur sleuth as the main series character. Julian Kestrel is based in the Regency Period, early 1800s, and is something of a sharp dressing society dandy.
There is a touch of the Oscar Wilde and a hint of PG Wodehouse about his dialogue which makes for good prose and an enjoyable read.
He is assisted by his valet Dipper, a former pick pocket, who works as a great foil that bridges the world between the London gentleman and the backstreets of London.
Sadly Kate Ross tragically died in 1998 aged only 42 of cancer so there are only 4 books and one short story in her canon of work. The author was an American lawyer which is something you’d never guess reading the books. So often when a writer sets books outside there own country they are full of errors in facts and dialogue - I experienced none of those in this case - a real credit to her.
If you like historical mysteries then they are well worth a go, I would certainly recommend them, it’s just such a shame the series came to an end with the author’s untimely demise.
Bibliography - Checklist
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Cut to the Quick (1994),
A Broken Vessel (1995)
Whom the Gods Love (1996)
The Devil in Music (1998)
If you’ve read any of the books please feel free to share your opinions or reviews of specific books by leaving a comment
Ginny said,
October 24, 2009 @ 10:29 pm
Hi Rod
I was trying to find out if she had written anything else and came across your site.
I loved her books, all 4. Be sure to read the last one!
Rod said,
October 25, 2009 @ 9:52 am
Ginny,
it’s a real shame what happened and it’s a real loss. I enjoyed the books myself and she’s certainly deserving of a wider audience.
Best
Rod