Matthew’s father has provided a list of edifying destinations. It is while attending church at St. Martin’s-in-the-Fields that they encounter an old school acquaintance of Matthew’s, Henry Mallinson. Mallinson is in London with his father who, like many others, is hoping his fortune will rise with a position in the new king’s government.

Mallinson is friends with Captain Jack Stockridge, a naval officer awaiting a new ship assignment. Stockridge is the brother of Lucy Dove, the acting and singing highlight of the Covent Garden playhouse. Matthew and Fairfax are invited to attend a theater production where they will sit in Captain Stockridge’s box and meet his famous sister. At the theater, a solitary gentleman in another box, Francis Wilders, is observing the play. Wilders is reputed to be romantically involved with Lucy.

Fairfax is impressed by Lucy’s talent, but Matthew is overwhelmed by everything about the lady. As they are all leaving the theater, Matthew jumps to Lucy’s defense when a red-haired man throws red theater blood on the two of them and yells, “You’ll pay!”

At a small dinner party hosted by Stockridge, a message from Lucy is delivered to Matthew. It is only several minutes later that Fairfax realizes that Matthew has departed for Lucy’s. Following, he finds a disoriented Matthew on Lucy’s doorstep, and the beautiful actress on the floor, strangled. Francis comes upon them and strikes Matthew with a fireplace poker, accusing him of having murdered his love.

The only suspect in the crime, Matthew is taken into custody and held at Newgate prison. Fairfax realizes that Matthew’s only chance at escaping execution at the gallows is if he solves the crime.

The Complaint of the Dove is the first of several Robert Fairfax mysteries previously published in England. Readers who are used to fast-paced mysteries will find this Georgian-era mystery rather slow going; the story is half over before the mystery kicks in. The first half of the book is devoted to introducing the various characters and setting the stage.

Where The Complaint of the Dove excels is in its vivid description of the times and locales of mid-eighteenth century London from the halls of Parliament to the meanest streets. The sights, sounds, and smells are presented in marvelous detail. This isn’t a mystery set in London in 1760 - this is a mystery immersed in 1760. The author’s solid historical research is revealed throughout the story. Delicious tidbits are dropped into the narrative - for example, at some time prior to the period of the story, Fairfax was employed by Samuel Johnson to assist in writing his dictionary.

The mystery’s slow pacing hampers the overall impression of The Complaint of the Dove. Robert Fairfax, however, shows promise as an intriguing hero. Readers who enjoy historical mysteries with an authentic feeling might find this a good choice.

--Lesley Dunlap