THE LOST BOYS OF LONDON by Mary Lawrence

THE LOST BOYS OF LONDON

by

Mary Lawrence

            The Lost Boys of London, by Mary Lawrence, is the fifth book in the Bianca Goddard mystery series. The book is expected to be released on April 28, 2020.

            If you have read prior books in the series – or my earlier reviews – you know that Bianca Goddard is the daughter of a disgraced alchemist and a white witch. Bianca draws from both parents as she works in her room of Medicinals and Physickes.

This latest installment in the series begins in February 1545 and essentially picks up where the last book, The Alchemist of Lost Souls, ended. Bianca’s husband, John, having been conscripted into King Henry’s army, is still away fighting in Scotland. Bianca, meanwhile, continues concocting her medicines that her friend, Meddybemps, then sells for her.

During this time, Bianca is summoned by Constable Patch. A young boy has been found hanging from the side of one of London’s churches – murdered – and Patch needs Bianca’s assistance. This is not the only murder, nor the only church. Who is killing these young boys? And, where is Bianca’s young friend Fisk?

            As we accompany Bianca on her journey, searching for Fisk and seeking the murderer, we learn a bit about London’s Lost Boys and about Fisk’s family. We also gain some insight into the changes in the religious tenor of Henry’s Tudor England.

            The Lost Boys of London is another interesting and well-written addition to the Bianca Goddard series. Lawrence does a masterful job of capturing the everyday life of the common people in Tudor times. The biggest disappointment for me came as I was reading the Author’s Note and discovered that this is the last book in the series. I was sure that Lawrence had a few more books planned, so this discovery was a shock. I am going to miss Bianca Goddard. However, I will await other new and exciting work from Lawrence. Meanwhile, I highly recommend the book.