I came into this series in the middle and now consider myself richer by far for the three novels plus short story I’ve enjoyed to date. Our mudlark hero (the term is explained in this tale), son of a transported convict and former pickpocket, has been recognized for his intelligence and potential by several worthy men and has grown into a noted Bow Street Runner. His lady wife both loves and values him and has proven valuable herself in helping him solve several of his cases. Thus John’s Magistrate, having received an anonymous missive requesting Bow Street’s aid, sends John and Julia to the Lake District on a belated honeymoon to try to determine what’s amiss. Warm wit, clever plotting, and goodness pervade each of the individual books, all of which can stand alone, with sufficient background filled in to provide context; and as narrated by Joel L. Froomkin, the stories come alive with the richness of the varied accents of town and country, Count and commoner. I LOVE these books!