Heather Redmond has now written three terrific historical mysteries featuring Mary Godwin --- the future author who will be known as Mary Shelley --- and other members of her family and circle of friends. Typically, a series like this might have been intended as a trilogy. I am hoping that is not the case here as the latest installment, DEATH AND THE RUNAWAYS, is set a mere two years prior to Mary conceiving the novel that will make her immortal: FRANKENSTEIN.

It is 1814 in London, and while Mary is celebrating the recent peace treaty with France by spending the day in Hyde Park with her stepsister, Jane, and stepbrother, Charles, they are still facing tough times as a family. Mary’s father, William Godwin, is in danger of being sent to a debtor’s prison, and they often have to be creative when figuring out their next meal. Further complicating matters is what appears to be an innocent exchange between Charles and the sister of his girlfriend that will devolve into murder and unwarranted criminal accusations made against him.

"DEATH AND THE RUNAWAYS is a deep examination of mostly real historical figures who are placed in extreme fictional situations by an author who is quite frankly one of the best in the business when it comes to historical fiction and mysteries."

When Winnet Davies turns up dead, Charles is expected at the inquest as he was the last person seen with her. But he chooses to run and hide instead of showing up at the police station, which casts even more suspicion on him. As far as Charles is concerned, Winnet made an improper request for money when they were together on the day of the peace treaty celebration, and he rebuffed her.

Chapters in the novel are presented from the points of view of both Mary and Jane, and each of them is willing to do anything to protect Charles while they conduct their own inquiries into the murder. All of this is happening in the midst of the family’s financial concerns, as well as Mary being forced into an attempted betrothal to a brute of a man named Fisher, who is twice her age. It is evident to all that Mary is having growing feelings for the poet Percy Bysshe Shelley, who has been working with her father and is now apparently separated from his wife.

Meanwhile, the murder streak continues. Mary and Jane discover Charles’ whereabouts and team up with him to devise a plan that will keep him out of jail. With the aid of Shelley, the small group of runaways plot to leave London and possibly head to Switzerland. But as tight and resolute as they may be, it is quite possible that they will not be able to escape unscathed from whatever evil force is behind these killings.

DEATH AND THE RUNAWAYS is a deep examination of mostly real historical figures who are placed in extreme fictional situations by an author who is quite frankly one of the best in the business when it comes to historical fiction and mysteries. Fingers crossed that this is not Heather Redmond’s last Mary Shelley mystery!