ARC Review: Midnight in the House of Commons by Charles Finch

Midnight in the House of Commons
Author: Charles Finch
Series: Charles Lenox Mysteries (Book 16)
Publication: Minotaur Books (November 3, 2026)

Description: Amateur sleuth Charles Lenox investigates the murder of a Parliament member, moving through the glamorous high society of Victorian London in the next novel from acclaimed author Charles Finch.

In the spring of 1881, Lenox is caught up in the whirl of London life when his brother arrives to tell him that there’s been a murder in the House of Commons. Robert Baddeley, a charismatic, womanizing Member, has been found poisoned in the hallowed chamber itself. Suspicion immediately falls on the women in his life, including his wife and mistress, but as Lenox digs deeper, he realizes that there were more than a few people who might have wanted Baddeley dead.

Meanwhile, Lenox must balance his investigation with his family life, which has grown increasingly complicated: his ward Sari struggles with heartbreak, the Lenox household receives an odd visitor, and a young woman comes to Lenox to implore him to find her fiancé, who has mysteriously vanished.

And just when Lenox is nearing the truth of Baddeley’s murder, someone close to him is arrested for the crime―and Lenox must race to solve the case before losing everything.

Joyfully set in ballrooms, supper parties, palaces, and Parliament Midnight in the House of Commons takes Charles Lenox through his trickiest, most satisfying case yet.

My Thoughts: The sixteenth Charles Lenox mystery has as its centerpiece the murder of a Member of the House of Commons on the floor of the House. A single earring, a note, and an unplanned supper are the clues that Charles has to follow.

Robert Baddeley was a charming womanizer with surprising influence in the House despite his relatively short tenure there. The first suspects that come to mind are the women in his life. He has a wife and a series of lovers. But there might also be a political motive for his death. The vote on the Poor Bill is coming up, and it looks like the more progressive party of which Charles' brother Edmund is a shining light is going to fall short of success by one vote. Baddeley's death would give Edmund's party the win.

While this is the main case on Charles' agenda, he is also trying to help a poor young woman find out why her suitor abandoned her. He is also dealing with his ward Sari's broken heart as her suitor has also abandoned her. 

I enjoyed this mystery. I like the Victorian setting as the story takes place in 1881. I like that Charles' wife Lady Jane is very involved in the Suffrage movement. I like that Charles is in a good place in his life with a successful business and a happy family. 

I received this one in exchange for an honest review from NetGalley. You can buy your copy here.