Cut to the Quick

Cut to the Quick (1993) Kate Ross

Reading the T. F. Banks books put me in the mood for another Victorian mystery, and lucky for me, I had one waiting here to read.

Julian Kestrel is a dandy. He’s making his mark on London society by being a sharp dresser, and the perfect gentleman–even if he doesn’t actually seem to be a gentleman. By chance, one evening at his club he manages to save a young gentleman from ruin an embarrassment–only to discover two weeks later that he is to be a groomsman in the young man’s impending wedding. A wedding about which the young man did not seem entirely enthused to say the least.

I very much enjoyed reading this book. The writing was good, the dialog was sharp, and the mystery was excellent. I constantly kept revising who I thought the murderer was, and every time I thought I had it, Kate Ross would pull the rug out from under me, and I’d have to start all over again. (Mind you, as much as I love mysteries, I’m not the best at guessing whodunit–I read too quickly to spend the time to consider all the possibilities.)

But the mystery was definitely the best thing about this books. Well done, reasonable, and with plenty of misdirection.

Julian Kestrel is wonderful character, and I enjoyed learning the little bits of his past that were dribbled out, as well as seeing his interactions with the other characters, as well as watching him solve the mystery. And I especially enjoyed his interaction with Hugh’s younger sister, Philippa. It’s too bad that we won’t be seeing more of her in future books, because she was an absolute delight. (I suppose we could see more of her, but it would be a heck of a contrivance if we did.)

Consider the following exchange between Julian and Philippa:

“If everyone who died with unpunished sins on his conscience came back as a ghost, the living would be crowded out of every home in England.”
“You’re cynical. I thought you would be. Can you sneer?”
“With terrifying effect.”
“Oh, do it, please! I want to see it!”
“I’m afraid you’re much too young to withstand it. I should be accused of stunting your growth–perhaps even sending you into a decline.”
“I wouldn’t go into a decline. I’m robust. My governess says so.”

That just cracks me up. As well as:

“I’m sorry about that,” muttered Hugh. “I don’t suppose you came to Bellegarde to be teased to death by my little sisters.”
“Oh, I don’t mind. I rather like making friends with women before they’re old enough to be dangerous.”

More the fool him though. We’re dangerous from a very young age.

The relationship that developed between Dr MacGregor and Julian Kestrel was also very interesting, as the doctor came to see the Julian Kestrel that we’d been seeing through his thoughts, instead of the image he projected to society. I very much hope that relationship will be continued in future books. (And I know there are future books, because I just ordered them.)

Additionally, having just finished a Victorian mystery featuring a Bow Street Runner, it was interesting to see how they were viewed from the outside. It was also interesting how the two stories complemented each other, in their portrayal of London society at the time.

I can’t wait to loan this to my grandmother, and have high hopes for further Julian Kestrel mysteries.
Rating: 8/10

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