Step into the gaslit streets of Victorian London with the Esther and Jack Enright Mysteries, a captivating historical crime series by David Field that blends suspense, romance, and rich historical detail. Follow Esther, a sharp-witted seamstress-turned-sleuth, and Jack, a determined Detective Sergeant, as they unravel chilling mysteries in a world of shadowy alleys and sinister plots, perfect for fans of Sherlock Holmes and Ripper Street.
With eight gripping novels, this series transports readers to the gritty underworld of 19th-century London, where danger lurks around every corner. Whether you’re drawn to intricate whodunits or vivid historical settings, Esther and Jack’s adventures offer a thrilling escape into a bygone era.
How Esther and Jack Enright Mysteries Began
David Field, an English-born Australian author and former criminal law practitioner, crafted the Esther and Jack Enright Mysteries as a love letter to his passions for history and storytelling. After moving to Australia in 1989, Field turned to writing historical fiction to escape the stresses of his legal career, eventually publishing digitally with Sapere Books. Inspired by Victorian London’s dark allure and iconic cases like Jack the Ripper, he created Esther and Jack—a dynamic duo whose chemistry and detective prowess shine through each novel.
The Heart of Esther and Jack Enright Mysteries
The series kicks off with The Gaslight Stalker (2018), where Esther and Jack tackle the infamous Jack the Ripper murders. Esther, a Whitechapel seamstress, teams up with young constable Jack Enright to hunt a brutal killer, their investigation sparking both romance and danger. In The Night Caller (2018), the duo faces a mysterious intruder terrorizing London’s women, blending social issues like women’s rights with pulse-pounding suspense. The Prodigal Sister (2018) sees them uncover shocking family secrets after a woman’s death on railway tracks, while The Jubilee Plot (2018) pits them against a terrorist threat during Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee.
Themes of justice, resilience, and gender roles weave through the series, with Esther’s bold independence challenging Victorian norms. Field’s vivid prose paints a textured portrait of London’s East End, from seedy slums to grand celebrations, grounding each mystery in historical authenticity. The interplay between Esther, Jack, and Jack’s uncle Percy Enright adds humor and heart, making their investigations as emotionally engaging as they are thrilling.
Why Esther and Jack Enright Mysteries Resonates
The Esther and Jack Enright Mysteries have carved a niche among historical mystery fans for their blend of gritty realism and compelling characters. Readers praise Field’s ability to merge fact with fiction, offering fresh takes on historical events while keeping the stakes personal. The series’ focus on a strong female protagonist and its exploration of social issues like poverty and women’s rights resonate with modern audiences, ensuring its lasting appeal.
Fans of authors like Anne Perry and Rory Clements find the series’ fast-paced plots and immersive setting irresistible. Its compact novels, perfect for a cozy weekend read, have earned a loyal following, with reviewers calling it “a fascinating guided tour through Victorian London.”
- Publication Years: 2018–2025
- Number of Books: 8 (plus two upcoming in 2025)
- Publisher: Sapere Books
- Setting: Victorian London, late 19th century
Grab The Gaslight Stalker and dive into the Esther and Jack Enright Mysteries’ thrilling world of crime, romance, and Victorian intrigue!