Recommended Reading Path: Where to Start with Leo Stanhope
For the best reading experience, it is highly recommended to read Alex Reeve's historical mystery novels in their strict chronological and publication order. The series follows the life of Leo Stanhope, a transgender coroner's assistant (later a reporter) navigating the strict and dangerous social norms of Victorian London. Because the emotional stakes, personal relationships, and Leo's constant struggle to keep his identity secret develop continuously from one book to the next, starting with the first installment is essential for understanding the characters and the overarching narrative arc.
Alex Reeve Books in Publication Order
Alex Reeve's fiction career is defined by his core historical mystery series. While his first publication was a local history and literary walking guide, his crime novels were published sequentially between 2018 and 2022. Below is the list of his novels in order of publication:
- The House on Half Moon Street (2018)
- The Anarchists' Club (2019)
- The Butcher of Berner Street (2020)
- The Blood Flower (2022)
Victorian London Timeline: Chronological Order
The chronological order of the novels aligns perfectly with their publication dates, with each book moving the timeline forward by roughly one year. Reading in order allows you to follow the progression of Leo's life from 1880 through 1883:
- The House on Half Moon Street – Set in 1880
- The Anarchists' Club – Set in 1881
- The Butcher of Berner Street – Set in 1882
- The Blood Flower – Set in 1883
Exploring the Leo Stanhope Mysteries
The House on Half Moon Street (2018)
The debut novel introduces us to Leo Stanhope, a young man working in a London morgue as an assistant to a kindly coroner. Born Charlotte, Leo has spent years hiding his true identity to live authentically in a society that would condemn him. The status quo is shattered when Maria, the woman he loves, is found murdered. Forced to investigate her death to clear his own name, Leo must tread carefully through the London underworld, knowing that any slip could expose his deepest secret to a hostile world.
The Anarchists' Club (2019)
Set a year later in 1881, Leo is attempting to rebuild his life and find stability. However, trouble finds him when a woman is murdered at a radical anarchists' club in the city. When a young boy connected to the victim seeks Leo's help, Leo is drawn into a complex web of political conspiracy, radical movements, and police suspicion. The investigation forces him to confront the dark corners of the city and threatens the fragile safety he has carved out for himself.
The Butcher of Berner Street (2020)
By 1882, Leo has transitioned into working as a reporter for a local East End newspaper, trying to use his investigative skills in a new capacity. When a series of horrific killings breaks out in the neighborhood, a close colleague is arrested and accused of being the murderer. Determined to prove his friend's innocence, Leo dives into the gritty, impoverished streets of Whitechapel to hunt down the true killer, uncovering corruption and danger at every turn.
The Blood Flower (2022)
Set in 1883, the fourth novel sees Leo seeking peace away from the claustrophobic and dangerous streets of London. He takes a job in the countryside, hoping for a quieter life. The peace is short-lived when a local girl is found dead under suspicious circumstances. Leo is dragged back into the familiar role of investigator, discovering that the rural landscape hides secrets just as dark and deadly as the London alleys he left behind.
Non-Fiction and Companion Works
Literary Walks in Hertfordshire (2007)
Long before introducing readers to Leo Stanhope, Alex Reeve published a non-fiction walking guide titled Literary Walks in Hertfordshire. Published in 2007, this book details various walking routes throughout the county of Hertfordshire, connecting the landscapes to the famous writers and literary history inspired by them. While not connected to the Victorian mystery series, it showcases Reeve's deep passion for local history, geography, and research.
What to Know Before You Start
Alex Reeve's books are celebrated for their meticulous historical research, presenting Victorian London not as a romanticized playground, but as a gritty, dirty, and socially rigid environment. The series stands out for its ground-breaking protagonist. Leo Stanhope is one of the first transgender main characters in historical crime fiction, and his internal struggles are handled with immense empathy and authenticity. Reeve was inspired to write the character after witnessing subtle prejudice against a trans colleague, deciding to explore how someone would navigate those identity challenges in the even more restrictive Victorian era. While the mysteries are compelling, the true heart of the series is Leo's resilience, his relationships, and his quest to live on his own terms.