Picture this: London, thick with fog. Richard Viner, a sensible lawyer, returns to his rooms after dinner. He expects peace, quiet, maybe a pipe by the fire. Instead, he finds the body of his elderly neighbor, Mr. Ashton, lying dead in his study. The police are called, but the case is strange from the start. Ashton was a harmless expert in old books and coins, so who would want him dead? The only clues are a handful of rare ancient coins scattered on the floor and a few mysterious references in Ashton's notes.

The Story

Viner can't let it go. He starts asking questions and quickly realizes Ashton's life wasn't as quiet as it seemed. The old man was on the trail of a historical mystery involving a lost inheritance and a disputed title. As Viner digs deeper, he meets a cast of characters who all might have wanted Ashton silenced: a nervous cousin, a shady associate, and members of a noble family with a lot to lose. The investigation becomes a race, pulling Viner from London libraries to country estates, trying to connect ancient history to a very modern murder before the killer strikes again.

Why You Should Read It

This isn't a gritty, psychological thriller. It's a straight-up detective adventure, and that's its charm. Viner is a great guide—he's not a genius, just a curious, determined guy using logic and legwork. The pace never drags. Fletcher has a knack for planting a clue and then making you wait just the right amount of time for the payoff. The real star might be the setting itself. You can almost smell the coal smoke and hear the cab horses on the cobblestones. It’s a perfect escape into a simpler, yet still dangerous, time for mystery lovers.

Final Verdict

Perfect for anyone who enjoys the classic mysteries of Agatha Christie or Arthur Conan Doyle but wants something a little less known. It's also a great pick if you love historical settings that feel authentic without drowning you in detail. The puzzle is clever but fair, and the solution is deeply satisfying. If your idea of a good time is following a likable amateur sleuth through a twisty plot, The Middle of Things will put you right in the middle of a very good evening.