To be a fan of mystery in several forms is to welcome books like this, which have a whole other immersive world to explore. It may not be the happiest place to be, but the people bring colour to the narrative.
The Tumbling Girl is based in 1876 London. Our lead protagonist is a music hall girl who does not like to go on stage. She has a pretty steady position as an almost right-hand person to the owner (or so she thinks) when her closest friend goes missing.
We are also informed of a serial killer who has a signature move and this thread runs alongside our current plot. Although this is the first in a series, I felt like the ending shook things up a little and left me feeling like I had just listened to an individual thriller.
It was the ending which made me rate the book the way I did. I appreciated the twist and was only surprised I did not see it coming. The audio version is well done, and the narrator managed to keep the two voices separate.
Our male protagonist, the actual detective, is a person with a complicated heritage. He decides to take on this particular case because he has a soft spot for the otherwise forgotten. Once he gets started, he finds out that the situation is a lot more complex than he could have imagined.
I enjoyed this more as an audiobook than I probably would have as a physical one (or so I think). The pacing keeps things interesting, and the plot keeps moving.
I would recommend this to people who like historical mystery with shady characters in the background.
I received an ARC thanks to NetGalley and the publishers but the review is entirely based on my own listening experience.

This book had one of my favourite quotes of all time, "Cake, she responds well to cake." I have never related more.

I thoroughly enjoyed The Tumbling Girl; you had murder, mystery and blossoming romance, what more could you want?

There were two murder mystery story lines that seemed disconnected until the final chapters, where they fell in tandem.

I believe this is the first book in a series, and I will definitely be picking up the next book to follow the next adventures of the crime solving duo.

Another Bolinda audiobook that I enjoyed listening to. I think Bolinda books are my default when I request audiobooks. This one is set in the 1870s. It is gripping. And most of all the way it ends leaves you wanting for more. I don't want to give any details because that will take something away from it. So, just please read this or listen to the audiobook.

I really enjoyed this book. It has interesting characters and the mystery is well developed. It’s impossible not to like Minnie and her willpower to find the murderer of her friend! The resolution of the Hairpin Killer surprised me a lot.

Thanks NetGalley and publishers for an ARC of this audiobook in exchange for my honest review.

The narration of this audiobook is enjoyable, with the narrator expertly giving different characters instantly recognisable accents and tones. Minnie and Albert are both well-rounded and likeable protagonists, and there is a whole host of characters involved that each have their own personality shine through. The story can get a little complicated, although this is perhaps to be expected in a murder mystery. Overall thoroughly enjoyable, and I'm excited for the sequel!

Taking us back to the music halls of Victorian London with all its quirky characters and intrigue. I thoroughly enjoyed this audiobook and applaud the narrator, Jasmine Blackhorse.. We meet Minnie ,whose friend Rose has been found dead, which the police decide is as a result of suicide but Minnie is determined to prove that it is murder. She works alongside Arthur ,a private detective , and I look forward to seeing how their relationship develops in future books. A book full of colour and action , friendship and wonderful baddies. I understand that this is the first in a series of books following the adventures of these characters and I look forward to reading more from this author. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to listen to this audiobook in return for an honest review.

I Loved the narration, demonstrated a great range of voices and had the working-class ones like Minnie down to a tee. Also had the intangible sense that she was enjoying what she was doing.

The failure of the authorities to investigate the death of a performer, Rose a young acrobat from the local variety theatre, merely chalking it down as a suicide is a clear indication of the attitudes prevalent at the time. Some would argue that for some, like prostitutes they are not much better this century. Friend Minnie and Rose’s mother are determined to prove that it was a case of murder, but what can two women do in this man’s world. They enlist the help of a private detective, in this case Albert is a true gentleman detective, a loner who reluctant to find Minnie inserting herself into his investigation. He’s a soft-hearted truth seeker with a lot to learn about backstage life but Minnie is the perfect guide and along the way they both learn important things about themselves and each other.

Albert comes from a family of wealth and influence. He proves to be a disappointment to them when he decides to be a policeman, prompting as much opprobrium for this choice as he might if he came from a family of crooks. After some years of service in the force, he leaves to become a consulting detective. From a business point of view, he is too much of a soft touch, failing to charge the going rate, so it is a good job he has private funds to fall back on. His housekeeper Mrs Burn helps to keep him focused as well as seeing to his household needs and giving advice and imparting wisdom. It is she who warns him about letting opportunities slip through his fingers.

Minnie is a kind-hearted young woman who hides it under tough carapace thanks to a torrid upbringing and formative years, that ultimately led to a life on stage. No longer performing herself, she writes material for other performers, such as songs and sketches, as well being an unpaid de facto second in command to ‘Tansie’ (Mr Tansford) the owner of the Variety Palace Theatre.

Being the first novel in a planned series there is a fair degree of scene setting and background to be absorbed, but much of this has been cleverly absorbed into the storyline. Here we discover the motivation behind Albert’s career choice and the reasons why Minnie ended up on the stage only to eventually give it up.

The setting in the variety theatre is a stroke of genius as it provides great opportunity to change the narrative flow with interludes. These shows were incredibly popular and offered true variety even dipping into the territory of the other contemporary entertainment of the circus freak show. So, a one-legged dancer and the Mexican boneless wonder can easily be incorporated into the bill and moments of great levity are provided by a true cheeky monkey.

The investigation is involved and quite twisty as suspects are eliminated. Naturally expect surprises, shocks and a little theatrical deception. A key aspect is a stanhope, a piece of jewellery that hides a viewer for an enclosed microscopic photograph of a loved one. A true piece of Victorian ingenuity.

The principal motivation is the exercise of power. Power that becomes drug like, with a bigger fixed needed each time, which means bigger risks, but also the smug sense of satisfaction knowing that you are going to get away with it.

The writing is upbeat and the story skips along nicely. The dialogue is great, with Minnie getting some fabulous cutting remarks in, I think it is this that makes it work so well as an audiobook.

Thanks to Net Galley and Bolinda for access to an audiobook copy in exchange for a fair review.

Thank you NetGalley and Bolinda Audio for giving me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

The mystery and suspense in this novel was enticing and exhilarating. I loved the characters and their development throughout, especially the building of their relationships with one another. The narrator is perfect in bringing these characters to life and adding even more depth to the story. With a pinch of romance and a boatload of mystery, this book is a must read.

I really liked this. I didn't expect to, but I really did. The story flowed well and while the main female protagonist was a character whose 'character' grated on me just a little, the cast was a motley crew who were jolly and very likeable. The narrator did a very good job and, though a woman, portrayed the male characters convincingly (always tricky when there are a goodly proportion of male characters, as in this audiobook). The story was very well constructed and flowed at a good pace, and I laughed out loud more than once at Minnie's sometimes mordant sense of humour. The central theme was one that has really been done to death, but this author didn't make you feel that.

Another historical fiction trope that has been done to death but surfaced here yet again is the theme of the woman kicking against the restrictions of her sex, thinking she can do anything a man can do and rushing headlong into danger stating 'I can take care of myself'. Well, these women usually get their comeuppance, and Minnie was no exception. Despite this, and her other less edifying traits, Minnie and Albert managed to worm their way under my skin, and I would definitely read them again.

By the way, a great twist/cliffhanger at the end. Oh, and why can I find no real-life reference to a pollution ring?

*A big thank-you to Bridget Walsh, Bolinda Audio, and NetGalley for a free audiobook in exchange for my honest review.*
Enjoyable historical fiction which has it all: likeable characters and villains, atmospheric presentation of London in the second half of the 19th century, the world of palaces of music and not only, and intresting intrigue which is solved by a duo likely to appear soon in Book 2. Add to this superb narration and you receive an audiobook that will keep your attention throughout. Highly recommended to fans of the genre.
I opted for five stars since this listen was what I was looking for at the particular moment and it never bored me. Plus, it is a promising debut!

Audio version of this book. A great listen, the storyline kept you guessing , the main characters were great and would love to see their characters grow.
The narrator was brilliant and bought the characters to life.

I'm a huge fan of Victorian and Neo-Victorian fiction and when I first heard of this novel I knew I needed to read it. It combines my love for the period, crime fiction and female performers during this period. I had the pleasure of listening to the audiobook and it was such a joy to listen to it after a long work day or while doing mundane tasks as it made me forget my everyday life.
As this is a crime novel it can be pretty gruesome, but Bridget Walsh has a very engaging writing style and the plot was entertaining. I also kept wanting to know what happened next. I think I would have liked more descriptions of Victorian London to feel really in the period, but that is my only criticism. Can't wait to see what is next for Albert and Minnie!

An enjoyable if forgettable read.
A good book to pass the time but it just didn't grab my attention the way I had hoped.

An OK listen not the best book I've listen to but certainly not the worst
Good story line but it more of an old fashioned murder mystery than a thriller

The Tumbling Girl is the first book in the Variety Mystery Series set in the Victorian period. This was a fun detective mystery mixed with historical fiction which was full of beautiful descriptions and interesting characters. I think this was a great plot to set up the series and I really enjoyed following along with Minnie and Albert's investigation. I think a lot of people will love this is you like cosy historical fiction mysteries.

First, in the Variety Mystery Series, this is your introduction to a brand new mystery series set up in Victorian times - London. With a discovery of a gruesome body at the Palace Music Hall, Minnie decides to entrust the task of finding the murderer to a private detective. Only she can't help but get involved in the investigations as the pile of bodies keeps rising higher.

A detective story following Victorian London timelines has the setup to swoop you off your feet. The descriptions of all those grand places and small alleys set you in the perfect mood. I did enjoy reading a few characters but most of the time I found it hard to be fond of any characters. Some of them were simply existing, without any significant roles. Would have enjoyed it more if the historical aspects were also translated into the dialogues and profiles of the characters too.

It was an overall fine read, but I would rather tag it as a detective mystery than a historical fiction as those aspects are only present in landscape descriptions.

Genre: #mystery #detective
Rating: 3/5 ⭐️

Thank you @netgalley and @bolindaaudio for the audio ARC.

The Tumbling Girl by Bridget Walsh is a fantastic book. I listened to the e-audiobook version, which is brilliantly narrated by Jasmine Blackborow.

It’s 1876 Victorian London. Rose Watkins, an acrobatic tumbler, is found hanged below the Adelphi Arches and the police are convinced it is suicide. Rose’s mother, Ida, and Rose’s best-friend Minnie Ward are convinced otherwise. So, they enlist the help of a private detective, Albert Easterbrook, to review the case.

Minnie is a former Music Hall performer and now works backstage as a scriptwriter in the Music Halls. As she is from the world in which Rose worked, she offers to assist Albert Easterbrook with his investigation and provide access to the world of Music Halls.

Rose and Albert move between the Variety Music Halls and London’s high society investigating Rose’s murder. I thoroughly enjoyed this Victorian detective story and I have to say that Rose and Albert have a great relationship and rapport. I really hope there are more books in this series and I’ll certainly be looking out for more books by Bridget Walsh in the future.

Huge thanks to the publishers, Bolinda Audio, and NetGalley for making the e-audiobook available to me in exchange for a fair and honest review.

The Tumbling Girl, by Bridget Walsh.

An absolute treat!

London, 1876. Rose, a performer from the Variety Palace Music Hall is found dead, presumed suicide. But Rose’s best friend, Minnie Ward, doesn’t believe that for a moment.

There may well be a private detective on the case, but fun, feisty and fearless Minnie doesn’t take no for an answer and soon they are working the case together.

Stunning descriptions of London, brilliant characters and dark, suspenseful mystery make this a must-read.

5 ⭐️ Thanks to Netgalley, the author and the publisher for an ARC in return for an honest review.

A fresh angle and a good addition to the genre.

The Tumbling Girl takes place in Victorian London, in the world of the music hall. When acrobat Rose is murdered, her friend Minnie Ward calls in famous detective Albert Easterbrook to find out what happened. An uneasy partnership springs up between the two as they try to find the killer and deal with their respective personal issues. As the bodies pile up, can they solve the mystery before it's too late?

This felt like a really fresh take on the mystery genre and I loved the music hall setting. Minnie and Albert make a great pair and the mystery was both tense and engaging. Some parts were too gruesome for my taste and there was a section that I really didn't enjoy reading, but I liked most of it and the ending was fantastic. It is the first in a series, I'm not sure if I will continue with it but it did end on a bit of a cliffhanger so I'm curious to know what will happen next. It makes a good standalone too though.

Some specific comments on the sudiobook: the narrator was excellent, she did a great job at bringing all the characters to life and it wasn't an easy task as there were men and women from all classes. Everyone sounded authentic and it was almost more like a play than a narration. The audio quality was good, speed of reading maybe a little slow as I was more comfortable on 1.25 speed, but that's a minor issue and probably just my personal taste. I recommend the audiobook as it really adds to the reading experience.

Overall a great mystery and one that I think fans of the genre will enjoy. 4 stars.

I'd like to thank the publishers and Netgalley for kindly providing me with an advance copy. All opinions are my own.

4.25⭐️

1876, Victorian London. Minnie Ward, the feisty scriptwriter for the Variety Palace Music Hall, is devastated when her best friend is found brutally murdered. She enlists the help of private detective Albert Easterbrook, who already has his hands full trying to catch the notorious Hairpin Killer. But Minnie can't help getting involved in the investigation, and as the bodies begin to pile up, Albert's burgeoning feelings for his amateur partner start to interfere...

The Tumbling Girl is the first in a Victorian mystery series, and I’m definitely looking forward to the second. The story and characters are quite engaging, and there are surprises right up to the end. The audiobook narrator, Jasmine Blackborow, did an excellent job as well.

*This review is based on the audiobook provided by NetGalley and @Bolindaaudio in exchange for an honest review.