So, let's talk about The Last Call. Published back in the 1880s, it feels both classic and surprisingly fresh. Richard Dowling drops us right into the heart of Victorian society, but with a twist that feels almost modern.

The Story

Arthur Dillon, a respectable gentleman, receives a strange, urgent phone call one evening and rushes out to meet the caller. He never comes home. The police are baffled. Enter Frank Beresford, a sharp and determined young man, and May Traynor, Arthur's concerned niece. They team up to find out what happened. Their search takes them from comfortable drawing rooms to shadowy corners of London, following slim clues and facing dead ends. Along the way, Frank and May's professional partnership starts to crackle with something more. But the clock is ticking, and the mystery of that final call deepens with every page.

Why You Should Read It

What really got me was the atmosphere. Dowling makes you feel the fog and hear the clatter of carriage wheels. It's a proper page-turner. The mystery is the engine, but Frank and May are the heart. They're smart, they banter, and you're rooting for them both to solve the case and to figure out their own feelings. It's a great balance—the personal stakes rise right along with the danger of the investigation. You get the sense that this isn't just a simple disappearance; there are bigger forces at play, and Book 1 is just peeling back the first layer.

Final Verdict

This is perfect for anyone who loves a good historical mystery with a slow-burn romance at its center. If you're a fan of authors like Wilkie Collins or enjoy shows that mix suspense with period drama, you'll feel right at home. It's the start of a trilogy, so be ready to get invested. 'The Last Call' is a compelling, charming, and genuinely puzzling opener that absolutely earns its sequel.