The House on Half Moon Street

Leo Stanhope, Book 1

By: Alex Reeve

Narrated by: Ash Palmisciano

Everyone has a secret.... Only some lead to murder. Introducing Leo Stanhope: a Victorian transgender coroner's assistant who must uncover a killer without risking his own future.

When the body of a young woman is wheeled into the hospital where Leo Stanhope works, his life is thrown into chaos. Maria, the woman he loves, has been murdered, and it is not long before the finger of suspicion is turned on him, threatening to expose his lifelong secret.

For Leo Stanhope was born Charlotte, the daughter of a respectable reverend. Knowing he was meant to be a man - despite the evidence of his body - and unable to cope with living a lie any longer, he fled his family home at just 15 and has been living as Leo ever since, his secret known to only a few trusted people.

Desperate to find Maria's killer and thrown into gaol, he stands to lose not just his freedom but ultimately his life.

©2018 Alex Reeve (P)2018 W. F. Howes Ltd

Amazing characters!

This is my review and I’m an avid reader, so it took quite a story to motivate me to write a review. It is surprising to me this is Alex Reeve’s first novel. It is very well written, character development is exceptional and the story keeps your attention from beginning to end. The main character, Leo, is transgender and the author wraps up this aspect about him into a person you feel sympathy and pride for as you learn of the challenges ‘‘ this poses for a person in 1880’s London. Heck, in today’s society it can be daunting.
Reeve humanizes Leo and other individuals such as the prostitute he loved. The characters add to and don’t overpower the intriguing plot. The narration was excellent as well.
Loved it! Now reading the 2nd book in the new Leo Stanhope series, The Anarchists’ Club. Wish an audible version was available.