Maud West ran a detective agency in London in the early decades of the twentieth century. I have a feeling this book was recommended to me a couple of years ago... *jumps up and down* It was me! I recommended it ^___^ I'm thrilled you finally read it but a bit sad it wasn't your thing. I found the style of the book hard to take, because the author was explaining her processes, and I could happily have missed those out. That aspect of the book was the part that appealed to me the most to be honest - the way it was a biography told in the style of a detective's investigation. But this is the joy of fandom - we all like different things ^___^

Some very intriguing stuff on your list there. And congratulations on your excellent reading month! ^__^