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The Oxford Mysteries #2
The Skeleton Army
Why should the devil have all the best tunes? The Salvation Army has come prancing and singing from the slums of London to the poorest quarters of Oxford, but along with its red hot gospel preaching and music hall songs it brings a prohibition message which sparks immediate opposition and violence.
An Army soldier – an ex-drunk – is brutally killed and a note suggests that the Salvation Army’s shadowy enemy, the Skeleton Army, is responsible.
With the police unwilling to come between the two forces, Non Vaughan, aspiring journalist and great hope of the Oxford women’s college movement, and Basil Rice, Jesus College fellow and union-sanctioned guardian of the dead man’s family, are compelled to investigate.
But as the threats from both sides escalate, resulting in a second death, Non and Basil realise that they must stop the fighting before it results in an outright war. For with the University's annual commemoration week fast approaching, the entire city could be engulfed in fire and blood…
An Army soldier – an ex-drunk – is brutally killed and a note suggests that the Salvation Army’s shadowy enemy, the Skeleton Army, is responsible.
With the police unwilling to come between the two forces, Non Vaughan, aspiring journalist and great hope of the Oxford women’s college movement, and Basil Rice, Jesus College fellow and union-sanctioned guardian of the dead man’s family, are compelled to investigate.
But as the threats from both sides escalate, resulting in a second death, Non and Basil realise that they must stop the fighting before it results in an outright war. For with the University's annual commemoration week fast approaching, the entire city could be engulfed in fire and blood…
445 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 4, 2024
24 people are currently reading
153 people want to read
About the author
Alis Hawkins
16 books104 followersAlis Hawkins grew up on a dairy farm in Cardiganshire. Her inner introvert thought it would be a good idea to become a shepherd and, frankly, if she had, she might have been published sooner. As it was, three years reading English at Corpus Christi College, Oxford revealed an extrovert streak and a social conscience which saw her train as a Speech and Language Therapist. She has spent the subsequent three decades variously bringing up two sons, working with children and young people on the autism spectrum and writing fiction, non-fiction and plays. She writes the kind of books she likes to read: character-driven historical crime and mystery fiction with what might be called literary production values.
Series: The Teifi Valley Coroner historical crime series, featuring Harry Probert Lloyd and John Davies. Published by Freight Books 2017, due for reissue by The Dome Press October 2018
Trilogy: The first of the Black Death trilogy, The Black and The White, coming soon from Sapere Books (summer 2018).
Standalone: Testament – previously published by PanMacmillan, soon for reissue by Sapere Books (summer 2018).
You can find more on Alis and her writing on her website (see link below) on Facebook - Alis Hawkins Author - and on Twitter (see link below)
Series: The Teifi Valley Coroner historical crime series, featuring Harry Probert Lloyd and John Davies. Published by Freight Books 2017, due for reissue by The Dome Press October 2018
Trilogy: The first of the Black Death trilogy, The Black and The White, coming soon from Sapere Books (summer 2018).
Standalone: Testament – previously published by PanMacmillan, soon for reissue by Sapere Books (summer 2018).
You can find more on Alis and her writing on her website (see link below) on Facebook - Alis Hawkins Author - and on Twitter (see link below)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
April 6, 2024
I gave the first installment of the Oxford Mysteries, A Bitter Remedy, 5 stars, and I was close to giving The Skeleton Army the same.
Basil and Non, the invert academic and the bluestocking mathematician, once again find themselves at work to solve a murder apparently political in nature: it looks as though Ernie Ayott, a member of the Salvation Army, has been made an example of by the Skeleton Army, an anti-Sally organization affiliated with Oxford's breweries and pubs. Of course the personal is political, and vice versa: for one thing, the police aren't terribly interested in investigating Ernie's death, because he was poor and a drunkard, and Oxford University as an institution is mainly concerned with its own dignity, which is a problem for pretty much all the characters, in various ways.
The Skeleton Army of the title was, the author's afterword informs us, a real anti-Salvation-Army organization in Oxford during the 1880s. Something I both appreciated and struggled with in this book is precisely that historical context. To be in the US in the 2020s is to be in a place where evangelical Christianity is almost entirely associated with white supremacism, misogyny, and You Know Who; the Salvation Army of nineteenth-century England -- at least, as depicted here -- is concerned for the poor and institutionally accords women more power than the secular world (or, of course, the C of E). The Salvation Army captain in Oxford is a former actress -- that is, barely a step up from a "prostitute," and accorded just about that much respect -- and she shocks Basil by both spotting his queerness and being apparently unbothered by it. The Sallies are also a hell of a lot more fun, what with the music, the singing, the marching, and the dancing, than the C of E and the Oxford U worthies. And as for "temperance," they weren't wrong about alcohol abuse being prevalent and ruinous, and not only among the poor.
And, on the other hand -- though The Skeleton Army doesn't make much of this -- there's the evangelizing, and the refusal to distinguish between convivial drinking and habitual drunkenness, and that extremely long list of Thou Shalt Nots which a couple of characters are reluctant to pledge to, for, you know, some reason. Still, I do appreciate Hawkins's refusal to portray the 1880s Salvation Army as if it existed in a 21st-century context, or to have her characters take a 21st-century view of it.
Many readers of the first book found Non too irritating to like -- she was irritating then, but I liked her anyway, and I liked her even more now that she's done some growing up. But what's going on with her and her dead twin sister, with whom Non holds frequent silent conversations? Bafflingly, this is the only supernatural element in the book -- this doesn't seem to be a magical universe -- which makes it impossible to tell whether Non's aware of imagining the conversations, or whether they're delusions, or whether an otherworldly dimension will come to the forefront in future books. I get the feeling Alis Hawkins might not know, either.
Basil's a more complicated character and thus more interesting: a queer man, a stuffy academic, a person too principled to allow the man he's in love with to cheat on his wife, a person helplessly still in love with someone who mocks his steadfastness and loyalty, a person who lives in fear of having his sexuality discovered but who in solving the mystery risks losing everything. I really, really wanted the ethical printer from the first book to reappear and help ease Basil's broken heart, but no such luck; instead The Skeleton Army ends on what you might call an emotional cliffhanger that simultaneously frustrates me and leaves me eager to read the next in the series.
The narrative here is, as other readers have remarked, somewhat slow-paced. It is, I guess, but I didn't mind that, because I was happy to get such a full picture of Oxford: town, university, poor, rich, social rules, celebrations, riots.
Thanks to NetGalley and Canelo Crime for the ARC.
Basil and Non, the invert academic and the bluestocking mathematician, once again find themselves at work to solve a murder apparently political in nature: it looks as though Ernie Ayott, a member of the Salvation Army, has been made an example of by the Skeleton Army, an anti-Sally organization affiliated with Oxford's breweries and pubs. Of course the personal is political, and vice versa: for one thing, the police aren't terribly interested in investigating Ernie's death, because he was poor and a drunkard, and Oxford University as an institution is mainly concerned with its own dignity, which is a problem for pretty much all the characters, in various ways.
The Skeleton Army of the title was, the author's afterword informs us, a real anti-Salvation-Army organization in Oxford during the 1880s. Something I both appreciated and struggled with in this book is precisely that historical context. To be in the US in the 2020s is to be in a place where evangelical Christianity is almost entirely associated with white supremacism, misogyny, and You Know Who; the Salvation Army of nineteenth-century England -- at least, as depicted here -- is concerned for the poor and institutionally accords women more power than the secular world (or, of course, the C of E). The Salvation Army captain in Oxford is a former actress -- that is, barely a step up from a "prostitute," and accorded just about that much respect -- and she shocks Basil by both spotting his queerness and being apparently unbothered by it. The Sallies are also a hell of a lot more fun, what with the music, the singing, the marching, and the dancing, than the C of E and the Oxford U worthies. And as for "temperance," they weren't wrong about alcohol abuse being prevalent and ruinous, and not only among the poor.
And, on the other hand -- though The Skeleton Army doesn't make much of this -- there's the evangelizing, and the refusal to distinguish between convivial drinking and habitual drunkenness, and that extremely long list of Thou Shalt Nots which a couple of characters are reluctant to pledge to, for, you know, some reason. Still, I do appreciate Hawkins's refusal to portray the 1880s Salvation Army as if it existed in a 21st-century context, or to have her characters take a 21st-century view of it.
Many readers of the first book found Non too irritating to like -- she was irritating then, but I liked her anyway, and I liked her even more now that she's done some growing up. But what's going on with her and her dead twin sister, with whom Non holds frequent silent conversations? Bafflingly, this is the only supernatural element in the book -- this doesn't seem to be a magical universe -- which makes it impossible to tell whether Non's aware of imagining the conversations, or whether they're delusions, or whether an otherworldly dimension will come to the forefront in future books. I get the feeling Alis Hawkins might not know, either.
Basil's a more complicated character and thus more interesting: a queer man, a stuffy academic, a person too principled to allow the man he's in love with to cheat on his wife, a person helplessly still in love with someone who mocks his steadfastness and loyalty, a person who lives in fear of having his sexuality discovered but who in solving the mystery risks losing everything. I really, really wanted the ethical printer from the first book to reappear and help ease Basil's broken heart, but no such luck; instead The Skeleton Army ends on what you might call an emotional cliffhanger that simultaneously frustrates me and leaves me eager to read the next in the series.
The narrative here is, as other readers have remarked, somewhat slow-paced. It is, I guess, but I didn't mind that, because I was happy to get such a full picture of Oxford: town, university, poor, rich, social rules, celebrations, riots.
Thanks to NetGalley and Canelo Crime for the ARC.
March 7, 2024
This is volume 2 in the Oxford Mysteries series. I loved volume 1 (gave it five stars), but this title just never engaged me. I'm still looking forward to reading volume 3. The central characters—a woman trying to get an Oxford education when women were marginalized with particular hostility and a don who knows he is gay and is frequently anxious about being discovered—are genuinely interesting. The pacing of this volume just felt glacial.
May 9, 2024
Oxford is welcoming the Salvation Army, but not everyone wants it, their enemies the Skeleton Army sets out to disrupt the celebrations. Basil and Non get dragged into the battle after the death of a man who had turner to the Salvation Army. The city is on the verge of exploding, can Basil and Non save the day?
A fascinating story that I’d never realised. Non’s character continues to develop and mature, but I’m still struggling with Basil, his character doesn’t jump out of the pages, hence my rating of just 3 stars.
A fascinating story that I’d never realised. Non’s character continues to develop and mature, but I’m still struggling with Basil, his character doesn’t jump out of the pages, hence my rating of just 3 stars.
October 5, 2024
I have just finished reading The Skeleton Army by Alis Hawkins, stave by stave with The Pigeonhole, and this second book in the series has not disappointed. Back in Oxford, Non and Basil encounter the Salvation Army and its rival, the Skeleton Army. Following a murder, which the police are unwilling to investigate, the unusual pair decide to investigate. Violence escalates, there is another death, and they become more and more involved. This is a well-paced novel, based on historical figures and facts, with plenty of excitement woven into the academic and social threads.
March 18, 2025
3.5
Rich in interesting historical detail, engaging and nuanced character. A great read that was just a bit meandering in places so lost momentum and/or the point it was making. I really enjoy this series and the characters, i look forward to the next one.
Rich in interesting historical detail, engaging and nuanced character. A great read that was just a bit meandering in places so lost momentum and/or the point it was making. I really enjoy this series and the characters, i look forward to the next one.
April 2, 2024
‘The Skeleton Army’ is the second instalment in the Oxford Mysteries series. My feelings about the story are mixed; the characters felt one-dimensional. Maybe if I had read book 1, the characters would have been more compelling. Unfortunately, I won’t know because I have too many books to review. The Salvation Army and their enigmatic foe, the Skeleton Army, were subjects that I hadn’t explored before, but I found them fascinating.
July 7, 2024
This is a delightful historical mystery set in Oxford, 1882, when the Salvation Army came to Town. What sets it apart from the cosy mystery genre is the meticulous research that the author has brought to this novel and the authenticity that makes it relevant to 2024. The Skeleton Army rose up in opposition to the Salvation Army wherever Revival broke out and hotels lost customers, but the heckling and some of the milder pranks portrayed in this novel my own grandfather eye-witnessed when the Salvation Army went to Sweden in his boyhood. The songs sung by the Salvationists in this story are still favourites in the Salvation Army, like "Happy Song" (WB Bradbury) and "Bless His Name" to the tune of Champagne Charlie, although I have never heard of a version of "What Shall we do with the Holy Spirit" to the Drunken Sailor tune but it fitted in very well with the plot. (It made me want to check out the Hattersley, Bovey and Larsson books referenced in the Historical Note!)
There is a definite Dorothy Sayers feel when the Colleges of Oxford University take centre stage, and the research again is very well done of the Welsh main characters Rhiannon "Non" Vaughan and the Oxford lecturer Basil Rice. The fight for University Education for women and Welsh nationalism are strong themes also in this story, not to mention Basil's conflicted homosexuality and former lover Teddy.
However it is the early Salvation Army that shines brightest through this novel, the people whose lives had been changed forever by the preaching of William and Catherine Booth - the reformed drunkards testifying and signing the Articles of War - the valiant warriors facing down the Skellington Army without weapons. (Yes, it was pronounced that way and is not a typo!) The former actress who was the Salvation Army Captain at Oxford was brilliantly portrayed in this story and the biggest highlight was her Salvation Circus complete with the Saved Strongman, Converted Contortionist, Christian Conjurer and Raised-Up Stilt-Walker! The Church of England Clerics who complained about Oxford Undergraduates falling under the spell of Catherine Booth's preaching were very interesting, as was the opinions that the Church of England was merely preaching the "Status Quo" and that the Salvation Army merely changed the person. I liked how both Non and Basil were inspired by the Salvationists that they met and had their own crises of conscience and integrity. It added significantly to the impact of this novel, which would be worth televising, in my view.
It is obvious however that the author is not familiar with the Salvation Army custom of death being referred to as "Promotion to Glory", and certainly William and Catherine Booth were theologically aware of the Martyr's Crown being the Highest Honour in Heaven. In chapter 44 where Captain Lizzie speaks of the concern of the General and Mrs Booth without balancing it with the Martyr's Crown and the Cross of Sacrifice, would be the only part where the book where I can criticise the way the Salvation Army is represented. As for the "Glory Fits" and people becoming "Slain in the Spirit" - they were a part of the Revival Movement of the Salvation Army - but also have been a part of many other Revival Movements of recent years, especially in Pentecostal Churches.
While there is explicit swearing in this book, it is not out of context, and there is no explicit sex, I would still recommend it for mature readers (M15+) as it is an entertaining way to learn about the history of the Salvation Army, the Skeleton Army, Oxford University (Town and Gown), Welsh Nationalism and Feminism. I would also be interested in seeing how Alis Hawkins would handle the Welsh Revival as a background for subsequent historical novels. She certainly was brilliant in this one!
There is a definite Dorothy Sayers feel when the Colleges of Oxford University take centre stage, and the research again is very well done of the Welsh main characters Rhiannon "Non" Vaughan and the Oxford lecturer Basil Rice. The fight for University Education for women and Welsh nationalism are strong themes also in this story, not to mention Basil's conflicted homosexuality and former lover Teddy.
However it is the early Salvation Army that shines brightest through this novel, the people whose lives had been changed forever by the preaching of William and Catherine Booth - the reformed drunkards testifying and signing the Articles of War - the valiant warriors facing down the Skellington Army without weapons. (Yes, it was pronounced that way and is not a typo!) The former actress who was the Salvation Army Captain at Oxford was brilliantly portrayed in this story and the biggest highlight was her Salvation Circus complete with the Saved Strongman, Converted Contortionist, Christian Conjurer and Raised-Up Stilt-Walker! The Church of England Clerics who complained about Oxford Undergraduates falling under the spell of Catherine Booth's preaching were very interesting, as was the opinions that the Church of England was merely preaching the "Status Quo" and that the Salvation Army merely changed the person. I liked how both Non and Basil were inspired by the Salvationists that they met and had their own crises of conscience and integrity. It added significantly to the impact of this novel, which would be worth televising, in my view.
It is obvious however that the author is not familiar with the Salvation Army custom of death being referred to as "Promotion to Glory", and certainly William and Catherine Booth were theologically aware of the Martyr's Crown being the Highest Honour in Heaven. In chapter 44 where Captain Lizzie speaks of the concern of the General and Mrs Booth without balancing it with the Martyr's Crown and the Cross of Sacrifice, would be the only part where the book where I can criticise the way the Salvation Army is represented. As for the "Glory Fits" and people becoming "Slain in the Spirit" - they were a part of the Revival Movement of the Salvation Army - but also have been a part of many other Revival Movements of recent years, especially in Pentecostal Churches.
While there is explicit swearing in this book, it is not out of context, and there is no explicit sex, I would still recommend it for mature readers (M15+) as it is an entertaining way to learn about the history of the Salvation Army, the Skeleton Army, Oxford University (Town and Gown), Welsh Nationalism and Feminism. I would also be interested in seeing how Alis Hawkins would handle the Welsh Revival as a background for subsequent historical novels. She certainly was brilliant in this one!
October 6, 2024
I was so conflicted reading this that I really had to get my thoughts together before writing my review. I am an admirer of the work that the Salvation Army do, even today. They are the best at finding people, and at marching bands, but it’s all too wrapped up in religion for me. And in the late 19th century, it was all about temperance, finding Jesus, confessing your sins and ‘glory fits’. This is where people were so overcome with the Holy Spirit that they fainted clean away and had to be taken into another room to recover. Excuse my cynicism, but it’s also a form of mass hypnosis and probably too tight corsets.
The Skeleton Army was a real thing in the 1880s. Starting in Weston-super-Mare, or maybe Exeter, it became prevalent around the South of England mainly, and spread to Whitechapel and Oxford (in the book). Members were mostly working class – Tomrags – and resented the Salvationists telling them to drink milk instead of beer. Well, you would, wouldn’t you. They also resented the university people thinking they were superior. Unfortunately, even though I understand their sentiments, the talk of real Englishmen etc smacks too much of the EDL, and confrontations accompanied by rent-a-mob, looking for a punch up.
But this book is really about Non, who we met in A Bitter Remedy. Non is a feminist of her day. She believes in education for women, but wants them to be fully accepted into university and take the same exams as men, with the same degree at the end. But as well as a career in academia, she wants to be a journalist. Does she want a husband and family? The jury is still out.
We also met Basil, who is unmarried, but not because he hasn’t yet met the right woman, or because he is married to his ‘job’ at the university, but because his ‘proclivities’ would see him arrested (right up to 1967, unbelievably). He was in love with Teddy and distraught when Teddy went to London and married so he could appear ‘normal’. Teddy says Basil is a f***ing coward.
I’ve adored the first two books in the series, and I get the feeling that this is not the last we are going to see of Non and Basil.
Many thanks to The Pigeonhole, the author, and my fellow Pigeons for making this such an enjoyable read.
The Skeleton Army was a real thing in the 1880s. Starting in Weston-super-Mare, or maybe Exeter, it became prevalent around the South of England mainly, and spread to Whitechapel and Oxford (in the book). Members were mostly working class – Tomrags – and resented the Salvationists telling them to drink milk instead of beer. Well, you would, wouldn’t you. They also resented the university people thinking they were superior. Unfortunately, even though I understand their sentiments, the talk of real Englishmen etc smacks too much of the EDL, and confrontations accompanied by rent-a-mob, looking for a punch up.
But this book is really about Non, who we met in A Bitter Remedy. Non is a feminist of her day. She believes in education for women, but wants them to be fully accepted into university and take the same exams as men, with the same degree at the end. But as well as a career in academia, she wants to be a journalist. Does she want a husband and family? The jury is still out.
We also met Basil, who is unmarried, but not because he hasn’t yet met the right woman, or because he is married to his ‘job’ at the university, but because his ‘proclivities’ would see him arrested (right up to 1967, unbelievably). He was in love with Teddy and distraught when Teddy went to London and married so he could appear ‘normal’. Teddy says Basil is a f***ing coward.
I’ve adored the first two books in the series, and I get the feeling that this is not the last we are going to see of Non and Basil.
Many thanks to The Pigeonhole, the author, and my fellow Pigeons for making this such an enjoyable read.
October 6, 2024
I struggled quite a bit with this book but I think that is more to do with me and time constraints than the quality of the book.
I have read the book before this one, featuring Basil and Non, and awarded that book, A Bitter Remedy, 4 stars.
In The Skeleton Army we join lots of the characters from the first book. Besides Basil and Non, Tarley Askew features and landlady Lily at Shene Road, and all are caught up in the battle between 'town and gown'. There are deaths too, which of course the academic friends have to solve, as well as the ongoing dilemma Rhiannon Vaughan wrestles with, about women's education and prospects, and how best to influence society for the greater good for females now and in future generations. Should she take up the lecturer's position being offered to her or pursue her journalistic endeavours?
The book is well researched, and with a very string sense of time and place. The story is told from alternating points of view from our two main protagonists, Basil Rice and Non. The duo are battling the opposing powers of The Salvation Army and The Skeleton Army. There is a sense of danger and a race to solve the crimes, and as a reader, we are given many possibilities as to who could be responsible for Ernie and Thea's deaths. This time around however the plot just seemed very long and drawn out. The narrative dragged and I found it hard to sustain my interest. Maybe it was just too historical a work for me...I generally avoid historical novels as they don't entertain me, but because A Bitter Remedy did, I thought this one would too.
Many of my fellow Pigeonhole readers loved the book, so I am sure my review is based more on my personal reflection as a reader as opposed to the objective review of a well written book
I am thankful to Pigeonhole for hosting and for the publisher and author for granting me access. I am only sorry I could not enjoy it in the way I hoped to.
I have read the book before this one, featuring Basil and Non, and awarded that book, A Bitter Remedy, 4 stars.
In The Skeleton Army we join lots of the characters from the first book. Besides Basil and Non, Tarley Askew features and landlady Lily at Shene Road, and all are caught up in the battle between 'town and gown'. There are deaths too, which of course the academic friends have to solve, as well as the ongoing dilemma Rhiannon Vaughan wrestles with, about women's education and prospects, and how best to influence society for the greater good for females now and in future generations. Should she take up the lecturer's position being offered to her or pursue her journalistic endeavours?
The book is well researched, and with a very string sense of time and place. The story is told from alternating points of view from our two main protagonists, Basil Rice and Non. The duo are battling the opposing powers of The Salvation Army and The Skeleton Army. There is a sense of danger and a race to solve the crimes, and as a reader, we are given many possibilities as to who could be responsible for Ernie and Thea's deaths. This time around however the plot just seemed very long and drawn out. The narrative dragged and I found it hard to sustain my interest. Maybe it was just too historical a work for me...I generally avoid historical novels as they don't entertain me, but because A Bitter Remedy did, I thought this one would too.
Many of my fellow Pigeonhole readers loved the book, so I am sure my review is based more on my personal reflection as a reader as opposed to the objective review of a well written book
I am thankful to Pigeonhole for hosting and for the publisher and author for granting me access. I am only sorry I could not enjoy it in the way I hoped to.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 15, 2024
2SLGBTQIA+ Historical Mystery set in 1882 that follows a welsh aspiring journalist and Oxford student as she works with a Jesus College fellow to investigate a murder linked to the Salvation Army.
4/5 stars: This is the second entry in Hawkins' Oxford Mysteries series, which is a 2SLGBTQIA+ Historical Mystery that takes place in Oxford, England 1882 and features an aspiring journalist and great hope of the Oxford women’s college movement and a gay Jesus College fellow and union-sanctioned guardian. With plenty of twists and turns, Hawkins has crafted a mystery that deftly balances the suspects, clues and red herrings and will leave you pondering the whodunit until the final reveal. Told in dual narrative, Hawkins' writing and character work is stellar; the characters are well-rounded and complex while remaining incredibly likable. Non's tough and determined and I really love her friendship with Basil and it's great to see the two of them back sleuthing together again. Additionally, I really appreciated reading Basil's life as a Victorian era 2SLGBTQIA+ man. And it's great reading about the struggle women experienced gaining entry into higher education during this time period. The topic of the Salvation Army and it's shadowy enemy, the Skeleton Army, isn't one I'd read about before but found fascinating. While you could read this as a stand-alone, you'll gain so much more by reading the series from the beginning; so be sure to pick up book one, A Bitter Remedy.
I received this eARC thanks to NetGalley and Canelo in exchange for an honest review. Publishing dates are subject to change.
4/5 stars: This is the second entry in Hawkins' Oxford Mysteries series, which is a 2SLGBTQIA+ Historical Mystery that takes place in Oxford, England 1882 and features an aspiring journalist and great hope of the Oxford women’s college movement and a gay Jesus College fellow and union-sanctioned guardian. With plenty of twists and turns, Hawkins has crafted a mystery that deftly balances the suspects, clues and red herrings and will leave you pondering the whodunit until the final reveal. Told in dual narrative, Hawkins' writing and character work is stellar; the characters are well-rounded and complex while remaining incredibly likable. Non's tough and determined and I really love her friendship with Basil and it's great to see the two of them back sleuthing together again. Additionally, I really appreciated reading Basil's life as a Victorian era 2SLGBTQIA+ man. And it's great reading about the struggle women experienced gaining entry into higher education during this time period. The topic of the Salvation Army and it's shadowy enemy, the Skeleton Army, isn't one I'd read about before but found fascinating. While you could read this as a stand-alone, you'll gain so much more by reading the series from the beginning; so be sure to pick up book one, A Bitter Remedy.
I received this eARC thanks to NetGalley and Canelo in exchange for an honest review. Publishing dates are subject to change.
April 8, 2024
The second in The Oxford Mysteries series, which is set in Oxford, England in 1882. I hadn’t read the first in the series, in fact wasn’t aware there was one until I’d finished this, and it read well as a stand-alone. It might be that more background would be beneficial but I enjoyed this a lot. The book features Basil Rice a Jesus College fellow who is queer but terrified his sexuality will be discovered and bluestocking Non Vaughan, one of the first women educated at Oxford University and an aspiring journalist. I found the personal lives of these two characters to be as interesting as the case they investigate.
Briefly, Salvation Army member, and ‘saved’ drinker Ernie Ayott is badly beaten and dies from his injuries. Basil visits his widow and she tells him the police aren’t interested as they believe it was the result of a drunken brawl and not murder. Non and Basils investigation lead them to look at The Skeleton Army which has links to local breweries and public houses.
This is quite a slow burn but I found all the historical facts really interesting, I had never heard of The Skeleton Army and it appears it started not that far from where I live. I love it when fiction books have factual elements and this one has quite a lot of great stuff! Told from Basil and Non’s POV’s this is a good twisty mystery that kept me guessing until the reveal. Entertaining read.
Briefly, Salvation Army member, and ‘saved’ drinker Ernie Ayott is badly beaten and dies from his injuries. Basil visits his widow and she tells him the police aren’t interested as they believe it was the result of a drunken brawl and not murder. Non and Basils investigation lead them to look at The Skeleton Army which has links to local breweries and public houses.
This is quite a slow burn but I found all the historical facts really interesting, I had never heard of The Skeleton Army and it appears it started not that far from where I live. I love it when fiction books have factual elements and this one has quite a lot of great stuff! Told from Basil and Non’s POV’s this is a good twisty mystery that kept me guessing until the reveal. Entertaining read.
October 20, 2024
I had bought this after reading the first book on the Pigeonhole bit you know me and my TBR (lol). So I jumped at the chance to read this on the Pigeonhole as part of the launch of the paperback edition. Although, real life got in the way (e.g. trip home to NI) so I finished this a week (or 2) after the read-a-long.
It was great to be reunited with the characters of Non & Basil. Alongside the main plot of the Skeleton Army clashing with the Salvation Army they each had their own worries (Non with her AEW equivalent finals/what to do afterwards and Basil with his illicit relationship with Teddy). It was good to also be reunited with the characters of Askew and Lily too.
I found the plot fascinating with all the twists and turns of the investigation. I didn't know that the "Skeleton Army" had been a real organisation and I thought the author used it well as part of the plot. I did also appreciate the use of Basil's "Gaydar" to reveal clues/ move the investigation forward.
I look forward to reading the next in the series as from the cliffhanger-style ending it will be good.
Highly recommend the series, with thanks to the author & The Pigeonhole for the opportunity.
It was great to be reunited with the characters of Non & Basil. Alongside the main plot of the Skeleton Army clashing with the Salvation Army they each had their own worries (Non with her AEW equivalent finals/what to do afterwards and Basil with his illicit relationship with Teddy). It was good to also be reunited with the characters of Askew and Lily too.
I found the plot fascinating with all the twists and turns of the investigation. I didn't know that the "Skeleton Army" had been a real organisation and I thought the author used it well as part of the plot. I did also appreciate the use of Basil's "Gaydar" to reveal clues/ move the investigation forward.
I look forward to reading the next in the series as from the cliffhanger-style ending it will be good.
Highly recommend the series, with thanks to the author & The Pigeonhole for the opportunity.
October 15, 2024
The second in the Oxford Mysteries series. In this one it’s a battle between the Salvation Army and the Skeleton Army. As the violence escalates it leads to murder and mayhem. Back at the helm are Non, a female student and journalist, and Basil, a university fellow, who are trying to get the bottom of the deaths.
I very much enjoyed the first book, The Bitter Remedy, so was looking forward to reading The Skeleton Army. I can safely say it didn’t disappoint. Historical fiction cleverly combined with fact, this is an engaging and absorbing mystery. I loved all the little details and the inclusion of real-life figures and events. Well paced and written, I was gripped from beginning to end. I read this story via the Pigeonhole app which is delivered one stave a day over ten days. The ending is left on somewhat of a clifffhanger - I can’t wait for book three so that I can join Non and Basil on their next adventure! Hurry up, Alis Hawkins!
I very much enjoyed the first book, The Bitter Remedy, so was looking forward to reading The Skeleton Army. I can safely say it didn’t disappoint. Historical fiction cleverly combined with fact, this is an engaging and absorbing mystery. I loved all the little details and the inclusion of real-life figures and events. Well paced and written, I was gripped from beginning to end. I read this story via the Pigeonhole app which is delivered one stave a day over ten days. The ending is left on somewhat of a clifffhanger - I can’t wait for book three so that I can join Non and Basil on their next adventure! Hurry up, Alis Hawkins!
April 9, 2024
Really enjoyed this second book in the Oxford Mysteries series, set in 1880s Oxford and am greatly looking forward to Book 3. This is a murder mystery based around the Salvation Army arriving in Oxford and how they are opposed by the Skeleton Army who resent the perceived attack, through the message of temperance, on their way of life.
I loved meeting Non, a young Welsh lady trying to gain acceptance to study at Oxford and her gay (hidden) friend, Basil, an academic who supports her, whilst struggling to keep his feelings for men hidden.
Well researched history of Oxford at this time, both town and gown, good relationships and a murder story that keeps you guessing whodunnit right up to the end.
I loved meeting Non, a young Welsh lady trying to gain acceptance to study at Oxford and her gay (hidden) friend, Basil, an academic who supports her, whilst struggling to keep his feelings for men hidden.
Well researched history of Oxford at this time, both town and gown, good relationships and a murder story that keeps you guessing whodunnit right up to the end.
October 6, 2024
Although I was not as absorbed by this as the first book, I was engaged by the characters, by Non's dilemma over her future career, and by the wonderful descriptions that bring the Oxford of that time so vividly to life. The history of the Salvation Army and groups that opposed it has been very thoroughly researched by Alis Hawkins. I found the Skeleton Army protests to be rather more in the same vein as Tommy Robinson than I think the actual protests were. I also thought that the pivotal character, Silas Cantwell, was something of a plot device. However it was good to meet the familiar characters and see how their relationships evolved. The ending opened the way into the next episode. I am looking forward to reading that story.
December 31, 2024
Well Alis is certainly taking on challenging subjects in the new Oxford series. Spermatorrhoea in book one and now the skeleton army (of which I had never heard) . I wonder what she has in store for us next?
My enjoyment of ‘A Bitter Remedy’ was lessened because I found the main character, Non, so irritating. She seems to have matured a little now,so is less angry. Her regular dialogues with her dead twin still seem odd on a book of this nature.
Sadly, I found the pace rather slow and didn’t really engage with the same story. Had this book not been by Ms Hawkins, whose work I usually really enjoy, I am not sure I would have persevered to the end.
My enjoyment of ‘A Bitter Remedy’ was lessened because I found the main character, Non, so irritating. She seems to have matured a little now,so is less angry. Her regular dialogues with her dead twin still seem odd on a book of this nature.
Sadly, I found the pace rather slow and didn’t really engage with the same story. Had this book not been by Ms Hawkins, whose work I usually really enjoy, I am not sure I would have persevered to the end.
October 5, 2024
I read this through my online bookclub Pigeonhole and like its prequel, also read on Pigeonhole, A Bitter Remedy, we once again meet Non, and other characters this time in Oxford. The premise of the story is The Skeleton Army, a group opposed to the Salvation Army, and real events and fiction are intertwined as Non attempts to solve the mystery of who murdered Ernie Ayott. Be warned that the book ends on a cliffhanger, leaving it open to a sequel. Quite a good historical note at the end sifts fact from fiction. 4 stars
October 31, 2024
Oxford is an academic hub, famous around the world. The Salvation Army is just starting out - but what is it that people seemingly fear? And how does the Skeleton Army factor into this.
I really enjoyed venturing back into this series, it’s an appealing plot, one of historical interest but laced with adventure and intrigue over laced with moral dilemmas. The characters are the bit where the book excels but also hits speed bumps as id have liked more of a rounded appearance of characters in all the different entities. But it was a very good, historical based thriller. Sign me up for more.
I really enjoyed venturing back into this series, it’s an appealing plot, one of historical interest but laced with adventure and intrigue over laced with moral dilemmas. The characters are the bit where the book excels but also hits speed bumps as id have liked more of a rounded appearance of characters in all the different entities. But it was a very good, historical based thriller. Sign me up for more.
April 9, 2024
It took me a while to get back into Non and Basil's second outing but after the scene was set I really enjoyed the book. The narrative interplay between Non and Basil's works well and the plot twists and turns. Like all the best historical fiction I learnt so much, I had never heard of 'The Skeleton Army' before. The only thing that would have improved the book would be the inclusion of a map or two.
April 1, 2024
Another fascinating read containing aspects of history that I knew nothing about. I really enjoy non as a character and think that this has the potential to become one of my favourite series of books. The characters go from strength to strength and each mystery is satisfyingly concluded whilst leaving you genuinely wondering what will happen next to the main characters 5* from me
December 19, 2024
The first few pages introduce a murder mystery but after that the plot moves at glacial speed. Seriously, nothing happens to move the story along, apart from some 'daring' girl who rides around on a tandem, (good luck doing that on your own, try it, it's hard enough with two peddling). I think I gave the book a good chance but gave up at chapter 18 as it just wasn't going anywhere.
May 17, 2024
Another interesting read set in 1880s Oxford when the Salvation Army arrived, but faced opposition from the so-called "skeleton" army. I love how the author uses real historical research to tell her story, without it being heavy-handed. A great series and I look forward to the next!
October 9, 2024
Really enjoyed this book, having read the first in the series.
It was good to join Non, Basil and Tarley in another Oxford based murder, and the way has certainly been left open for a follow up.
Thanks to Alis and Pigeonhole.
It was good to join Non, Basil and Tarley in another Oxford based murder, and the way has certainly been left open for a follow up.
Thanks to Alis and Pigeonhole.
September 23, 2024
I'm loving this series and thoroughly enjoyed this well plotted and solid mystery
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine
October 5, 2024
Interesting book but the pace was a bit slow at times
October 30, 2024
3.5 ⭐️
December 13, 2024
Another fascinating, historically accurate novel. I did not enjoy it as much as the first book though.
February 20, 2025
4.5⭐️. Looking forward to the next in the series.
May 3, 2025
3.5 rounded up - entertaining & well researched and joyously diverse.
June 3, 2025
2.5 ⭐️
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