Book Review: Murder In Trafalgar Square by Michelle Salter

I’m excited to be welcoming Michelle Salter back to Novel Kicks and the blog tour for her latest book, Murder in Trafalgar Square – book one in The Fairbanks and Flynn Mysteries series. 

A murdered suffragette. A missing politician. A stolen artwork.

London, 1910

Coral Fairbanks is a contradiction. As well as a suffragette, she’s a bit-part actress and nude model, earning her the disapproval of her fellow suffragettes.

Guy Flynn is an artist. He’s also a detective inspector at Scotland Yard, who doesn’t always see eye to eye with fellow officers in the Metropolitan Police.

When Home Secretary Winston Churchill orders the police to terrorise the suffragettes during an afternoon of violence that becomes known as Black Friday, the battlelines are drawn – and Coral Fairbanks and Guy Flynn are on different sides.

But when a young suffragette is found murdered in the National Portrait Gallery and one of their paintings is stolen – Fairbanks and Flynn must put their differences aside and combine their knowledge to track down the killer.

Introducing an iconic detective duo in Fairbanks and Flynn, this is an exciting and gripping historical mystery, which will delight fans of Agatha Christie, Benedict Brown and T. E. Kinsey.

*****

Coral Fairbanks fights for women to have the vote. When a Suffragette mission ends in murder, she meets artist and Scotland Yard detective, Guy Flynn. Can they find the murderer together or will their differences get in the way? 

I absolutely adore the Iris Woodmore stories so when given the chance to read the first in a brand new series by Michelle Salter, I jumped at the chance. 

The Fairbanks and Flynn series introduces Coral Fairbanks. Having previously been an actress and life model, Coral is still mourning after the death of her husband. She is part of the Suffragettes and when she gets caught up in the events that will become known as Black Friday, she doesn’t understand why the Home Secretary, Winston Churchill, would make such orders or not keep his promises. I have to say I agree with her. 

This era of history fascinates me and Emmeline Pankhurst is someone I’d love to meet. Whilst I don’t agree with the violence they ended up resorting to, I can at least go some way to understanding why although it doesn’t make it right. 

Coral is intriguing. She’s acted, posed for paintings. These activities are seen as bad by some in her cohort which adds an interesting dimension. 

Coral has strong convictions, thinks things through and is a brilliant lead character. 

Guy Flynn is also a good addition. I feel there’s more to him than meets the eye and I look forward to learning more about him and Coral as the series continues. 

The supporting characters are also a wonderful mixture and all have depth. 

The plot unfolded well and at a good pace. I didn’t see the end coming. There’s much going on throughout the story with plenty of turns, twists, emotional moments and surprises to keep even the biggest of cozy crime fans happy – in my opinion anyway. 

OK, I’m going to stop before I spoil it. 

Murder in Trafalgar Square is a magnificent beginning to what looks to be a promising series. I loved it. Can’t wait for book two. 

(Thank you to Netgalley. Boldwood Books and Rachel’s Random Resources for the advanced reading copy in exchange for an honest review). 

About Michelle Salter  –

Michelle Salter writes historical cosy crime set in Hampshire, where she lives, and inspired by real-life events in 1920s Britain.

Her Iris Woodmore series draws on an interest in the aftermath of the Great War and the suffragette movement.

Say hello to Michelle on Facebook, Instagram and Bookbub. Click here to sign up to her newsletter. 

Murder at Trafalgar Square is book one in the Fairbanks and Flynn Mysteries series and was released by Boldwood Books on 25th September 2025. Click to buy on Amazon and Waterstones. 

by

Laura

I'm Laura. I started Novel Kicks back in 2009 as I wanted a place to discuss books and writing - two loves of my life. As someone who has anxiety, these two things give me, and I am sure countless others, a much needed escape.
There is a monthly book club, writing exercises, prompts, reviews, author interviews, competitions and guest posts. I cover many genres and I hope there is something for everyone.
I grew up by the sea in Dorset and currently live in Poole with my husband, Chris and three cats. I love writing and have a BA (Hons) in Creative Writing from Falmouth University. I am writing my first book. If only I could stop pressing delete. Chris has threatened to stop it from working. Haha.
I have always loved creative writing since I was in first school and would very much like to meet my teacher, Miss Sayers, to say thank you for all the encouragement she gave me then.
When not writing, I love reading, cats, Disney, singing (I can't sing but this doesn't stop me,) and falling into a good TV show or film. If I could step into any fictional world, it would be amongst the characters in ABC's Once Upon a Time.
I love reading many genres and discovering new authors.