If you're looking for historical authenticity in the Victorian England setting, this book is not for you. India Black is a playful murder-mystery narrated by a smart-mouthed madam of a London brothel named Lotus House. India Black's adventures starts when Sir Archibald Latham (dubbed "Bowser" by India), a corpulent member of the War Office croaks in Lotus House. Bowser's favorite activity at Lotus House was to dress up as Queen Victoria and be flogged by a whore in Prince Albert costume, so naturally, he was in black mourning dress when he keels over. This is the kind of humor you will find in this book. 
 The best parts of India Black were the first few chapters, which takes place in Lotus House. Unfortunately, when India left Lotus House and ends running all over England, embroiled in espionage plots between Russia and Great Britain, my interest waned. I didn't care much for the mystery itself and found myself chugging through the action sequences, mostly bored.