ISBN: 4882772-006 Order from: Amazon.com Barnes & Noble.com Books on Tape
Combination of a solid procedural investigation, conspiracy, good character development and a wealth of historical detail make this a satisfying mystery.
Reviewed by David on January 19, 2005
Genre: Mystery (Police Procedural, Historical)
Synopsis: Continuing the story arc from a previous book, the novel addresses the question of the Laningham fortune, left without an obvious heir. Part of the commission to decide the fortune's disposition, Sir John Fielding, the magistrate of the Bow Street Court, needs to investigate the claim of a long-lost nephew. The investigation takes John and his household first to Bath and then to Oxford. But it is in London where the truth will be uncovered.
Full Review: The historical Sir John Fielding is a legendary figure, famous for in essence creating London's first police force. Being blind since his youth, he relied on the eyes of others as his witnesses. The series of novels is written from the point of view of young Jeremy Proctor, who served as Sir John's assistant and frequently his eyes in these mysteries.
Jeremy is becoming older, and is taking a bigger role in the investigations. As in other such novels, most of the conjectures are made by Sir John, only gradually revealed to his assistant, and thus to the reader. While a bit frustrating, it helps that Jeremy—the narrator—is intelligent and generally witness to Sir John's investiagtion. Thus mitigated, the suspense is reasonable, and despite being somewhat predictable in final destination, the twists of the plot prove pleasant. Jeremy interaction with others, particularly the young Clarissa Roundtree, recently added to Sir John's household, continues to be a pleasant subplot of the series.
Copyright: 1999
Series Name: Sir John Fielding Mysteries
Overall: 6; Plot: 6; Characters: 6; Style: 6; World-building: 6.5; Originality: 6.5;
Books on Tape, 2000, Audio tape, 7 cassettes
ISBN: 4882772-006 Order from: Amazon.com Barnes & Noble.com Books on Tape