ISBN: 0-7366-3998-5 Order from: Amazon.com Barnes & Noble.com Books on Tape
Rich in historic color, and full of likable characters, this novel is very enjoyable.
Reviewed by David on February 27, 2005
Genre: Mystery (Police Procedural, Historical)
Synopsis: The blind Sir Fielding, Magistrate of the Bow Street Court in 18th Century London, is faced with a challenge when a shocking crime occurs in his district. A publisher and his entire family, along with apprentices, are slaughtered in the night. There is a suspect found on the scene, holding a bloody axe. However, despite the public desire to hang the culprit, some discrepancies tell Sir John that the obvious suspect was not the murderer. The investigation proceeds with young Jeremy Proctor becoming a useful assistant as well as a viewpoint character.
Full Review: While the true culprits can be guessed at somewhere in the middle of the book, the methodical unraveling of motives and circumstances, and collection of evidence follow the true procedural style. The background of centuries-ago London, and its inhabitants and interactions makes for a colorful setting, but the likable, fallible recurring characters make this book and series the enjoyable experience that it very much becomes. Sir John, Jeremy, Jimmy Bumkins and others bring the old city, and this mystery to life. One looks forwar to the further adventures of the whole crew.
Copyright: 1995
Series Name: Sir John Fielding Mysteries
Overall: 6.5; Plot: 6; Characters: 6; Style: 6; World-building: 6.5; Originality: 6.5;
Books on Tape, 1998, Audio tape, 7 cassettes
ISBN: 0-7366-3998-5 Order from: Amazon.com Barnes & Noble.com Books on Tape