Description: Rebellion is in the air of London in the spring of 1663. Thomas Chaloner, spy for the King's intelligence service, has just returned from thwarting a planned revolt in Dublin, but soon realizes that England's capital is no haven of peace. He is ordered to investigate the shooting of a beggar during a royal procession. He soon learns the man is no vagrant, but someone with links to the powerful Company of Barber-Surgeons. His master, the Earl of Clarendon, is locked in a deadly feud with the Earl of Bristol, and an innocent man is about to be hanged in Newgate. Chaloner is embroiled in a desperate race against time to protect Clarendon, to discover the true identity of the beggar's murderer, and to save a blameless man from the executioner's noose,For Michael ChurginOpening: London, early May 1663Matthew Webb was cold wet and angry. The rain, which had started as an unpleasant, misty drizzle, was now the kind of drenching downpour that was likely to last all night.
This was an interesting format. The descriptions of London in 1663 were colourful, bringing sights, sounds and smells from the pages to the readers' imaginations. But for me, there was not enough.The author is able to use the descriptive prose and subtle humour to introduce a tale of intrigue and complex relationships - of spies and friendships, of politics and science, and of tested loyalties. The plot is simple - and an adaptation of tested plots by various authors, but the historical aspect makes it different.... Sadly though the book did not 'grip' me. It was an easy and relatively interesting read, but one that was easier to put down than to pick up. However, it passed the time, and I did keep reading because I ultimately wanted to find out the end for the individual characters.It is not one I am recommending to friends, nor am I keeping it on myself. I will take this to my local charity shop - and hope someone else gets an element of enjoyment from its tale.
What do You think about Blood On The Strand (2007)?
Surprisingly, I did not enjoy this book half as much as 'A Conspiracy of Violence' by the same author. I found it a struggle to wade my way through. To be honest, there was little action and I found the dialogue repetitive. Other than Chaloner and Clarendon I found the other charaters rather annoying.I am so glad I started with 'A Conspiracy of Violence', that got my five-star rating! If I'd have begun with this one I would not consider reading the rest. All in all, rather disappointing but I'm willing to give books further on in the series a try.
—Elaine
Thomas Chaloner is back in London after being on assignment in Ireland. As he settles in with his new boss, Lord Clarendon, things go greatly awry when two murders are committed. At first it seems they are not connected but something keeps niggling at the back of Chaloner's mind that tells him differently. There are conspiracies within conspiracies in this fast moving tale. Thomas does not know who to trust, even his own boss and former boss are linked to some unsavory things. And, his friends, William Scott and Eaffrey have secrets too. This story takes place in the mid 1600's and is based on a true story of that time. Politics are even nasty back then and that is what the story revolves around.There are many deaths, both of the innocent and the not so innocent. Back stabbing seems to be a way of life, or is it survival? There is also humor that is fun and enjoyable.A great read with twists and turns that will keep you guessing until the very end.
—Linda
