Good to Excellent

I have given up on guessing the culprit/s in these Chaloner adventures; I am invariably wrong. What I have not given up on is the Restoration setting, the well drawn characters, the descriptions, narrative and plotting. This adventure benefits from a tight location and the fewer characters than usual, yet still Gregory weaves a fabulous plot and introduces new dimensions to characters. This novel ensures that you chase the adventure to the end. The mystery set against the Plague helps sew this novel into our history. The disparity in the way that London's citizens are treated when it is thought they might have the Plague points a finger at enduring inequalities rife even now - and likely for ever. Listening/reading to this 2015 novel after the UK's Covid lockdowns kept throwing those who thought they were above the advice meant to protect us all into sharp relief. I enjoyed the observations as to how the Plague might have been dealt with if the Commonwealth was still in control. Chaloner still shows himself to be a complex character showing more awareness of his difficulties in understanding himself. The performance of the audio-book is more than acceptable, and there is clear evidence that the reader understands the subtleties and points these for the listener. The audio-book can be selected with confidence, and it will likely encourage listeners to quickly follow it up with 'The Chelsea Strangler'

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

A Profitable Interest in Olde London

What a brilliant contrast of the rich and poor in London, then a dirty and dangerous place to live. Especially as it was based on a list of events and characters of the time. I'm eager to read the next story!

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

1 person found this helpful

So relevant in post pandemic Britain

hilarious as ever and for a moment I thought Susanna Gregory had written it in 2023 - post pandemic Britain where politicians and Tories in general are wiping the floor with the country and there is one rule for the rich, one for the poor. As ever Chaloner is fabulous and funny alongside Wiseman and a few unexpected characters. I wish Hannah wasn't so irritating but you can't have it all.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Another win!

Susanna Gregory never disappoints! Here is another example of fine historical fiction with the usual sprinkling of humour as well as intrigue. This particular episode isn't her best, though, as there are simply too many twists and turns which mean that it does get a little over complicated at times.

However, Gordon Griffin's narration is perfect and he does a lot to convey the story extremely well.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

6 people found this helpful

Just needs music

Populated by a cast of clowns , the ineptitude of the main characters beggars belief , falling down , bumping into each other and sawing through bindings with pen nibs , it's no wonder that seventeenth century London was in such a state , if it were set to music you could put it on as a musical farce . The narrator did a masterful job by not bursting into laughter while he did his best to get through this fantasy

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

1 person found this helpful