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Matthew Corbett #4
The Providence Rider
The Providence Rider is the fourth installment in the extraordinary series of historical thrillers featuring Matthew Corbett, professional problem solver. The narrative begins in the winter of 1703, with Matthew still haunted by his lethal encounter with notorious mass murderer Tyranthus Slaughter. When an unexplained series of explosions rocks his Manhattan neighborhood, Matthew finds himself forced to confront a new and unexpected problem. Someone is trying, and trying very hard, to get his attention. That someone is a shadowy figure from out of Matthew's the elusive Dr. Fell. The doctor, it turns out, has a problem of his own, one that requires the exclusive services of Matthew Corbett. The ensuing narrative moves swiftly and gracefully from the emerging metropolis of New York City to Pendulum Island in the remote Bermudas. In the course of his journey, Matthew encounters a truly Dickensian assortment of memorable, often grotesque, antagonists.
416 pages, Hardcover
First published April 23, 2012
205 people are currently reading
2486 people want to read
About the author
Robert McCammon
167 books5,739 followersPseudonyms: Robert R. McCammon; Robert Rick McCammon
Robert McCammon was a full-time horror writer for many years. Among his many popular novels were the classics Boy's Life and Swan Song. After taking a hiatus for his family, he returned to writing with an interest in historical fiction.
His newest book, Leviathan, is the tenth and final book in the Matthew Corbett series. It was published in trade hardcover (Lividian Publications), ebook (Open Road), and audiobook (Audible) formats on December 3, 2024.
McCammon resides in Birmingham, Alabama.
Robert McCammon was a full-time horror writer for many years. Among his many popular novels were the classics Boy's Life and Swan Song. After taking a hiatus for his family, he returned to writing with an interest in historical fiction.
His newest book, Leviathan, is the tenth and final book in the Matthew Corbett series. It was published in trade hardcover (Lividian Publications), ebook (Open Road), and audiobook (Audible) formats on December 3, 2024.
McCammon resides in Birmingham, Alabama.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 367 reviews
November 14, 2024
McCammon really needs to learn how earthquakes work, but this was tremendous fun!
September 13, 2019
September 2019
UPDATE: now available in Kindle!
This series is superb, every one so far, a 5 star read. The narrator for these is also 5 stars.
I've had a bit of a gripe about the difficulty in securing a print copy of this book ( and no electronic version ) before. Even for a second hand hardback, the prices start at £80 . The publishers for some reason only print a limited amount of copies. This was the most expensive in the series to get secondhand. So alas, I could only listen to the story this time round. Maybe this was just as well because it gave me time to savour the story, appreciate the writing and the detail- each book builds on the Last and the characters of the Newly established New York feel like old friends.
For this story Matthew and Berry (and a surprise other), most of the action happens away from New York and the relief Matthew and Berry feel upon their return to their town and old friends was mirrored by me.
This story was a high old adventure, with some serious villains.
If you love historical fiction / thrillers you have to read this series! Even if you don't love those genres you should still read these because if anything is going to win you over I guarantee it will be this series.
Recommended.
UPDATE: now available in Kindle!
This series is superb, every one so far, a 5 star read. The narrator for these is also 5 stars.
I've had a bit of a gripe about the difficulty in securing a print copy of this book ( and no electronic version ) before. Even for a second hand hardback, the prices start at £80 . The publishers for some reason only print a limited amount of copies. This was the most expensive in the series to get secondhand. So alas, I could only listen to the story this time round. Maybe this was just as well because it gave me time to savour the story, appreciate the writing and the detail- each book builds on the Last and the characters of the Newly established New York feel like old friends.
For this story Matthew and Berry (and a surprise other), most of the action happens away from New York and the relief Matthew and Berry feel upon their return to their town and old friends was mirrored by me.
This story was a high old adventure, with some serious villains.
If you love historical fiction / thrillers you have to read this series! Even if you don't love those genres you should still read these because if anything is going to win you over I guarantee it will be this series.
Recommended.
June 17, 2020
I LOVE this series!!! 5 stars!
The Providence Rider starts off right after the third book in the Matthew Corbett series. Matthew is still dealing with all the repercussions on going against the serial murderer Tyranthus Slaughter, and the master criminal and manipulator, Professor Fell and his network.
It's 1703 and explosions are rocking the small city of New York. Matthew must figure out who is exploding buildings and trying to blame him for the evil deeds.
The Providence Rider has epic fights, gory deaths and sailing the high seas. It has cunning manipulations and uneasy deeds that Matthew must complete. This book and series is a perfect combination of historical fiction, horror and suspense. It’s just so damn good!
Honestly, if you are looking for a binge worthy series to read, look no further then the Matthew Corbett series!
It's full of characters to love and hate, epic fight and action scenes, along with fantastic dialogue, witty banner and humor.
Kudos to Robert McCammon for writing one of my favorite series and main characters to cheer for!
The Providence Rider starts off right after the third book in the Matthew Corbett series. Matthew is still dealing with all the repercussions on going against the serial murderer Tyranthus Slaughter, and the master criminal and manipulator, Professor Fell and his network.
It's 1703 and explosions are rocking the small city of New York. Matthew must figure out who is exploding buildings and trying to blame him for the evil deeds.
The Providence Rider has epic fights, gory deaths and sailing the high seas. It has cunning manipulations and uneasy deeds that Matthew must complete. This book and series is a perfect combination of historical fiction, horror and suspense. It’s just so damn good!
Honestly, if you are looking for a binge worthy series to read, look no further then the Matthew Corbett series!
It's full of characters to love and hate, epic fight and action scenes, along with fantastic dialogue, witty banner and humor.
Kudos to Robert McCammon for writing one of my favorite series and main characters to cheer for!
September 19, 2024
Another wonderful story in the Matthew Corbett series! This series is quickly becoming a favourite for me. The characters are written so well, I love Matthew! Along with all the action and twists and turns, there is some brilliant humour, too. Reading the dialogue between the characters often brings a smile to my face or makes me chuckle. I love all the character names McCammon comes up with! I am excited to read the next instalment!
March 13, 2025
In terms of Matthew and this fourth book in the Corbett series, Providence Rider means “problem solver”. I think it means preparation as well, or God's care. As prepared as Matthew is, being young he is never quite prepared for what comes next, and I think that speaks to McCammon's continued imagination and spontaneity when it comes to the writing. So if he's not quite prepared, what does Matthew do? He's got to figure it out in the moment. This book does not quite have the fever pitch I found so thrilling in Mister Slaughter's middle portions, but then I'm also amazed because nothing in the series has ever been dull to me.
I really wish I had read these books as each were published. As much as I like knowing the series is currently complete and there will be no wait, there is something to be said about reading each without not knowing the coming fate or timeline. PS. Subterranean Press published some nice hardcovers with quality that you rarely see in books these days. Yeah it's a withdrawn library copy, but still a pleasure to have and read.
I really wish I had read these books as each were published. As much as I like knowing the series is currently complete and there will be no wait, there is something to be said about reading each without not knowing the coming fate or timeline. PS. Subterranean Press published some nice hardcovers with quality that you rarely see in books these days. Yeah it's a withdrawn library copy, but still a pleasure to have and read.
July 15, 2015
This fourth instalment in the Matthew Corbett series will see our hero neck deep in the scum of Professor Fell's world. He will visit the exotic islands of the Bermudas, encounter a monster of the deep, wrestle a seahorse, explore castle fortresses, discover an underwater city, perve on a mermaid, have his balls and other parts threatened by a psychotic Indian, attend a party and play "pass the head," battle pirates with an excessive addiction to sugar. I could go on.
If you've read this far in the series then this book will not disappoint you as we travel back to 1703 and pick up the story of our young "problem solver" as he leaves the shores of New York to breach the gates of hell and battle an angel Fell. The ending is explosive to say the least.
Robert McCammon delivers an outstanding action/adventure story set in the early 1700s. Historical fiction at it's...hippest(?).
The prose is divine
...and the audio narration by Edoardo Ballerini is sublime
....if you haven't started this series it's a crime.
5 stars
Credits
Thanks to Markus for the word "sublime"
Thanks to Igor for inspiring my bad poetry.
Edoardo Ballerini I love you.
My review of Book 1 - Speaks the Nightbird
If you've read this far in the series then this book will not disappoint you as we travel back to 1703 and pick up the story of our young "problem solver" as he leaves the shores of New York to breach the gates of hell and battle an angel Fell. The ending is explosive to say the least.
Robert McCammon delivers an outstanding action/adventure story set in the early 1700s. Historical fiction at it's...hippest(?).
The prose is divine
...and the audio narration by Edoardo Ballerini is sublime
....if you haven't started this series it's a crime.
5 stars
Credits
Thanks to Markus for the word "sublime"
Thanks to Igor for inspiring my bad poetry.
Edoardo Ballerini I love you.
My review of Book 1 - Speaks the Nightbird
May 11, 2020
This was another great adventure by Robert McCammon. The Matthew Corbett series is one of my absolute favorites and The Providence Rider is another strong installment.
In the first two books in this series Matthew Corbett did his problem-solving more using his wits and perception but in the last two, Mister Slaughter and this one, the emphasis is more on bravery and sword fights to get things done. While I did have to get used to this change (I really loved the first two books), I have to admit that all this swashbuckling action is still very entertaining to read.
This time Matthew Corbett is taken from his beloved New York to a remote location, and without giving too much away I can say that it is “someone’s idea of paradise”. There he meets a wide range of interesting characters and a wild adventure kicks off, there are moments of suspense, moments of horror and some memorable action scenes. Matthew Corbett is pushed to his very limits again.
The setting really is beautiful, the many colorful characters are awesome again like in all books of this series and the action is just a lot of fun. All in all, an awesome adventure and definitely a fun read. Next up is “The River of Souls”.
In the first two books in this series Matthew Corbett did his problem-solving more using his wits and perception but in the last two, Mister Slaughter and this one, the emphasis is more on bravery and sword fights to get things done. While I did have to get used to this change (I really loved the first two books), I have to admit that all this swashbuckling action is still very entertaining to read.
This time Matthew Corbett is taken from his beloved New York to a remote location, and without giving too much away I can say that it is “someone’s idea of paradise”. There he meets a wide range of interesting characters and a wild adventure kicks off, there are moments of suspense, moments of horror and some memorable action scenes. Matthew Corbett is pushed to his very limits again.
The setting really is beautiful, the many colorful characters are awesome again like in all books of this series and the action is just a lot of fun. All in all, an awesome adventure and definitely a fun read. Next up is “The River of Souls”.
April 6, 2019
Professor Fell has a problem. He is in need of a problem solver. What did he tell me, exactly? He said ... he wishes for the services of a providence rider. A scout, he said. Someone to forge ahead and mark a trail. That would be an apt description of you and your work, would it not?
The Matthew Corbett series continues strongly with this fourth episode. The renewed focus on action / adventure over personal trauma is well served by the setting: the Caribbean island lair of a criminal mastermind, Professor Fell, who sends his own criminal underling (a huge Sikh assassin) to fetch the young Corbett from New York in the year 1703, soon after the conclusion of the previous adventure.
I was much too busy turning the pages to get to the next chase, the next fight, the next scare, to make any bookmarks about style or about witty remarks. McCammon is in complete control of the narration, and if it might occasionally jump the shark in terms of plot holes, credibility or over the top action, he can be excused for the end result is eminently entertaining and even informative in a historical context.
He wondered how he was going to uncover a traitor in three days. And mostly he wondered how the hell he'd gotten into this predicament.
But the fact was ... he was here. Up to the neck in a sea of predators, and him wearing a suit that smelled of blood.
Matthew Corbett has his hands full on the island with a mysterious plot to change the world's geopolitical landscape (Cymbeline), a secret agent that may be the enemy of his enemy (Brazio Valentine?), several appealing women to confuse his analytical mind with lust (including one named Minx), a sea monster worthy of a Jules Verne novel or a James Bond movie, new and old friends to offer support in times of need (Zed, Berry, a bookish pirate captain). Guessing the identity of master deceiver Professor Fell and escaping the murderous attentions of his lieutenants on the island are both a devious puzzle. a life threatening endeavour and a chance for Matthew to prove he is a force to be reckoned with on this master criminal gameboard.
I can't wait to get my hands on the next volume and I really hope some major producer will turn the series into a multi-season high budget TV extravaganza (with one year per volume).
March 26, 2021
"Matthew had been thinking. About predators, in particular. About the sea of life, and the creatures that roamed it."
Another Robert McCammon novel and another five stars. If you ever see anything less awarded assume my Goodreads account has been jacked. I mean the guy can do no wrong, he is a literary god in my eyes. He's quite simply, the best author you haven't heard of. That's no joke.
The Providence Rider is the fourth book in the Matthew Corbett series. If you haven't heard of that yet, then get your act together and immediately get yourself a copy of Speaks the Nightbird (the first book in the series). You can thank me later.
This one takes places in the winter following the third book in the series Mister Slaughter and things get off to a bang. Quite literally. Eighteenth century New York is going up in flames and our young hero Corbett is right at the centre of things. There's a dark presence orchestrating events and this is only the beginning of a wild ride that will have you on the edge of your seat, tearing through the pages like a grizzly bear.
McCammon is truly outstanding and paints a vivid and intriguing representation of life in the early 1700's. It's a dark and gritty place where villains lurk in the secluded recesses with wicked steel at the ready. The characters throughout are truly fascinating and expertly constructed. His lead man, Corbett, is slowly changing as the horrors he consistently confronts leave their mark. His struggle to do the right thing, in the most difficult of circumstances is riveting.
"But no, he was somebody now. Someone special in this world. And for that, he must pay the price."
If you've read any of my reviews about this author's work, then you will no doubt be sick of hearing me praise the imperious quality of his writing. Well, if you're expecting me to change tact you're going to be disappointed. McCammon is just so smooth and natural in the way he can describe scenes of absolute horror and then switch to something humorous before hitting you with an emotional punch to the gut. Sometimes you've got to take a break and sit back to consider the greatness of what you're reading. McCammon makes this all seem so easy. He is a master of the craft and this is evident on every single page in this book. I really can't give it any higher praise than that.
What's left to say? I'm not giving you a break down of the plot summary. There's a great deal of mystery and intrigue in the Providence Rider and finding out beforehand would spoil the fun. Do yourself a huge favour and read the damn book. Just makes sure you read the other three stories first. Starting with Speaks the Nightbird of course. Then you'll be an official member of the Herald Agency and you can join me for a pint of ale in the Gallop and Trot. Magnificent! Peace Out!
Another Robert McCammon novel and another five stars. If you ever see anything less awarded assume my Goodreads account has been jacked. I mean the guy can do no wrong, he is a literary god in my eyes. He's quite simply, the best author you haven't heard of. That's no joke.
The Providence Rider is the fourth book in the Matthew Corbett series. If you haven't heard of that yet, then get your act together and immediately get yourself a copy of Speaks the Nightbird (the first book in the series). You can thank me later.
This one takes places in the winter following the third book in the series Mister Slaughter and things get off to a bang. Quite literally. Eighteenth century New York is going up in flames and our young hero Corbett is right at the centre of things. There's a dark presence orchestrating events and this is only the beginning of a wild ride that will have you on the edge of your seat, tearing through the pages like a grizzly bear.
McCammon is truly outstanding and paints a vivid and intriguing representation of life in the early 1700's. It's a dark and gritty place where villains lurk in the secluded recesses with wicked steel at the ready. The characters throughout are truly fascinating and expertly constructed. His lead man, Corbett, is slowly changing as the horrors he consistently confronts leave their mark. His struggle to do the right thing, in the most difficult of circumstances is riveting.
"But no, he was somebody now. Someone special in this world. And for that, he must pay the price."
If you've read any of my reviews about this author's work, then you will no doubt be sick of hearing me praise the imperious quality of his writing. Well, if you're expecting me to change tact you're going to be disappointed. McCammon is just so smooth and natural in the way he can describe scenes of absolute horror and then switch to something humorous before hitting you with an emotional punch to the gut. Sometimes you've got to take a break and sit back to consider the greatness of what you're reading. McCammon makes this all seem so easy. He is a master of the craft and this is evident on every single page in this book. I really can't give it any higher praise than that.
What's left to say? I'm not giving you a break down of the plot summary. There's a great deal of mystery and intrigue in the Providence Rider and finding out beforehand would spoil the fun. Do yourself a huge favour and read the damn book. Just makes sure you read the other three stories first. Starting with Speaks the Nightbird of course. Then you'll be an official member of the Herald Agency and you can join me for a pint of ale in the Gallop and Trot. Magnificent! Peace Out!
February 14, 2015
In my opinion, this is one of the most consistently exciting series I've read. McCammon is always entertaining and accessible to read and the Matthew Corbett series is one of his best achievements so far. It's very impressive how the books keeps getting better with each installment!
In The Providence Rider, the young, professional "problem-solver", Matthew Corbett, is a changed man following his near lethal adventure with the pyscho-murderer Tyranthus Slaughter. Now he has been summoned by the mysterious Professor Fell: the worldwide, organized crime mastermind who has been a constant presence behind the scenes in the last two books of the series, and is a major threat to Matthew. The Professor needs Matthew's skills, and promises to call off Matthew's "death card" if he takes the job. So Matthew jumps straight into the lion's den, embarking on a high-stakes, overseas adventure to Fell's Caribbean stronghold of Pendulum Island!
This book and the rest of the books in the series are great page-turners! One of the reasons is because Matthew is such a relatable and endearing character. It's hard not to like him, relate to him, and root for him, and it's great to see him grow with each installment. The other characters, especially Fell's rogue's gallery of henchmen, are also very well drawn. Another major element to the success of this series is the historical element. It's fun getting tons of easy-to-follow historical detail of the growing colony of New York City in the early 18th Century.
I would recommend this book and the series to anyone. This one is the fourth in the series. The fifth book, The River of Souls, comes out this summer, and keep in mind that they should be read in order, starting with Speaks the Nightbird. It's fun seeing Matthew grow into his career, a career which is still more than a century away from being described as being a "private-detective!"
In The Providence Rider, the young, professional "problem-solver", Matthew Corbett, is a changed man following his near lethal adventure with the pyscho-murderer Tyranthus Slaughter. Now he has been summoned by the mysterious Professor Fell: the worldwide, organized crime mastermind who has been a constant presence behind the scenes in the last two books of the series, and is a major threat to Matthew. The Professor needs Matthew's skills, and promises to call off Matthew's "death card" if he takes the job. So Matthew jumps straight into the lion's den, embarking on a high-stakes, overseas adventure to Fell's Caribbean stronghold of Pendulum Island!
This book and the rest of the books in the series are great page-turners! One of the reasons is because Matthew is such a relatable and endearing character. It's hard not to like him, relate to him, and root for him, and it's great to see him grow with each installment. The other characters, especially Fell's rogue's gallery of henchmen, are also very well drawn. Another major element to the success of this series is the historical element. It's fun getting tons of easy-to-follow historical detail of the growing colony of New York City in the early 18th Century.
I would recommend this book and the series to anyone. This one is the fourth in the series. The fifth book, The River of Souls, comes out this summer, and keep in mind that they should be read in order, starting with Speaks the Nightbird. It's fun seeing Matthew grow into his career, a career which is still more than a century away from being described as being a "private-detective!"
October 4, 2020
Auf diese Fortsetzung habe ich schon sehr gespannt gewartet - zum einen gefallen mir die Vorgänger sehr - zum anderen hab ich letztens den Einzelband "Boy´s Life" von Robert McCammon gelesen, der mich außergewöhnlich begeistert hat!
Auch hier ist der Einstieg auf den ersten Seiten sehr genial in Szene gesetzt - "In den Fängen des Kraken" bedeutet hier ja, sich in den Armen des größten Verbrechers zu verfangen, dessen Todesdrohung Matthew Corbett bisher gekonnt entwischt ist. Die Verbindung zum Meer bleibt aber durchweg in Metaphern und Wortspielereien, die der Autor sehr gekonnt eingebracht hat!
Bis es allerdings zu der Schiffsreise kommt dauert etwas und ich empfand die ersten 100 Seiten etwas zu umständlich erzählt. Grade Matthews Hadern mit seinem Gewissen wird ständig wiederholt. Wobei ich es schon gut finde, dass es ihn beschäftigt, einen Mord begangen zu haben. Auch wenn es in Notwehr passiert ist, ist für ihn der Umstand, ein Leben auszulöschen, nicht so einfach zu verarbeiten. Sowas liest man ja tatsächlich recht selten, denn die meisten Buchhelden stecken sowas ja einfach weg.
Natürlich hat er auch Angst, seine Freunde in eine gefährliche Situation zu bringen, wenn er sie zu nah an sich heranlässt oder ihnen sagt, welche Verdächtigungen ihn im Kopf herum spuken, trotzdem hätte man das etwas kürzen können.
Dann aber! Als es so richtig los ging konnte ich das Buch kaum noch aus der Hand legen, denn die Spannung wird immer mehr aufgebaut. Dazu kommt ein Ortswechsel, neue und äußerst abgründige Figuren und eine Aufgabe, die für Matthew Corbett ein waghalsiges Balancieren auf einem schmalen Grat bedeutet.
Mit Liebesgeschichten hält sich der Autor ja dezent zurück, auch wenn es an manchen Stellen knistert. Dafür hält er sich nicht mit eindeutigen Bemerkungen zurück was Sex oder auch gewalttätige Szenen betrifft, allerdings wohl dosiert und immer in Zusammenhang mit den üblen Machenschaften der Bösewichte, also passend und ohne überborderte Dramatik.
Der Widersacher, Dr. Fell, dem Matthew ja immer wieder in die Quere kommt, wird hier in den Mittelpunkt des Geschehens gestellt und endlich erfahren wir auch mehr über sein verbrecherisches Netzwerk. Seine "Tentakeln" reichen weit und Matthew fühlt sich wie ein Fisch am Haken, dem kaum eine Fluchtmöglichkeit bleibt.
Durch das Setting und die Charaktere gibt es viel Abwechslung und es kommt keine Langeweile auf, grade gegen Ende erhöht sich die Spannung nochmal immens und es gibt einen aufregenden Showdown!
Wieder eine grandiose Geschichte mehr von Robert McCammon und ich hoffe, dass auch der nächste Band bald ins Deutsche übersetzt wird!
Weltenwanderer
Auch hier ist der Einstieg auf den ersten Seiten sehr genial in Szene gesetzt - "In den Fängen des Kraken" bedeutet hier ja, sich in den Armen des größten Verbrechers zu verfangen, dessen Todesdrohung Matthew Corbett bisher gekonnt entwischt ist. Die Verbindung zum Meer bleibt aber durchweg in Metaphern und Wortspielereien, die der Autor sehr gekonnt eingebracht hat!
Bis es allerdings zu der Schiffsreise kommt dauert etwas und ich empfand die ersten 100 Seiten etwas zu umständlich erzählt. Grade Matthews Hadern mit seinem Gewissen wird ständig wiederholt. Wobei ich es schon gut finde, dass es ihn beschäftigt, einen Mord begangen zu haben. Auch wenn es in Notwehr passiert ist, ist für ihn der Umstand, ein Leben auszulöschen, nicht so einfach zu verarbeiten. Sowas liest man ja tatsächlich recht selten, denn die meisten Buchhelden stecken sowas ja einfach weg.
Natürlich hat er auch Angst, seine Freunde in eine gefährliche Situation zu bringen, wenn er sie zu nah an sich heranlässt oder ihnen sagt, welche Verdächtigungen ihn im Kopf herum spuken, trotzdem hätte man das etwas kürzen können.
Dann aber! Als es so richtig los ging konnte ich das Buch kaum noch aus der Hand legen, denn die Spannung wird immer mehr aufgebaut. Dazu kommt ein Ortswechsel, neue und äußerst abgründige Figuren und eine Aufgabe, die für Matthew Corbett ein waghalsiges Balancieren auf einem schmalen Grat bedeutet.
Mit Liebesgeschichten hält sich der Autor ja dezent zurück, auch wenn es an manchen Stellen knistert. Dafür hält er sich nicht mit eindeutigen Bemerkungen zurück was Sex oder auch gewalttätige Szenen betrifft, allerdings wohl dosiert und immer in Zusammenhang mit den üblen Machenschaften der Bösewichte, also passend und ohne überborderte Dramatik.
Der Widersacher, Dr. Fell, dem Matthew ja immer wieder in die Quere kommt, wird hier in den Mittelpunkt des Geschehens gestellt und endlich erfahren wir auch mehr über sein verbrecherisches Netzwerk. Seine "Tentakeln" reichen weit und Matthew fühlt sich wie ein Fisch am Haken, dem kaum eine Fluchtmöglichkeit bleibt.
Durch das Setting und die Charaktere gibt es viel Abwechslung und es kommt keine Langeweile auf, grade gegen Ende erhöht sich die Spannung nochmal immens und es gibt einen aufregenden Showdown!
Wieder eine grandiose Geschichte mehr von Robert McCammon und ich hoffe, dass auch der nächste Band bald ins Deutsche übersetzt wird!
Weltenwanderer
January 10, 2025
Another great entry in the Matthew Corbett series, as Matthew finds himself surrounded by a group of killers and con-men. A man called Professor Fell has hired Mr. Corbett to find a traitor among them.
As usual, I loved the characters in this one. They're so well-written and Robert McCammon really knows how to make them, along with the settings come alive.
I cannot recommend this historical/detective/thriller series enough and I am so looking forward to the next book.
I guess the only downside to this was that I didn't want it to end, but alas, it did.
Highly recommended.
Also, it's tradition that I recommend the Wolf's Hour in any review of a McCammon book, so I must not forget to add mention it.
As usual, I loved the characters in this one. They're so well-written and Robert McCammon really knows how to make them, along with the settings come alive.
I cannot recommend this historical/detective/thriller series enough and I am so looking forward to the next book.
I guess the only downside to this was that I didn't want it to end, but alas, it did.
Highly recommended.
Also, it's tradition that I recommend the Wolf's Hour in any review of a McCammon book, so I must not forget to add mention it.
May 15, 2012
This is the latest installment in the Mathew Corbett series.
In this novel we meet Matthew's nemesis, Professor Fell.
I love how Matthew is growing throughout the series. At first in Speaks the Nightbird Matthew is uncertain and a bit naive. As the series continues, he is learning and becoming more and more sure of himself. As he takes part in the scarier and darker side of life,as in Mister Slaughter he becomes more hardened, more worldly. Now in his latest, Matthew is reminding me of that old Nietzsche quote: "Battle not with monsters, lest ye become a monster, and if you gaze into the abyss, the abyss gazes also into you."
Will Matthew survive this look into the abyss? You will have to read it to find out!
In this novel we meet Matthew's nemesis, Professor Fell.
I love how Matthew is growing throughout the series. At first in Speaks the Nightbird Matthew is uncertain and a bit naive. As the series continues, he is learning and becoming more and more sure of himself. As he takes part in the scarier and darker side of life,as in Mister Slaughter he becomes more hardened, more worldly. Now in his latest, Matthew is reminding me of that old Nietzsche quote: "Battle not with monsters, lest ye become a monster, and if you gaze into the abyss, the abyss gazes also into you."
Will Matthew survive this look into the abyss? You will have to read it to find out!
October 19, 2017
Not my favorite in the series, but still rather enjoyable. I was very intrigued by Dr. Fells' character in this one and am looking forward to more of his story and interactions with Matthew. Should be quite the event when they meet again.
Even though this was the weakest Corbett story so far, I still consider it one of the best series out there. 3+ Stars and looking forward to more.
Even though this was the weakest Corbett story so far, I still consider it one of the best series out there. 3+ Stars and looking forward to more.
August 16, 2018
This series is definitely heading away from being a historical mystery series to having more of a focus on historical adventure. Given the author's own declaration that when he decided to return to the character of Matthew Corbett after Speaks the Nightbird, the first book in the series, he wanted to write him as a Colonial era James Bond, this tonal shift makes sense. I, however, find myself missing the more purely mystery aspect.
This installment picks up several weeks after Matthew's dealings with Tyranthus Slaughter. Those events have left Matthew feeling sorely changed and subdued. This change actually worked for me as Matthew no longer presents himself as a "cock of the walk" but instead as a young man who has been made older than his years due to the horrors he's witnessed. The Queen of Bedlam, the second book of the series, set into motion the series' long arc through the vast shadow cast by Professor Fell, the bogeyman of the criminal underworld in England whose reach is now stretching to the New World. He has turned his attentions to Matthew but, whereas before he wanted Matthew's death, now he wants to hire him! Which...makes no sense to me but, whatever. The dastardly Professor ups the stakes and presents Matthew an offer in such a way that he can't possibly refuse...or else others will pay the price.
So off Matthew goes (along with some unexpected companions) , whisked by Professor Fell's minions to a summit meeting of Fell's generals on a remote island. It seems Fell has a traitor in his organization and he wants Matthew, under a false identity, to identify this person. Because, for some inexplicable reason, even though readers have been told since book two that Professor Fell is one super scary, murderous dude who rules his criminal empire with a merciless and brutal hand, he can't ferret out the traitor himself. This bit of nonsense logic is one reason this story lost a full star rating. The second reason also deals with Professor Fell who, again for no reason at all, deems it necessary to spill out his entire origin story to Matthew.
The third reason for the deduction of a full star rating is...sex. I have nothing against it at all but Matthew basically being raped again for the second time in four books...and having it presented as a humorous sexual misadventure that a young man should take pride in...is getting annoying and offensive. Sex without properly informed consent is a sexual assault, plain and simple. The fact that it happens to a man doesn't alter that. And that entire scene was COMPLETELY and TOTALLY UNNECESSARY!! It's to the point that every time a young, beautiful female character is introduced - and those seem to be the only types of women Matthew ever meets - I roll my eyes and wonder if she's going to be the one (in that particular book) who aggressively pursues him into the bedroom.
The final reason this book gets only three stars from me involves Matthew's investigation into discovering Professor Fell's traitor. Turns out that any efforts on his part are superfluous because the traitor just ups and confesses to Matthew one fine, sunny day for...reasons. Super convenient, right? Really, Matthew could've just stayed in his room eating scones until that most helpful revelation. It sure would've been easier on his wardrobe.
In addition to all the aforementioned silliness, there are brutal murders, death defying escapes, and various acts of skullduggery. Matthew also manages to make further mess of any potential growth in his romantic life by alienating Berry, his main love interest. At this point in the series, though, Matthew has spent so much time waxing poetical about every other attractive female he meets that the author has only succeeded in convincing me that Matthew's feelings toward Berry aren't really all that substantial anyway. She's just the one who stays.
This installment picks up several weeks after Matthew's dealings with Tyranthus Slaughter. Those events have left Matthew feeling sorely changed and subdued. This change actually worked for me as Matthew no longer presents himself as a "cock of the walk" but instead as a young man who has been made older than his years due to the horrors he's witnessed. The Queen of Bedlam, the second book of the series, set into motion the series' long arc through the vast shadow cast by Professor Fell, the bogeyman of the criminal underworld in England whose reach is now stretching to the New World. He has turned his attentions to Matthew but, whereas before he wanted Matthew's death, now he wants to hire him! Which...makes no sense to me but, whatever. The dastardly Professor ups the stakes and presents Matthew an offer in such a way that he can't possibly refuse...or else others will pay the price.
So off Matthew goes (along with some unexpected companions) , whisked by Professor Fell's minions to a summit meeting of Fell's generals on a remote island. It seems Fell has a traitor in his organization and he wants Matthew, under a false identity, to identify this person. Because, for some inexplicable reason, even though readers have been told since book two that Professor Fell is one super scary, murderous dude who rules his criminal empire with a merciless and brutal hand, he can't ferret out the traitor himself. This bit of nonsense logic is one reason this story lost a full star rating. The second reason also deals with Professor Fell who, again for no reason at all, deems it necessary to spill out his entire origin story to Matthew.
The third reason for the deduction of a full star rating is...sex. I have nothing against it at all but Matthew basically being raped again for the second time in four books...and having it presented as a humorous sexual misadventure that a young man should take pride in...is getting annoying and offensive. Sex without properly informed consent is a sexual assault, plain and simple. The fact that it happens to a man doesn't alter that. And that entire scene was COMPLETELY and TOTALLY UNNECESSARY!! It's to the point that every time a young, beautiful female character is introduced - and those seem to be the only types of women Matthew ever meets - I roll my eyes and wonder if she's going to be the one (in that particular book) who aggressively pursues him into the bedroom.
The final reason this book gets only three stars from me involves Matthew's investigation into discovering Professor Fell's traitor. Turns out that any efforts on his part are superfluous because the traitor just ups and confesses to Matthew one fine, sunny day for...reasons. Super convenient, right? Really, Matthew could've just stayed in his room eating scones until that most helpful revelation. It sure would've been easier on his wardrobe.
In addition to all the aforementioned silliness, there are brutal murders, death defying escapes, and various acts of skullduggery. Matthew also manages to make further mess of any potential growth in his romantic life by alienating Berry, his main love interest. At this point in the series, though, Matthew has spent so much time waxing poetical about every other attractive female he meets that the author has only succeeded in convincing me that Matthew's feelings toward Berry aren't really all that substantial anyway. She's just the one who stays.
August 24, 2022
If there’s an author out there with a more impressive and consistent catalogue of high quality work, I’ve yet to find them. McCammon does it again, and I suspect if you’re reading this review, you’re already hooked on the Matthew Corbett series like I am.
The Providence Rider finds Matthew on the hot seat yet again. Strange explosions are wracking various locations in New York. When the authorities investigate that crime scene, they find Matthew Corbett’s name painted on the ruined building, like an ominous calling card. Of course this gets them suspicious once again of Matthew, and he learns to clear his name, he’s being blackmailed to go with Professor Fell’s henchman on a voyage to an unknown destination to “solve a problem” for Matthew’s old adversary, Fell.
McCammon takes us on another rollercoaster of a journey as we watch Matthew fall into one pitfall after another, and he has to resort to his wits, and a little help from some unlikely sources, to yank himself back out of danger. The characters are rich and vibrant, some of my favorites in the series, so far. We have evil Irish twin thugs, a giant Indian henchman with diamonds in his front teeth, a surly sea captain, a nimble, knife-throwing forgery expert, a captured Native American princess, and many more. Each and every character has so much more to them than meets the eye. McCammon does a masterful job unfurling them before us to reveal a motley crew of lackeys that I’d stack up to best James Bond tale. Add to that the remote Bermuda island location and you have a wonderful story that you’ll have a hard time putting down. McCammon also adds so many little touches and nuances to give the series that air of authenticity. You can tell he really does his homework on getting the small details right for the time period. At one point, I did see some reviewers clutch their pearls because he used the word Indian and other terms to describe the Native American in the story and I had to laugh. First, they took the passage from the story completely out of context to try and paint the clip in the worst possible light trying to “prove” their point and brand McCammon as a racist. If you read the whole book, the scene makes sense and their outcry falls flat. But I guess that’s what happens when you cherry-pick a couple of paragraphs out of a 500+ page book in an attempt to find a boogeyman that isn’t there to make yourself look like some hero, and ignore that this story takes place in 1703. Do you think they’d call a marginalized group by a 21st century politically correct term?? The Always Angry Twitter Nuts. Ugh!
Anyways, if you’re come this far with Matthew Corbett, and enjoy what you’ve read, I highly recommend you continue the journey. The Problem Solver hasn’t missed a beat!
5 Serrated Beheading Blades out of 5
The Providence Rider finds Matthew on the hot seat yet again. Strange explosions are wracking various locations in New York. When the authorities investigate that crime scene, they find Matthew Corbett’s name painted on the ruined building, like an ominous calling card. Of course this gets them suspicious once again of Matthew, and he learns to clear his name, he’s being blackmailed to go with Professor Fell’s henchman on a voyage to an unknown destination to “solve a problem” for Matthew’s old adversary, Fell.
McCammon takes us on another rollercoaster of a journey as we watch Matthew fall into one pitfall after another, and he has to resort to his wits, and a little help from some unlikely sources, to yank himself back out of danger. The characters are rich and vibrant, some of my favorites in the series, so far. We have evil Irish twin thugs, a giant Indian henchman with diamonds in his front teeth, a surly sea captain, a nimble, knife-throwing forgery expert, a captured Native American princess, and many more. Each and every character has so much more to them than meets the eye. McCammon does a masterful job unfurling them before us to reveal a motley crew of lackeys that I’d stack up to best James Bond tale. Add to that the remote Bermuda island location and you have a wonderful story that you’ll have a hard time putting down. McCammon also adds so many little touches and nuances to give the series that air of authenticity. You can tell he really does his homework on getting the small details right for the time period. At one point, I did see some reviewers clutch their pearls because he used the word Indian and other terms to describe the Native American in the story and I had to laugh. First, they took the passage from the story completely out of context to try and paint the clip in the worst possible light trying to “prove” their point and brand McCammon as a racist. If you read the whole book, the scene makes sense and their outcry falls flat. But I guess that’s what happens when you cherry-pick a couple of paragraphs out of a 500+ page book in an attempt to find a boogeyman that isn’t there to make yourself look like some hero, and ignore that this story takes place in 1703. Do you think they’d call a marginalized group by a 21st century politically correct term?? The Always Angry Twitter Nuts. Ugh!
Anyways, if you’re come this far with Matthew Corbett, and enjoy what you’ve read, I highly recommend you continue the journey. The Problem Solver hasn’t missed a beat!
5 Serrated Beheading Blades out of 5
July 29, 2018
Providence Rider is the weakest and most problematic Matthew Corbett yet.
To start with the positives, McCammon is still excellent at description and bringing the 1700s to life. The setting is strong - Pendulum Island and New York are evoked with thoughtful detail.
However, the mystery is surprisingly straight forward, the action is good but not great and the villian characters held no intricacies or surprise. Pr Fell is . He is also comically and exaggeratedly evil. There is a pet sea monster. Enough said.
I could have tolerated this. And normally I don't even write reviews but seriously, the portrayal of women in this novel is face-palmingly bad.
1. All the women (except the Granny) want Matthew. This is somewhat tolerable because it's clearly a Batman-esque empowerment fantasy. It's almost bizarre how Matthew is always the target of aggressive female attention a especially considering previous books.
2. They lack agency, the one exception being Minx but even she needs Matthew to do a job she could have done alone. Berry is the worst. I had hoped since her However she was shockingly incompetent. And then there is Pretty Girl Who Sits Alone . . .
3. Sexual Assault is treated almost ridiculously in this series. If a woman is abused, she's treated as ruined. . If Matthew is sick / drugged/ intruded upon by a persistent mystery assailant during sex, it's okay, even humorous. Of course, some people might argue the time period justifies it. And I would have turned a blind eye to once, but this is a pattern. It didn't help that Pretty Girl Who Sits Alone was so often compared to an animal and described as part of nature. She's American Indian and so this is such a stereotype. We are in Matthew´s perspective but I wish it had been subverted. I wish his attitude towards this subject had been in some way undermined. But I suppose not everyone is Mark Twain able to portray prejudice from a prejudiced point of view and yet poke holes in it.
Some might argue Matthew Corbett novels are just supposed to be fun historical adventures and I want them to be that. But the problematic treatment of rape, characters of color, and gender are too much to ignore. And the weak characterization, milquetoast mystery, and the strain of suspending disbelief didn't distract me from them.
To start with the positives, McCammon is still excellent at description and bringing the 1700s to life. The setting is strong - Pendulum Island and New York are evoked with thoughtful detail.
However, the mystery is surprisingly straight forward, the action is good but not great and the villian characters held no intricacies or surprise. Pr Fell is . He is also comically and exaggeratedly evil. There is a pet sea monster. Enough said.
I could have tolerated this. And normally I don't even write reviews but seriously, the portrayal of women in this novel is face-palmingly bad.
1. All the women (except the Granny) want Matthew. This is somewhat tolerable because it's clearly a Batman-esque empowerment fantasy. It's almost bizarre how Matthew is always the target of aggressive female attention a especially considering previous books.
2. They lack agency, the one exception being Minx but even she needs Matthew to do a job she could have done alone. Berry is the worst. I had hoped since her However she was shockingly incompetent. And then there is Pretty Girl Who Sits Alone . . .
3. Sexual Assault is treated almost ridiculously in this series. If a woman is abused, she's treated as ruined. . If Matthew is sick / drugged/ intruded upon by a persistent mystery assailant during sex, it's okay, even humorous. Of course, some people might argue the time period justifies it. And I would have turned a blind eye to once, but this is a pattern. It didn't help that Pretty Girl Who Sits Alone was so often compared to an animal and described as part of nature. She's American Indian and so this is such a stereotype. We are in Matthew´s perspective but I wish it had been subverted. I wish his attitude towards this subject had been in some way undermined. But I suppose not everyone is Mark Twain able to portray prejudice from a prejudiced point of view and yet poke holes in it.
Some might argue Matthew Corbett novels are just supposed to be fun historical adventures and I want them to be that. But the problematic treatment of rape, characters of color, and gender are too much to ignore. And the weak characterization, milquetoast mystery, and the strain of suspending disbelief didn't distract me from them.
April 15, 2012
I love all four novels in the Matthew Corbett series, and though SPEAKS THE NIGHTBIRD (the first one, which is much longer and denser than the books that followed) may always be my favorite, THE PROVIDENCE RIDER is by far the most entertaining. The sense of fun from the last installment, MISTER SLAUGHTER, is ramped up even more this time, and the book is a witty, suspenseful, twist-filled, gory, action-packed historical adventure.
April 4, 2024
4.5/5 I really enjoyed this one! The premise seems flawed but I feel will be explored more in upcoming books
February 14, 2018
It's tough to say whether I have a favorite Matthew Corbett novel, or not. Each book provided its own unique experience, quite different from their last. Speaks the Nightbird, being the longest tome of the series, took place down south in a small, underdeveloped town in 1699, introducing our dweeb of a clerk, Matthew Corbett, who is just for the first time breaking out of his little comfort bubble and seeing the world under a different light. Then came Queen of Bedlam, which truly kicked off the series into what it has become now, set the stage in New York city and introduced us to all the recurring characters which we have grown to love. Mister Slaughter, in my opinion, broke the barrier for the series and took Matthew on a darker curve.
Then now leads to The Providence Rider. This book definitely turned Matthew Corbett inside out and shaped him into a superhero.
This was a great installment to the series! It starts out in a snowy February in New York City and kind of picks back up from where the last one left off, besides the couple months that passed. We knew from the last book he has ticked off the Prof, and now from the first chapter of Providence Rider, we see that the Prof is making his presence known.
Without wanting to give anything away, we see that Matthew is lead to a new landscape, with more colorful characters, faces some harsh adventures, and witnesses some twisted scenes. And plenty of blood!
And, of course, a powerful ending that ties up all the loose ends for the story, yet leaves one or two hanging, so that we can transition into the next installment.
I look forward to continuing on with River of Souls. TBD...
Then now leads to The Providence Rider. This book definitely turned Matthew Corbett inside out and shaped him into a superhero.
This was a great installment to the series! It starts out in a snowy February in New York City and kind of picks back up from where the last one left off, besides the couple months that passed. We knew from the last book he has ticked off the Prof, and now from the first chapter of Providence Rider, we see that the Prof is making his presence known.
Without wanting to give anything away, we see that Matthew is lead to a new landscape, with more colorful characters, faces some harsh adventures, and witnesses some twisted scenes. And plenty of blood!
And, of course, a powerful ending that ties up all the loose ends for the story, yet leaves one or two hanging, so that we can transition into the next installment.
I look forward to continuing on with River of Souls. TBD...
December 12, 2021
Matthew's nemesis, Professor Fell, invites him for a trip. And blows a few buildings before Matthew starts to listen to the voice of reason. Fell needs Matthew's skills to identify a traitor among his associates.
The Providence Rider is fast-paced (frenetic might be a better word), brutal, and addictive (like the whole series). I'm starting the fifth book today. And then sixth and seventh till I'm done and hungry for more.
The Providence Rider is fast-paced (frenetic might be a better word), brutal, and addictive (like the whole series). I'm starting the fifth book today. And then sixth and seventh till I'm done and hungry for more.
May 21, 2012
Well, once again the legendary wordsmith writes another fantastic tale regarding the life and times of “problem-solver” Matthew Corbett. The latest installment follows Matthew as he is forced to do work for the director of evil, Professor Fell, in the Godfather-esque fashion – I’ll make you an offer you can’t refuse. For the first time Corbett meets him first-hand rather than through a proxy.
In the normal flair Robert McCammon is able to beautifully script his thoughts and put them to paper for his readers to enjoy. However, there are differences in this newest segment in the saga story-wise as compares to his first novels. Speaks the Nightbird, and The Queen of Bedlam, contained more plots that needed to be "figured out" and both involved great mysteries of the classic whodunit style. Everyone was a suspect and there was not a soul to trust who didn’t have ulterior motives. Yet with the last two books in the series, Mister Slaughter and The Providence Rider, much of that Sherlock Holmes panache, “I must use deduction to solve this mystery” was absent and the last two books both were like a plowing tornado ripping through the land carrying with it more of an action packed yanked-by-the-seat-of-your-pants and quite possible perhaps part of the dangly bits with it.
I still feel compelled to grant this book 5 stars. I do feel think 4 and a half better suits this one, but I won’t grant it 4 because the site does not allow the half star ratings. Therefore by default The Providence Rider gets a perfect score. Fans of the series may be a little let down, by the lack of mystery but as I said, only a little let down. Perhaps in the subsequent novel/novels the old formula will be returned and restored.
My only gripe with the book was the placement of the girl Fancy, or Pretty Girl Who Sits Alone. I’m not really sure her character really belongs in this book, as she was supposed to be the Indian girl who knew the hunter/tracker, Walks In Two Worlds, from the previous novel. I had one of those moments where I said to myself, “Really, out of all the places in all the world, Matthew would just happen to run into this girl.” She seemed misplaced to me and somewhat overused. I think having a random Indian woman as a slave owned by the two Thatcher boys would have painted a more realistic story than the “just so happened to be the native girl mentioned in the last book“. However, all in all it was a fun ride and once again it was one that I hated to see end.
In the normal flair Robert McCammon is able to beautifully script his thoughts and put them to paper for his readers to enjoy. However, there are differences in this newest segment in the saga story-wise as compares to his first novels. Speaks the Nightbird, and The Queen of Bedlam, contained more plots that needed to be "figured out" and both involved great mysteries of the classic whodunit style. Everyone was a suspect and there was not a soul to trust who didn’t have ulterior motives. Yet with the last two books in the series, Mister Slaughter and The Providence Rider, much of that Sherlock Holmes panache, “I must use deduction to solve this mystery” was absent and the last two books both were like a plowing tornado ripping through the land carrying with it more of an action packed yanked-by-the-seat-of-your-pants and quite possible perhaps part of the dangly bits with it.
I still feel compelled to grant this book 5 stars. I do feel think 4 and a half better suits this one, but I won’t grant it 4 because the site does not allow the half star ratings. Therefore by default The Providence Rider gets a perfect score. Fans of the series may be a little let down, by the lack of mystery but as I said, only a little let down. Perhaps in the subsequent novel/novels the old formula will be returned and restored.
My only gripe with the book was the placement of the girl Fancy, or Pretty Girl Who Sits Alone. I’m not really sure her character really belongs in this book, as she was supposed to be the Indian girl who knew the hunter/tracker, Walks In Two Worlds, from the previous novel. I had one of those moments where I said to myself, “Really, out of all the places in all the world, Matthew would just happen to run into this girl.” She seemed misplaced to me and somewhat overused. I think having a random Indian woman as a slave owned by the two Thatcher boys would have painted a more realistic story than the “just so happened to be the native girl mentioned in the last book“. However, all in all it was a fun ride and once again it was one that I hated to see end.
May 21, 2012
I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. McCammon at the World Horror con in Salt Lake city last month. He signed all 13 books I brought and couldn't have been a cooler dude. As for The Providence Rider--its awesome. Like the previous 3 Matthew Corbett neo els this is just typically super well written and just superb. But I'm a McCammon fan who thinks the guy can do no wrong
October 3, 2012
I seem to be one of the only naysayers on this book so I best give a good “why” up front. If I had read this as a stand-alone I would have given it 3 stars, it is a book, not terrible and not notable, just a swashbuckling light read, something a young teen would enjoy.
However I have read and enjoyed all previous books. The Providence Rider is a complete disjunction, only some of the names remain the same, their action and abilities bear no relation to the series to date.
The basic premise of the book is the arch-criminal of the world wants an early 20s boy, a staunch enemy to boot to root out some bad eggs sitting at the top of his organisation whilst pretending he is one of them. I easily ran with this as the book is also a fun read, I have immensely enjoyed it and we are not talking the dragon tattoo girl here. To date the series has a dark side. Prof Fell has been successfully portrayed as a serious bad guy, tangle with him and you swim with fishes, his minions literally turn you into pie filling. Matthew Corbett has been successfully portrayed as a youth with a mind and experiences beyond his years, someone who is very sleuthful (a real word honestly) and aware of his own abilities/limitations.
I cried as the book immediately turned YA. There were no surprises, everything predictably telegraphed an AU away. What would you think will happen when you arrive on an island in the Bermuda’s, it has a land tremor very early; there is a baddie and a large castle on a cliff. I inwardly groaned pleaaaassseeeee noooooo. It got so worse.
Prof Fell never lived up to expectations, his head baddies could have been cut out of any baddie book. You could almost see the cut out captions of “Biff” and “Pow” above their heads. We had the stupid brutal red haired twins, well red haired people are evil so some realism here : ). One fat fellow who is the bumbling Victorian equivalent of Baron Vladimir Harkonnen without the smarts. A couple of other forgettable types with displeasing habits and personalities. A lower class matronly strong arm lady who I expect to see more of and a girl dressed up like your classic steam punk hottie who is very brave and an expert in everything. Once again from dot 1 you can guess who Matthew teams up with. I wonder what his red headed love interest to date will think of her. The baddies collective skills made them totally unbelievable as baddie leaders. I say this because previous in the series we have had a farm full of unwholesome types who weren’t a joke, Tyranthus Slaughter who we all loved and the famous pie lady. They were believable in context to the story. Prof Fell just fell for stuff at face value … how did he ever win an empire?
What happened to Matthew Corbett was a travesty. He turned into a bumbling idiot for the entire book, exhibiting not a shred of his previous demonstrated intelligence. Steam punk girl is smart and brave all the time rescuing his butt but then turns into a clueless fool herself when Matthew compounds his bumbling fool act. It amazed me this was still possible since he had already plumbed its depths. I cannot say more without spoilers, you will know what I mean when you read it yourself. Yes I know you will …. if you read the series to date you have pick this one up .... Sigh ... And I’ll read the next one but I know what to expect so cannot be disappointed
However I have read and enjoyed all previous books. The Providence Rider is a complete disjunction, only some of the names remain the same, their action and abilities bear no relation to the series to date.
The basic premise of the book is the arch-criminal of the world wants an early 20s boy, a staunch enemy to boot to root out some bad eggs sitting at the top of his organisation whilst pretending he is one of them. I easily ran with this as the book is also a fun read, I have immensely enjoyed it and we are not talking the dragon tattoo girl here. To date the series has a dark side. Prof Fell has been successfully portrayed as a serious bad guy, tangle with him and you swim with fishes, his minions literally turn you into pie filling. Matthew Corbett has been successfully portrayed as a youth with a mind and experiences beyond his years, someone who is very sleuthful (a real word honestly) and aware of his own abilities/limitations.
I cried as the book immediately turned YA. There were no surprises, everything predictably telegraphed an AU away. What would you think will happen when you arrive on an island in the Bermuda’s, it has a land tremor very early; there is a baddie and a large castle on a cliff. I inwardly groaned pleaaaassseeeee noooooo. It got so worse.
Prof Fell never lived up to expectations, his head baddies could have been cut out of any baddie book. You could almost see the cut out captions of “Biff” and “Pow” above their heads. We had the stupid brutal red haired twins, well red haired people are evil so some realism here : ). One fat fellow who is the bumbling Victorian equivalent of Baron Vladimir Harkonnen without the smarts. A couple of other forgettable types with displeasing habits and personalities. A lower class matronly strong arm lady who I expect to see more of and a girl dressed up like your classic steam punk hottie who is very brave and an expert in everything. Once again from dot 1 you can guess who Matthew teams up with. I wonder what his red headed love interest to date will think of her. The baddies collective skills made them totally unbelievable as baddie leaders. I say this because previous in the series we have had a farm full of unwholesome types who weren’t a joke, Tyranthus Slaughter who we all loved and the famous pie lady. They were believable in context to the story. Prof Fell just fell for stuff at face value … how did he ever win an empire?
What happened to Matthew Corbett was a travesty. He turned into a bumbling idiot for the entire book, exhibiting not a shred of his previous demonstrated intelligence. Steam punk girl is smart and brave all the time rescuing his butt but then turns into a clueless fool herself when Matthew compounds his bumbling fool act. It amazed me this was still possible since he had already plumbed its depths. I cannot say more without spoilers, you will know what I mean when you read it yourself. Yes I know you will …. if you read the series to date you have pick this one up .... Sigh ... And I’ll read the next one but I know what to expect so cannot be disappointed
August 16, 2025
His curiosity always won over his sense of impending danger, which he reasoned would someday be his undoing...
Mysterious explosions in NYC and outside of each one Matthew's name is scrawled on a nearby building. Even the authorities aren't so dumb to think he did it, but he knows he has to do something to stop the madness. He gets volunteered on an investigation as a providence rider.. explained as a “A scout... someone to forge ahead and mark a trail.” This is not something he wants to do, but isn't given too much of a choice as his employer is .
Mathew's universe is expanding in this one... kind of like Jim Butcher's Dresden series where new characters get introduced in each story – likely to resurface later. This time around includes both new good guys as well as bad guys. .
I mentioned in some of my earlier reviews with Corbett that McCammon builds up almost a Bond 007 type of world. This is very much on display in this one. Matthew isn't exactly the swashbuckler stereotype.. in fact he's kind of nerdy and gets out of things by luck about as much as his 'special set of skills' he has been building up. I do very much love the
I found this another wonderful addition to this series. I try spread each book in the series out ... and in between reads I wonder if the next one will be somewhat of a letdown because I enjoyed the last one so much... McCammon hasn't let me down yet. Based on my past reads with him I don't expect that will be a problem. 😀 Much recommended for my GR friends who like trillers and historical fiction.
Mysterious explosions in NYC and outside of each one Matthew's name is scrawled on a nearby building. Even the authorities aren't so dumb to think he did it, but he knows he has to do something to stop the madness. He gets volunteered on an investigation as a providence rider.. explained as a “A scout... someone to forge ahead and mark a trail.” This is not something he wants to do, but isn't given too much of a choice as his employer is .
Mathew's universe is expanding in this one... kind of like Jim Butcher's Dresden series where new characters get introduced in each story – likely to resurface later. This time around includes both new good guys as well as bad guys. .
I mentioned in some of my earlier reviews with Corbett that McCammon builds up almost a Bond 007 type of world. This is very much on display in this one. Matthew isn't exactly the swashbuckler stereotype.. in fact he's kind of nerdy and gets out of things by luck about as much as his 'special set of skills' he has been building up. I do very much love the
I found this another wonderful addition to this series. I try spread each book in the series out ... and in between reads I wonder if the next one will be somewhat of a letdown because I enjoyed the last one so much... McCammon hasn't let me down yet. Based on my past reads with him I don't expect that will be a problem. 😀 Much recommended for my GR friends who like trillers and historical fiction.
February 6, 2017
Read this series. And then tell your family and friends to read it. Tell your neighbor about it, and stop people on the street.
Yeah, it's THAT good.
Yeah, it's THAT good.
May 9, 2024
The Providence Rider is the fourth book in the Matthew Corbett series. Matthew, Berry, and Zed are shanghaied and transported to an island in Bermuda. Corbett finds himself tasked by his nemesis, Professor Fell, to find the traitor in his organization. The enemy of my enemy is my friend, which rings true in this tale.
March 26, 2021
Matthew Corbett can never disappoint!!
March 14, 2024
After the thrill ride of Mister Slaughter, this installment was a lot more . . . involved. We get a good look at Professor Fell's enterprise and a bit of a tense vacation on a tropical island. None of that is necessarily bad, but this book feels more like exposition and set-up than a tale in itself.
Also, I feel like I might have misjudged the series. Is it supposed to be a bit slapstick or whimsical? There are a few spots where Matthew stares down death and then acts absolutely fine in the following passages. That capricious vibe takes some of the tension out of it for me. If Matthew isn't exactly concerned, I'm not.
And one thing that's become evident in this episode which forced me to recognize it in previous books, is that Matthew ALWAYS NEEDS SAVING. He doesn't save himself ever. That lack of self-reliance really hinders him as a hero and a problem-solver. There's a lot more ink dedicated to things happening to Matthew instead of things Matthew does. Matthew is the center of the tale and stuff swirls around him. That's not a hero.
Still, I vastly enjoyed the book and I look forward to the next installment all the way to Leviathan. It's a great series with a lot of fun. If it's more whimsy, then so be it. I can't wait to go back to 1703.
4 stars
Also, I feel like I might have misjudged the series. Is it supposed to be a bit slapstick or whimsical? There are a few spots where Matthew stares down death and then acts absolutely fine in the following passages. That capricious vibe takes some of the tension out of it for me. If Matthew isn't exactly concerned, I'm not.
And one thing that's become evident in this episode which forced me to recognize it in previous books, is that Matthew ALWAYS NEEDS SAVING. He doesn't save himself ever. That lack of self-reliance really hinders him as a hero and a problem-solver. There's a lot more ink dedicated to things happening to Matthew instead of things Matthew does. Matthew is the center of the tale and stuff swirls around him. That's not a hero.
Still, I vastly enjoyed the book and I look forward to the next installment all the way to Leviathan. It's a great series with a lot of fun. If it's more whimsy, then so be it. I can't wait to go back to 1703.
4 stars
September 22, 2018
3.5 stars. I only have one complaint about this book, every time the main character discovers something all the other characters he talks to seems know he knows and they talk openly about the secret. That bothered me, but otherwise the story was great and I really like this series. I will definitely be reading the next book.
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