Rules of Engagement

Sir John Fielding #11

by Bruce Alexander

When Lord Lammermoor plunges to his death from Westminster Bridge before a dozen witnesses, his death is ruled a suicide. But his fatal leap coincides with the arrival of Dr. Goldsworthy--a student of the famous Dr. Anton Mesmer and his research into animal magnetism. Sir John's suspicions grow when he learns that Goldsworthy's patron in London is none other than the beautiful Lady Lammermoor. And the deeper Jeremy investigates the Lammermoor family, the more suspects he discovers who stand to gain from Lord Lammermoor's death.

Genres: Mystery, Historical Fiction, Historical Mystery, Historical, Fiction, British Literature, Mystery Thriller

288 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published March 3, 2005

About the author

Pseudonym of American journalist and author Bruce Cook.

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

Bruce Alexander Cook (1932–2003) was an American journalist and author who wrote under the pseudonym Bruce Alexander, creating historical novels about a blind 18th century Englishman and also a 20th century Mexican-American detective.

Reviews

[Wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful ending of a wonderful series. Bruce Alexander sadly passed away (2003) before this book was completed. However, according to the book flap his wife complied her husband's notes and rough draft material and managed to complete the series with the help of John Shannon. I think I noticed a few style differences in #11 from the others, but it just may have been simply Alexander wrapping things up. I do not know whether his intentions were: furthering or ending the series.
I DO know that is was a good and reasonable ending simply because certain characters were growing older and going on to better things. It is also 1775, the beginning of the American Revolutionary War. Another new beginning for the United Kingdom, therefore a good time to conclude a series.
Each book is based on a segment of history or centers on part of a social situation within the times. Each time we get to learn more about the main characters and grow. I am sad to bide them goodbye but am satisfied that all will be well and life will go on to better things beyond the pages.

[Lana Glover · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm so sad this series is over. I'm going to miss all of the characters.

[Vannessa Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chief Justice Lord William Merrick, the Earl of Mansfield asks Justice Sir John Fielding to look into the death of his personal friend Lord Lammermoor whom the outcry is that he committed suicide witnessed by a number of people his jumping off the Westminster Bridge. Lord Merrick doesn’t believe his friend committed suicide.

My curiosity was peaked on how Sir John was going to prove a witnessed suicide was actually not a suicide but murder.

I liked how the story is told through Jeremy’s, Sir John’s, legal clerk, point-of-view because it reminded me of a Holmes and Watson story.

Rules of Engagement was an adventurous and invigorating read!

John Lee’s storytelling makes you feel if you’re sitting comfortably in your favorite chair with your eyes close listening to someone telling you the story. His great storytelling will make you feel as though the characters are in the room.

[Ivor Armistead · Rating 4 out of 5]

Four + Stars. This is my kind of historic crime/mystery novel. The plot is more than adequate, but the author’s ability to put you into a different time and place is outstanding. I picked up my copy of “Rules of Engagement” at Bookwise, my favorite used book shop in Boca Raton, Florida. It is the last in the series written by Bruce Cook, a.k.a. Bruce Alexander before his death.

My task now is to go to the beginning of the series, enjoy the stories of Sir John Fielding, Bow Street Magistrate, and wallow some more in 18th century London.

[Trina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sorry to see this series end. I like all the characters, particularly Jeremy Proctor who is one of two wards taken in by “the Blind Beak”, Sir John Fielding, magistrate of the Bow Street Court & real-life brother of the novelist Henry Fielding (he of ‘Tom Jones’ fame). Jeremy clerks for Sir John, acting as eyes & ears in court and on the case. This one starts off a bit slowly, and involves a hypnotist hawking his services & elixirs outside a doctor’s office in Covent Garden. By coincidence, there’s another famous mesmerist in town giving lectures on his powerful cures for everything from tics and stutters to writer’s bloc. The latter is afflicting Clarissa, the other young ward of Sir John Fielding. When she & Jeremy are selected from the audience, as part of the demonstration, they have very dissimilar reactions, especially Jeremy who is too skeptical and protective of Clarissa to succumb to any spell… Meanwhile an inquisition is being held into the peculiar suicide of an aristocrat who leapt out of his carriage and into the Thames for no good reason. Sir John Fielding questions the verdict, and the Chief Justice asks him to investigate - discretely of course since the murder involves the upper classes… All of this is brought to life in splendid detail by the author. She knows her stuff, and 18th c. London comes alive under her pen. (I believe Bruce Alexander is her pen-name.) As a novelist herself, she gives Clarissa all the psychological room she needs to get her fledgling writing career off the ground, and she makes Jeremy her biggest supporter, even bringing in Samuel Johnson no less to give Clarissa her big start. And therein lies the problem. It smacks of current preoccupations (women’s rights, new age healing, marital equality) rather than a faithful depiction of what those times were really like for women not lucky enough to be “rescued” by a benevolent benefactor. On the whole, tho’, while this isn’t the best in the Sir John Fielding mystery series, it does manage to bring it to a fitting close.

[Carl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sadly, with “Rules of Engagement,” one of the best historical mystery series comes to a close. I missed Bruce Alexander's mystery series first time around; however, Mary a friend of mine highly recommended it ~ and I will forever be glad she did. The central character is Sir John Fielding; while serving in the Royal Navy, he was blinded at the age of 19. Despite this handicap, he became a magistrate of the court and was the founder of London's police force - the Bow Street Runners. Our narrator, on the other hand, is a thirteen-year-old orphan, Jeremy Proctor, who becomes Fielding’s ward. Interestingly, Sir John, is based on an actual historical person who lived from 1721-1780; he was a blind Bow Street Magistrate who developed London’s first police force – the Bow Street Runners. Additionally, his brother was the noted author, Henry Fielding of “Tom Jones” fame.

I highly recommend this series to anyone who enjoys a well, carefully crafted historical mystery. I love Alexander’s story-telling even when little suspense exists. Bruce Alexander is a good story teller, and his plots are clever and provide enough twists to satisfy most readers. I would recommend reading this series in order to fully appreciate these dynamic characters - their growth and development from novel to novel. (FYI – the first book in the series is “Blind Justice”.)

[Chuck · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am sorry to see this very good series come to an end! The author passed away midway through this story and we will have no more of Sir John Fielding, Jeremy, and Clarissa.

For those just getting started, please don't start with this book! The series is all about Sir John who was a real person and one of the founders of the London police department. His sidekick Jeremy is fictional and a young man who grows up under Sir John's wing. Together they solve crimes. Sir John is blind and Jeremy starts as his "eyes" early on and grows to be a good investigator himself. Clarissa grows from an orphan, like Jeremy, in the same house and becomes his beloved throughout the series. I recommend you start from the beginning if possible.

What sets this series apart is the great writing, although in the beginning some may struggle with the language. The author has the ability to put you into 18th century London and his accurate period detail and research make it feel very real. The characters, both great and small, are richly drawn and have become great friends! The mysteries vary but always feature murder, sometimes gruesomely. RIP Bruce Alexander (Cook), you will be missed greatly!

[William · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am sad to be at the end of this series which was one of my favorites. I'm also grateful to John Shannon and Bruce Alexander's wife for finishing this book following the death of the author. I did, however find some of their writing style to be strange such as several times where they would say "I made haste to the spot and witnessed this: ..." or "This reader, is what followed: ...". I haven't read any of John Shannon's books so I'm not sure if this is the way he writes, but it seemed awkward. Despite that minor complaint, I enjoyed this book very much and will greatly miss Sir John and Jeremy.

[Éowyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Picked up eight of this 11 part series in a second hand bookshop in Hay for £1 each, so quite a bargain! Generally enjoyed the series overall. This is the last book and it sounds like the author died before finishing, but left plot notes. It does feel as though the ending is by someone different. On the plus side they correctly use 'kerb' for the edge of the pavement (although this isn't corrected in the early part of the book oddly) but the ending feels a bit unsatisfactory for the main plot and also a bit too soppy and sentimental.

[Virginia Tican · Rating 5 out of 5]

This would take the reader to the world of Mesmerism and the Occult and of course, murder. As this is, at present, the final book from this author published posthumously, it is but fitting to have Jeremy's and Clarissa's wedding within its pages given the event's inevitability. And so I say a tearful Good~bye to them as well as to Sir John Fielding and the rest of the beloved characters and to their Creator... who will forever live in the written word and in the memories of those readers who appreciate a good evocative murder mystery and I liked them all... all 11 of them...

[Marilyn Saul · Rating 1 out of 5]

What a disappointing book. I think I just may be done with this series (voluntarily dropping out). lSo many side-tangents that had nothing to do with the story (dare I say "filler"?; so much ignorance on Jeremy's part - has he REALLY learned nothing over all these years? So many bad decisions by Jeremy, and his garbled explanation what went on during his Mesmerizing event. Bah!!! Humbug!!!

[William Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A thrilling conclusion to the Sir John Fielding series, this book has it all. Rich characters, wonderful London atmosphere, capable Georgian history, intricate plot, and scary moments. I so wish that another author had taken the reins of this series after Bruce Alexander's death.

[pearl_seeker · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not one of my favorite Sir John Fielding novels. It was SLOW through the first 3/4 of the book. The last quarter was excellent, but it was slow-going until then. I will miss this series' characters.

[Bob · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not quite what I was hoping for after reading an earlier book in the series. Gave up before finishing.

[Marla Elysian · Rating 1 out of 5]

Maybe it's because this story is old as hell, but I couldn't get into it. I didn't care why Sir Fancypants suddenly jumped off a bridge. I gave up after several chapters of not caring.

[Lucy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I listened to an audio version of this book. If I was reading a paper copy I probably would have given up partway through.

[Sherry Powell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such an enjoyable series, sad that it’s over.

[Brenda Haven · Rating 4 out of 5]

As usual a fabulous read in this series. I’m sad to see it end. I have enjoyed every book.

[Karen Jenkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

I haven't yet checked, but I think this may be the last book in this series. If you want a real feel for this period- mid to late 1700s in England- I can't recommend this series highly enough.

[Patricia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Library

[Brett T · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sir John Fielding was a real person, the man who created the first London police force in 1750 with his brother Henry. Although blind, he served as magistrate in London after his brother's death and continued to develop some of the methods modern police forces still use, such as keeping files of criminal records.

Journalist Bruce Alexander Cook, writing as Bruce Alexander, began a series of mysteries featuring the "Blind Beak of Bow Street" and the young orphan he begins to train as an investigator and lawyer, Jeremy Proctor. Blind Justice was published in 1994 and followed by nine other Sir John Fielding mysteries before Cook's death in 2003. Rules of Engagement was partially complete, and Cook's widow Judith Aller and writer John Shannon finished it and used it to finish the series as well, publishing it in 2005.

Lord Lammermoor has leapt to his death from the Westminster Bridge and the coroner has ruled "death by misadventure." But his good friend, the Lord Chief Justice, can't accept the ruling and asks Sir John to investigate, which he and Jeremy do. They find themselves following a shadowy trail through those who follow the science of Anton Mesmer and trying to crack open secrets hidden in the highest levels of English society.

The mystery has Cook's usual ear for period dialogue, careful research and old-world touches such as addressing the reader directly now and again. The resolution following, which is probably the part undertaken by Aller and Shannon, has some of the flair but not the flow of the rest of the novel. But the pair are to be thanked for offering some resolution for the characters rather than leaving them hanging, and they do a better job than many might.

All eleven volumes are delightful reads, full of historical detail, Georgian features, fun characters and twisty mysteries. Rules doesn't sit at the top of the heap, but it is a satisfactory and proper conclusion to the Fielding series which leaves readers in the way it should: Sad the show is over but very very glad they came.

Original available here.

[Joe · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the 11th and final installment in the Sir John Fielding series, the author sadly passed away in 2005. Sir John Fielding was a real-life historical figure in late 18th Century London, a blind magistrate who founded the Bow Street Runners, London’s first organized police force, and makes for an extraordinary protagonist in this author’s hands.

The books are “written” by the fictional character, Jeremy Proctor, a young man who was adopted by Fielding as a boy and an orphan - and among other duties serves as Fielding’s diarist, clerk and occasionally guide. These are great historical mysteries capturing time and place very effectively.

Rules of Engagement begins with the death of a member of the House of Lords, intimately involved with the American Colonies, who inexplicably throws himself off the Westminster Bridge. It appears to be suicide but once Sir John and Jeremy get involved they smell a rat and a full investigation is launched. All of the characters from the previous books get involved leading to a surprising conclusion. Because of these recurring characters I’d suggest reading the earlier books – or at the very least the first in the series, Blind Justice, before picking this one up.

This is a very good book and very good series – particularly if you are a fan of historical mysteries.

[LJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

RULES OF ENGAGEMENT (Amateur Sleuth-London-1700s) – VG
Alexander, Bruce – 11th, and final, book
Putnam, 2005- Hardcover
Sir John Fielding and Jeremy Procter look into the sudden death of Lord Lammermoor, a member of the House of Lords. Lammermoor was walking across Westminster Bridge when he suddenly goes to the edge, and throws himself over in an apparent suicide. Or is it? Questions arise and the pair is interested to learn that Lady Lammermoor is a patron of Dr. Goldworthy, a practitioner of animal magnetism as introduced by Dr. Anton Mesmer.
*** Sadly, Bruce Alexander passed on before the final edit of this book, but his wife aided in its completion. Alexander's writing had an intellect and elegance I have so enjoyed. This is not fast paced suspense and I knew who was behind the death, but that did not diminish my enjoyment. It is a clever puzzle I enjoyed watching unfold, the sense of time and place is exceptional, and I appreciated that there was a resolution of the main characters. I very much enjoyed this book and series, and shall miss Mr. Alexander's lovely writing.

[Michael Mallory · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bruce Alexander (aka Bruce Cook)'s Sir John Fielding mystery series was marvelous while it lasted. "Rules of Engagement" is the final entry in the series, completed from notes after Alexander's death. That shows, too. It's not bad, by any means, but the point of demarcation when a new author takes over is pretty clear. The plot has a British lord dying in mysterious fashion--leaping off a bridge into the Thames after a display of bizarre gesticulations, and dying because he can't swim--and the subsequent investigation as to whether it could have been suicide, foul play, or some other reason. The fact that Joseph Mesmer and his work is introduced early on in the narrative rather diminishes the suspense, but it doesn't ruin the eventual denouement. Things do get a bit melodramatic toward the end (when other hands took over), but the characters remain true and involving, particularly the weakening Fielding and his young acolyte Jeremy Proctor, who in this volume is on the verge of getting married, at the ripe old age of 17. This is not the best book in the Fielding series, but neither is it an unfitting valedictory.

[Spuddie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the final Sir John Fielding historical mystery in which the subject of hypnotism and "Mesmerism" is investigated as a means to murder, when a member of Parliament jumps from Westminster Bridge into the Thames in front of a dozen witnesses, one of them being Annie Oakum, former cook of the Fielding household. It was obvious that the man jumped himself--no one pushed him--and it was known that he could not swim, but why would he jump?

The mystery itself wasn't much of a mystery in this one, but many threads in the personal lives of the characters were tied together as Jeremy (who tells the stories) and Clarissa prepare for their nuptials. The ending was a bit anticlimactic, but due to the author's untimely death, the last few chapters were written by his wife with the help of another author. I shall greatly miss having more adventures of Jeremy and Sir John to read about, but at least I can always go back and visit them when the spirit moves me.

[Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm so sad that this was the last book in the series, but it was a fitting conclusion to a terrific set of books. Alexander had such a fine way of incorporating research seamlessly into his novels. They have a strong 18th century flavor, meshing accurate period detail with a terrific story. A rare gift.

This one centers on a crackling mystery, with Jeremy & Clarissa's engagement and adulthood as "background." Throughout this series, it's been fascinating to watch these two characters grow up. It's also been fascinating to watch as the modern police force and methods of legal procedure are developed. The mixture of fact and fiction here is also compelling. The mystery involves 18th century scientific discoveries, too, including the appearance of mesmerism, which ultimately helps Sir John solve the mystery.

Well done, and highly recommended.

[Sherrill Watson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Considering this was written after the author's death, by his widow and John Shannon, I could have given it five stars but for the predictability.

Sir John, the Blind Beak of Bow Street, in 1775, is visited by the Lord Chief Justice, with an unexplained suicide -- or death. Jeremy, Sir John's young, somewhat rash amanuensis, is a privy to all the information. And he is in love with Clarissa -- that's sweet but inconsequential.

It was NOT clear to me that Sir John was blind until about halfway thru the book; was I distracted? It was clear to me who the villain(s) were from the beginning, but how to catch them?!! How?? Sir John relentlessly pursued the killer / killers (I won't give it away) through the tiny details and happenstances, not at all impatient with Jeremy, who grew somewhat through the process, and friends with the gentlefolk of English society. A good read.

[Tiger · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sad to realize this is the eleventh and final book in the series. In his final case, blind London judge Sir John Fielding, and his trusted sidekick Jeremy Proctor, investigate the supposed suicide of the Fielding's old friend, Lord Francis Lammermoor.
The story line is fabulous as Jeremy is a sort of Watson looking back from near the end of the century writing about his salad days as a clerk sleuthing for his employer and mentor. Sir John and Jeremy remain true to their personalities from previous tales and the mystery of Lord Francis' death is cleverly designed.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the final installment in the Sir John Fielding novel series. Though the author, Bruce Alexander, had passed away prior to its publication, I was pleased that his wife took it upon herself to flush out the novel so that it could be published. I have to say that this is one of the best in the series and I appreciated that we could wind up the story of Jeremy Proctor and Clarissa Roundtree as well as their time with the Fieldings. I almost wish that we could have more time with these characters as I really great cash to them. But of course all things must come to an end.

[Dorothy · Rating 3 out of 5]

After Bruce Alexander's untimely death, his wife and author John Shannon finished getting this book, which was virtually complete, ready for publication. Their additions to the text are generally in parentheses. It is a worthy successor to all the other books in the series, but, very sadly, it is the last. We will never know more of the adventures of the humane blind magistrate and his young assistant Jeremy, now grown to manhood at least by 18th century standards.