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Sir John Fielding #3
Watery Grave
'Blind Justice', the first novel featuring legendary eighteenth-century London judge Sir John Fielding, was one of the most highly acclaimed mystery debuts of 1994. 'Murder in Grub Street', the second novel, was named by The New York Times Book Review as one of the Notable Books of 1995 in crime fiction. Now Fielding returns in his most baffling case yet.
John Fielding was famous not only as co-founder of London's first police force, the Bow Street Runners, but also as a magistrate of keen intellect, fairness and uncommon detective ability. When a crime was committed, he often took it upon himself to solve it. What made this all the more remarkable was that he was blind.
In 'Watery Grave'. accompanied by his "eyes" (and the series' narrator), young Jeremy Proctor, Fielding encounters a case that hits close to home, as a stepson returns from the high seas with tales of typhoons and a captain overboard. Was it an accident, or was it murder? Fielding is asked to investigate, but discovers considerably more than he'd bargained for - including some secrets that might better have been left at the bottom of a watery grave.
Filled with the authentic sights and sounds and atmosphere of the times, and with a supremely colorful and varied cast of characters, 'Watery Grave' is in every way a delight to read.
John Fielding was famous not only as co-founder of London's first police force, the Bow Street Runners, but also as a magistrate of keen intellect, fairness and uncommon detective ability. When a crime was committed, he often took it upon himself to solve it. What made this all the more remarkable was that he was blind.
In 'Watery Grave'. accompanied by his "eyes" (and the series' narrator), young Jeremy Proctor, Fielding encounters a case that hits close to home, as a stepson returns from the high seas with tales of typhoons and a captain overboard. Was it an accident, or was it murder? Fielding is asked to investigate, but discovers considerably more than he'd bargained for - including some secrets that might better have been left at the bottom of a watery grave.
Filled with the authentic sights and sounds and atmosphere of the times, and with a supremely colorful and varied cast of characters, 'Watery Grave' is in every way a delight to read.
305 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published September 24, 1996
8 people are currently reading
457 people want to read
About the author
Bruce Alexander
46 books121 followersPseudonym 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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews
January 13, 2023
The rough justice of the 18th century British navy!
In 1767 off the shore of Cape of Good Hope, the crew of British naval frigate HMS Adventure encountered what, to them, must have seemed the typhoon of the century. At the height of the powerful storm, despite Lieutenant William Landon's futile rescue attempt, Captain Josiah Markham is swept off the poop deck and overboard to his death. Fully seven months later, when the Adventure returns to London, Landon is astonished to find himself accused of murder by acting Captain James Hartsell and facing execution by hanging if he is found guilty at a court martial. When Vice-Admiral Robert Redmond, who happens to be Landon's uncle, is ordered by the British navy to preside over the court martial, he asks his friend of long acquaintance, blind magistrate Sir John Fielding to turn his formidable intellect to the investigation and to help clear his nephew's name. With the assistance of his protégé, a wide-eyed but quickly maturing 14 year old Jeremy Proctor, and his step-son, Thomas Durham, freshly returned from his two year assignment aboard the Adventure, Fielding investigates the alleged murder.
As Fielding, Proctor and Durham search for clues and witnesses in the haunts of the seamen on shore leave from the Adventure - the dimly lit brothels and filthy bars and gaming establishments that dot the seedy docks in the Tower Wharf district along side the Thames - they run into a string of reluctant witnesses, inconsistent stories of the events on the night of the storm, subsequent murders and the tortuous workings of a maritime and naval justice system apparently intent on bringing in a pre-ordained verdict of "guilty" against the accused.
Despite being an easy-reading lightweight historical mystery set in Georgian England, WATERY GRAVE is definitely not a cozy mystery in the style of Agatha Christie or Susan Wittig Albert. A graphic and gritty portrayal of the rough side of 18th century London, WATERY GRAVE will treat its readers to extraordinary characterization and atmospheric embellishment that brings people, time and place to life with a sparkling vitality and a sense of realism that can hardly be rivaled - the slums, the prisons, the docks, pubs, outdoor markets, upstairs, downstairs, courts, gaming houses, bordellos, street walkers, pickpockets, scamps, cut purses and thieves. Despite being a primarily land-locked investigation, the story also provides us with a colourful but up close, down and dirty examination of brutal ship board life for the seamen in the British navy of the day.
And that ending ... what can one say? Entirely unexpected but, frankly, the icing on the cake as far as the depiction of the reality of the day is concerned!
WATERY GRAVE, preceded by BLIND JUSTICE and MURDER IN GRUB STREET is the third entry in Alexander's highly successful Sir John Fielding series. While it does stand alone as a satisfactory mystery, readers will derive the most enjoyment if they dig into the series from the start so they can revel in Alexander's wonderful multi-story character development as well as the mystery. Up next, Person or Persons Unknown.
Highly recommended.
Paul Weiss
In 1767 off the shore of Cape of Good Hope, the crew of British naval frigate HMS Adventure encountered what, to them, must have seemed the typhoon of the century. At the height of the powerful storm, despite Lieutenant William Landon's futile rescue attempt, Captain Josiah Markham is swept off the poop deck and overboard to his death. Fully seven months later, when the Adventure returns to London, Landon is astonished to find himself accused of murder by acting Captain James Hartsell and facing execution by hanging if he is found guilty at a court martial. When Vice-Admiral Robert Redmond, who happens to be Landon's uncle, is ordered by the British navy to preside over the court martial, he asks his friend of long acquaintance, blind magistrate Sir John Fielding to turn his formidable intellect to the investigation and to help clear his nephew's name. With the assistance of his protégé, a wide-eyed but quickly maturing 14 year old Jeremy Proctor, and his step-son, Thomas Durham, freshly returned from his two year assignment aboard the Adventure, Fielding investigates the alleged murder.
As Fielding, Proctor and Durham search for clues and witnesses in the haunts of the seamen on shore leave from the Adventure - the dimly lit brothels and filthy bars and gaming establishments that dot the seedy docks in the Tower Wharf district along side the Thames - they run into a string of reluctant witnesses, inconsistent stories of the events on the night of the storm, subsequent murders and the tortuous workings of a maritime and naval justice system apparently intent on bringing in a pre-ordained verdict of "guilty" against the accused.
Despite being an easy-reading lightweight historical mystery set in Georgian England, WATERY GRAVE is definitely not a cozy mystery in the style of Agatha Christie or Susan Wittig Albert. A graphic and gritty portrayal of the rough side of 18th century London, WATERY GRAVE will treat its readers to extraordinary characterization and atmospheric embellishment that brings people, time and place to life with a sparkling vitality and a sense of realism that can hardly be rivaled - the slums, the prisons, the docks, pubs, outdoor markets, upstairs, downstairs, courts, gaming houses, bordellos, street walkers, pickpockets, scamps, cut purses and thieves. Despite being a primarily land-locked investigation, the story also provides us with a colourful but up close, down and dirty examination of brutal ship board life for the seamen in the British navy of the day.
And that ending ... what can one say? Entirely unexpected but, frankly, the icing on the cake as far as the depiction of the reality of the day is concerned!
WATERY GRAVE, preceded by BLIND JUSTICE and MURDER IN GRUB STREET is the third entry in Alexander's highly successful Sir John Fielding series. While it does stand alone as a satisfactory mystery, readers will derive the most enjoyment if they dig into the series from the start so they can revel in Alexander's wonderful multi-story character development as well as the mystery. Up next, Person or Persons Unknown.
Highly recommended.
Paul Weiss
March 20, 2025
This opens with a Note to the Reader. With that heading, one might suppose it is a preface or introduction that one might skip. In this case, it is a 2-page background on which the novel is based and is provided by the narrator of all of the series, Jeremy Proctor. A couple of years before the novel opens, a Royal Navy ship was in a terrible storm and being knocked about. A man went overboard and drowned. Was it an accident due to the storm or was he pushed? Normally, such an inquiry would be the province of the Royal Navy. But the Admiral in charge of the inquiry is a good friend of Sir John Fielding and asks for his help.
I love this series. John Fielding was a real person, the Magistrate who created the Bow Street Runners, the first constabulary in London. He was also blind. This John Fielding was the half brother of author Henry Fielding and it was through Henry that John, following his becoming blind, turned to the law. The setting of London in the late 1760s feels accurate. The rest is fiction.
In the first in the series, Jeremy Proctor, an orphan, came before Fielding in his role of Magistrate. Fielding saw something in Jeremy, who was found not guilty of theft, and took him in. Jeremy is Sir John Fielding's eyes and legs - he reads his letters, researches the law when necessary, runs errands. The bond between these two is strong - Jeremy is as much a son as such an orphan could be. In this title, Jeremy is just 14, but knows he wants a career in law. As a reader, it's easy to understand how Fielding could feel such - it's hard not to love Jeremy.
I love this series. John Fielding was a real person, the Magistrate who created the Bow Street Runners, the first constabulary in London. He was also blind. This John Fielding was the half brother of author Henry Fielding and it was through Henry that John, following his becoming blind, turned to the law. The setting of London in the late 1760s feels accurate. The rest is fiction.
In the first in the series, Jeremy Proctor, an orphan, came before Fielding in his role of Magistrate. Fielding saw something in Jeremy, who was found not guilty of theft, and took him in. Jeremy is Sir John Fielding's eyes and legs - he reads his letters, researches the law when necessary, runs errands. The bond between these two is strong - Jeremy is as much a son as such an orphan could be. In this title, Jeremy is just 14, but knows he wants a career in law. As a reader, it's easy to understand how Fielding could feel such - it's hard not to love Jeremy.
So then with nothing to do, I went to the books piled against the wall to search out one I had not yet read. Though they numbered near a hundred, this was becoming more and more difficult each time I looked. What should I do when I had read them all?Good writing, good characterization - both of people and setting - and a good plot. What's not to like? I wouldn't normally fill in a 5th star for a traditional mystery, but because this is also good historical fiction, I will relent.
November 21, 2021
As of this book I have now read the entire John Fielding mysteries series, out of order. The characterizations are very fine, the various elements of the mystery well woven, the legalities and complexities of the legal system from the time fascinating, and most of all the events not only ring true but are very engaging.
Jeremy Proctor continues to be a bit of a Mary Sue (everyone likes him, he's stronger than most, smarter than most, more skillful than most, always seems to know what to say etc) but that is countered by his self deprecation as he narrates the story, his level of ignorance and naivete about life, and his well-depicted youth.
This story covers a mystery involving the British Royal Navy which through its later years became such an institution that many horrors committed in its name in order to defend England were overlooked or ignored for the sake of national survival. For England to endure as a small island nation, it had to have a powerful, unquestioned navy, which led to serious abuses and injustices.
Sailors were little more than slaves, the "impress" system was little more than slave raids on the English coasts, captains were virtually above any criticism or judicial reach, and more. And all had reasonable bases: the ships were inevitably undermanned, they were needed to protect the island, captains had to be absolute in their authority while at sea... but bad things were done nevertheless. This book looks at these problems and their reasons with a clear and objective eye, finding much both to love and be troubled by in the Navy.
Oh, and one more thing: it tells the story of how Sir John Fielding lost his eyesight.
Upon re-reading I find that the book doesn't hold up as well as I originally believed, but is still quite fine. There are some errors in how it depicts the Navy (beahvior of officers toward an admiral, a press gang out during peace time as ships are being decommissioned, for example), and the story uses one of my least favorite mystery tropes: the necessary witness that the detective simply doesn't bother to look for or is informed about much later than makes sense, and then due to repeated intervention doesn't get to in time.
But overall, this is a well-written and enjoyable tale, if a bit sad.
Jeremy Proctor continues to be a bit of a Mary Sue (everyone likes him, he's stronger than most, smarter than most, more skillful than most, always seems to know what to say etc) but that is countered by his self deprecation as he narrates the story, his level of ignorance and naivete about life, and his well-depicted youth.
This story covers a mystery involving the British Royal Navy which through its later years became such an institution that many horrors committed in its name in order to defend England were overlooked or ignored for the sake of national survival. For England to endure as a small island nation, it had to have a powerful, unquestioned navy, which led to serious abuses and injustices.
Sailors were little more than slaves, the "impress" system was little more than slave raids on the English coasts, captains were virtually above any criticism or judicial reach, and more. And all had reasonable bases: the ships were inevitably undermanned, they were needed to protect the island, captains had to be absolute in their authority while at sea... but bad things were done nevertheless. This book looks at these problems and their reasons with a clear and objective eye, finding much both to love and be troubled by in the Navy.
Oh, and one more thing: it tells the story of how Sir John Fielding lost his eyesight.
Upon re-reading I find that the book doesn't hold up as well as I originally believed, but is still quite fine. There are some errors in how it depicts the Navy (beahvior of officers toward an admiral, a press gang out during peace time as ships are being decommissioned, for example), and the story uses one of my least favorite mystery tropes: the necessary witness that the detective simply doesn't bother to look for or is informed about much later than makes sense, and then due to repeated intervention doesn't get to in time.
But overall, this is a well-written and enjoyable tale, if a bit sad.
January 25, 2020
This feels more like a historical novel where the main character happens to solve a crime than a 'true' historical mystery. The historical detail is quite extensive (and, if I'm honest when it came to the finer points of the working of the legal system, a bit overwhelming...I just really don't care about that) and more importantly: there wasn't that much of a mystery. Fielding investigates the case of a young man who has been accused of murder by one of his comrades. There's no mystery in the question Did he really do it? because it is quite clear that the reader is supposed to trust Fielding who has faith in the young man. So the next question is Why is the other person accusing him? and that also becomes clear quite quickly. At least to the reader, not so much to Jeremy, the narrator. Though it does make perfect sense that he doesn't understand what is going on. Additionally, there's enough other stuff going on in the plot that Jeremy doesn't constantly wonder what he's missing; and so the reader doesn't have to constantly sigh about his ignorance. But still: not a big mystery.
That leaves the question of if and how they can prove the suspect's innocence and well...that's also not the most thrilling story. Partly because if you boil it down to the essentials, it's not the most original tale and partly because the chapter-titles are like Friends-episodes and are for example called "In which we find our witness and lose him again". Wow. I wonder what will happen here.
Additionally so I'm back to my first point: this is more historical than mystery and I didn't care too much about the historical detail that was gone into. But, glancing over the reviews, it seems that this book is a bit of an outlier in the series, so perhaps I'll give the series another try one day.
That leaves the question of if and how they can prove the suspect's innocence and well...that's also not the most thrilling story. Partly because if you boil it down to the essentials, it's not the most original tale and partly because the chapter-titles are like Friends-episodes and are for example called "In which we find our witness and lose him again". Wow. I wonder what will happen here.
Additionally so I'm back to my first point: this is more historical than mystery and I didn't care too much about the historical detail that was gone into. But, glancing over the reviews, it seems that this book is a bit of an outlier in the series, so perhaps I'll give the series another try one day.
August 27, 2022
4.5 rounded up.
A navy lieutenant is going to be court-martialed for pushing his captain overboard but claims he was trying to grab him and keep him aboard. An admiral asks Sir John to help figure out what really happened. He does so, but in the navy his role as magistrate gives him no authority at all. The push and pull between the civil and the military, the ship and the shore, is excellently done. The mystery is compelling and I literally gasped multiple times as the action unfolded. Jeremy continues to be a fascinating narrator, both observant and naive. All in all a terrific read.
A navy lieutenant is going to be court-martialed for pushing his captain overboard but claims he was trying to grab him and keep him aboard. An admiral asks Sir John to help figure out what really happened. He does so, but in the navy his role as magistrate gives him no authority at all. The push and pull between the civil and the military, the ship and the shore, is excellently done. The mystery is compelling and I literally gasped multiple times as the action unfolded. Jeremy continues to be a fascinating narrator, both observant and naive. All in all a terrific read.
July 16, 2021
Best of the series (so far). On to the next book!
April 18, 2019
Ratings (1 to 5)
Writing: 4
Story: 4
Characters: 4
Emotional impact: 3
Overall rating: 3.75
Writing: 4
Story: 4
Characters: 4
Emotional impact: 3
Overall rating: 3.75
July 17, 2013
The blind Sir John Fielding has his assistant young Jeremy Protor to assist him in his investigations into various crimes and in this, the third novel in the Fielding series, he is asked to investigate the death of a ship's captain while on the high seas.
The captain was constantly ill, and regularly drinking and was therefore confined to his cabin. Another member of the crew took on the role of acting captain and it was he who made the accusation that another crew member had pushed the captain overboard while the ship was in the eye of a storm. But it took him until the ship was very nearly docking in London to make the accusation and that was almost a year after the incident took place.
Sir John Fielding was therefore recruited to find out the truth. He makes his way round eighteenth-century London, admirably described by the author, ably assisted by young Proctor. But, sometimes hindered by the naval personnel who recruited him, what he discovers is something of a surprise and leads him into all sorts of highways, byways and intrigues.
The officer accused of the crime is jailed but Fielding visits him and hears his story; there is a trial and the offender is sentenced. However, Fielding is not convinced by the verdict so he continues to search out evidence. And something most surprising is uncovered as more evidence comes out ... however, is it too late to save the officer accused? And what would then happen to the acting captain?
'Watery Grave' is a novel with a twist and the action is always swift and constant, making it a most enjoyable read.
The captain was constantly ill, and regularly drinking and was therefore confined to his cabin. Another member of the crew took on the role of acting captain and it was he who made the accusation that another crew member had pushed the captain overboard while the ship was in the eye of a storm. But it took him until the ship was very nearly docking in London to make the accusation and that was almost a year after the incident took place.
Sir John Fielding was therefore recruited to find out the truth. He makes his way round eighteenth-century London, admirably described by the author, ably assisted by young Proctor. But, sometimes hindered by the naval personnel who recruited him, what he discovers is something of a surprise and leads him into all sorts of highways, byways and intrigues.
The officer accused of the crime is jailed but Fielding visits him and hears his story; there is a trial and the offender is sentenced. However, Fielding is not convinced by the verdict so he continues to search out evidence. And something most surprising is uncovered as more evidence comes out ... however, is it too late to save the officer accused? And what would then happen to the acting captain?
'Watery Grave' is a novel with a twist and the action is always swift and constant, making it a most enjoyable read.
May 26, 2013
Beware of uber-spoilers about the ending:
January 29, 2011
Did he fall or was he pushed? From the deck of the H. M. S. Adventure in a heavy storm in 1769, that is. Sir John Fielding’s interest in this case began when the ship returned to London carrying Sir John’s stepson, Tom Durham, a crew member. The unfortunate death was that of the captain of the ship which occurred earlier in the voyage, but Lt. Landon wasn’t charged with the crime until the ship returned to London. Fielding a blind magistrate, is asked by Admiral Robert Redmond to help with the case, which gets very involved with Admiralty law vs. British law. As usual, Jeremy, Fielding’s “eyes” plays a large part in the story. In the end, preserving an image becomes more important than justice. I’ve enjoyed his other books more than this.
August 19, 2019
Great book. Mysteries and investigations by a blind judge and his adoptive young boy in the 18th century in London. I liked the story mixed with the fact of History. (My second book of "Sir John" serie)
January 15, 2016
Much better plot than #2. Decent plot twist and good new characters. Not an amazing book, but a good decent read.
April 3, 2024
I love these Sir John Fielding mysteries. My daughter gave me this one, the 3rd in the series. In real life Sir John was a trusted and fair magistrate. Though blind, he had great intuition and learned to use his handicap to an advantage. Foul dealings occur on the HMS Advantage and an innocent man is charged with the murder of the captain of the ship. As witnesses go missing, the noose around Lieutenant Landon's neck gets tighter. His uncle is a naval Rear Admiral, but his help with the case is a little less than helpful. Sir John and his sidekick, the witty and fun young Jeremy Proctor, are on the case. Like the author's first two books in the series, they are hard to put down.
I give this book a four only based on the fact that the ending was not what I wanted. I have recommended his books to my friends, and they have enjoyed them as well.
I give this book a four only based on the fact that the ending was not what I wanted. I have recommended his books to my friends, and they have enjoyed them as well.
December 12, 2019
This was about loyalty and justice. The Acting Captain of the HMS Adventure lodged a belated court martial inquiry against his First Officer, a well~loved and well~respected man specially by the ordinary sailors aboard the Adventure, unlike the Acting Captain. And although the Acting Captain was promoted to Captain... in the end, he still hanged with the one he accused. Sir John and Jeremy wanted justice done for the accused but the Royal Navy or those of the highest echelon who represent the institution have a different agenda ~ to protect the reputation of the Royal Navy at the expense of the accused whose life must be sacrificed... and since the court martial was a naval concern and Sir John's role was to advise his Rear Admiral friend but given what he and Jeremy already know about the case, Sir John arranged things in such a way that the culprits would be made to commit a crime in London to be under his jurisdiction... a masterful maneuver in his battle against this particular crime and a sop to appease his great disappointment of the institution he once served and while in service to it, he lost his sight.
May 12, 2020
As with other Bruce Alexander novels I thoroughly enjoyed this one.
It was fun to read,coming from a family with a naval history, I especially enjoyed the nautical theme.
I am normally a fast reader,however Mr Alexander using the dialog of the period,I have to discipline myself to slow down and see each word,it is worth it!
The way Jeremy occasionally addresses the reader makes one feel as if he is there talking to you in person.
A great adventure story,a few chuckles,great historical characters as well as an easily imagined mid 18th century London setting.Doesn't get much better than this.
It was fun to read,coming from a family with a naval history, I especially enjoyed the nautical theme.
I am normally a fast reader,however Mr Alexander using the dialog of the period,I have to discipline myself to slow down and see each word,it is worth it!
The way Jeremy occasionally addresses the reader makes one feel as if he is there talking to you in person.
A great adventure story,a few chuckles,great historical characters as well as an easily imagined mid 18th century London setting.Doesn't get much better than this.
March 15, 2021
This tale of murder(s) and deceit by Alexander is well-written as usual. It is disappointing, however realistic, that an innocent man had to be sacrificed. (The whole story is quite reminiscent of Melville's Billy Budd.) The twists and unexpected occurrences were worthy of Alexander, They built suitable tension. Alexander uses this platform to point to abuses in power and lofty organizations in order to perpetuate the myth of their infallibility. Disgusting, yes, but true to life, and unfortunately still at play in today's world. Protecting vice in the guise of protecting something far worthier, shows the shallowness in the alleged worth.
July 3, 2021
A really good historical novel, with insights into the British navy and justice system and very realistic discussions of what it's like to be a teenager in a violent time. The women in the book are nearly one-dimensional (hooker turned cook with a heart of gold, maternal lady), and while the attitudes toward male homosexuality are as liberal as they can be for the time and place, they still strike me as repulsive. The non-sexual relations between men in this book are first rate, and the twists and turns on the way to seeking justice for an unfairly accused man kept me reading all day to find out what would happen next.
October 9, 2023
H.M.S. Adventure docks in London with one of the Lieutenants under cabin arrest accused of killing the ship's captain. Vice-Admiral Sir Robert Redmond sees out Sir John Fielding for help in preparing for the court martial as Redmond has Navy experience but not legal experience. The case becomes more convoluted as the investigation proceeds. It is with Jeremy's help that Sir John determines guilt/innocence but it is Redmond who actually preside. Will Redmond take Sir John's advice?
Very good but a step down somehow from the first two, but I can't figure out why I feel that way. Still, an excellent series that I will continue reading.
Very good but a step down somehow from the first two, but I can't figure out why I feel that way. Still, an excellent series that I will continue reading.
August 4, 2025
I’m reading these out of order based because these books are hard for me to find. First one was book 7 at a library sale. This is my second book. I was disappointed with the ending but was to be expected. This is a harsh and unforgiving world they live in so no one should expect kittens, ribbons, cupcakes, and sunshine. It’s gritty, disappointing, and grey. The Royal Navy is absolute trash and is represented well from a historical standpoint. Overall a good story but not fluffy and warm.
June 23, 2019
Another interesting perspective on the mid-18th century. I enjoy the way the author inserts details about the period; in this novel, about the original intent of the "riot act". This is a sadder plot than usual, dealing with corruption in the 18th C. Royal Navy and the meaning of loyalty to an oppressive system.
May 30, 2017
The tird Sir John Fielding book deals with the special case of the British Navy and the lengths taken to make sure the Navy's public face eas not besmirched. A harder read because of the injustice done is so disappointing, but still a book I enjoyed.
August 2, 2019
Another excellent tale of Sir John Fielding, a blind magistrate in 1760’s London. This one involves murder and the Royal Navy. The characters and description of London at the time draw the reader immediately into life at that time. 4 1/2 stars
May 7, 2020
Interesting slice of time and place. Don't expect a happy Hollywood ending. This is harsh indictment of British naval "justice" at the time and of the secrets and failings of those with rank and privilege.
August 4, 2020
A murder and scandal in the Royal Navy create confusion and concern for Sir John Fielding and Jeremy in this third installment of the historical mysteries. As with any historical novel, there is always something to learn and I read about the origins of "reading the riot act". Always a good read.
March 12, 2022
Always good to have my horror of press gangs reaffirmed. I do think that there should have been another discussion in editing of what language to include; historical accuracy can be a consideration but you should also consider modern readers.
June 21, 2020
This was my favorite so far, and I've only one more to read in order to finish the series.
March 13, 2021
Love Sur John
April 5, 2021
it was ok.
May 13, 2021
Sir John Fielding faces a challenge when he goes head to head with naval powers. Although he can't save a innocent, he makes sure the guilty also hang.
November 22, 2023
Enjoyable read. Love the description of 18th century England. Engaging characters and mystery.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews