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Thomas Chaloner #8
Death in St James's Park
Five years after Charles II’s triumphant return to London, there is growing mistrust of his extravagant Court and corruption among his officials.
Adding to the beleaguered monarch’s troubles are rumours of an invasion by the Dutch, the sudden appearance of his mistress’s husband, and the ever-present threats of plots either to restore the Commonwealth or to bring back a Catholic ruler. All are gleefully discussed in the coffee houses, and fill them with more steam and stench that rises from their kitchens.
When a cart laden with gunpowder explodes outside the General Letter Office, it is immediately clear that such an act is more than an expression of outrage at the inefficiency of the postal service. As intelligencer to the Lord Chancellor, Thomas Chaloner cannot understand why a man of known incompetence is put in charge of investigating the attack, while he is diverted to make enquiries about the poisoning of birds in St James’s Park. He becomes even more suspicious of his employer’s motives when he discovers that the witnesses he needs to interview had close links to the General Letter Office, where activities are more firmly centred on intercepting people’s mail than delivering it.
Then human rather than avian victims are poisoned, and Chaloner knows he has to ignore his master’s instructions and use his own considerable wits to defeat an enemy whose deadly tentacles reach into the very heart of government: an enemy who has the power and expertise to destroy anyone who stands in the way…
Adding to the beleaguered monarch’s troubles are rumours of an invasion by the Dutch, the sudden appearance of his mistress’s husband, and the ever-present threats of plots either to restore the Commonwealth or to bring back a Catholic ruler. All are gleefully discussed in the coffee houses, and fill them with more steam and stench that rises from their kitchens.
When a cart laden with gunpowder explodes outside the General Letter Office, it is immediately clear that such an act is more than an expression of outrage at the inefficiency of the postal service. As intelligencer to the Lord Chancellor, Thomas Chaloner cannot understand why a man of known incompetence is put in charge of investigating the attack, while he is diverted to make enquiries about the poisoning of birds in St James’s Park. He becomes even more suspicious of his employer’s motives when he discovers that the witnesses he needs to interview had close links to the General Letter Office, where activities are more firmly centred on intercepting people’s mail than delivering it.
Then human rather than avian victims are poisoned, and Chaloner knows he has to ignore his master’s instructions and use his own considerable wits to defeat an enemy whose deadly tentacles reach into the very heart of government: an enemy who has the power and expertise to destroy anyone who stands in the way…
448 pages, Hardcover
First published January 17, 2013
14 people are currently reading
284 people want to read
About the author
Susanna Gregory
87 books433 followersSusanna Gregory is the pseudonym of Elizabeth Cruwys, a Cambridge academic who was previously a coroner's officer. She is married to author Beau Riffenburgh who is her co-author on the Simon Beaufort books.
AKA Simon Beaufort
She writes detective fiction, and is noted for her series of mediaeval mysteries featuring Matthew Bartholomew, a teacher of medicine and investigator of murders in 14th-century Cambridge.
These books may have some aspects in common with the Ellis Peters Cadfael series, the mediaeval adventures of a highly intelligent Benedictine monk and herbalist who came to the Benedictine order late in an eventful life, bringing with him considerable secular experience and wisdom combined with a deal of native wit. This sets him apart from his comparatively innocent and naíve monastic brethren. His activities, both as a monk and a healer, embroil him in a series of mysterious crimes, both secular and monastic, and he enthusiastically assumes the rôle of an amateur sleuth. Sceptical of superstition, he is somewhat ahead of his time, and much accurate historical detail is woven into the adventures. But there any resemblance to the comparatively warm-hearted Cadfael series ends: the tone and subject matter of the Gregory novels is far darker and does not shrink from portraying the harsh realities of life in the Middle Ages. The first in the series, A Plague on Both Your Houses is set against the ravages of the Black Death and subsequent novels take much of their subject matter from the attempts of society to recover from this disaster.
These novels bear the marks of much detailed research into mediaeval conditions - many of the supporting characters have names taken from the documentation of the time, referenced at the end of each book - and bring vividly to life the all-pervading squalor of living conditions in England during the Middle Ages. The deep-rooted and pervasive practice of traditional leechcraft as it contrasts with the dawning science of evidence-based medicine is a common bone of contention between Matthew and the students he teaches at Michaelhouse College (now part of Trinity College, Cambridge), whilst the conflict between the students of Cambridge and the townsfolk continually threatens to escalate into violence.
Another series of books, set just after the Restoration of Charles II and featuring Thomas Chaloner, detective and former spy, began with A Conspiracy of Violence published in January 2006, and continues with The Body in the Thames, published in hardback edition January 2011.
AKA Simon Beaufort
She writes detective fiction, and is noted for her series of mediaeval mysteries featuring Matthew Bartholomew, a teacher of medicine and investigator of murders in 14th-century Cambridge.
These books may have some aspects in common with the Ellis Peters Cadfael series, the mediaeval adventures of a highly intelligent Benedictine monk and herbalist who came to the Benedictine order late in an eventful life, bringing with him considerable secular experience and wisdom combined with a deal of native wit. This sets him apart from his comparatively innocent and naíve monastic brethren. His activities, both as a monk and a healer, embroil him in a series of mysterious crimes, both secular and monastic, and he enthusiastically assumes the rôle of an amateur sleuth. Sceptical of superstition, he is somewhat ahead of his time, and much accurate historical detail is woven into the adventures. But there any resemblance to the comparatively warm-hearted Cadfael series ends: the tone and subject matter of the Gregory novels is far darker and does not shrink from portraying the harsh realities of life in the Middle Ages. The first in the series, A Plague on Both Your Houses is set against the ravages of the Black Death and subsequent novels take much of their subject matter from the attempts of society to recover from this disaster.
These novels bear the marks of much detailed research into mediaeval conditions - many of the supporting characters have names taken from the documentation of the time, referenced at the end of each book - and bring vividly to life the all-pervading squalor of living conditions in England during the Middle Ages. The deep-rooted and pervasive practice of traditional leechcraft as it contrasts with the dawning science of evidence-based medicine is a common bone of contention between Matthew and the students he teaches at Michaelhouse College (now part of Trinity College, Cambridge), whilst the conflict between the students of Cambridge and the townsfolk continually threatens to escalate into violence.
Another series of books, set just after the Restoration of Charles II and featuring Thomas Chaloner, detective and former spy, began with A Conspiracy of Violence published in January 2006, and continues with The Body in the Thames, published in hardback edition January 2011.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
November 9, 2021
Should Read as 4.5 Stars!**
Read this book in 2013, and its the 8th volume of the marvellous "Thomas Chaloner" series.
This tale is set in January, in the year AD 1665, and Thomas Chaloner finds himself as an investigator about the poisoning of birds in the King's aviary in St James's Park.
For Thomas Chaloner it's more important to know about the gunpowder explosion outside the General Letter Office, and what is the motive behind this action.
He becomes suspicious when he discovers that witnesses he needs to speak to have close links to the General Letter Office, and to find out that these people's activities are centred on actions of intercepting people's mail rather than delivering it.
When certain individuals are poisoned, instead of birds, Thomas Chaloner has to use his wits to overcome a dangerous foe who has deadly tentacles deep within the very heart of Government.
What is to follow is a thrilling mystery, in which Thomas Chaloner by using his cunning will after a superbly executed plot be able to identify to culprit, a man who has the power and expertise to destroy anyone who stands in his way, and to succeed in the end he has to reveal and catch this person behind these actions, and so save London from further mayhem and murder.
Highly recommended, for this is another splendid addition to this great series, and that's why I like to call this episode: "An Excellent St James's Park Mystery"!
Read this book in 2013, and its the 8th volume of the marvellous "Thomas Chaloner" series.
This tale is set in January, in the year AD 1665, and Thomas Chaloner finds himself as an investigator about the poisoning of birds in the King's aviary in St James's Park.
For Thomas Chaloner it's more important to know about the gunpowder explosion outside the General Letter Office, and what is the motive behind this action.
He becomes suspicious when he discovers that witnesses he needs to speak to have close links to the General Letter Office, and to find out that these people's activities are centred on actions of intercepting people's mail rather than delivering it.
When certain individuals are poisoned, instead of birds, Thomas Chaloner has to use his wits to overcome a dangerous foe who has deadly tentacles deep within the very heart of Government.
What is to follow is a thrilling mystery, in which Thomas Chaloner by using his cunning will after a superbly executed plot be able to identify to culprit, a man who has the power and expertise to destroy anyone who stands in his way, and to succeed in the end he has to reveal and catch this person behind these actions, and so save London from further mayhem and murder.
Highly recommended, for this is another splendid addition to this great series, and that's why I like to call this episode: "An Excellent St James's Park Mystery"!
December 19, 2013
Set in Restoration London, Tom Chaloner, ex Roundhead, now spy for the Earl of Clarendon, finds himself sidelined by an incompetent rival, Gery and demoted to a seemingly mundane investigation of the systematic poisoning of the Royal fowl in St James Park. However his enquiries seem to always take him to plotting and corruption at the Post Office, an affair which by the order of Clarendon is the responsibility of Gery his bitter rival. Disturbed by Clarendon's strange mood and his loss of favour, Chaloner defies his master hoping to prevent him being blamed for any wrongdoing at the Post Office and to avert the seditious plot involving a supposedly dead Republican pamphleteer and other shady rebellious individuals. Our hero Thomas, as usual saves the day on more than one occasion, rescuing a crowd from annihilation in an explosion outside the Post Office and otherwise risking his neck in a series of escapades that almost defy belief. As expected from Susanna Gregory, we get a skillful, multi layered plot but not enough about Thomas's personal life and surely it's time he had some good fortune to enliven his dreary existence and reward his integrity and faithful service to his master, Clarendon. My hopes aren't high however, as poor old Thomas sails away to Russia in the final chapter having been sent on a seemingly straightforward mission by Clarendon, but unbeknown to him the victim of a potentially fatal subterfuge. Still a big fan of this series, despite minor reservations and really looking forward to the next book so we can discover how Tom wriggles out of his predicament, if of course he does!
November 27, 2013
The deaths in St. James's Park were of some of the royal fowl, ducks swans, etc. who were poisoned by some dastardly villains.
The central character in this story which takes place mostly in January 1665 is the fictional Thomas Chaloner, who is supposed to be a master spy. He has a lot of trouble in this tale in which most of the other characters are real people like Edward Hyde, Earl of Clarendon and Lord Chancellor of England. Chaloner was working directly for Hyde who was more of a hindrance than a help for him.
Hyde is most famous for being the grandfather of two Queens of England, Mary II and Anne, whose parents were King James II and Anne Hyde.
Anothe main character is Roger Palmer, Earl of Castlemaine, whose wife Barbara Villiers was the principal mistress of King Charles II for quite a while, having four children by him.
The Monarchy in the form of King Charles II was restored in 1660, but there was still a lot of animosity between his supporters, the Royalists or Cavaliers and those who were opposed to him, the Roundheads or Parliamentarians. So a lot of plotting and rumors of plots were going on.
Chaloner is constantly mistaking friends for enemies and enemies from friends, but eventually stumbles on the the main elements of a conspiracy which centered on employees of the London Post office.
Lots of characters here and lots of misdirection. No wonder Chaloner was confused.
The central character in this story which takes place mostly in January 1665 is the fictional Thomas Chaloner, who is supposed to be a master spy. He has a lot of trouble in this tale in which most of the other characters are real people like Edward Hyde, Earl of Clarendon and Lord Chancellor of England. Chaloner was working directly for Hyde who was more of a hindrance than a help for him.
Hyde is most famous for being the grandfather of two Queens of England, Mary II and Anne, whose parents were King James II and Anne Hyde.
Anothe main character is Roger Palmer, Earl of Castlemaine, whose wife Barbara Villiers was the principal mistress of King Charles II for quite a while, having four children by him.
The Monarchy in the form of King Charles II was restored in 1660, but there was still a lot of animosity between his supporters, the Royalists or Cavaliers and those who were opposed to him, the Roundheads or Parliamentarians. So a lot of plotting and rumors of plots were going on.
Chaloner is constantly mistaking friends for enemies and enemies from friends, but eventually stumbles on the the main elements of a conspiracy which centered on employees of the London Post office.
Lots of characters here and lots of misdirection. No wonder Chaloner was confused.
June 6, 2014
This is a wonderful series set in Restoration London. The Thomas Chaloner series is an excellent one. For those who love high intensity espionage with likeable and believable characters set in a historical setting that is no wonderfully depicted, and one with actual historical figures taking part in the action, this is the series for you. In this book Thomas is tasked by his Earl to find out who is poisoning King Charles II birds who are housed in St. Jame's Park. What starts out as a seemingly simple investigation turns into wild tear across London while Thomas's leads more and more deadly and threatening occurrences. Soon it is apparent that the birds are only a small part of a much more sinister plot and bodies appear to be piling up all over the place. Thomas puts his life at risk more than once while he tries to stop the plotting and killing. The action in this book takes place over a very hectic two weeks right in the midst of a January cold snap. The year is 1665 and Londoners are disgruntled and unhappy with the state of their city. Ms. Gregory sets a very tense pace and there is a lot of action within this two week period. Poor Thomas is at his wits end trying to find out what is really going on, and he finds himself utterly alone as he doesn't know who to trust, and his best ally ,who is old boss under the parliamentary regime, seems to be cutting himself off from him. This is an excellent series for history buffs and for lovers of espionage tales.
May 13, 2013
Another complex mystery featuring the somewhat inept "spy" Thomas Chaloner. Set in the mid-seventeenth century Restoration period, when a spy was, as in this case, an investigator of crimes as well as involved in espionage.
Don't get me wrong, these are entertaining books with very complicated plots, but our hero is not exactly Hercules Poirot. But, as always, he, eventually, gets to the right answer. Fun.
Don't get me wrong, these are entertaining books with very complicated plots, but our hero is not exactly Hercules Poirot. But, as always, he, eventually, gets to the right answer. Fun.
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September 26, 20213.5 Star
I thoroughly enjoyed reading Chaloner’s stories.
Very well researched and plotted albeit a little long-winded in the developments; am vexed reading the Epilogue though…
Love the Historical Note at the end.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading Chaloner’s stories.
Very well researched and plotted albeit a little long-winded in the developments; am vexed reading the Epilogue though…
Love the Historical Note at the end.
September 15, 2013
Fabulous as always but it's my kind of read :)
September 27, 2025
There is no denying Gregory has a great writing style with a great command of language and sense of pace that keeps the reader turning the page. I hovered for some time between giving the book a 3* or 4* rating, but there are too many difficulties that hold up a smooth reading of a fast moving and complicated plot.
The first is the sheer number of characters. In addition, each one is sometimes referred to by name and at others by their title, rank, role or nickname. It requires constantly having to check back to a previous reference especially in the first third of the novel. I do appreciate that Gregory takes real historical characters which explains the vast number – but it doesn’t make for easy reading. A character list at the start might help.
The plot is highly involved and complex – which is great – but there is no let-up in the breakneck speed and tension leaving the reader exhausted.
Most frustrating of all is the ending. Or perhaps more accurately the great question which remains unanswered. I even read the start of the next book in the series only for the whole issue to be glossed over. It left me totally frustrated. Leaving the reader a hook to make them read the next book in the series is one thing but a good book is one that leaves the reader with a satisfying ending.
The first is the sheer number of characters. In addition, each one is sometimes referred to by name and at others by their title, rank, role or nickname. It requires constantly having to check back to a previous reference especially in the first third of the novel. I do appreciate that Gregory takes real historical characters which explains the vast number – but it doesn’t make for easy reading. A character list at the start might help.
The plot is highly involved and complex – which is great – but there is no let-up in the breakneck speed and tension leaving the reader exhausted.
Most frustrating of all is the ending. Or perhaps more accurately the great question which remains unanswered. I even read the start of the next book in the series only for the whole issue to be glossed over. It left me totally frustrated. Leaving the reader a hook to make them read the next book in the series is one thing but a good book is one that leaves the reader with a satisfying ending.
December 5, 2019
This is the 8th book in the Thomas Chaloner series. Chaloner is tasked with the investigation into the poisonings of the royal birds in St James’ Park. All his investigations seem to lead him to the postal service, in which the Earl of Clarendon has specifically ordered him to stay away from, having employed another man, and one of Chaloner’s enemies, Gery, to investigate. The more leads that he follows regarding the royal birds, the more apparent it becomes that there’s something serious afoot within the post house. He has several run ins with Gery and his men, and the Earl warns Thomas that if he doesn’t stay away from the post house, then he will lose his position as chief intelligencer. He decides to follow up on the post house secretly, with the help of John Thurloe, and also by sharing information with spymaster Williamson, who is running his own inquiry into the postal service. There are so many levels to the plot within the post house, and chaloner realises that there are two separate plots afoot. The first involves fraud and theft. The second is more sinister. There’s a treasonous plot progressing. It involves a previously thought dead Roundhead soldier, John Fry, from the civil war. He is apparently sending out seditious letters and pamphlets to the city’s apprentices which speak against the king and his licentious court, inciting rebellion, and a plot to burn London to the ground, and return England to a republic. Thomas knows that time is of the essence, and he must get to the bottom of the plots, before irreversible damage is done to both his Earl, and to England.
October 12, 2019
Not bad...
I don't often read historical detective stories before the 20th Century, but this one, set in Restoration times, was enjoyable. Thomas Chaloner is an attractive central character, easy for the reader to relate to. However I found the sheer number of characters very confusing, and it might have helped if this book, #8 in the series, hadn't been the first I'd read.
I recognise that Susanna Gregory is good at this, but the effort involved in catching up with books 1-7 simply isn't worth it to continue with book 9. TIP: Read the books in order.
I don't often read historical detective stories before the 20th Century, but this one, set in Restoration times, was enjoyable. Thomas Chaloner is an attractive central character, easy for the reader to relate to. However I found the sheer number of characters very confusing, and it might have helped if this book, #8 in the series, hadn't been the first I'd read.
I recognise that Susanna Gregory is good at this, but the effort involved in catching up with books 1-7 simply isn't worth it to continue with book 9. TIP: Read the books in order.
March 9, 2025
1660’s restoration era mystery involves London’s General Letter Office officials and clerks, a lord chancellor, and few spies and instigators with fake and real intelligence. In a time of mistrust, poverty, and unrest this story is rich with facts which define the lively historical fiction. The complicated tale, expresses many voices, deeds and leading characters for readers to scrutinize. Readers will be fully occupied looking for truth and uncovering worst crimes, falsehoods and conflicts of interest.
October 2, 2025
this story was too long, too convoluted with too many characters. for most of the time I had no idea what was going on and could not refer back to pages on the kindle. it was essentially a good storyline and well written, well developed characters but you could not see the wood for the trees - even after the London and detailed explanation in the epilogue I still was confused. even the title is non-reflective of the storyline being 1 of dozens of deaths - unless it refers to dead ducks in St James Park. would benefit from a good edit
August 13, 2022
really interesting i don't usually read books like this but this one was surprising good might consider buying more of these types of books or more by this author definietyl something i would recommend. took some getting into thought.
September 24, 2018
Repetitive but still interesting
February 17, 2021
Kept me guessing until the end.
January 13, 2025
I began reading the Chaloner series after I finished the Matthew Bartholemew series. I was so disappointed that the Bartholemew series ended. It has taken me a while to warm to the Chaloner books.
I enjoyed this book very much and feel that it is the best in the series to date. The plot was not overly complicated although, Thomas makes quite a few missteps along the way.
I enjoyed this book very much and feel that it is the best in the series to date. The plot was not overly complicated although, Thomas makes quite a few missteps along the way.
November 17, 2014
Susanna Gregory 2013 Death In St James's Park
This is the 8th book in the Thomas Chaloner series that takes place in the 1600s London. She also writes the Matthew Bartholomew series in medieval Cambridge (I adore the series for the titles alone, e.g. A Plague on both your Houses). Interestingly she was a Leeds police officer before changing careers to become an environmental consultant with field work in polar regions (seals, whales, walruses). As an academic she also taught comparative anatomy and biological anthropology. She has a vivid eye for detail and a strong research bent, which makes for great (but perhaps dense) historical mysteries. Aka Elizabeth Cruwys (Cambridge academic) and aka Simon Beaufort (Author).
Thomas Chaloner is "spy to Earl of Clarendon or intelligencer to The Lord Chancellor" (and given the title of gentleman usher as his disguise). It is 1665 and an explosion at the General Letter Office (PO!) leads to an enquiry. Thomas is something of an inept spy and leads a rather dreary existence, but then Gregory accurately portrays the harsh realities of everyday life. He's already sent off to Russia on his next assignment at the end of this book. Most of her characters are real people doing their "jobs" which makes for fascinating reading. You'll be glad of central heating.
4 stars for excellent historical drama.
Read on to CJ Sansom Shardlake series.
Noted similarities to Cadfael, by Ellis Peters/Ellis Pargeter
I prefer the Mistress of the Art of Death series (Diana Norman, Ariana Franklin) and wait for it!!!! Norman's daughter has continued the series!
This is the 8th book in the Thomas Chaloner series that takes place in the 1600s London. She also writes the Matthew Bartholomew series in medieval Cambridge (I adore the series for the titles alone, e.g. A Plague on both your Houses). Interestingly she was a Leeds police officer before changing careers to become an environmental consultant with field work in polar regions (seals, whales, walruses). As an academic she also taught comparative anatomy and biological anthropology. She has a vivid eye for detail and a strong research bent, which makes for great (but perhaps dense) historical mysteries. Aka Elizabeth Cruwys (Cambridge academic) and aka Simon Beaufort (Author).
Thomas Chaloner is "spy to Earl of Clarendon or intelligencer to The Lord Chancellor" (and given the title of gentleman usher as his disguise). It is 1665 and an explosion at the General Letter Office (PO!) leads to an enquiry. Thomas is something of an inept spy and leads a rather dreary existence, but then Gregory accurately portrays the harsh realities of everyday life. He's already sent off to Russia on his next assignment at the end of this book. Most of her characters are real people doing their "jobs" which makes for fascinating reading. You'll be glad of central heating.
4 stars for excellent historical drama.
Read on to CJ Sansom Shardlake series.
Noted similarities to Cadfael, by Ellis Peters/Ellis Pargeter
I prefer the Mistress of the Art of Death series (Diana Norman, Ariana Franklin) and wait for it!!!! Norman's daughter has continued the series!
June 27, 2014
Way back in time on this one, London, 1665, Chaloner still working for the Earl, has been upstaged by another, who seems to hold the Earl's favor. This newcomer is working on a serious plot developing in the Post Office, while Charloner is sent to find out who is killing the Kings water fowl in St, James Park, as it turns out Charloner finds they are connected, but the Earl will not listen to him, so he investigates on his own at his own risk. High drama with plots and twists to keep it moving. Another interesting part is the notes at the end of the novel, and the real life people and corruption it was based on. Politics have not changed much in all these years!
August 24, 2014
I wish it weren't necessary to eat, sleep or pee. That's how engrossing this book was. Thank heavens Hannah got sent away for most of it. I feel so bad for Chaloner when she's around pestering him. Still no mention of Leybourne, beginning to wonder if he's just been dropped from the series. Huge cliffhanger at the end! I think I'm just going to have to start book 9 immediately because it's really bugging me. Clarendon sends Chaloner to Russia at the end of this one. I wish the author would write about his foreign missions for the Earl in addition to his adventures in London. Lots of potential there, I think.
March 30, 2015
Published: 01/12/2013
Author: Susanna Gregory
Recommended for: fan's of historical fiction
Another great book featuring the great Thomas Chaloner! A fast paced medieval murder mystery book, which keeps the readers attention until the very end and keeps you wondering what will happen next. It is a must read for anybody who enjoys books with lots of history in and books with plenty of espionage. Set in Restoration London, this book doesn't disappoint for people who love mystery books. It starts off as just a simple investigation but soon turns into travelling across London. It has wonderfully likeable characters and historical figures take part in the action.
Author: Susanna Gregory
Recommended for: fan's of historical fiction
Another great book featuring the great Thomas Chaloner! A fast paced medieval murder mystery book, which keeps the readers attention until the very end and keeps you wondering what will happen next. It is a must read for anybody who enjoys books with lots of history in and books with plenty of espionage. Set in Restoration London, this book doesn't disappoint for people who love mystery books. It starts off as just a simple investigation but soon turns into travelling across London. It has wonderfully likeable characters and historical figures take part in the action.
July 5, 2016
Too many characters!! I had to make a list of them in Word just to keep track of "Who's Who". There were at least 31 main characters not counting "recurring characters from earlier books in the series (and I'm sure I missed a few). This author seems to like to created NUMEROUS characters (it's the same in the Matthew Bartholomew series). It would be helpful if she could at least either include a list of characters at the beginning of each book (as is done in the Sister Fidelma series) or have a list on her website.
November 5, 2013
A Thomas Chaloner adventure. Set in 1657, the spy has returned from Sweden and mysteriously finds himself demoted in the Lord Chancellor's household. Set to minor tasks he finds the death of the King's ducks in St James's Park leads him to corruption and intrigue within the Post Office. Historical facts well worked into this crime adventure. Chaloner calls on help from his former spy master Thurloe to get to the bottom of the plot. The suspense is held well to the end. Recommended read.
September 25, 2014
Vaguely enjoyable but I found the dialogue to be stilted and people almost seem to have a form of 'clue diarrhoea' where they seemed to randomly spill gobbets of information in an indiscriminate fashion.
In the end I'd read more if Ms Gregory would learn to create realistic dialogue.
I'm going back to Shardlake for now.
In the end I'd read more if Ms Gregory would learn to create realistic dialogue.
I'm going back to Shardlake for now.
February 10, 2015
This is the first novel featuring Tom Challoner that I have read and I certainly was not disappointed. A lot of research has obviously been done by Susanna Gregory into life in London at the time and also the characters involved. The plot was well thought out and contained numerous twists and turns. I look forward to reading more of her books in the future.
April 26, 2016
Another expertly crafted mystery where Chaloner stumbles through multiple tangled plots and conspiracies, never knowing who to trust and constantly questioning motives. His ability to get out scrapes with almost no scratch is a little unbelievable, but the intertwined political threads that realistically do not get all resolved make this an entertaining read.
August 31, 2016
Have to admit I wasn't overly impressed with this series. Admittedly this was the first one that I'd read, but I didn't really find anything to engage with the character - he was simply the device from which everything developed.
January 9, 2014
I was very disappointed in this book . The plot was not a good as usual and ended very odd.
November 21, 2014
So many moving pieces...I feel like a filter should be applied to get rid of minor characters.
April 30, 2015
very very silly.
October 19, 2016
Not bad, but I found it harder to get into this one. Picked up near the end, but later than expected. It just seemed silly to see Chaloner chasing bird-killers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews