Death and the Arrow: A Gripping Tale of Murder and Revenge

Tom Marlowe Adventures #1

by Chris Priestley

Fifteen-year-old Tom lives in the murky city of London where he helps his father run a print shop. Among the customers is wise old Dr. Harker, a retired physician and seafarer, whose patient demeanor and fascinating tales endear him to Tom. Both Tom and Harker become intrigued by a murder in the city where the victim is pierced by an arrow and left holding an illustrated card of "Death and the Arrow." The mystery deepens after more "Death and the Arrow" victims are discovered, and Tom cannot rest until he has uncovered the truth behind the murders. This atmospheric venture into the 18th-century will fascinate young adult readers.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Mystery, Young Adult, Adventure, Historical, Childrens, Mystery Thriller

230 pages, Paperback

First published February 7, 2003

About the author

His father was in the army and so he moved around a lot as a child and lived in Wales. He was an avid reader of American comics as a child, and when he was eight or nine, and living in Gibraltar, he won a prize in a newspaper story-writing competition. He decided then “that my ambition was to write and illustrate my own book”.
He spent his teens in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, before moving to Manchester, London and then Norfolk. He now lives in Cambridge with his wife and son where he writes, draws, paints, dreams and doodles (not necessarily in that order). Chris worked as an illustrator and cartoonist for twenty years, working mainly for magazines & newspapers (these include The Times, The Guardian, The Independent, The Economist and the Wall Street Journal) before becoming a writer. He currently has a weekly strip cartoon called 'Payne's Grey' in the New Statesman.

Chris has been a published author since 2000. He has written several books for children & young-adults, both fiction and non-fiction, and
has been nominated for many awards including the Edgar Awards, the UKLA Children's Book Award and the Carnegie Medal. In recent years he has predominantly been writing horror.
Ever since he was a teenager Chris has loved unsettling and creepy stories, with fond memories of buying comics like 'Strange Tales' and 'House of Mystery', watching classic BBC TV adaptations of M R James ghost stories every Christmas and reading assorted weirdness by everyone from Edgar Allen Poe to Ray Bradbury. He hopes Uncle Montague's Tales of Terror will haunt his readers in the way those writers have haunted him.

Reviews

[Andrew · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well I have finally corrected that error. After reading and thoroughly enjoying the white rider I thought I ought to read the first Tom Marlowe book and I must admit that I really enjoyed it - it pretty much is in the same style as the White Rider (which is actually the other way around considering this was the first title in the series) with twists and turns and changes in direction - in fact at one point it seemed as if the story had been already told with still 50 pages to go but no it had more to give - so yes the story is aimed at the younger reader but to be honest it didnt feel that way. Okay the descriptions was simpler but to be honest the story didnt suffer for it in fact I think it actually benefited from it.
There is one final book in the series which I also have so i think its time to complete the trilogy and see what more trouble Tom and his friends can get themselves in to - Chris Priestley has an incredible talent for describing quite gruesome events and situations while still keeping the story progressing quickly and without distraction.

[Martine Bailey · Rating 3 out of 5]

An entertaining and light Young Adult romp set in the eighteenth century. A cast of criminals, doctors, a Native American and young street lads, that combines in an old-fashioned yarn about a mysterious bowman striking down victims in an authentic London setting. Enjoyable and well researched and of interest to a younger audience.

[Jai · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ahhhh Revenge! That's the only thing that I can say about this book. I don't want to put spoilers but this book just goes to show you how sh*tty the colonizers were. But revenge, oh bittersweet revenge.

[Connor Craig · Rating 3 out of 5]

When I was reading Death and the Arrow by Chris Priestley, I found it to be an alright book. As
Tom is on this hunt to find the murders occurring around London. Although I did not seem to really like the ending. I thought it just didn't end very good with how Tom found out who was behind a bunch of these foolish things. Overall I just think it was an alright book, and would recommend to people who enjoy some mystery and murder.

[Yami · Rating 3 out of 5]

it has the feeling of the old classics, and reminded me of Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn , the plot in itself is simple no twists or anything.the kind of story told and retold many times, and has nothing new to add, was an okay read, but nothing special about it.

[Kira4Inu Kira4Inu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quite an interesting read, I might say.

[Tyson · Rating 1 out of 5]

Death and the Arrow is a mystery about a murder that takes place in London in the 18th century. This book is by Chris Priestly. I was not impressed with this book, so I will give it a 1 star. Tom Marlow, the main character, works in a print shop with his father. In the beginning of the story, Tom is working in the shop and a rumor goes around that a murder has just taken place. It was said that the victim was pierced by an arrow, and held a card saying Death and the Arrow. Tom later finds out that the victim of the murder was his good friend Will. Will’s death also caused others to be murdered.

I was disappointed with this book because it didn’t interest me very much. It didn’t make me want to keep reading. I like to read books with a lot of action involved but this story barely had any. If this book may have had more intense events or exciting events, I probably would have enjoyed reading this book. This book is probably the first mystery related book I’ve ever read and I don’t think this is the genre for me. I like action packed books and sport related books. If you like books with little to no action then I guess you might like this book. Like I said, this is my first time reading a mystery related book and I probably won’t read another one.

In conclusion, I did not like the book and I will rate it a 1 star. This book had little to no action. I do not recommend others to read this book unless you are obsessed with mysteries. I personally do not like mysteries. I prefer to read books with tons of action or sports books. Read this book to find out who murdered Tom’s friend.

[Laura Guilbault · Rating 3 out of 5]

While at first I found this short book very charming, it lost its appeal for me about halfway in. However, as it was so short I did keep on going, and I’m glad that I did. I loved all of the characters and it was a really nice, feel-good murder mystery. I guess I would call it a “cozy” mystery. Although clearly meant for younger readers, I thoroughly enjoyed it.

[Andrea · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyable historical murder mystery for confident young readers. Evokes the murky atmosphere of 18th century London very well, the main character of Tom is very relatable and there are enough clues to keep you guessing.

[Anna Kļaviņa · Rating 2 out of 5]

2,5

Not the best Priestley' s book but still a good quick read.

[Neve Goldsmith]

Liked it when I was 12/13 ish.

[Justin Greer · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent and immersive tale quite well told. I would read several dozen of these. Very well done.

[Sebastian P · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very easy to read. Fun, quick read

[Derek F · Rating 2 out of 5]

Death and the arrow is a short novel that takes place in the mid-19th century. The main character, a young Tom Marlow, works at his father’s printing shop. He is living a normal teenager’s life, until his attention is caught by a string of irregular murders. The murders are only peculiar until his best friend gets involved. Tom—along with a family friend—take to the streets and get to the bottom of this mystery. When Tom finally meets the man he is looking for, he does the completely unexpected.
I did not enjoy this book very much. It was clearly written for either younger readers or, much less experienced readers. The plot has so much potential to be a bestseller, yet it hopelessly wastes great times of tension. The story also becomes too predictable after a few chapters, not to mention completely unrealistic. Near the end of the book I had lost most of my interest in the story.
“Though the narrative keeps to a frantic pace and each chapter dutifully ends with either a cliffhanger or heated emoting, tension never builds. Instead, these single-note characters seem simply to be put through their paces. Ages 12-up. (May)” –Publisher’s Weekly
I completely agree with this review. The characters never develop throughout the entire book.

[Jordan Taylor · Rating 2 out of 5]

I picked up this historical mystery because I thought that it sounding like an interesting story - about Native Americans in 1715 London.
However, I found little of interest. The story is not only predictable, but it is also messy and hurried through. New plot points are thrown in randomly, not explained well enough, or are simply introduced with no explanation - something that the characters seem to take suspiciously well.
The writing style of this book certainly leaves much to be desired. There are many abrupt advances in the mystery that are comically unrealistic.
The main character, a fifteen year old boy, is strangely weepy and emotional, prone to bursting into tears at small interruptions in plans.

[Kell · Rating 4 out of 5]

*REVIEWED FOR PUBLISHER*

It was books like this one that turned me into a bookworm in the first place! From the very first page, there’s excitement and adventure, engaging characters and a murder-mystery that will keep you guessing till the last page. Chris Priestley is a bold writer who dares to tread where others fear to go, which means we’re treated to a thrilling story that wouldn’t be out of place in any crime collection. This is the perfect book for young readers to explore both historical fiction and daring action-adventure.

[Randy · Rating 1 out of 5]

18th century London is the setting for this mystery. Tom,the son of a printer, gets embroiled in a mystery when his friend is murdered. With e help of Dr. Harder, and others,Tom sets out o find the murderer.

I picked this book up because the combination of historical fiction and mystery sounded good.

I finished it because I don't like to leave a book unfinished.

I will not be recommending this book. The writing was not interesting, the characters quite one dimensional, and the storyline unimaginative.

[Christina Getrost · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very interesting story that takes place in 1715 London. Tom Marlowe tries to solve the murder of his friend Will, a pickpocket. There are rooftop chases, strange mysterious hooded figures lurking in foggy doorways, corpse-stealing doctors, lots of atmosphere and a good mystery with a surprise ending. Plus if you ever wanted to know what 1700's London was like, this book takes you there!

[Tracey Allen at Carpe Librum · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was part of a series known as the Tom Marlowe series, but is a stand alone novel and a great little read. Based in London 1715, it is a medieval 'whodunnit' and was very enjoyable to read.

Similarly to P.C. Doherty, Priestley conjurs up the smell and feel of the city during this period which was what attracted me to read this book.

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book it was a nice quick and fun read.

I liked Tom and Dr Harker and the storyline was fun. Ok admittedly I figured it out quite easily but it was still an enjoyable read and I would read more of the set if I come across them.

3.5 stars rounded up to 4 as a good solid fun easy going read

[Sharon Skinner · Rating 3 out of 5]

A decent story. Good time period setting and details. But the protagonist got a lot of help from adults, which seems to me to be less engaging for young readers than when the young protagonist is more empowered.

[Cheryl · Rating 2 out of 5]

Tom Marlow's friend is Will is killed. Will's death is linked to other mysterious murder of men who are linked by their service in the French and Indian war in the Americas. A quick read for young adults.

[Phair · Rating 1 out of 5]

Disappointing. The overall feel was rather shallow with no real depth of character or setting. The whole thing had a superficial feel to it. Might be suitable for reluctant readers looking for an adventure story but that's as much recommendation as I can give it.

[Danny · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm disappointed. This is the second in the series I've read and I've always loved Chris Preistley but this book is a bit of a let down. The plot twists very suddenly giving a random effect rather than an exciting one.

[Ms. Heres]

London is shaken by a rash of peculiar murders. The bodies are found shot by an arrow and each has a "death and arrow" card on them. When his friend Will is found murdered, Tom is determined to get to the bottom of this mystery. He may even be risking his life to seek this killer.

[Kellie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great mystery book and a tad scary.

[Missy Cahill]

Really really disappointed by this book, nowhere as good as Uncle Montague! Very disappointed!

[Kelly RAley · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very light mystery that was a fun read. I'd definitely read another one. It wasn't super awesome or anything, but it was a perfect book for poolside.

[Tressa · Rating 2 out of 5]

I lost interest in Death and the Arrow and stopped listening to the audiobook.

[Jacob Dickie · Rating 3 out of 5]

i liked how the book met some of my interest to the darker times, like the grim reaper aka death. it met a lot of my expectations of being interesting in many ways.