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Laurence Jago #3
Scarlet Town
A rigged election. A feuding Cornish town. A suspicious death. And a perspicacious pig.
Disgraced former Foreign Office clerk Laurence Jago and his larger-than-life employer the journalist William Philpott have escaped America - and Philpott's many creditors - by the skin of their teeth. They return to Laurence's home town of Helston in Cornwall in the hope of rest and recuperation, but instead find themselves in the middle of a tumultuous election that has the inhabitants of the town at one another's throats.
Only two men may vote in this rotten borough, and when one of them dies in suspicious circumstances, Laurence is ordered to investigate on behalf of the town's political patron, his old master the Duke of Leeds. Then the second elector is poisoned and suspicion turns on the town doctor, the gentle Pythagoras Jago, Laurence's own cousin. Suddenly Laurence finds himself ensnared in generations of bad blood and petty rivalries, with his cousin's fate in his hands...
The new page-turning historical mystery from the author of Black Drop , a 2021 Times Book of the Year. Perfect for readers of Andrew Taylor, Laura Shepherd-Robinson and S.J. Parris.
Disgraced former Foreign Office clerk Laurence Jago and his larger-than-life employer the journalist William Philpott have escaped America - and Philpott's many creditors - by the skin of their teeth. They return to Laurence's home town of Helston in Cornwall in the hope of rest and recuperation, but instead find themselves in the middle of a tumultuous election that has the inhabitants of the town at one another's throats.
Only two men may vote in this rotten borough, and when one of them dies in suspicious circumstances, Laurence is ordered to investigate on behalf of the town's political patron, his old master the Duke of Leeds. Then the second elector is poisoned and suspicion turns on the town doctor, the gentle Pythagoras Jago, Laurence's own cousin. Suddenly Laurence finds himself ensnared in generations of bad blood and petty rivalries, with his cousin's fate in his hands...
The new page-turning historical mystery from the author of Black Drop , a 2021 Times Book of the Year. Perfect for readers of Andrew Taylor, Laura Shepherd-Robinson and S.J. Parris.
384 pages, Paperback
First published October 5, 2023
28 people are currently reading
193 people want to read
About the author
Leonora Nattrass
17 books46 followersLeonora Nattrass studied eighteenth-century literature and politics, and spent ten years lecturing in English and publishing works on William Cobbett. She then moved to Cornwall, where she lives in a seventeenth-century house with seventeenth-century draughts, and spins the fleeces of her traditional Ryeland sheep into yarn. Black Drop is her first novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
October 26, 2023
Scarlet Town is the third book in Leonora Nattrass’s Laurence Jago series set in the final decade of the 18th century. I enjoyed the first two books – Black Drop and Blue Water – and this one is another strong entry in the series.
It’s 1796 and Laurence Jago, accompanied by his friend, the journalist William Philpott, has just returned from his voyage to America (described in Blue Water). Jago, once a clerk in the Foreign Office, is now apprenticed to Philpott and is grateful to his friend for the opportunity, while at the same time angry with him for causing his beloved dog, Mr Gibbs, to be left behind in Philadelphia! Back in England again, they head for Jago’s home town of Helston in Cornwall, intending to visit his cousin Pythagoras (affectionately known as Piggy). On arrival in Helston, however, they are shocked by what they find. Not only does wig-wearing appear to have fallen out of fashion during their absence, but the entire town seems to be caught up in the fever of the upcoming election.
Helston is known as a ‘rotten borough’, where only two men in the town are allowed to vote – and one of these two electors has died under suspicious circumstances. It seems that someone is also attempting to kill the remaining elector, so the town’s patron, the Duke of Leeds, asks Laurence to investigate – but to Laurence’s dismay, his own beloved cousin Piggy begins to emerge as the number one suspect. Will he be able to prove Piggy’s innocence and find the real culprit? And who will win the election if both of the Duke’s electors are unable to vote?
According to the author’s note, the situation described in the book (without the deaths/murder attempts) is based on an election that actually did take place in Helston in the 1790s. Several of the characters are people who really existed, including Sir James Burges, the Duke’s candidate for Parliament, and Stephen Lushington (chairman of the East India Company), the alternative candidate put forward by the town’s mayor – and the novel’s title refers to the red ribbons and silks worn by supporters of the mayor’s candidate as opposed to the blue worn by supporters of the Duke’s. I remember learning about the rotten boroughs at school and the events portrayed in this book perfectly illustrate why electoral reform was so desperately needed. Many people complain about today’s electoral system, but the people of Helston were dealing with a system so corrupt that only a tiny minority were making decisions that affected everyone else, where there was no secret ballot and votes could be bought and sold, leaving the electors open to bribery and blackmail.
As well as the fascinating historical setting, I also found the murder mystery quite compelling; it was maybe not as enjoyable as the mystery in Blue Water, and there were times when I felt it became a bit too complicated, but it was intriguing and kept me guessing until the end. Nattrass also lightens the mood with some humour in the form of Toby the Sapient Hog (based on a real performing pig). I love the 18th century world she has created in this series – everything feels so authentic and thoroughly researched. I’m not sure if there’s going to be a fourth book, but if there is then I can’t wait to read it.
It’s 1796 and Laurence Jago, accompanied by his friend, the journalist William Philpott, has just returned from his voyage to America (described in Blue Water). Jago, once a clerk in the Foreign Office, is now apprenticed to Philpott and is grateful to his friend for the opportunity, while at the same time angry with him for causing his beloved dog, Mr Gibbs, to be left behind in Philadelphia! Back in England again, they head for Jago’s home town of Helston in Cornwall, intending to visit his cousin Pythagoras (affectionately known as Piggy). On arrival in Helston, however, they are shocked by what they find. Not only does wig-wearing appear to have fallen out of fashion during their absence, but the entire town seems to be caught up in the fever of the upcoming election.
Helston is known as a ‘rotten borough’, where only two men in the town are allowed to vote – and one of these two electors has died under suspicious circumstances. It seems that someone is also attempting to kill the remaining elector, so the town’s patron, the Duke of Leeds, asks Laurence to investigate – but to Laurence’s dismay, his own beloved cousin Piggy begins to emerge as the number one suspect. Will he be able to prove Piggy’s innocence and find the real culprit? And who will win the election if both of the Duke’s electors are unable to vote?
According to the author’s note, the situation described in the book (without the deaths/murder attempts) is based on an election that actually did take place in Helston in the 1790s. Several of the characters are people who really existed, including Sir James Burges, the Duke’s candidate for Parliament, and Stephen Lushington (chairman of the East India Company), the alternative candidate put forward by the town’s mayor – and the novel’s title refers to the red ribbons and silks worn by supporters of the mayor’s candidate as opposed to the blue worn by supporters of the Duke’s. I remember learning about the rotten boroughs at school and the events portrayed in this book perfectly illustrate why electoral reform was so desperately needed. Many people complain about today’s electoral system, but the people of Helston were dealing with a system so corrupt that only a tiny minority were making decisions that affected everyone else, where there was no secret ballot and votes could be bought and sold, leaving the electors open to bribery and blackmail.
As well as the fascinating historical setting, I also found the murder mystery quite compelling; it was maybe not as enjoyable as the mystery in Blue Water, and there were times when I felt it became a bit too complicated, but it was intriguing and kept me guessing until the end. Nattrass also lightens the mood with some humour in the form of Toby the Sapient Hog (based on a real performing pig). I love the 18th century world she has created in this series – everything feels so authentic and thoroughly researched. I’m not sure if there’s going to be a fourth book, but if there is then I can’t wait to read it.
August 22, 2023
This was a fun romp through electoral corruption and rotten boroughs just a few decades before electoral reforms began. I really enjoyed this context as I learned about it when studying history as a teenager. It was good to flesh Lawrence Jags out a bit more by meeting his family and home town. I did find the plot slacked a bit in the middle but overall a great addition to this series.
September 6, 2024
An improvement to the second book and akin to the first book, in some recurring characters. The story weaves through at a faster pace, and we see further character development as well as the introduction of side characters, including Lawrence's family, in the picturesque setting of Helston, Cornwall. Once again, the setting is political as the previous books and the trials of Lawrence follow a similar pattern. As is the influence of Philpott, always giving his support to Lawrence. Once again, the narration is brilliant again, too. Finally, after all the complicated events and a dizzying end, things are looking up for Lawrence, or are they??
A throughly impressive series of books on political scandal and history in the 18th century, some of it fact and some fiction, brilliantly woven into a gripping saga. I will be following the author closely.
A throughly impressive series of books on political scandal and history in the 18th century, some of it fact and some fiction, brilliantly woven into a gripping saga. I will be following the author closely.
March 26, 2025
CAWPILE 6.29
3.5 STARS
Really enjoyed working my way through this series, I love the historical detail- the author obviously knows what they're writing about and that comes across very clearly.
I enjoy the fact Laurence Jago is flawed, it makes him so much more believable.
The election storyline was fascinating and I really enjoy the political elements of the story.
I don't know if this is the last one in the series or just the last one released- I'd be interested in reading more but also I think this leaves off at a good place
3.5 STARS
Really enjoyed working my way through this series, I love the historical detail- the author obviously knows what they're writing about and that comes across very clearly.
I enjoy the fact Laurence Jago is flawed, it makes him so much more believable.
The election storyline was fascinating and I really enjoy the political elements of the story.
I don't know if this is the last one in the series or just the last one released- I'd be interested in reading more but also I think this leaves off at a good place
June 7, 2024
Jago is in the thick of it again. He's now back from America with Philpott and family. Staying with his cousin, Pythagorus (Piggy) Jago who is the doctor in Helston. The election is happening and the Duke and his family are in town. Then the bodies start to appear. Are they all murder or something else? As Anne is in the Duke's entourage, how does she feel about seeing Jago again?
Another enjoyable outing for Jago. Will he/they or won't he/they on several levels in this story.
Another enjoyable outing for Jago. Will he/they or won't he/they on several levels in this story.
May 11, 2025
The story:
It is 1796, and disgraced former Foreign Office clerk Laurence Jago is on the move again, this time fleeing the shores of America following an unfortunate threat of libel against his friend, newspaper man William Philpott. Back on English shores, they arrive in Laurence’s hometown of Helston in Cornwall, only to find it in uproar with an upcoming election.
In the rotten borough of Helston only two men may vote, and both of them are long-time supporters of the town’s patron, the Duke of Leeds – Jago’s old master at the Foreign Office. But changes are afoot, with a new corporation of 32 voters created to support the mayor’s choice of candidate. But when one of the Duke’s voters dies in suspicious circumstances, a more sinister light is cast on the usual election corruption. As ever, Jago can’t resist getting involved… And might this be his chance to win himself back into favour at Whitehall?
My thoughts:
“Scarlet Town” by Leonora Nattrass is the third novel (following “Black Drop” and “Blue Water”) to feature reluctant apprentice journalist, former Foreign Office clerk, Laurence Jago, along with his charismatic and chaotic friend William Philpott, ever-dedicated to finding a story for his newspaper, the Weekly Cannon. The pair, along with Philpott’s wife and many children, have been forced to leave America in a hurry following a story that didn’t go down well with its subject, and distressingly, Jago’s faithful dog Mr Gibbs was left behind in the rush, thanks to Philpott’s carelessness.
So relations are pretty frosty, on Laurence’s side at least, when the group arrives in a chaotic Helston. There they find Laurence’s cousin, Pythagoras Jago (known affectionately to Laurence as Piggy), installed as the local doctor, which puts them in the thick of things when one of the elderly voters of the rotten borough dies in suspicious circumstances. What follows are various political high jinks, with the waters further muddied with long-held local grudges.
Jago and Philpott continue to be engaging and endearing protagonists, and their efforts to get to grips with the complex mystery of this book make for an intriguing ride with many twists and turns that kept me guessing. I also very much enjoyed the inclusion of the, apparently historically accurate, sapient hog, Toby! For fans of historical mysteries, this series is a thoroughly enjoyable read.
It is 1796, and disgraced former Foreign Office clerk Laurence Jago is on the move again, this time fleeing the shores of America following an unfortunate threat of libel against his friend, newspaper man William Philpott. Back on English shores, they arrive in Laurence’s hometown of Helston in Cornwall, only to find it in uproar with an upcoming election.
In the rotten borough of Helston only two men may vote, and both of them are long-time supporters of the town’s patron, the Duke of Leeds – Jago’s old master at the Foreign Office. But changes are afoot, with a new corporation of 32 voters created to support the mayor’s choice of candidate. But when one of the Duke’s voters dies in suspicious circumstances, a more sinister light is cast on the usual election corruption. As ever, Jago can’t resist getting involved… And might this be his chance to win himself back into favour at Whitehall?
My thoughts:
“Scarlet Town” by Leonora Nattrass is the third novel (following “Black Drop” and “Blue Water”) to feature reluctant apprentice journalist, former Foreign Office clerk, Laurence Jago, along with his charismatic and chaotic friend William Philpott, ever-dedicated to finding a story for his newspaper, the Weekly Cannon. The pair, along with Philpott’s wife and many children, have been forced to leave America in a hurry following a story that didn’t go down well with its subject, and distressingly, Jago’s faithful dog Mr Gibbs was left behind in the rush, thanks to Philpott’s carelessness.
So relations are pretty frosty, on Laurence’s side at least, when the group arrives in a chaotic Helston. There they find Laurence’s cousin, Pythagoras Jago (known affectionately to Laurence as Piggy), installed as the local doctor, which puts them in the thick of things when one of the elderly voters of the rotten borough dies in suspicious circumstances. What follows are various political high jinks, with the waters further muddied with long-held local grudges.
Jago and Philpott continue to be engaging and endearing protagonists, and their efforts to get to grips with the complex mystery of this book make for an intriguing ride with many twists and turns that kept me guessing. I also very much enjoyed the inclusion of the, apparently historically accurate, sapient hog, Toby! For fans of historical mysteries, this series is a thoroughly enjoyable read.
December 11, 2024
18th century rotten borough shenanigans. Very entertaining.
August 29, 2023
I loved this! Such a gripping, fun, interesting novel from Leonora yet again in this brilliant series. I am a total fan of her writing and the plots and the bits of historical fact I pick up along that. And the great characters complete the perfect read for me ( Philpot, Piggy and Laurence himself of course) along with a pig!
September 23, 2023
First of all thank you to viper.books and serpentstail for my ARC!
'Scarlet Town' by Leonora Nattrass
I absolutely LOVED this book!
As a history teacher as soon as the blurb mentioned rotten boroughs and rigged elections I knew this book would be for me!
Historically accurate with humourous characters and a murder mystery. What is not to love!!
Based in 1796 in Helston Cornwall, the new election is coming up. But not everything is what it seems. When a murder occurs it is up to the newly returned Mr Jago to figure out what's going on!
The supporting cast of characters really made this book! Philpot and George and The Duke. I loved them all. The book had a great sense of humour and I enjoyed the mystery aspect.
I never am very good at guessing what the mystery is so it was a surprise for me 😂.
A quick paced, fun, historical read!!
Get it on your list!!
'Scarlet Town' by Leonora Nattrass
I absolutely LOVED this book!
As a history teacher as soon as the blurb mentioned rotten boroughs and rigged elections I knew this book would be for me!
Historically accurate with humourous characters and a murder mystery. What is not to love!!
Based in 1796 in Helston Cornwall, the new election is coming up. But not everything is what it seems. When a murder occurs it is up to the newly returned Mr Jago to figure out what's going on!
The supporting cast of characters really made this book! Philpot and George and The Duke. I loved them all. The book had a great sense of humour and I enjoyed the mystery aspect.
I never am very good at guessing what the mystery is so it was a surprise for me 😂.
A quick paced, fun, historical read!!
Get it on your list!!
December 1, 2023
Author Leonora Nattrass takes the story of an election which took place in the Cornish town of Helston at the end of the eighteenth century and embews it with life, colour and intrigue in this entertaining historical whodunnit.
Scarlet Town is the third in Nattrass' series about Laurence Jago, a formal civil servant now apprenticed to a journalist, William Philpott. The story picks up with the pair having recently returned to England from an ill-fated trip to America, and visiting Jago's home town of Helston to reaquaint themselves with his family, including his cousin - and the local physician - Pythagoras 'Piggy' Jago. However, upon their arrival, Jago and Philpott find themselves embroiled in a local election wracked by scandal, corruption and possibly even murder.
I haven't read the first two books in the series, and thus have potentially missed some character development which would have made me feel more invested in Laurence Jago as a character, his love life and his career. However, he is an amusing, likeable narrator who guides the plot through the various twists, wrong turns and dead ends with humour and warm, insightful observations about the rest of the cast of characters. Jago is not the hard-boiled, cynical detective of contemporary crime fiction - indeed, his willingness to accept information at face value, his forgetfulness, and his desire to see the best in people quite cripple his investigative efficiency. However, as a crime novel, Scarlet Town is a gentle, refreshing antidote to the modern canon which would make a perfect palate cleanser.
The concept of a 'rotten borough' (where the electorate is so small that it is ripe for manipulation by the favoured candidate) was a new one to me, and I enjoyed learning more about this period in history, both through the plot as a whole and through the brilliantly observed (and, undoubtedly, researched) details of life in a small Cornish town in 1876, down to the unique local vernacular, Jago's shock at seeing that wigs have fallen out of favour during his time away, and the appearance of a delightful 'Sapient Hog', based on a real-life pig taught to respond to commands in such a way that it appeared to be able to answer questions by picking up cards in its mouth.
Nattrass' writing style captures perfectly that of authors writing in this period, the dialogue formal and the language florid and satisfying - 'The man’s body was restless, he said, but his mind still quite insensate.' For that alone, I will be adding the earlier Jago books to my list.
Thank you to NetGalley and Viper Books for the opportunity to read and review an ARC of this book.
Scarlet Town is the third in Nattrass' series about Laurence Jago, a formal civil servant now apprenticed to a journalist, William Philpott. The story picks up with the pair having recently returned to England from an ill-fated trip to America, and visiting Jago's home town of Helston to reaquaint themselves with his family, including his cousin - and the local physician - Pythagoras 'Piggy' Jago. However, upon their arrival, Jago and Philpott find themselves embroiled in a local election wracked by scandal, corruption and possibly even murder.
I haven't read the first two books in the series, and thus have potentially missed some character development which would have made me feel more invested in Laurence Jago as a character, his love life and his career. However, he is an amusing, likeable narrator who guides the plot through the various twists, wrong turns and dead ends with humour and warm, insightful observations about the rest of the cast of characters. Jago is not the hard-boiled, cynical detective of contemporary crime fiction - indeed, his willingness to accept information at face value, his forgetfulness, and his desire to see the best in people quite cripple his investigative efficiency. However, as a crime novel, Scarlet Town is a gentle, refreshing antidote to the modern canon which would make a perfect palate cleanser.
The concept of a 'rotten borough' (where the electorate is so small that it is ripe for manipulation by the favoured candidate) was a new one to me, and I enjoyed learning more about this period in history, both through the plot as a whole and through the brilliantly observed (and, undoubtedly, researched) details of life in a small Cornish town in 1876, down to the unique local vernacular, Jago's shock at seeing that wigs have fallen out of favour during his time away, and the appearance of a delightful 'Sapient Hog', based on a real-life pig taught to respond to commands in such a way that it appeared to be able to answer questions by picking up cards in its mouth.
Nattrass' writing style captures perfectly that of authors writing in this period, the dialogue formal and the language florid and satisfying - 'The man’s body was restless, he said, but his mind still quite insensate.' For that alone, I will be adding the earlier Jago books to my list.
Thank you to NetGalley and Viper Books for the opportunity to read and review an ARC of this book.
October 3, 2023
I wasn’t aware when I started reading this that it is actually the third in a series, from which you can guess it does read really well as a standalone. However, I definitely want to read the other books now. This ticked all my boxes. Historical fiction, detectives, family drama and mystery - all with a touch or humour, a bit of romance and a great storyline. Set in 1796 in Helston, Cornwall to where Laurence Jago has returned with his employer William Philpott after Philpott had to leave America to escape a possible prison sentence for libel. This is so well written and plotted it kept me fully engrossed from start to finish.
Briefly, Helston is a rotten borough with only two elderly men entitled to vote. When one of them dies in unusual circumstances and then the other falls ill Laurence is ordered to investigate by his former boss the Duke of Leeds. Then his cousin Dr Pythagoras Jago falls under suspicion and Laurence determines to prove his innocence. In addition, he is reunited with the woman who stole his heart only for her to end the relationship when a better prospect took an interest in her.
Very descriptive and clearly well researched as evidenced by the very interesting historical notes at the end. The political aspects are based loosely on a slightly earlier election in the town of Helston and many of the characters did exist. All this really added to the excitement and authenticity for me. Although the actual mystery was fictional it married really well with the semi factual political upheaval to provide an exciting and entertaining read. So good I finished it in a day. Fabulous.
Briefly, Helston is a rotten borough with only two elderly men entitled to vote. When one of them dies in unusual circumstances and then the other falls ill Laurence is ordered to investigate by his former boss the Duke of Leeds. Then his cousin Dr Pythagoras Jago falls under suspicion and Laurence determines to prove his innocence. In addition, he is reunited with the woman who stole his heart only for her to end the relationship when a better prospect took an interest in her.
Very descriptive and clearly well researched as evidenced by the very interesting historical notes at the end. The political aspects are based loosely on a slightly earlier election in the town of Helston and many of the characters did exist. All this really added to the excitement and authenticity for me. Although the actual mystery was fictional it married really well with the semi factual political upheaval to provide an exciting and entertaining read. So good I finished it in a day. Fabulous.
January 30, 2024
Based upon historical facts, this book is set in Helston at the time of a vote for members of parliament but not as we know it. Prior to 1832 the gentry nominated people to be MPs and then they paid off others to vote for them and work for them. Cornwall, home of tin mining, once sent 42 MPs to Parliament where as Manchester and Birmingham sent none. Amidst this electoral mess, Jago and Philpott arrive back from America to find the village in uproar and a dead man locked in a cupboard with no key on the inside. So, we have political mayhem, a murder mystery and social unrest. There is also a pig that reads the future.
The history is worn lightly and the writing is fluent and immersive, engaging us as soon as we start. In 1796 Helston was known as a 'rotten borough', a small electorate but two men returned to Parliament. As the coach arrives in Helston,
. . . a strange new wave of movement was now approaching up the street, accompanied by shouts and screams that verged on panic. The crowd parted to reveal a posse of running men, mouths horribly agape in blood-red painted faces. They were in some strange ecstasy beyond noticing pain or fear as they bore down on us, wildly drunk.
p11
Welcome home.
Into this chaos the mystery of the dead body must be solved and Nattrass leads us down dead alleys and round in rings with poisonings of critical people and what appears to be a love triangle where jealousy makes those who should know better behave badly. The plot is as messy as the times.
This is the third book in a very readable series - Black Drop, Blue Water and now Scarlet Town.
The history is worn lightly and the writing is fluent and immersive, engaging us as soon as we start. In 1796 Helston was known as a 'rotten borough', a small electorate but two men returned to Parliament. As the coach arrives in Helston,
. . . a strange new wave of movement was now approaching up the street, accompanied by shouts and screams that verged on panic. The crowd parted to reveal a posse of running men, mouths horribly agape in blood-red painted faces. They were in some strange ecstasy beyond noticing pain or fear as they bore down on us, wildly drunk.
p11
Welcome home.
Into this chaos the mystery of the dead body must be solved and Nattrass leads us down dead alleys and round in rings with poisonings of critical people and what appears to be a love triangle where jealousy makes those who should know better behave badly. The plot is as messy as the times.
This is the third book in a very readable series - Black Drop, Blue Water and now Scarlet Town.
September 17, 2023
1796. A rigged election. A town at war. A murderer at large...
I haven't read the previous two books in the series but this can be read as a standalone and the first two are both now patiently waiting to be read on my shelves!
This is an original historical murder mystery with a backdrop of shocking political corruption. It is based loosley on the actual election in Helston, Cornwall in 1796.
Laurence Jago is working as an apprentice to journalist William Philpott and they have just returned from America, narrowly escaping a prison sentence!
On their return they are plunged into a chaotic election. Only two men may vote and when one of them dies in suspicious circumstances and the other is poisoned, Laurence is ordered to investigate on behalf of the town's patron, his old master the Duke of Leeds. Who is comitting these crimes and why? Could Jago's own cousin really be involved?
I loved the descriptions of the town and the story contains so much historical detail I felt immersed in the period. The author has clearly done her research. There was such a great host of characters including the famous Sapient pig! I was intrigued to keep reading to find out how the election would unfold and who was behind the sinister occurrences in the small town. An original and intriguing historical mystery.
I haven't read the previous two books in the series but this can be read as a standalone and the first two are both now patiently waiting to be read on my shelves!
This is an original historical murder mystery with a backdrop of shocking political corruption. It is based loosley on the actual election in Helston, Cornwall in 1796.
Laurence Jago is working as an apprentice to journalist William Philpott and they have just returned from America, narrowly escaping a prison sentence!
On their return they are plunged into a chaotic election. Only two men may vote and when one of them dies in suspicious circumstances and the other is poisoned, Laurence is ordered to investigate on behalf of the town's patron, his old master the Duke of Leeds. Who is comitting these crimes and why? Could Jago's own cousin really be involved?
I loved the descriptions of the town and the story contains so much historical detail I felt immersed in the period. The author has clearly done her research. There was such a great host of characters including the famous Sapient pig! I was intrigued to keep reading to find out how the election would unfold and who was behind the sinister occurrences in the small town. An original and intriguing historical mystery.
November 17, 2023
May, 1796.
Laurence Jago and his employer, William Philpott are back in England, having escaped America without Jago’s beloved dog who was left behind, much to Laurence’s sadness.
This time, Jago and Philpott travel to Helston in Cornwall, Jago’s home town. There has been corruption in the town with only two men allowed to vote in the upcoming election. Both men are in the pockets of the somewhat unpleasant Duke of Leeds.
When one of the voters, Thomas Wedlock, dies in suspicious circumstances, all the fingers are pointed at Dr Pythagoras Jago, who is Laurence’s cousin.
Laurence will do anything in his power to get to the bottom of the matter, and he’s adamant he’ll clear his cousin’s name.
I loved this book. I am a big fan of the series and I am always excited to pick up a copy of Laurence’s next adventure.
This time, the action is set in a small Cornish town of Helston. There is plenty of deceit, back-stabbing, small mindedness and gossip of the local residents, who don’t take well to outsiders.
I was excited to see Jago reunited with his love, Anne. However, Jago isn’t a very lucky man, as murder seems to follow him around.
I was over the moon when it came to the ending of the book. I am finally getting a sense of hope for Jago. We shall see how long it lasts for.
Laurence Jago and his employer, William Philpott are back in England, having escaped America without Jago’s beloved dog who was left behind, much to Laurence’s sadness.
This time, Jago and Philpott travel to Helston in Cornwall, Jago’s home town. There has been corruption in the town with only two men allowed to vote in the upcoming election. Both men are in the pockets of the somewhat unpleasant Duke of Leeds.
When one of the voters, Thomas Wedlock, dies in suspicious circumstances, all the fingers are pointed at Dr Pythagoras Jago, who is Laurence’s cousin.
Laurence will do anything in his power to get to the bottom of the matter, and he’s adamant he’ll clear his cousin’s name.
I loved this book. I am a big fan of the series and I am always excited to pick up a copy of Laurence’s next adventure.
This time, the action is set in a small Cornish town of Helston. There is plenty of deceit, back-stabbing, small mindedness and gossip of the local residents, who don’t take well to outsiders.
I was excited to see Jago reunited with his love, Anne. However, Jago isn’t a very lucky man, as murder seems to follow him around.
I was over the moon when it came to the ending of the book. I am finally getting a sense of hope for Jago. We shall see how long it lasts for.
October 6, 2023
Thank you Viper Books and NetGalley for the ARC.
So, I did finish the book but took me a while to actually get immersed in it. I sadly did not know it was a trilogy, and I wish I did know about it, as I know understand the lingering feeling of " it feels I should know more about the relationship between Jago and Philpott" I have to sat though, it did not stop me from enjoying the rest of the story, but would probably have enjoyed the building towards certain romance a bit more.
Now, did I enjoy the book? It is complicated. It is well written and captures the essence of the setting, a good historical fiction. I also enjoyed the biased use of the 1st person narrator in a detective plot. In fact, the ending managed to surprise me, something most thrillers fail with! I still found some parts a bit too slow and filled with details that did not really add to the plot or character development, or enhanced the reading.
I give it 3 stars: good at reflecting the time where events take place and the reality of politics, but probably better if it was a bit shorter.
So, I did finish the book but took me a while to actually get immersed in it. I sadly did not know it was a trilogy, and I wish I did know about it, as I know understand the lingering feeling of " it feels I should know more about the relationship between Jago and Philpott" I have to sat though, it did not stop me from enjoying the rest of the story, but would probably have enjoyed the building towards certain romance a bit more.
Now, did I enjoy the book? It is complicated. It is well written and captures the essence of the setting, a good historical fiction. I also enjoyed the biased use of the 1st person narrator in a detective plot. In fact, the ending managed to surprise me, something most thrillers fail with! I still found some parts a bit too slow and filled with details that did not really add to the plot or character development, or enhanced the reading.
I give it 3 stars: good at reflecting the time where events take place and the reality of politics, but probably better if it was a bit shorter.
November 9, 2023
Having only just escaping from America, Laurence Jago is headed home to Cornwall. When he and his employer, the publisher Philpott, arrive in Helston they find the town in the grip of election fever. Helston has only two voters and they are in the grip of the Duke of Leeds, benefactor to the town, but others want to change the vote for their parties and when one of the elderly voters is found dead, foul play is called. Jago is known to the Duke and is tasked to solve the mystery and ensure the election can continue despite all the unrest.
There are two main reasons that I really loved this books. Firstly having read Nattrass' previous books about Laurence Jago, I knew I was going to be entertained by a great story. Secondly the focus is on the politics of late 18th century England and this is the time of the 'rotten boroughs'. I was not disappointed. This is deeply researched book, drawing together several stories of real events at the time and bundling complex intrigue with high comedy. Loved the pig!
There are two main reasons that I really loved this books. Firstly having read Nattrass' previous books about Laurence Jago, I knew I was going to be entertained by a great story. Secondly the focus is on the politics of late 18th century England and this is the time of the 'rotten boroughs'. I was not disappointed. This is deeply researched book, drawing together several stories of real events at the time and bundling complex intrigue with high comedy. Loved the pig!
March 30, 2025
I have added this book to the suggested reading list on a course I am teaching on the history of campaigns for the vote. There are not many examples of fiction (let alone crime fiction) involving rotten borough elections!
I enjoyed this book. An election in an eighteenth-century rotten borough is an original setting for a historical crime novel. The characterisation was good without being too complex and there are moments of humour as well as serious issues being raised. The plot was enjoyable and good enough, but it is the characters rather than the plot that made the book appealling. However, I had a big break from this book in the middle of reading it, which may have impaired my appreciation of the plot.
It wasn't until after I'd started this book (having come across it by chance in a charity shop) that I realised it was the third in a series. I usually like to read series in order, but it thankfully made sense on its own. However, I want to go back and read the first two.
I enjoyed this book. An election in an eighteenth-century rotten borough is an original setting for a historical crime novel. The characterisation was good without being too complex and there are moments of humour as well as serious issues being raised. The plot was enjoyable and good enough, but it is the characters rather than the plot that made the book appealling. However, I had a big break from this book in the middle of reading it, which may have impaired my appreciation of the plot.
It wasn't until after I'd started this book (having come across it by chance in a charity shop) that I realised it was the third in a series. I usually like to read series in order, but it thankfully made sense on its own. However, I want to go back and read the first two.
January 19, 2024
After reading the synopsis, I was a bit disappointed that the author had decided to completely skip Jago and Philpott's time in America and jump back to their return to these shores.
I also noticed that the strange indefinable writing style from the first novel had also returned, neither of which bade good omens. I was also further alarmed to learn that Mr Philpott, in their hasty return from America had left behind Laurence Jago's dog Mr Gibbs!
But thankfully none of these initial alarm bells intruded any further on what turned out to be an extremely pleasurable read with its fair share of gripping intrigue and was, despite the omission of the very amusing Mr Gibbs, still permeated by some superb wit throughout, which kept me chortling along from start to finish.
An excellent third instalment, although I would still love to have had a more in depth explanation of their time in America, but long may the tales of Laurence Jago and William Philpott continue!
I also noticed that the strange indefinable writing style from the first novel had also returned, neither of which bade good omens. I was also further alarmed to learn that Mr Philpott, in their hasty return from America had left behind Laurence Jago's dog Mr Gibbs!
But thankfully none of these initial alarm bells intruded any further on what turned out to be an extremely pleasurable read with its fair share of gripping intrigue and was, despite the omission of the very amusing Mr Gibbs, still permeated by some superb wit throughout, which kept me chortling along from start to finish.
An excellent third instalment, although I would still love to have had a more in depth explanation of their time in America, but long may the tales of Laurence Jago and William Philpott continue!
October 1, 2023
Scarlet Town is a rip roaring, fast paced historical novel, third in the series following Black Drop (a 2021 Times Book of the year) and Blue Water (a Waterstones Thriller of the Month).
Our main character Laurence Jago is now back in England after leaving America just in time to avoid jail. Working for William Philpott, journalist, he’s quickly knee deep in adventure in his own home town Helston, Cornwall! It is a rotten borough with only 2 men able to vote in the election. Political shenanigans ensue with death, possible murder, of one the 2 voters. It is a romp, a comedy, a thriller, a great way to learn about the early days of emancipation and a book describing political intrigue and dirty politics at that!
Such a great book! I flew through it to see what could possibly happen next! 5 stars!
Our main character Laurence Jago is now back in England after leaving America just in time to avoid jail. Working for William Philpott, journalist, he’s quickly knee deep in adventure in his own home town Helston, Cornwall! It is a rotten borough with only 2 men able to vote in the election. Political shenanigans ensue with death, possible murder, of one the 2 voters. It is a romp, a comedy, a thriller, a great way to learn about the early days of emancipation and a book describing political intrigue and dirty politics at that!
Such a great book! I flew through it to see what could possibly happen next! 5 stars!
June 6, 2024
I really enjoyed this story, it is set towards the end of the eighteenth century in the Cornish town of Helston. I haven’t read the previous two novels featuring the main character Laurence Jago but I found this worked fine as a standalone.
Laurence Jago has recently returned back from America and he has arrived back amidst an election which is threatened by corruption and possible murder!
I really liked Jago’s character and the way he tackles trying to solve the mystery. There is some dark humour throughout the book which helps to lighten the mood from the more gruesome parts.
It was interesting to learn more about this time in history too, as it wasn’t something I was familiar with. If you love historical fiction mysteries with some comedy I recommend this one.
Thank you to the publisher for sending a copy of the book.
Laurence Jago has recently returned back from America and he has arrived back amidst an election which is threatened by corruption and possible murder!
I really liked Jago’s character and the way he tackles trying to solve the mystery. There is some dark humour throughout the book which helps to lighten the mood from the more gruesome parts.
It was interesting to learn more about this time in history too, as it wasn’t something I was familiar with. If you love historical fiction mysteries with some comedy I recommend this one.
Thank you to the publisher for sending a copy of the book.
August 22, 2024
I have thoroughly enjoyed this wonderful mix of historical fiction and mystery with the wonderful Laurence Jago playing the unofficial detective.
Though Leonora has written two other books in this series, I had not read either, and yet Scarlet Town worked wonderfully as a standalone novel.
This book covers a really interesting piece of history in #Cornwall and is based on a real election that occurred prior to parliamentary reform. There's a wonderful mix of murder, mystery, history, intrigue, suspense, and yet it is knitted together with wonderful characters and some very humorous writing ( the pig had me drinking my tears laughing) !
It's great to find a new series to enjoy and as a #historicalfiction fan who loves a mystery ... this ticked all the boxes. I will certainly be reading the first two books in the #laurencejago series now.
Though Leonora has written two other books in this series, I had not read either, and yet Scarlet Town worked wonderfully as a standalone novel.
This book covers a really interesting piece of history in #Cornwall and is based on a real election that occurred prior to parliamentary reform. There's a wonderful mix of murder, mystery, history, intrigue, suspense, and yet it is knitted together with wonderful characters and some very humorous writing ( the pig had me drinking my tears laughing) !
It's great to find a new series to enjoy and as a #historicalfiction fan who loves a mystery ... this ticked all the boxes. I will certainly be reading the first two books in the #laurencejago series now.
September 13, 2023
I thank the publisher and Net Galley for a copy of this book in return for a fair and unbiased review.
I did not realise until writing this book that this was the third book in the series, although I had read and enjoyed the first one "Black Drop" but given that this one was perhaps even more enjoyable, I will now go back and read book 2 and her earlier book. This is great fun, being set in a single place and spanning a short period of time. There is political comment, comedy and a wonderful set of characters wrapped around a cleverly contrived and written plot, which itself is based loosely on fact. I knew about rotten boroughs but now I understand a lot more. I look forward to more of the same, and will be looking backwards as well
I did not realise until writing this book that this was the third book in the series, although I had read and enjoyed the first one "Black Drop" but given that this one was perhaps even more enjoyable, I will now go back and read book 2 and her earlier book. This is great fun, being set in a single place and spanning a short period of time. There is political comment, comedy and a wonderful set of characters wrapped around a cleverly contrived and written plot, which itself is based loosely on fact. I knew about rotten boroughs but now I understand a lot more. I look forward to more of the same, and will be looking backwards as well
August 8, 2024
Another library whim. Got drawn in by political intrigue and Cornwall in the 18th century. Only realised it was the last in a trilogy about Laurence Jago when halfway thru but feel it didn’t detract from the story. It was a cute and cosy affair, a bit obvious but the writing was very witty which I thoroughly enjoyed.
It was a bit man-heavy, which I guess classic for 1796 but equally artistic licence. Ending was classic 18th century man (and 19th, 20th and 21st) in that he sleeps with her and then loses interest. Obsessed that Anne inserts herself into the ending anyway.
Will prob only read the other 2 if they arrive on my door or if I trip over them at the library but don’t regret reading this.
It was a bit man-heavy, which I guess classic for 1796 but equally artistic licence. Ending was classic 18th century man (and 19th, 20th and 21st) in that he sleeps with her and then loses interest. Obsessed that Anne inserts herself into the ending anyway.
Will prob only read the other 2 if they arrive on my door or if I trip over them at the library but don’t regret reading this.
October 2, 2023
I really enjoyed this read. I love a good murder mystery and I love it even more when it is a historical murder mystery. This is a fantastic historical murder mystery shrouded with suspense and woven into a backdrop of political intrigue and corruption - i know shocking right, who would have thought.
The book is well written with a compelling story line and well developed characters, all of which really piqued by interest and made me want to know more about them. The story is based loosely on real events from Britain and more specifically the Helston election that happened in Cornwall in 1796. i remember learning about the political and electoral reformation in school but this definitely made me interested to look more into it.
I f you like historical fiction, or just appreciate really good writing then this is the book for you
The book is well written with a compelling story line and well developed characters, all of which really piqued by interest and made me want to know more about them. The story is based loosely on real events from Britain and more specifically the Helston election that happened in Cornwall in 1796. i remember learning about the political and electoral reformation in school but this definitely made me interested to look more into it.
I f you like historical fiction, or just appreciate really good writing then this is the book for you
January 30, 2024
Another very enjoyable read with a humorous Sapient Pig! The 18th century setting is again riveting and the attention to detail by the author is amazing. It gave a real flavour of what an election would have been like as well as highlighting the issues in the parliamentary system. An intriguing mystery which will keep you guessing, perhaps not as good a mystery as from Black Drop or Blue Water but the detail of the election makes up for this. I also love all of the little bits of William Cobbett which can be spotted in Philpott’s character.
4.25/5
4.25/5
February 7, 2024
4.5⭐️ rounded up
It was fun being back with Laurence Jago and his friend William Philpott. Now back in England and in Laurence’s home county of Cornwall the two find themselves embroiled in murder, corrupt elections and longstanding family feuds. I enjoy this series and love how real events are used to loosely weave the stories and mysteries around. The characters are interesting and grow throughout the three books and the atmosphere of the times is well portrayed. I hope there will be another book in the series because if there is I’ll most definitely be buying and reading it.
It was fun being back with Laurence Jago and his friend William Philpott. Now back in England and in Laurence’s home county of Cornwall the two find themselves embroiled in murder, corrupt elections and longstanding family feuds. I enjoy this series and love how real events are used to loosely weave the stories and mysteries around. The characters are interesting and grow throughout the three books and the atmosphere of the times is well portrayed. I hope there will be another book in the series because if there is I’ll most definitely be buying and reading it.
June 17, 2024
The third outing for clerk Laurence Jago, back from overseas with his larger-than-life journalist mentor William Philpott. Soon, luckless Jago is embroiled in murder and corruption in the Rotten Borough of Helston, and fighting to clear the name of his country doctor cousin. Loosely based on a real life tale of electoral shenanigans and rivalries in the late 18th Century (and throwing in the 'true life legend' that was 'Toby the Sapient Pig') this whodunnit's rock face of historical detail and its dark seam of humour give it a Dickensian-lite charm.
January 27, 2025
The complex politics of the eighteenth century is well crafted as are the many support characters. I did find that some of the main characters are not so well developed but that maybe due to the fact I haven’t read any of the earlier books. I didn’t like the speech impediment given to one of the characters. It was unnecessary and I don’t think – b-book – really works in written speech. Overall I quite enjoyed the story but it didn’t really get me until the last few chapters. I am glad I got to the end but found 75% of the story rather boring.
June 14, 2023
I so enjoyed the latest adventures of Laurence Jago in this captivating story of political intrigue, mystery and murder. Fast paced and full of unexpected twists and turns, I was thoroughly swept along with our seemingly hapless hero amidst the turmoil of election fever in Helston town. Nattress expertly guides her readers through the shockingly undemocratic complexities of the rotten borough elections, whilst at the same time spinning a wonderful and compelling murder mystery.
February 5, 2025
The third of the Eighteenth Century mystery novels featuring Laurence Jago, and, in my opinion, the best, (although I enjoyed them all). What I liked most about this series is their variety, the first a political thriller set in London, the second at sea en route to America in time of war, and this one, a twisty mystery set in Cornwall at a parliamentary election where are there are only two electors, and one is murdered at the start of the novel. A clever tale, wry and witty throughout.
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