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Lucy Campion Mysteries #3
The Masque of a Murderer
It’s 1666 and the Great Fire has just decimated an already plague-ridden London. Lady’s maid Lucy Campion, along with pretty much everyone else left standing, is doing her part to help the city clean up and recover. But their efforts come to a standstill when a couple of local boys stumble across a dead body that should have been burned up in the fire but miraculously remained intact—the body of a man who died not from the plague or the fire, but from the knife plunged into his chest.
Searching for a purpose now that there’s no lady in the magistrate’s household for her to wait on, Lucy has apprenticed herself to a printmaker. But she can't help but use her free time to help the local constable, and she quickly finds herself embroiled in the murder investigation. It will take all of her wits and charm, not to mention a strong stomach and a will of steel, if Lucy hopes to make it through alive herself.
Searching for a purpose now that there’s no lady in the magistrate’s household for her to wait on, Lucy has apprenticed herself to a printmaker. But she can't help but use her free time to help the local constable, and she quickly finds herself embroiled in the murder investigation. It will take all of her wits and charm, not to mention a strong stomach and a will of steel, if Lucy hopes to make it through alive herself.
352 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 14, 2015
28 people are currently reading
1149 people want to read
About the author
Susanna Calkins
23 books346 followersSUSANNA CALKINS, author of the award-winning Lucy Campion series, holds a PhD in history and teaches at the college level. Her historical mysteries have been nominated for the Mary Higgins Clark and Agatha awards, among many others, and The Masque of a Murderer received a Macavity. Originally from Philadelphia, Calkins now lives in the Chicago area with her husband and two sons.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews
March 23, 2015
It’s probably no big surprise to anyone that I am a Susanna Calkins fan. Her historical mystery novels set in 17th century England are some of my favorites in this genre, including her third Lucy Campion Mystery, The Masque of a Murderer, that I’ve recently pre-read prior to its April 14 hardback and e-book debut.
Each mystery novel is written to be read standalone (that’s not just an opinion, it’s true, no matter what else you read), because each mystery is happened upon and solved within each book. The reason why it’s a series, and why you might want to read them all in order, is based on your own affinity for if you’d like to get to know more in-depth the background and set-up of the characters. I know that I’ve read all three in order and I can view Lucy’s progression as a woman with much more clarity and appreciation. However, even if you start with the third, or have missed the second, Calkins does a nice job of letting readers know, or reminding consistent readers, who each person is and how they align in Lucy’s life or within the plot. Removing myself and taking an overview look, I feel that you can follow Lucy’s progression, or just read Lucy for who she is in book three, and neither will make you feel as if anything is missing.
So all that disclaimer about the series aside, and delving into a review of The Masque of a Murderer, I feel that Calkins once again sets up 17th century London society in a way that is easily visualized to readers, whether it makes us cringe or not! The stench, freezing weather (and Thames), death, religious and political upheaval, crime, and ruins of the city and people’s homes does not seem very romantic. This isn’t the breezy countryside adorned with spring flowers. You’ll want to like dark mysteries that take on real history and societal truths if you delve into these.
Where the second book deals with the Great Fire and its economic and societal issues stemming from such a disaster, the third book leads in right after the fire and people’s displacement, about six months later, where bodies are carted away in mass and buried in group graves. Times are bleak. People seek out amusement in whatever gossip and stories they can find. This atmosphere is a great set-up to plot a mystery series, as not only is it very historically educational, but it is a perfect backdrop for a murder. With so much chaos and death, murderers could most likely get away with anything and bodies could be fairy well-hidden. Plus, when times are hard and people want change, all sorts of things can happen.
Lucy became a bookseller and a printer’s apprentice in the second book, and I think Susanna aligns the two trades seamlessly in books two and three. Though women would most likely not have such a job, Lucy is perfect at it and this allows her to be privvy to the news and gossip and roam the city in a much more easier way that any normal woman of the time. Her curiosity bug, and her need to help others, inadvertently materializes her into an amateur detective. At first she is leery of this, but by this third book, she seems to embrace it.
In The Masque of a Murderer, she is taking down the last words of a dying Quaker man, something that was common practice then. She attends the home of a Quaker gentleman, who only has hours to live after being run over by a cart and horse, alongside the distraught magistrate’s daughter who is also her former employer, Sarah. Sarah herself had become a Quaker and feels its her duty to go and console the wife, while Lucy takes down the last words. During Lucy’s recording with him, the man reveals that someone has killed him due to a secret.
Lucy, now fairly more sure it’s her duty to keep others safe around her by solving the mystery, proceeds on the case through the cobbled and dark streets of London. Susanna once again creates an authentic world for us through her detailed descriptions, vivid and flowing sentences, dialogue, and use of words to peak our senses. Historically, she also lets us see through her writing lens to the ways of the Quakers. It was interesting to me, as though I’d read about Quakers in our early North America, I hadn’t really studied much about them from a London setting.
With plenty of further twists, turns, and revelations, Susanna’s The Masque of a Murderer shows how much her writing and plot weaving has improved further, leading us down a resounding path of gas street lamps, heavy dark cloaks, and people pretending to be who they are not. Lucy is entranced by intrigue and is a such a likable character, one in which I am truly connected. She almost seems so real to me, I forget she’s just imaginary. She’s courageous, intelligent, compassionate, and independent, which are all traits I admire in fellow women.
I’ve said it before, but in my opinion, Susanna is becoming one of the best historical mystery writers on the market. The Masque of a Murderer is a resounding winner. I can’t wait to read the next book in this series.
As far as comparisons, if you like Sam Thomas’ 17th century Midwife Mystery series or David Morrell’s Thomas De Quincey series in Victorian London, you’re sure to like Susanna Calkins’ Lucy Campion Mysteries.
I was given this copy in exchange for an honest review.
Each mystery novel is written to be read standalone (that’s not just an opinion, it’s true, no matter what else you read), because each mystery is happened upon and solved within each book. The reason why it’s a series, and why you might want to read them all in order, is based on your own affinity for if you’d like to get to know more in-depth the background and set-up of the characters. I know that I’ve read all three in order and I can view Lucy’s progression as a woman with much more clarity and appreciation. However, even if you start with the third, or have missed the second, Calkins does a nice job of letting readers know, or reminding consistent readers, who each person is and how they align in Lucy’s life or within the plot. Removing myself and taking an overview look, I feel that you can follow Lucy’s progression, or just read Lucy for who she is in book three, and neither will make you feel as if anything is missing.
So all that disclaimer about the series aside, and delving into a review of The Masque of a Murderer, I feel that Calkins once again sets up 17th century London society in a way that is easily visualized to readers, whether it makes us cringe or not! The stench, freezing weather (and Thames), death, religious and political upheaval, crime, and ruins of the city and people’s homes does not seem very romantic. This isn’t the breezy countryside adorned with spring flowers. You’ll want to like dark mysteries that take on real history and societal truths if you delve into these.
Where the second book deals with the Great Fire and its economic and societal issues stemming from such a disaster, the third book leads in right after the fire and people’s displacement, about six months later, where bodies are carted away in mass and buried in group graves. Times are bleak. People seek out amusement in whatever gossip and stories they can find. This atmosphere is a great set-up to plot a mystery series, as not only is it very historically educational, but it is a perfect backdrop for a murder. With so much chaos and death, murderers could most likely get away with anything and bodies could be fairy well-hidden. Plus, when times are hard and people want change, all sorts of things can happen.
Lucy became a bookseller and a printer’s apprentice in the second book, and I think Susanna aligns the two trades seamlessly in books two and three. Though women would most likely not have such a job, Lucy is perfect at it and this allows her to be privvy to the news and gossip and roam the city in a much more easier way that any normal woman of the time. Her curiosity bug, and her need to help others, inadvertently materializes her into an amateur detective. At first she is leery of this, but by this third book, she seems to embrace it.
In The Masque of a Murderer, she is taking down the last words of a dying Quaker man, something that was common practice then. She attends the home of a Quaker gentleman, who only has hours to live after being run over by a cart and horse, alongside the distraught magistrate’s daughter who is also her former employer, Sarah. Sarah herself had become a Quaker and feels its her duty to go and console the wife, while Lucy takes down the last words. During Lucy’s recording with him, the man reveals that someone has killed him due to a secret.
Lucy, now fairly more sure it’s her duty to keep others safe around her by solving the mystery, proceeds on the case through the cobbled and dark streets of London. Susanna once again creates an authentic world for us through her detailed descriptions, vivid and flowing sentences, dialogue, and use of words to peak our senses. Historically, she also lets us see through her writing lens to the ways of the Quakers. It was interesting to me, as though I’d read about Quakers in our early North America, I hadn’t really studied much about them from a London setting.
With plenty of further twists, turns, and revelations, Susanna’s The Masque of a Murderer shows how much her writing and plot weaving has improved further, leading us down a resounding path of gas street lamps, heavy dark cloaks, and people pretending to be who they are not. Lucy is entranced by intrigue and is a such a likable character, one in which I am truly connected. She almost seems so real to me, I forget she’s just imaginary. She’s courageous, intelligent, compassionate, and independent, which are all traits I admire in fellow women.
I’ve said it before, but in my opinion, Susanna is becoming one of the best historical mystery writers on the market. The Masque of a Murderer is a resounding winner. I can’t wait to read the next book in this series.
As far as comparisons, if you like Sam Thomas’ 17th century Midwife Mystery series or David Morrell’s Thomas De Quincey series in Victorian London, you’re sure to like Susanna Calkins’ Lucy Campion Mysteries.
I was given this copy in exchange for an honest review.
August 23, 2018
Wasn’t bad, wasn’t amazing. I liked the historical aspect a lot; the research seemed to be well done and it made me curious about 1660s London. The mystery was fine—not super shocking, but intriguing. It was pretty clean; a little crass humor was included but nothing else.
I liked it enough that I might read more by this author, but I’m not dying to.
I liked it enough that I might read more by this author, but I’m not dying to.
March 18, 2015
Find this and other reviews at: http://flashlightcommentary.blogspot....
I find it amusing that I'm reviewing Susanna Calkins' The Masque and the Murderer on the tails of Mist of Midnight as I think the two make very good companion pieces. There are a lot of similarities between the books and I thought that brought a fun dynamic to my experience of both, but compare contrast is a topic for another day.
Calkins' uses the diversity of seventeenth century social stratification to her advantage which is something I found very appealing. From the stigma attached to those who'd escaped service, to the subjection of women, Calkins paints an illuminating picture of the London and her inhabitants over the course of her narrative. I was equally impressed with her treatment of the Quakers and how she wove the religious sect and their customs into the fabric of a murder investigation.
I ultimately liked how the story played out, but admit the pacing was a little slow for my tastes. Calkins also spends a significant amount of time on Lucy's personal life and while I enjoyed the perspective that brought her character, I often felt the effort diverted attention from the mystery at the heart of the story.
The Masque and the Murderer was not my first Lucy Campion mystery, I read A Murder at Rosamund's Gate in Jan 2013, but I was very aware I'd skipped From the Charred Remains. These books are not written as standalones, but that said, they are intricate and puzzling whodunits that have proved quite enjoyable to this particular reader.
I find it amusing that I'm reviewing Susanna Calkins' The Masque and the Murderer on the tails of Mist of Midnight as I think the two make very good companion pieces. There are a lot of similarities between the books and I thought that brought a fun dynamic to my experience of both, but compare contrast is a topic for another day.
Calkins' uses the diversity of seventeenth century social stratification to her advantage which is something I found very appealing. From the stigma attached to those who'd escaped service, to the subjection of women, Calkins paints an illuminating picture of the London and her inhabitants over the course of her narrative. I was equally impressed with her treatment of the Quakers and how she wove the religious sect and their customs into the fabric of a murder investigation.
I ultimately liked how the story played out, but admit the pacing was a little slow for my tastes. Calkins also spends a significant amount of time on Lucy's personal life and while I enjoyed the perspective that brought her character, I often felt the effort diverted attention from the mystery at the heart of the story.
The Masque and the Murderer was not my first Lucy Campion mystery, I read A Murder at Rosamund's Gate in Jan 2013, but I was very aware I'd skipped From the Charred Remains. These books are not written as standalones, but that said, they are intricate and puzzling whodunits that have proved quite enjoyable to this particular reader.
April 9, 2015
While this book is the third in the Lucy Campion series, I didn’t feel too lost. The author did a nice job filling in the gaps for new fans of the series, especially when it came to the relationship between Adam and Lucy as well as Lucy and Constable Duncan.
On one hand, I really liked this book. I thought the body searchers aspect was unique and interesting. I was fascinated by the death sketches, so I would have read for those little historic tidbits alone. I liked Lucy and the complex relationship between her Adam and her conflicting feelings for Duncan.
I don’t know that I loved the period that it was set in. The 1600’s are kind of non-descript for me, not a lot going on historically, maybe that’s why the author went with this setting….something different? For me I think this would have worked better set a little later on. Lucy was still a little too independent and forward thinking for the period, as were some of the other characters.
Even a hundred years later might have worked better. When I think of female ‘detectives’ or ‘investigators’ I guess I automatically jump to the Victorian age since that was the dawning of the investigatory sciences. Bottom line, I expected it to be set in a different period and was surprised when it was in the 1600’s.
So on one hand, I was happy to discover a new lady detective series but on the other there were things that weren’t what I was expecting.
The author is consistent in her writing and gives the audience something to look forward to in each chapter—driving the story forward. I enjoyed how the author explained things and I liked how Lucy analyzed info and puzzled things out.
See my full review here
On one hand, I really liked this book. I thought the body searchers aspect was unique and interesting. I was fascinated by the death sketches, so I would have read for those little historic tidbits alone. I liked Lucy and the complex relationship between her Adam and her conflicting feelings for Duncan.
I don’t know that I loved the period that it was set in. The 1600’s are kind of non-descript for me, not a lot going on historically, maybe that’s why the author went with this setting….something different? For me I think this would have worked better set a little later on. Lucy was still a little too independent and forward thinking for the period, as were some of the other characters.
Even a hundred years later might have worked better. When I think of female ‘detectives’ or ‘investigators’ I guess I automatically jump to the Victorian age since that was the dawning of the investigatory sciences. Bottom line, I expected it to be set in a different period and was surprised when it was in the 1600’s.
So on one hand, I was happy to discover a new lady detective series but on the other there were things that weren’t what I was expecting.
The author is consistent in her writing and gives the audience something to look forward to in each chapter—driving the story forward. I enjoyed how the author explained things and I liked how Lucy analyzed info and puzzled things out.
See my full review here
April 13, 2015
THE MASQUE OF A MURDERER By Susanna Calkins is the continuing story of Lucy Compton as she struggles to create a life for herself and her brother Will. The author creates a story that comes to life in vivid color as she describes life in London after it has been ravaged by the Great Plague and the Great Fire of the 1660’s. Readers learn Lucy’s background and are given additional updates from Calkins’ as needed. Calkins’ creates a mystery plot in the middle of the events following the Great Fire.
The author develops her story and skillfully introduces historical events as Lucy pursues answers to the intriguing events occurring when Lucy goes with her Quaker friend Sarah Hargrave to visit her fellow Quaker friend Jacob Whitby who has been injured in an unusual accident. In those days a young woman doesn’t go un-accompanied to visit gentleman’s home. Readers learn the backstory of all of the well-developed characters as Calkins’ introduces them to her compelling mystery. THE MASQUE OF A MURDER storyline starts out at a fast pace and never slows down until the very end.
Lucy is compelled to pursue the circumstances behind the death of Sarah’s friend when he whispers in her ear that he has been murdered. She uses her job as a printer’s apprentice to research his death and find out who has betrayed and murdered Sarah’s friend. Calkins’ suspenseful story of murder, betrayal, and manipulation leads Lucy on her quest to find answers. Readers will enjoy Calkins’ murder mystery tightly woven in the history around events in 17th Century England. The author keeps the reader on edge the entire story as find themselves pulling for Lucy to find the answers in time to keep others she cares about from becoming the next victim. THE MASQUE OF A MURDERER is a unputdownable murder mystery with an unforgettable ending. A must read earning a 5 star ranking.
The author develops her story and skillfully introduces historical events as Lucy pursues answers to the intriguing events occurring when Lucy goes with her Quaker friend Sarah Hargrave to visit her fellow Quaker friend Jacob Whitby who has been injured in an unusual accident. In those days a young woman doesn’t go un-accompanied to visit gentleman’s home. Readers learn the backstory of all of the well-developed characters as Calkins’ introduces them to her compelling mystery. THE MASQUE OF A MURDER storyline starts out at a fast pace and never slows down until the very end.
Lucy is compelled to pursue the circumstances behind the death of Sarah’s friend when he whispers in her ear that he has been murdered. She uses her job as a printer’s apprentice to research his death and find out who has betrayed and murdered Sarah’s friend. Calkins’ suspenseful story of murder, betrayal, and manipulation leads Lucy on her quest to find answers. Readers will enjoy Calkins’ murder mystery tightly woven in the history around events in 17th Century England. The author keeps the reader on edge the entire story as find themselves pulling for Lucy to find the answers in time to keep others she cares about from becoming the next victim. THE MASQUE OF A MURDERER is a unputdownable murder mystery with an unforgettable ending. A must read earning a 5 star ranking.
April 12, 2015
The Masque of a Murderer by Susanna Calkins
The Third Lucy Campion Mystery
Once again we are transported back in time to 17th century London. I was thoroughly intrigued when I first met Lucy Campion in A Murder at Rosamund's Gate. A uniquley educated ladies' maid whose intelligence was encouraged by her master, Lucy is now an unofficial apprentice to a printer in this, the third book in this historical mystery series.
While London recovers from the Great Fire, Lucy is working as a sort of apprentice to a printer. With Adam as a sort of suitor, she is also friendly with a local constable, a fact that sits none too well with the Magistrate's son. Meanwhile Adam's sister, once a flighty girl, has become a Quaker. Quakers were generally hated and often jailed for seditious behavior at this time, so Sarah's homecoming after traveling to the New World is not a happy one. When word arrives that an old friend, now also a Quaker, is on his deathbed after an accident, Lucy accompanies Sarah to pen his final words (a common practice). Briefly left alone with the man, he tells Lucy that it was no accident-he was murdered, his wife is in danger, and it just may be a fellow Quaker who did the deed!
Susanna Calkins makes the dark and gritty London just recovering from the plague and the Great Fire come to life. Her words make me not only see Lucy's world, but I can almost feel the bitter cold as I read, thankful I'm unable to smell the scents from the time. In The Masque of a Murderer we find not only a compelling mystery, but a historically accurate tale of life in 17th century London. I'm so glad that Lucy's back and I look forward to reading even more about her life and times.
The Third Lucy Campion Mystery
Once again we are transported back in time to 17th century London. I was thoroughly intrigued when I first met Lucy Campion in A Murder at Rosamund's Gate. A uniquley educated ladies' maid whose intelligence was encouraged by her master, Lucy is now an unofficial apprentice to a printer in this, the third book in this historical mystery series.
While London recovers from the Great Fire, Lucy is working as a sort of apprentice to a printer. With Adam as a sort of suitor, she is also friendly with a local constable, a fact that sits none too well with the Magistrate's son. Meanwhile Adam's sister, once a flighty girl, has become a Quaker. Quakers were generally hated and often jailed for seditious behavior at this time, so Sarah's homecoming after traveling to the New World is not a happy one. When word arrives that an old friend, now also a Quaker, is on his deathbed after an accident, Lucy accompanies Sarah to pen his final words (a common practice). Briefly left alone with the man, he tells Lucy that it was no accident-he was murdered, his wife is in danger, and it just may be a fellow Quaker who did the deed!
Susanna Calkins makes the dark and gritty London just recovering from the plague and the Great Fire come to life. Her words make me not only see Lucy's world, but I can almost feel the bitter cold as I read, thankful I'm unable to smell the scents from the time. In The Masque of a Murderer we find not only a compelling mystery, but a historically accurate tale of life in 17th century London. I'm so glad that Lucy's back and I look forward to reading even more about her life and times.
April 2, 2015
This is the third book in the Lucy Campion Mysteries Series. I have not read the first 2 books which really wasn't a problem however I could feel something was missing so a little bit background would have been nice.
Lucy is a very likable character, I would have liked to have known more of her background and what transpired between her and Adam but there was enough info to get the general drift. Working as a printers apprentice and what that entailed was quite interesting. I didn't know about tracts and the recording of death scenes (I love learning history while at the same time as being entertained).
The plot was intriguing and kept my attention. Usually I try to figure out the bad guy but in this case I was guessing right till the end. It wasn't one I envisioned but plausible and original.
The Quakers (Friends) was also a new experience for me, definitely can see myself on the lookout for more reading about them and their plight in England and how they made it to North America.
Susanna Calkins is a new author to me. Her writing style is smooth, engaging as well as authentic to the time period. Her knowledge of history is evident. Definitely recommend this book to mystery and HF lovers.
Lucy is a very likable character, I would have liked to have known more of her background and what transpired between her and Adam but there was enough info to get the general drift. Working as a printers apprentice and what that entailed was quite interesting. I didn't know about tracts and the recording of death scenes (I love learning history while at the same time as being entertained).
The plot was intriguing and kept my attention. Usually I try to figure out the bad guy but in this case I was guessing right till the end. It wasn't one I envisioned but plausible and original.
The Quakers (Friends) was also a new experience for me, definitely can see myself on the lookout for more reading about them and their plight in England and how they made it to North America.
Susanna Calkins is a new author to me. Her writing style is smooth, engaging as well as authentic to the time period. Her knowledge of history is evident. Definitely recommend this book to mystery and HF lovers.
May 14, 2015
Normally I don't particularly care for mysteries which are plotted around religious sects so at the start I was thinking I'm not going to like this but I did. I thought it was another well written book by Calkins. The story kept me intriqued and guessing throughout. I really thought Adam and Lucy's relationship would take off in this book but it was not to be. I just hope she doesn't get into a relationship with the Constable. I want to see her with Adam and the Hargraves! : )
April 12, 2015
This is the 3rd book in the series. I would recommend reading the first two for continuity, but each one certainly can stand alone. I read this book in two sittings. I couldn't put it down. I love that Lucy is growing professionally and the men around her respect her skills more in each book. She helps solve even more dangerous cases in this book. I really liked it. We need more strong female characters in books no matter in which time period they are set.
April 6, 2015
An oustanding historical mystery, set in a time that is rarely covered by this genre with some fascinating insights into aspects of the past (e.g. printing). Full review at classicmystery.wordpress.com
April 6, 2015
Loved it. How did I miss this series. Now I must go back and read the first two to see how Lucy Campion went from chambermaid to bookseller.
June 22, 2015
Third in the series. Fun to read, already waiting for book 4!
July 23, 2015
Once again enjoyed thoroughly this newest Lucy campion tale. They are all excellent! Now I just have to wait for the next one - and that's the hardest part - the waiting for the next book!
June 25, 2020
This series seriously keeps getting better and better. This story is probably my favorite so far. I am still in love with Lucy and am loving the way her character is evolving. She is starting to figure out who she is and what she wants her future to look like. In the third installment of the Lucy Campion series she is still trying to be a printer's apprentice, although she is starting to realize thanks to her gender she may never be able to be an official apprentice no matter how hard she works. The mystery was a good one, and even through I had a pretty good idea who did it I didn't know the why and wherefores so it was very entertaining to read how Lucy, Duncan, and Adam figure it out. Speaking of those three...I have to say I am usually death on love triangles and I do stand by my stance that the trope is poorly executed most of the time and outright painful to read but Ms. Calkins really has a deft touch when it comes to writing the three of them to the point I am actually enjoying it. I started off really loving Lucy/Adam but then the author introduced Duncan as a possible love interest and wrote the chemistry between Lucy and him so well that I honestly wouldn't mind if it ended up with Lucy/Duncan. Usually I have preference who I want to end up together but this time I believe that both Adam and Duncan would love and respect Lucy and their relationship would be a good one. We will see if this changes in the next two books in the series.
April 3, 2022
The Masque of a Murderer: Susanna Caulkins
😮
From Amazon: "...set in 17th century England, Lucy Campion, formerly a ladies' maid in the local magistrate's household, has now found gainful employment as a printer's apprentice. On a freezing winter afternoon in 1667, she accompanies the magistrate's daughter, Sarah, to the home of a severely injured Quaker man to record his dying words, a common practice of the time. The man, having been trampled by a horse and cart the night before, only has a few hours left to live. Lucy scribbles down the Quaker man's last utterances, but she's unprepared for what he reveals to her―that someone deliberately pushed him into the path of the horse, because of a secret he had recently uncovered.
Fearful that Sarah might be traveling in the company of a murderer, Lucy feels compelled to seek the truth, with the help of the magistrate's son, Adam, and the local constable. But delving into the dead man's background might prove more dangerous than any of them had imagined."
Another well crafted Lucy Campion mystery, which although given Lucy's highly unlikely circumstances, was interesting, albeit a bit boring (as 17th century Quakers are wont to be). I did figure out who one of the baddies was at the beginning, but the ending held a nice twist. The use of the scold's bridle was gruesome, but not graphic.
😮
From Amazon: "...set in 17th century England, Lucy Campion, formerly a ladies' maid in the local magistrate's household, has now found gainful employment as a printer's apprentice. On a freezing winter afternoon in 1667, she accompanies the magistrate's daughter, Sarah, to the home of a severely injured Quaker man to record his dying words, a common practice of the time. The man, having been trampled by a horse and cart the night before, only has a few hours left to live. Lucy scribbles down the Quaker man's last utterances, but she's unprepared for what he reveals to her―that someone deliberately pushed him into the path of the horse, because of a secret he had recently uncovered.
Fearful that Sarah might be traveling in the company of a murderer, Lucy feels compelled to seek the truth, with the help of the magistrate's son, Adam, and the local constable. But delving into the dead man's background might prove more dangerous than any of them had imagined."
Another well crafted Lucy Campion mystery, which although given Lucy's highly unlikely circumstances, was interesting, albeit a bit boring (as 17th century Quakers are wont to be). I did figure out who one of the baddies was at the beginning, but the ending held a nice twist. The use of the scold's bridle was gruesome, but not graphic.
September 4, 2017
I do enjoy this historical series set in London just after The Fire and a round of plague. Lucy Campion is a former lady's maid whose mistress died of plague, and thus she became surplus to requirements in the home of the magistrate Hargreave. And due to her "forbidden" burgeoning romance with the Magistrate's son Adam, it's really best that she isn't there anyway. She doesn't want to bring shame to his family by having it known that a man of his station is besotted with a chambermaid!
Lucy has now gone on to become an unofficial printer's apprentice (because she's a woman, it can't be official in any way) and she has also met a young constable whom she likes a lot and who is very interested in her--and this is where I get a little weary because it is the typical love triangle/romantic tension for Lucy...whom should she choose? Should she choose anyone? Blah blah blah.
The mystery in this one is very weak, and really I thought the baddie was broadcast from the mountaintops quite early on. That in and of itself doesn't keep me from enjoying the story, but I think it was a combination of things that led me to mark this one down a bit. So far there's only one more book in the series, not sure if that will be the last or not.
Lucy has now gone on to become an unofficial printer's apprentice (because she's a woman, it can't be official in any way) and she has also met a young constable whom she likes a lot and who is very interested in her--and this is where I get a little weary because it is the typical love triangle/romantic tension for Lucy...whom should she choose? Should she choose anyone? Blah blah blah.
The mystery in this one is very weak, and really I thought the baddie was broadcast from the mountaintops quite early on. That in and of itself doesn't keep me from enjoying the story, but I think it was a combination of things that led me to mark this one down a bit. So far there's only one more book in the series, not sure if that will be the last or not.
April 22, 2018
I had great difficulty putting this book down! I loved the plaid and the plot twists throughout the whole novel. I’m extremely interested in the time period now that I have started the series. The historical notes provided by the author certainly help to make you feel like a larger part of the story. Watching Lucy develop as a character and as her own person certainly has been interesting. I’m looking forward to the final installment in the series and find out what happens with all of the characters in the novel’s. I think I’m still pulling for Adam to win in the race for Lucy‘s heart but I will admit that Duncan is pulling up even with him. I’m also curious about Duncan’s past. It’s been great to see lock develop a little bit more as he has worked with Lucy in the apprenticeship at the printers. I’m rather curious about what will happen with him. I guess there’s only one way to find out…
September 10, 2018
Printer’s apprentice Lucy Campion, formerly a chambermaid in a magistrate’s household, is upset when she hears the magistrate’s daughter has become a Quaker. Moreover, Sarah might be in danger. The story takes place in London in 1667 after the plague and the Great Fire. Lucy befriends the Quakers and tries to learn where the threat might originate. When one of the Quakers is run over by a cart, she hears his dying words. He whispers to her that his wife might be imperiled and that there’s an imposter among them. Along with the help of her two suitors, Lucy sets on the trail of a killer. The Masque of a Murderer is an easy-to-read mystery set in a fascinating time period.
July 6, 2021
Historical mysteries rely on the veracity of time and place for much of their appeal. How much of just-post-fire London is accurately recounted here may be questioned, as can the portrayal of members of the newly formed Society of Friends (Quakers). Certainly unusual would be the hip-hopping back-and-forth on sailing ships between Quaker communities in America and England, hard on the heels of Massachusetts' colonization by Puritans and Congregationalists that seems to be driving factor in the plot, although just why it was necessary was never evident to me. Motivations for those ultimately revealed as the evil-doers seem a stretch.
November 12, 2017
I enjoyed it. I tend to read historical fiction & mysteries.
Having attended a Quaker meeting for several years, I was intrigued to learn about their early years.
I wasn't aware that this was a series and it did work well as a stand alone, that being sais I'll probably try and find the first couple and read them.
Lucy as a printer apprentice and woman in a time when women weren't supposed to be apprentices was intriguing.
Having attended a Quaker meeting for several years, I was intrigued to learn about their early years.
I wasn't aware that this was a series and it did work well as a stand alone, that being sais I'll probably try and find the first couple and read them.
Lucy as a printer apprentice and woman in a time when women weren't supposed to be apprentices was intriguing.
May 11, 2019
Like all the previous books in the series, the research is so strongly evident, easily transporting the reader back to 17th century London life and society. Lucy is still one of my favourite main characters. However, I found the mystery a little more simpler this time, so for once I actually guessed it well before the ending. All in all an entertaining read with the historical aspect being its greatest strength.
October 31, 2021
Vivid tale of intrigue with mystery around the early Quakers set just after the plaque and Great London Fire of the 1660's. Lucy is stalwart and clever printer's apprentice torn between loving the Magistrate's son (above her in class) or the Constable, while she tries to help a friend. This is an interesting time period, with women stepping up to fill empty jobs, yet constrained by ancient norms. The mystery is rather convoluted, but surprising in the end.
February 15, 2018
Here is the recipe for this series, Lucy comes across some type of dead body, starts investigating, a few more people end up dead, and she cannot make up her mind between Adam and Duncan. A quick historical read.
December 17, 2019
A good mystery with an interesting background. Set in the time just after the great London fire of 1666. The mystery involves the Quaker sect and so there is information about them and how they were oppressed at the time. No unnecessary vulgar language or sex. Yay!
June 19, 2017
The best of the series so far, in my opinion, and I like them all. On to book four!
July 15, 2017
Interesting read. I love the history.
November 17, 2017
Nicely done, a little hard to believe at some moments with the lead character's actions in that time period. But all in all, a well-crafted mystery -- kept me guessing until the end.
June 9, 2018
While starting out slow, this story turned into a very good read. The setting of London after the plague and fire allowed for much of the action as those left alive were so much in flux.
August 9, 2018
So far very enjoyable series
June 21, 2019
Hard it gets started but like it after the beginning
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