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Cragg & Fidelis Mystery #9
Spoiler’s Prey
England, 1748.
Civil unrest is brewing in the small hamlet of Ingolside. After tensions explode one evening and a riot sweeps through the town, a body is found on the steps of the square . . . the body of a man sent for by the Squire to implement unpopular changes in the village.
Was it an accident, or murder? Physician Dr Luke Fidelis calls in his old friend, Coroner Titus Cragg, to help uncover the truth. But with a less-than-helpful local population, and near-non-existent law enforcement, Titus quickly finds himself at the centre of a powder keg.
As violence looms once more, it’s up to Cragg & Fidelis to solve the mystery . . . before a full-scale rebellion consumes the town.
A thrilling, meticulously detailed historical mystery, full to the brim with intrigue and deception. A perfect read for fans of C.J. Sansom, S.J. Parris, Anne Perry and C.S. Harris.
Civil unrest is brewing in the small hamlet of Ingolside. After tensions explode one evening and a riot sweeps through the town, a body is found on the steps of the square . . . the body of a man sent for by the Squire to implement unpopular changes in the village.
Was it an accident, or murder? Physician Dr Luke Fidelis calls in his old friend, Coroner Titus Cragg, to help uncover the truth. But with a less-than-helpful local population, and near-non-existent law enforcement, Titus quickly finds himself at the centre of a powder keg.
As violence looms once more, it’s up to Cragg & Fidelis to solve the mystery . . . before a full-scale rebellion consumes the town.
A thrilling, meticulously detailed historical mystery, full to the brim with intrigue and deception. A perfect read for fans of C.J. Sansom, S.J. Parris, Anne Perry and C.S. Harris.
- GenresMystery
272 pages, Hardcover
First published February 4, 2025
5 people are currently reading
15 people want to read
About the author
Robin Blake
22 books35 followersRobin Blake is the author of acclaimed works on the artists Van Dyke and Stubbs. He has written, produced and presented extensively for radio, is widely published as a critic, and is a Royal Literary Fund Fellow at Brunel University. He lives in London.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
September 1, 2024
Spoiler's Prey is my first Cragg and Fidelis mystery, although it's the 9th volume in Robin Blake's historical mystery series. I'm withholding judgement on the series and intend to try one or two more volumes, but Spoiler's Prey didn't leave me hungry for more.
On the one hand—
• the novel takes place in an interesting period when much of the common land was being enclosed and those who had farmed their rows on the common plots and hunted in the common woods were facing the prospect of becoming wage laborers. Common plots and woods were being converted t grassland for pasturing sheep for mutton—leaving those who would soon be working for paltry wages unable to produce or hunt the small amounts of food that might help their families make it through difficult year
• the tension among faiths at the time—distrust of those who are still Catholics and the burgeoning of what would ultimately become the Methodist church—is given some play
On the other hand—
• the central characters—particularly Fidelis (a doctor) and Cragg (a coroner)—come across as oddly dispassionate; they're fulfilling their societal roles, but don't show the kind of fervor one might expect of them, especially given the changing and volatile times in which they live
• the machinations of of the Lord hoping to enrich himself via enclosure aren't treated as problematic by the Fidelis and Cragg, but just accepted with little thought about their larger impact
I do intend to read another one or two volumes in this series to get a feel for its scope and development across time, but I don't know yet whether I'll be trying to hunt down all eight volumes I haven't yet read. I would need more motivation than I got from Spoiler's Prey on its own to make that sort of commitment.
I received a free electronic review copy of this title from the publisher via NetGalley; the opinions are my own.
On the one hand—
• the novel takes place in an interesting period when much of the common land was being enclosed and those who had farmed their rows on the common plots and hunted in the common woods were facing the prospect of becoming wage laborers. Common plots and woods were being converted t grassland for pasturing sheep for mutton—leaving those who would soon be working for paltry wages unable to produce or hunt the small amounts of food that might help their families make it through difficult year
• the tension among faiths at the time—distrust of those who are still Catholics and the burgeoning of what would ultimately become the Methodist church—is given some play
On the other hand—
• the central characters—particularly Fidelis (a doctor) and Cragg (a coroner)—come across as oddly dispassionate; they're fulfilling their societal roles, but don't show the kind of fervor one might expect of them, especially given the changing and volatile times in which they live
• the machinations of of the Lord hoping to enrich himself via enclosure aren't treated as problematic by the Fidelis and Cragg, but just accepted with little thought about their larger impact
I do intend to read another one or two volumes in this series to get a feel for its scope and development across time, but I don't know yet whether I'll be trying to hunt down all eight volumes I haven't yet read. I would need more motivation than I got from Spoiler's Prey on its own to make that sort of commitment.
I received a free electronic review copy of this title from the publisher via NetGalley; the opinions are my own.
October 12, 2024
I thank NetGalley and Severn House for an advance reader copy of Spoiler’s Prey. All opinions and comments are my own.
A cunning plan is at the heart of the goings-on in Spoiler’s Prey, the ninth in the Cragg and Fidelis historical mystery series of books written by Robin Blake, set in an English village populated by, in this case, a bunch of unhappy and destructive people. And the solution to this tale of deception and greed will task the intellectual skills of Titus Cragg, the county coroner and his good friend, physician Luke Fidelis, who’s on the scene to tend Mrs. Lumsden, who indicates in no uncertain terms that it is she who “rules” over the local countryside, although there are those who may have other ideas.
There’s been a fire, and a man has died, an outsider who’s there to upset the time-honored method of land-holding. And the villagers make it quite clear they’re not happy about other outsiders doing any kind of investigating. Underneath all this is the clear fact that everyone hates the Squire, Mrs. Lumsden’s son, whose avarice wants to ensure the taking over of the land hereabouts, to his benefit, of course. ‘Tis “madness to change the old ways of farming” is the gist of the dissent. Has murder been done? That’s what Cragg and Fidelis need to decide, in Spoiler’s Prey, and a twisted path it is.
But there’s something even more diabolical at the heart of this, and that’s discovered soon enough, when more people and more clues turn up -- and another death is recorded. Author Blake is a master of imagination and inventiveness, and knows how to use the temper of the times; we are in 1748 Britain -- to echo the turmoil when people rebel against “a tide of improvement.”
And at the end, we have an explanation, of how, and why, especially why, it was all done. Messrs. Cragg and Fidelis have another entry in their expanding history of “strange and stranger.” Spoiler’s Prey will entice you with an intriguing story that is also enlightening for the time and place.
A cunning plan is at the heart of the goings-on in Spoiler’s Prey, the ninth in the Cragg and Fidelis historical mystery series of books written by Robin Blake, set in an English village populated by, in this case, a bunch of unhappy and destructive people. And the solution to this tale of deception and greed will task the intellectual skills of Titus Cragg, the county coroner and his good friend, physician Luke Fidelis, who’s on the scene to tend Mrs. Lumsden, who indicates in no uncertain terms that it is she who “rules” over the local countryside, although there are those who may have other ideas.
There’s been a fire, and a man has died, an outsider who’s there to upset the time-honored method of land-holding. And the villagers make it quite clear they’re not happy about other outsiders doing any kind of investigating. Underneath all this is the clear fact that everyone hates the Squire, Mrs. Lumsden’s son, whose avarice wants to ensure the taking over of the land hereabouts, to his benefit, of course. ‘Tis “madness to change the old ways of farming” is the gist of the dissent. Has murder been done? That’s what Cragg and Fidelis need to decide, in Spoiler’s Prey, and a twisted path it is.
But there’s something even more diabolical at the heart of this, and that’s discovered soon enough, when more people and more clues turn up -- and another death is recorded. Author Blake is a master of imagination and inventiveness, and knows how to use the temper of the times; we are in 1748 Britain -- to echo the turmoil when people rebel against “a tide of improvement.”
And at the end, we have an explanation, of how, and why, especially why, it was all done. Messrs. Cragg and Fidelis have another entry in their expanding history of “strange and stranger.” Spoiler’s Prey will entice you with an intriguing story that is also enlightening for the time and place.
May 16, 2025
Set in the northwest of England in 1748, this latest mystery in the Cragg and Fidelis series finds the coroner and his physician friend confronted by not only two baffling cases, but also significant changes which disrupt rural areas during the 18th century.
These include the pervasiveness of superstition among a credulous population; the popularity, and convenient distraction, of bare-knuckle boxing bouts; wife-selling among impoverished families; and the social effect of Enclosures, which have the most far-reaching impact upon society. Enclosure was a crucial factor in the Agricultural Revolution, which in turn was necessary for the Industrial Revolution. It drove much of the rural population from the land to the cities where they provided cheap, disposable labor for ruthless mill owners. In the process, the rich got richer and the poor got poorer. And not always by legitimate means, as Cragg’s investigations reveal.
The mystery is satisfying, the characterization is insightful, and the reminder of the dangers to the social fabric when those struggling to survive are driven to desperation is timely and sobering. Parallels to modern conditions are inescapable. And disturbing. Highly recommended.
HNR Issue 112 (May 2025)
https://historicalnovelsociety.org/re...
These include the pervasiveness of superstition among a credulous population; the popularity, and convenient distraction, of bare-knuckle boxing bouts; wife-selling among impoverished families; and the social effect of Enclosures, which have the most far-reaching impact upon society. Enclosure was a crucial factor in the Agricultural Revolution, which in turn was necessary for the Industrial Revolution. It drove much of the rural population from the land to the cities where they provided cheap, disposable labor for ruthless mill owners. In the process, the rich got richer and the poor got poorer. And not always by legitimate means, as Cragg’s investigations reveal.
The mystery is satisfying, the characterization is insightful, and the reminder of the dangers to the social fabric when those struggling to survive are driven to desperation is timely and sobering. Parallels to modern conditions are inescapable. And disturbing. Highly recommended.
HNR Issue 112 (May 2025)
https://historicalnovelsociety.org/re...
October 3, 2024
I like these novels. The humane and modest coroner Titus Cragg and his more flamboyant ally Doctor Luke Fidelis make a fascinating team. Set on the edge of the Lake District in 1748, rural life in the area is undergoing radical change as common land is being fenced off in the interests of the aristocracy and wealthier farmers. There is much disquiet among the poorer classes and violence is simmering. On the death of an agent acting in the interest of the local landlord, Cragg must investigate as coroner, to ascertain if a crime has been committed. He is restricted by the natural reticence of the locals, but patiently gathers witnesses and follows the evidence.
What I enjoyed best about this novel is the entirely plausible focus on the social history of the period. There is drama, yes, not least with a bare-knuckle boxing match and also the search for a local wolf, but the painstaking approach of Cragg convinces this reader, at least, of the fundamental decency of most people in whatever age.
What I enjoyed best about this novel is the entirely plausible focus on the social history of the period. There is drama, yes, not least with a bare-knuckle boxing match and also the search for a local wolf, but the painstaking approach of Cragg convinces this reader, at least, of the fundamental decency of most people in whatever age.
August 12, 2024
Set in 1748 The County Coroner is on the Kings behalf to have an inquest into suspicious deaths in the village of Ingolside.
Coroner Titus Cragg must uncover the truth. The enclosed village community against the changes of the local squire does not help his cause.
There is much to uncover in this complicated plot.
The setting of the story and how inquests were first set up keeps you interested till the last page.
Thank you NetGalley and (publisher) for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
Coroner Titus Cragg must uncover the truth. The enclosed village community against the changes of the local squire does not help his cause.
There is much to uncover in this complicated plot.
The setting of the story and how inquests were first set up keeps you interested till the last page.
Thank you NetGalley and (publisher) for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
November 9, 2024
Set in 1748, coroner Titus Cragg is called to a village by his old friend Luke Fidelis to investigate an unusual death. Not action-filled, but engrossing characters and interesting historical details lead to an inquest where of course, truth (or at least partial truth) eventually is revealed. (The final loose ends are tied up nicely in an epilogue.) This is the first I've read in the series and it pulled me in enough that I plan to go back and read earlier titles.
Review based on an eARC received through Edelweiss+.
Review based on an eARC received through Edelweiss+.
August 25, 2024
A very enjoyable and entertaining book. Historical fiction at it's absolute best, with a believable plot, substantial, well-rounded characters and a thoroughly likeable main protagonist. What's not to like? There is not one negative, and for me that is recommendation enough.
Thanks to Netgalley for a free ARC in return for an unbiased review.
Thanks to Netgalley for a free ARC in return for an unbiased review.
August 20, 2024
1748. The enclosures have reached the village of Ingolside, County Palatine. Dr Fidelis is treating the mother of the Squire Mrs Sarah Lumsden and informs County Coroner Titus Cragg of the death of enclosure commissioner John Lavenham. Cragg travels to the area to investigate. But he has much to uncover.
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery with its likeable and interesting characters. Another good addition to this enjoyable series.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery with its likeable and interesting characters. Another good addition to this enjoyable series.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
October 31, 2024
A solid and well plotted historical mystery. There's plenty of twists and I was glad to catch with the MCs
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews