A Grave for a Thief

Company of Rogues #3

by Douglas Skelton

Christopher Templeton is a lawyer whose conscience troubles him. He knows many of the secrets of The Fellowship, the shadowy group profiting from the civil unrest in the nation, and has intimated to the Company of Rogues that he is willing to share them. The problem is, he has vanished. Jonas Flynt – thief, gambler, killer – still recovering from a duel with death upon the frozen Thames, is tasked with finding him. The trail takes him from the dark slums of London to a quiet village in the north of England, where all is not as it seems. But while he hunts for the missing man, someone else may be stalking him… someone with murder in their heart. The new gripping historical mystery from the author of An Honourable Thief , longlisted for the McIlvanney Prize 2023. Perfect for fans of Abir Mukherjee, Craig Russell and S.G. MacLean.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Mystery, Historical, Fiction, Crime, Historical Mystery, Audiobook

370 pages, Paperback

First published February 8, 2024

About the author

Douglas has been a shelf stacker, bank clerk, tax officer, factory worker, advertising salesperson, taxi driver (for two days), wine waiter (for two hours), journalist and criminal investigator. His early books were all in true crime or criminal history but now he writes fiction, beginning with the Davie McCall series. The final book in the series, OPEN WOUNDS, has been longlisted for the McIlvanney Prize 2016, alongside such authors as Ian Rankin, Val McDermid, Lin Anderson, Doug Johnstone and James Oswald.
His next book is THE DEAD DON'T BOOGIE, which will kick off a new series.

Reviews

[Maxine · Rating 5 out of 5]

England 1716, Christopher Templeton, lawyer to the Fellowship, has gone missing and Colonel Charter of the Company of Rogues has tasked Jonas Flynt with finding him. This will take Jonas across London and eventually to a small northern town near the Scottish border with a very bad reputation. But Jonas begins to sense that someone is following him, someone who has no intention of letting him live long enough to complete his task.

A Grave for a Thief is the third historical thriller in the Company of Rogues series by Douglas Skelton and it is an extremely compelling read. Skelton is a deft hand at description, making the time period come to life. He is especially good at recreating the language of the time without allowing modernisms to slip in. There is plenty of action and interesting characters and it moves at a brisk pace, keeping my attention throughout. Although there are references to past books, it can, I believe, be read as a standalone. Overall, a very satisfying read.

I received an arc of this book from Netgalley and Canelo in exchange for an honest review.

[Clemens Schoonderwoert · Rating 4 out of 5]

This engaging fictional historical adventure is the 3rd volume of the wonderful "Company of Rogues" series.

At the end of the book you'll notice Historical Notes, where it's stated that the story is invented by the author, with events, people and places in the North of England fictional, but most locations and various people in London real historical.

Storytelling is excellent, all characters come vividly to life in this tale about friendship, subterfuge, cruelty and murder, while the atmosphere in England in 1716 comes splendidly off the pages.

This book is divided in two parts, London and Gallowmire (this last a fictional place), and with once again our protagonist, Jonas Flynt, in full bloody action.

In part one, after being summoned by Spymaster Colonel Nathaniel Charters, Jonas Flynt, rogue, thief and killer, is ordered to find a lawyer called, Christopher Templeton, a man who agreed to meet with Colonel Charters but has now vanished into thin air, and during his investigations Jonas Flynt is threatened with his life from various corners, but at this same time he will find his long lost friend and comrade rogue, thief and killer, Gabriel Cain, and together they will encounter a lot of danger and death.

In part two in Gallowmire, Jonas Flynt is in search of this Cristopher Templeton, but after some serious trouble Flynt will join Templeton as prisoner of the crazy Lord Fitzgerald, to be later executed by hanging, but after his escape from the clutches of Lord Fitzgerald due to the unexpected assistance of Gabriel Cain, they will engage the villagers into a revolt against Lord Fitzgerald's crazy oppression and put things right for those villagers, followed by a final confrontation which will take place between Flynt, Lord Fitzgerald and not to forget Lord James Moncrieff, Flynt's half-brother.

What is to follow is an action-packed fictional historical adventure, and although I'm missing a real historical issue as a main thread, it remains a remarkable book although its not as intriguing as the previous two books, but still a very likeable read as a whole.

Very much recommended, for this is another great addition to this superbly developing series, and that's why I like to call this latest episode: "A Very Enjoyable Rogues Company"!

[eyes.2c · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exciting historical thriller series continues

Jonas Flynt! Once more mired in the machinations of Colonel Nathaniel Charters. As he’s reminded obliquely by Charters, his life is in the Colonel’s hands. Hang for highway robbery or work for Charters. Unknown to all but a few Charters “commands a small company known as the Company of Rogues…to be used either as informants or agents in defence of king and country.”
Charters is a spymaster. For Jonas, in the end I think it’s a matter of his choice to continue with Charters. Jonas is a man of integrity, despite his history of wrong doing.
It’s 1716. Working for the Company he’s trying to find a witness to the machinations of the Fellowship. This is a group of powerful men who remain hidden in the shadows, playing the long game. Placing men in powerful positions to do what the Fellowship wants, which is a world bending to their desires. Untold wealth and influence at home and abroad.
Illegitimate Jonas has already killed his lordly father, a degenerate. His half brother, Lord James Moncrieff, a member of the Fellowship, (who desires to be the Grand Master) wants revenge. Jonas finds he needs to head north to discover the whereabouts of the witness. It’s a long and tortuous trek, leading to a deranged lord. Jonas finds himself embroiled in a seperate plot of Moncrieff’s, and needed help comes from friend Gabriel Cain. Help or what? Jonas is puzzled! Although his best friend, something seems a little off about Gabriel.
Before the tale ends, Jonas is beaten and near hanged. Bodies litter the ground behind him.
An intriguing historical thriller that takes us through the stews of London, and on into even more dangerous territory.
I kept thinking about Jonas and the atmosphere, the edge of things, the picture beyond the action, long after I’d finished. Why? I guess the plight of the anti hero appealed to me. And then there’s Jonas’ reactions to rats! Ugh!

A Canelo ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
Please note: Quotes taken from an advanced reading copy maybe subject to change
(Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.)

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

This has fast become my currently favourite historical mystery series. I love the idea of the main character; capable of violence when necessary, flawed, but with his own sense of honour. In this book there are repercussions from an earlier instalment in the series- while not strictly necessary, it would be better to start reading the series from the beginning. Many thanks to Netgalley for an arc of this book.

[Annie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Originally posted on my blog Nonstop Reader.

A Grave for a Thief is the third book in a compelling historical mystery series by Douglas Skelton. Released 8th Feb 2024 by Canelo, it's 320 pages and is available in ebook format. Unclear from publisher info, but it may also be available in other formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout.

This is a very high quality, excellently written and precisely researched historical series set in the very early Georgian period. This is the third book, and while it certainly can be read and understood as a standalone, there are some earlier occurrences referenced which will be spoiled if read out of order. The main protagonist is a complex and intelligent anti-hero who is forced by circumstance into high stakes skullduggery in the service of a spymaster.

The story is woven around a framework of real historical people and events (including Sir Isaac Newton), and is done so skillfully that it's not always apparent where truth becomes fiction. The plotting is quite taut and there are some moderately graphic descriptions included (not egregiously so, and not inserted gratuitously).

In style, it reminds me of C. S. Harris and Andrea Penrose. It's not derivative at all, and it's set in a different time period, but fans of those authors will find a lot to like here.

Four and a half stars. Well written and engaging.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed it! The plot was entertaining , enthralling from the beginning with action at its center. I particularly loved the strong female characters' caustic tongue and their sharp dealings with men! I had many hearty laughs! On the other hand I find Jonas' character not convincing: his seeming sentimentality does not work with a man who has been used to living in survival modus since being a child. That just did not work for me. He did sometimes irritate me. Overall a great read though.
I received a digital ARC of this novel from NetGalley and I am leaving voluntarily an honest review.

[Peter Barrass · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great series of books hope there's more

[Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series just gets better. Loved it

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third in the Company of Rogues series and by far the best so far. It's an absolute page turner and I could hardly put it down. Jonas Flynt has hardly recovered from his life threatening injuries when he is called upon to find the whereabouts of a missing lawyer, Christopher Templeton. Douglas Skelton perfectly captures the sense of unrest in the country at that time and cleverly weaves in genuine historical figures and events into this fast paced narrative. Flynt's quest takes him to a small village in the north of England whose inhabitants are living in terror. However Flynt is not one to walk away from injustice and once again finds himself in mortal danger . I can't wait to read the next in the series.

[Barry · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this three book series. Atmospheric, believable characters and tense plots. Right up my street!

I must admit when I started the first book in the Jonas Flynt series, I was unsure I would be able to cope with the "authentic" language of the time. But I did cope and I really got into the book.

If you are looking for a historical crime espionage series, you could do worse than try this series. I highly recommend it.

[Mandie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Grave for a Thief is the third book in the Company of Rogues series and this time Jonas Flynt finds himself tasked with locating Christopher Templeton as he is believed to hold information on the secretive Fellowship that may help shut them down once and for all. What you would expect to be a simple task turns out to be one that pits Flynt against old foes and new and may see him hanged for something he actually didn’t do.
Flynt is only just recovering from his last job for Nathanial Charters and he is not sure he really wants to take on this latest task but doesn’t feel like he has a choice. Templeton has done a good job of going into hiding and even when he manages to locate the woman he was seeing he is none the wiser as to where he might be. He does however find assistance in the form of an old friend which at times proves to be invaluable when things get tricky.
Jonas Flynt has really grown on me and despite his chosen profession he is someone who still has a conscience and does not like to see people being treated badly for no reason. This can often get him in trouble and sees him risking his life for people he barely knows. He never knows who he can trust and information that he has been given has him doubting those close to him that may put him in further danger. His feud with Lord Moncrieff takes him on a dangerous path, one which neither of the could predict and leads to a confrontation that is a revelation to both of them.
Douglas Skelton manages once again to immerse the reader in the sights and sounds of the period, never shying away from the harsh realities of life. The characters are believable and there are some you just can’t help liking even if they have a questionable moral compass at times. For me the book felt like it had a slightly slower pace to start where most of the action was centred around locating Christopher Templeton. Once the action moved from London the pace picks up as it feels there is more at stake for Flynt and those around him. I loved the interaction between Flynt and his friend Gabriel Cain and despite everything you can see the respect they have for each other and I for one would be happy if they crossed paths again sometime.
Despite this being the third in the series you could quite happily pick this book up and understand everything that is going on (although you are missing out if you have not read books one and two). If you love books that mix history with a bit of murder and mystery then this may be the book you need to add to your TBR pile

[Martin Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

The adventures of Jonas Flynt continue to thrill and excite.

The book opens in London, 1716 and several months have passed since the events of "A Thief's Justice". Flynt has recovered from his injuries and dip in the frozen Thames, and his paymaster Colonel Charters decides he is fit to return to duty. He is tasked with tracking down a lawyer, who is prepared to reveal the secrets of The Fellowship, the shadowy group profiting from the civil unrest in the nation, and which is now firmly in Charters' sights.

Before we know it, Flynt is immersed in a chase, beset by ruffians, rogues and assassins, some of whom we have met before, others, whose very existence is in doubt. His job takes him from the darkest alleys in London to a village in the north of England where evil lurks in plain sight. Along the way he is helped and hindered by a glorious cast of characters a few of which we really do have a vested interest in. The troubled Jonas Flynt continues to carry the weight of the world on his shoulders, trying to balance the sins of his previous life with the job he now has to do. As more of his past catches up with him, he really has do some soul-searching and decision-making. The introduction of a particular ghost from that past forms the most intriguing and emotional thread in the book.

"A Grave for a Thief" is by far the finest chapter in the Company of Rogues series so far. We know enough about Jonas to know that his is a troubled soul, and his past causes him great pain. His journey in this book would be so much simpler if he took the easy road, but instead he chooses to do what he thinks is the right thing, and as usual, this causes pain to the few people he cares about. Fans of the previous two books will be pleased to know that several key themes continue to be developed, and a few new ones emerge. There's plenty of action still ahead for our troubled hero. The climax of this story could be compared to the final scenes of Rocky or The Magnificent Seven - I did actually do a fist-pump.

I was lucky to be offered a Netgalley ARC to review, but rest assured I'll be first in the queue when it's published. I can't wait to revisit this one. Wholeheartedly recommended for fans of the series, and of Ambrose Parry, SG MacLean, ES Thomson and DV Bishop.

[Andrew Hanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Historical Drama

Wonderful! Thoroughly enjoyable adventure. Author has created complex characters - especially Flint. Want more of the same. Hope it is not too !ong until next book

[Mrs Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The 3rd in the Jonas Flynt series did not disappoint. It’s another cracker from Douglas Skelton. Sent on another mission by Colonel Charters, who has Flynt beholden to him, Jonas is soon up to his ears in dark deeds and derring do. An old friend reappears in Flynt’s life - is it coincidence or something altogether more sinister? An old enemy crops up - what will happen when they finally come face-to-face down the barrel of a gun?? This anti-hero faces some serious life-or-death situations as he leaves London behind in pursuit of a man whose life is in danger. This is an edge of your seat page turner. I highly recommend it.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderfully enjoyable read, which thoroughly restored my faith in modern historical fiction. No anachronism, no intrusion of modern mores and values, and a totally thorough immersion in time and place. I am assuming that this book is one of a series and on the strength of this one I shall certainly be seeking out the preceding books, and looking out for the following ones.

Jonas Flynt is an interesting character, as is Gabriel Cain, and while Flynt is clearly somewhat conflicted internally as to whether he is a saint or a sinner, Cain is unashamedly a reprobate. This was a great book but having previously said that there was no unwelcome intrusion of modern attitudes, John Duck being a black man was just a tad borderline.

One thing I will say is that the violent 'action' scenes were described in extreme detail, so much so that as a woman, I found them a trifle boring and I confess to skipping past them. However, they were very well written, for those who appreciate such things. No less of a rip-roaring read for all that.

[Amzon_Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best So Far!

I’ve read all three of these books, all are very good, indeed.

This is the best yet!

Buy it, now!

[Mary Picken · Rating 5 out of 5]

In a short space of time I have become a big fan of this historical series. In large part that’s due to the way that Douglas Skelton writes the character of Jonas Flynt. A former highwayman, he’s being blackmailed into working for Colonel Nathaniel Charters and his Company of Rogues. Jonas has a strong moral compass though, and that tends to lead him into taking action where others with less scrupulous morality would find themselves turning a blind eye to heinous actions generally aimed at the poorer in society.

In the third book in this series, Charters charges Flynt with finding and keeping safe one Christopher Templeton. Templeton is a lawyer who has been advising The Fellowship, a group whose aims, ostensibly, are to conduct business with the aim of making a profit. But their actions are much more covert than their aims imply, and they seem to be more like the Masons with a political edge. Charters needs more information on what this secretive group are up to and Templeton has indicated he is willing to provide it.

But first, Flynt has to find him. And that’s a journey that takes him from the treacherous back alleys of London’s inns and brothels to a fiefdom in the North of England where we meet the devil in human clothing. Fortunately Jonas has met up with an old friend and when the time comes, he hopes his friend will not be found wanting.

Skelton really builds the character of Flynt in this book and though he suffers from a strong dose of regret overlaid with an aura of misty eyed longing for his past, that just makes you like him more. Yet, for all his regrets, he manages to hold the moral high ground and in so doing, place himself squarely in the face of danger. And this time the danger he faces is vicious and lethal.

I don’t always have a mental picture of protagonists in the books that I read, but in my eyes Jonas Flynt is a combination of Errol Flynn and Steve McQueen. That’s enough to keep me reading…

Verdict: With strong pace, lots of swashbuckling action and many surprises along the way, A Grave for a Thief continues to whet my appetite for more in this fabulous historical series.

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thank NetGalley and Canelo for an advance reader copy of A Grave for a Thief. All opinions and comments are my own.

Douglas Skelton’s Jonas Flynt is back in his third Georgian-era thriller in A Grave for a Thief, and like the other two books in this series, there’s something happening on practically every page, a lot of it murder and mayhem, often directed at Jonas himself. At least this time he’s got help in the form of an old friend -- but is this old friend really a friend, or is he a foe?

Jonas and his (supposed) friend, Gabriel Cain are on the hunt for a young man, a lawyer, who has information about The Fellowship, that shadowy group of men who oppose the King. Lord James Moncrieff, a member of the group, remains on the hunt for Jonas, their conflict a factor spanning three books now. The man’s trail leads them to a manor away from London, where Skelton introduces a cruel character that soon becomes a formidable opponent, culminating in an exciting battle that will test all of Jonas’s powers. Jonas and Gabriel go their separate ways, Gabriel reminding him that no one can escape his past.

With language and settings that underscore the Georgian times, A Grave for a Thief regales you with a character in the form of Jonas Flynt who is both saint and sinner. It’s always a pleasure to read about his exploits.

The Author’s Historical Note mentions the real people and places used in the telling of this book. One of the memorable ones is Sir Issac Newton, who makes a cameo.

[Carolyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

That lovable rogue Jonas Flynt, ex-soldier and ex-highwayman, is back after recovering from his near death immersion in the icy waters of the frozen Thames. A member of Col. Nathaniel Charters’ Company of Rogues, he has been assigned a new job, finding a missing lawyer by the name of Christopher Templeton. A lawyer for the shadowy group called the Fellowship, he was about to betray them by passing on all he knew about the group to Charters when disappeared.

Of course, Jonas is not the only one looking for Templeton and he soon runs into trouble. He also runs into an old friend/ fellow miscreant from the past, Gabriel Cain who he isn’t sure if can trust as it seems too coincidental him showing up now. However, when Flynt follows Templeton's trail north to a small village, he is fortunate that Gabriel follows him, as he has unknowingly been lead into a trap devised by a man who wants him dead.

If you enjoy plenty of swashbuckling action and suspense, then you should check out this historical series. I particularly enjoy Flynt’s character, a man who has a soft heart for women and children at risk and only kills when he must, never enjoying it. It was also good to see him having a companion to watch his back and hope we’ll see Gabriel again in the series. 4.5★

With thanks to Canelo via Netgalley for a copy to read

[Anne Szlachcic · Rating 5 out of 5]

Its England in 1716 , there are many taking advantage of the turmoil throughout the land - one such man with this knowledge is Christopher Templeton who has decided to share his misgivings to the Company of Rogues . But the Fellowship , the profiteers , will do anything to keep their secrets .......... and now Templeton has disappeared !
Jonas Flynt , still recovering from his duel with death , is tasked with finding him before its too late .
Whilst Jonas's search will take him from London to the north of England he must be wary for whilst he is searching for Templeton there appears to be someone stalking him.
All is not as it appears , can Jonas fulfil his quest , can he himself survive those who would rather the truth remain hidden ?

This is yet another excellent historical , murder mystery from the Author where he manages to bring to life the sights and politics of era that enhances a readers experience of these turbulent times

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own

[Lesley McLean · Rating 3 out of 5]

Book 3 in this series set in the 1700s. Jonas Flynt, ex-soldier and reluctant member of the Company of Rogues, a shady intelligence group run by ruthless spymaster Nathaniel Charters, is ordered to find a missing lawyer with priceless information. There are others on the hunt, and Jonas finds his conscience and friendships challenged.

The search takes Jonas from the dark, dangerous streets of London, out into an isolated rural village. The tale moves along at speed, but doesn’t drop the narrative. It’s a page-turner, but I found myself enjoying the first half more - probably because the history of London is more my bag.

Thanks to @netgalley @canelo_co and @dougskelton1 for the chance to review this book in my own words.

#AGraveForAThief #NetGalley #canelo #DouglasSkelton #historicfiction #scottishfiction #mystery #bookreview #bookrecommendation

[Robin Price · Rating 5 out of 5]

I remember with great fondness reading this type of historical swashbuckler as a youth and Douglas Skelton has certainly refined the genre since Baroness Orczy let 'The Scarlet Pimpernel' loose.
This is undoubtedly the best historical crime series currently being published. Jonas Flynt is an unlikely, but highly likeable hero - or is he the villain? - it's occasionally a bit of a blur.
The plot throbs with passions, jealousies and regrets. The depiction of every day life in the early eighteenth century is as impressive as the frequent action scenes.
The story is so well written it absorbs one immediately and the pace never falters for a second as twist follows twist and there is always a meaningful emotional backdrop too.
This third volume in the series is absolutely perfect. I can't wait to read the fourth.

[Joshkun Mehmet · Rating 5 out of 5]

The third instalment in the Company of Rogues series and, as usual, the author delivers a very enjoyable tale with great characters and a well conceived plot.

Jonas Flynt is tasked with finding a lawyer who has gone into hiding after betraying the Fellowship, a group of influential individuals who will stop at nothing to prevent their nefarious activities being scrutinised.

The job takes Jonas from the dingy alleys of London to a village in the north of England where a tyrant Lord is determined to acquire as much land as possible from the locals.

Along the way Jonas is helped and hindered by a myriad of characters and the intrigue and mystery keep the reader engrossed until the last page. Recommended.

[Jo-anne Atkinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jonas Flynt has barely recovered from his last mission when he is given a new one. He is tasked to find a lawyer called Templeton who knows the secrets of the Fellowship, secrets he may be willing to divulge. However as Flynt starts his journey he doesn't realise he is part of a bigger game, one designed to destroy him.
I really like the last book in the series and this one is equally as good. Set in the early days of the reign of George I, life in London is portrayed in all it's grime reality. However by moving the latter part of the action to the wild northern countryside Skelton has added another dimension to his writing and it really works.

[Avril Hemingway · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an historical thriller set in 1716 and full of the atmosphere of the era. It is well plotted fast paced and gripping. The well researched historical background is vivid and takes us from the streets of London into the countryside of the North. for yet more murder and mayhem. The lead characters are great as you would expected but do so are the strong willed females who make an appearance. Another great read in this series and I can't wait to see more. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Vicki · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jonas Flynt is back in the thick of things, only just recovered from his last escapade. Tact & Diplomacy are around too, luckily for him. The latest in the series is a continuation of the previous two, with Jonas lurking in alleys & skulking about trying to stay one step ahead of an assassin & attempting to work out who he can trust. An enjoyable read.

[Own Timis · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good read but the weakest so far of the three Jonas Flynt novels. I could write quite a bit about what I didn't like but I don't think that would be fair. So what I will say is that even though it isn't Skelton's best, it was still enjoyable and I'll be picking up book 4 when it comes out later this year.

[SANDY WARDROPE · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great tale Jonas is the man a troubled hero with a dubious history. He really is a good man who has done bad things but his inner goodness shines through and will.maybe save his soul. The tale set in the eighteenth century allows us to learn about history while being entertained. Great stuff keep it going.

[Ruth Matheson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'd forgotten how much I like an historical story full of murder, mayhem and the rest until I began this series. Book 3 sees Jonas heading out of London to north England and he as usual finds trouble around every corner. That's what makes these stories so good...... great fiction interwoven with history.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

1716. Christopher Templeton, lawyer to The Fellowship has disappeared. Colonel Charters of the Company of Rogues wants him found and gives the mission to Jonas Flynt. But he is not the only one looking for Templeton, and it seems Flynt's life is also in danger.
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery thriller with its interesting and varied characters. A good addition to this series.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.