Mathew's Tale: A historical mystery full of intrigue and murder

by Quintin Jardine

In this, his landmark fortieth novel, Quintin Jardine tells the remarkable story of a man's quest for justice - at any cost.

1818, Carluke, Lanarkshire. Mathew Fleming returns home to Scotland following heroic service at the Battle of Waterloo. After seven years away, he is a ghostly presence to those he left behind. But Mathew is ambitious and soon becomes a man of influence in his county and beyond. Yet through all his success, he still hides the loss of his one true love.

When a terrible act of murder occurs, Mathew must choose between the rule of blood and the rule of law. And as a man of honour with a warrior's instincts, he embarks on a journey of vengeance that will test every sinew of his faith in mankind...

Genres: Historical Fiction, Historical, Mystery, Crime, Scotland, Fiction

368 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 1, 2014

About the author

Quintin Jardine (born 1945) is a Scottish author of three series of crime novels, featuring the fictional characters Bob Skinner, Oz Blackstone, and Primavera Blackstone. He was educated in Motherwell and in Glasgow where he studied at what was then the city’s only University. After career as a journalist, government information officer and media relations consultant, he took to the creation of crime fiction.

His first wife, Irene, with whom he shared over 30 years, from their teens, died in 1997. He is married, to his second wife, Eileen. They live in both Scotland and in Spain

Reviews

[Aileen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Passed to me by my mother, not my usual genre, and had previously read some of this author's Skinner series and wasn't keen. I finished this one, but it didn't really grab me at all. It was like a historical Mills & Boon 'fiction lite' tale. All quite predictable, characters very superficial, but it really wasn't a 'crime novel' by my standards.

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great storytelling, characterisation and historical setting and mood. I absolutely loved it. Mathew is a wonderful creation.

[Judy Benvin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very well written. Wanted a sequel, tho.

[Sandra · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Veronica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Set in the early 19 th century, this is a story about a young man called Mathew, who returns from the battle of Waterloo and who makes his fortune at home. A murder takes place and Mathew, the main charachter has to decide how to deal with it. Should he take his vengeance in the form of violence or in another form.

This historical crime novel is so well written. I thourghly enjoyed it and although I don't normally read this genre, I will definitely read another of Quintin Jardine's novels.

[Fiona · Rating 3 out of 5]

Three and a half!

[Yvonne Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is fantastic a very good read , had me quite emotional in some places .I don't normally read historical but was great highly recommend it.

[Lynne · Rating 1 out of 5]

Dreadful Poldark-esque rip off. Cod historical Scots dialect and a too good to be true scarred hero, returning from the wars.
It is possible the author wanted to channel his inner Mayor of Casterbridge in places but this really didn't pay off.

[Stuart · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting insight into Edinburgh's legal system in 1820s. The rise of Matthew Fleming financially and socially was rather too great to be realistic however. Nicely finished off with all loose ends tied up.

[Sandra · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyed this book.

[Colby · Rating 4 out of 5]

A ripping yarn!

[Carolyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really good read

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Subtitle could be "Revenge is Sweet"

[Tony Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story

[Denise Haney · Rating 4 out of 5]

A different novel from the Skinner series, this historical novel has great characters and an interesting storyline.

[Reader · Rating 2 out of 5]

Run of the mill, historical family saga

[Angus MacDonald · Rating 5 out of 5]

Personally I found this a fantastic read knowing the area on which it was it was set. A historical novel and intriguing tale.

[Angelafeet · Rating 4 out of 5]

I shied away from this although I love Quentin Jardine, but have just really enjoyed this
I love and devour his Skinner books but it’s his style that I love. I felt like this was Skinners great great great grandad.
Recommend this

[Meredith · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a great tale of revenge. It shows how gross injustices existed in the judicial system back then. (Perhaps they still do).

For the main character Mathew (What's with only one T) everything seemed to come so easy to him. Everything he touched turned to gold. While it was convenient for the purpose of his revenge, it seemed a bit too convenient and simple for the story.

The book was not quite what I was expecting but it was enjoyable nonetheless.

[Heather Hyde · Rating 2 out of 5]

A very stereotypical Poldark style read, the inevitable war hero returns to find his love married to another thinking him dead. However her husband stands accused of murder and it falls to Mathew to try to prove his innocence. Really not the " fast moving crime thriller" it's cracked up to be!

[Elisabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

It kept me reading, though none of the characters seemed real. Some too noble to be believed.

[John Lane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book from start to finish it took you to a world of hope and despair with a very good outcome would like to read more of this authors work.

[Anne Fox · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this. A big change to the usual from the author. I hope he does more like this.

[Janet Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written great characters and a tale that draws you in from page 1.

[Fiona Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the book it was like a Scottish poldark
If you like crime books this one is for you