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The Thief Taker #1.5
Death Magic
London 1663. A murdered girl. An attic full of charms …
Charlie Tuesday has a new case. A maid-servant has been brutally murdered, leaving an array of strange protectorates in her attic room. Stolen from her body was a silver thimble which no-one can explain how she came to have.
Was the dead girl warding off something more sinister than bad luck? As London’s best thief-taker begins tracking the killer, nothing is what it seems.
This is a short read from the bestselling Thief Taker series. It can be read standalone or as an early case from the series.
Charlie Tuesday has a new case. A maid-servant has been brutally murdered, leaving an array of strange protectorates in her attic room. Stolen from her body was a silver thimble which no-one can explain how she came to have.
Was the dead girl warding off something more sinister than bad luck? As London’s best thief-taker begins tracking the killer, nothing is what it seems.
This is a short read from the bestselling Thief Taker series. It can be read standalone or as an early case from the series.
82 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 15, 2015
59 people are currently reading
321 people want to read
About the author
C.S. Quinn
8 books286 followersC.S. Quinn is a travel and lifestyle journalist for The Times, The Guardian and The Mirror, alongside many magazines. Prior to this, Quinn's background in historic research won prestigious postgraduate funding from the British Art Council. Quinn pooled these resources, combining historical research with first-hand experiences in far-flung places to create The Thief Taker's London.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
July 6, 2018
Amazon describes Death Magic by CS Quinn as a Short Read, in this case, it has 79 pages. Quinn lists this novel as one in the Thief Taker Series. I found the term “Thief Taker” intriguing and it took several pages of reading before I found out the difference between a private detective and a “Thief Taker.” This novel was published in 2015 in the UK. Non-UK readers will discover English language items unique to the UK. For me, new learning adds value to the reading experience. In this novel, new learning is about more than just language as Quinn writes of a location, lifestyle, and history unfamiliar to the general non-UK reading public.
Nancy, a maid in the house of Fitzgilbert was dead. Fitzgilbert was distraught because many people blamed his wife, Elizabeth, for Nancy’s death. Fitzgilbert hired Charlie Tuesday, a “thief taker.” For reasons the reader will have fun in discovering, at the scene of Nancy’s death, possibly a murder, a silver thimble is missing. Fitzgilbert, Nancy’s employer feels sure that the person who finds the thimble will find the person who killed Nancy. This is where the first mystery appears. Charlie insists he is a thief taker. He succeeds when he finds the thimble. He does not care about finding a murderer, even if the death was a murder. A reader may find this division of labor strange; I did.
Charlie the investigator or thief taker does not usually work outside London. Now he is looking for a thief in the villages. He may have to modify his walking habits because Charlie doesn’t like wearing shoes.in an England with unpaved streets and roads, Charlie likes the feeling of the earth. This was England of the Roundheads and Cavaliers. When I reached this point, it was time for me to go to Wikipedia to get a feeling of an English period of history not firmly fixed in my memory.
It was a time of superstition. A shoe placed up and inside a chimney was supposed to protect the house from haunting. How does dancing a Maypole relate to religion? I did not know. Nancy worshipped in secret at a Baptist church, not a Puritan one. More stuff to check in Wikipedia. Fitzgilbert and Elizabeth worshipped in a Puritan church and Elizabeth spoke “in tongues.” Villagers accused Elizabeth of being a witch.
Charlie, like any detective in modern crime shows, knows people in low places. Readers will learn something of low places in England of long ago. Jewelers know when stolen jewelry is resold. Modern readers may not consider a thimble jewelry; in this story it is considered so. Charlie also has a physically huge friend, one Charlie helped get prizefights to get extra money. John will accompany Charlie to a prison to interview Elizabeth about the thimble and possible murder and will be a valuable ally in helping Charlie fight their way out of prison. It seems wardens liked to jail visitors who didn’t respond favorably to requests for money prior to visitor departure. Corruption is an uncomfortable staple at all times and societies.
Charlie with his enforcer friend John will have to work fast. The two found out from Elizabeth’s vicar that Elizabeth had been declared a witch and sentenced to burn the day following Charlie and John’s visit. Now the story picks up the pace and rewards the reader with a few surprises before a surprising conclusion. This is a good story that will appeal to amateur historians, mystery fans, students of early Christianity and those interested in anthropology. There are no offensive sexual descriptions. There are no extended descriptions of violence but the burning of witches is not a non-violent activity. (Yeah, double negatives, I know). I gave this a rating of four Amazon stars because I liked the chronological setting descriptions.
Death Magic sells for USD 0.99 and is a free read through Kindle Unlimited.
Nancy, a maid in the house of Fitzgilbert was dead. Fitzgilbert was distraught because many people blamed his wife, Elizabeth, for Nancy’s death. Fitzgilbert hired Charlie Tuesday, a “thief taker.” For reasons the reader will have fun in discovering, at the scene of Nancy’s death, possibly a murder, a silver thimble is missing. Fitzgilbert, Nancy’s employer feels sure that the person who finds the thimble will find the person who killed Nancy. This is where the first mystery appears. Charlie insists he is a thief taker. He succeeds when he finds the thimble. He does not care about finding a murderer, even if the death was a murder. A reader may find this division of labor strange; I did.
Charlie the investigator or thief taker does not usually work outside London. Now he is looking for a thief in the villages. He may have to modify his walking habits because Charlie doesn’t like wearing shoes.in an England with unpaved streets and roads, Charlie likes the feeling of the earth. This was England of the Roundheads and Cavaliers. When I reached this point, it was time for me to go to Wikipedia to get a feeling of an English period of history not firmly fixed in my memory.
It was a time of superstition. A shoe placed up and inside a chimney was supposed to protect the house from haunting. How does dancing a Maypole relate to religion? I did not know. Nancy worshipped in secret at a Baptist church, not a Puritan one. More stuff to check in Wikipedia. Fitzgilbert and Elizabeth worshipped in a Puritan church and Elizabeth spoke “in tongues.” Villagers accused Elizabeth of being a witch.
Charlie, like any detective in modern crime shows, knows people in low places. Readers will learn something of low places in England of long ago. Jewelers know when stolen jewelry is resold. Modern readers may not consider a thimble jewelry; in this story it is considered so. Charlie also has a physically huge friend, one Charlie helped get prizefights to get extra money. John will accompany Charlie to a prison to interview Elizabeth about the thimble and possible murder and will be a valuable ally in helping Charlie fight their way out of prison. It seems wardens liked to jail visitors who didn’t respond favorably to requests for money prior to visitor departure. Corruption is an uncomfortable staple at all times and societies.
Charlie with his enforcer friend John will have to work fast. The two found out from Elizabeth’s vicar that Elizabeth had been declared a witch and sentenced to burn the day following Charlie and John’s visit. Now the story picks up the pace and rewards the reader with a few surprises before a surprising conclusion. This is a good story that will appeal to amateur historians, mystery fans, students of early Christianity and those interested in anthropology. There are no offensive sexual descriptions. There are no extended descriptions of violence but the burning of witches is not a non-violent activity. (Yeah, double negatives, I know). I gave this a rating of four Amazon stars because I liked the chronological setting descriptions.
Death Magic sells for USD 0.99 and is a free read through Kindle Unlimited.
March 4, 2020
This one deals with the misguided and wrong mind~set of people even within the Church with regard to exorcism. The blame with regard to carnal sexual temptation that men put on a beautiful shapely woman is just too much to be credible for us now but during that timeline, that particular mind~set was the norm. Beautiful country born Nancy was bludgeoned to death in her attic bedroom where she was maid to a Puritan couple. The husband practiced exorcism on his wife and Nancy's vicar did an exorcism on Nancy too. As to the latter, Charlie was wont to prove something else going on when he was hired (by the master of the house) to find Nancy's silver thimble that disappeared during her murder and her mistress was accused and imprisoned as a witch and her murderess... such allegations Charlie did not believe and set out to disprove... in the nick and flame lick of time. Brilliant.
July 7, 2019
This short story sees Charlie Tuesday employed to find the thimble of a murdered maid, with the added benefit of perhaps also unmasking her killer.
Charlie is an interesting character, a shrewd, quick-thinking young man, using his brains to help him make a living as a thief taker in Restoration London. This is just a quick dip into Charlie's life and casework, but it's an entertaining one.
Faced with the mystery of Nancy's murder, he follows the clues, risking life and limb as he does so, to make sure the right person pays for the crime. It's a neat little plot with hidden depths to it. I'd forgotten how much I like Charlie Tuesday in the first book. I think I might pick up the next in the series shortly.
Charlie is an interesting character, a shrewd, quick-thinking young man, using his brains to help him make a living as a thief taker in Restoration London. This is just a quick dip into Charlie's life and casework, but it's an entertaining one.
Faced with the mystery of Nancy's murder, he follows the clues, risking life and limb as he does so, to make sure the right person pays for the crime. It's a neat little plot with hidden depths to it. I'd forgotten how much I like Charlie Tuesday in the first book. I think I might pick up the next in the series shortly.
September 29, 2021
This is a short story which I usually don't bother with but I so loved the character of Charlie Tuesday that I had to have it. It takes place in 1663 which predates the novels and it the story of the type of crime that Charlie made his living at. Sometimes he would just get the item back and let the thief go because of the severity of the punishments at the time. Sometimes he would arrange for the thief to be turned over to the law. This was a case of a missing silver thimble but it came with a dead girl. The husband of the prime suspect wants Charlie to find the thimble believing it would lead to the murderer and prove his wife innocent. I enjoyed the exploration of Charlie's skills but I wish that the author would write some more novels in the series.
August 2, 2017
Suspense filled
Loved this short story...the best book in the series, I think. I read this one last instead if first, though. The thing that keeps me reading this series is the interesting information regarding practices and beliefs of the 17th century era in London. I've learned so much about the religious practices of the times. Quinn has done a thorough research and written another intriguing plot. Definite must read for historical fiction readers.
Loved this short story...the best book in the series, I think. I read this one last instead if first, though. The thing that keeps me reading this series is the interesting information regarding practices and beliefs of the 17th century era in London. I've learned so much about the religious practices of the times. Quinn has done a thorough research and written another intriguing plot. Definite must read for historical fiction readers.
April 24, 2018
A great short story.
I dont usualy read short stories, but i came across this after reading book 3 in the Thief Taker series and couldnt resit. I am a huge fan of this series and have enjoyed each book including Death Magic, immensley.
I am looking forward to book 4 being released shortly. I cant get enough of Charlie Tuesday and being transported back in time. The author paints s a vivid and descriptive pictutre in this wonderful historical fiction series. X
I dont usualy read short stories, but i came across this after reading book 3 in the Thief Taker series and couldnt resit. I am a huge fan of this series and have enjoyed each book including Death Magic, immensley.
I am looking forward to book 4 being released shortly. I cant get enough of Charlie Tuesday and being transported back in time. The author paints s a vivid and descriptive pictutre in this wonderful historical fiction series. X
October 15, 2022
A murder and a thimble.
Excellent short story from a talented author. I have only awarded four stars because when a short story really grips me I wish it was a full length novel. I have read the Attica Morgan books and strongly recommend this author to all fans of historical fiction.
Excellent short story from a talented author. I have only awarded four stars because when a short story really grips me I wish it was a full length novel. I have read the Attica Morgan books and strongly recommend this author to all fans of historical fiction.
July 27, 2018
As good as the rest of the series, all of these books have captured my interest and imagination, they are basically historic adventures, easy to read and easy to understand, I cannot recommend them enough.
September 3, 2018
A short story but a really interesting one, set in the time of witch burning, Charlie the thief taker is employed to find the silver thimble of a young maid who was murdered, in the hopes it will lead him to the murderer.
October 27, 2018
A great short read
I love this series of books, the author captures the sense of place and time beautifully. Charlie Tuesday is alikeable character whose story is well worth following
I love this series of books, the author captures the sense of place and time beautifully. Charlie Tuesday is alikeable character whose story is well worth following
January 16, 2019
I really, really enjoyed this short story. It was well-written and the time period was portrayed very well (as far as I, with limited historical knowledge, can tell). I liked the discriptions of London a lot as well.
January 21, 2019
Wow! C.S. Quinn put a whole 500 page book into 58 pages full of murder, witches, crime and like in London in 1663 ---making it one of the best stories I have ever read --- even got my heart racing! Terrific!
February 19, 2019
Very well done. The social history of this time period is well woven into the plot of the mystery as well as the details of the narrative. It is also a good mystery. I look forward to reading more of this series.
July 19, 2020
Loved
Another great read! However chapter 22 and 23 are the exact same. Somehow in formatting that chapter got duplicated. I don't normally read the small novellas but I love this series. It was quick and satisfying.
Another great read! However chapter 22 and 23 are the exact same. Somehow in formatting that chapter got duplicated. I don't normally read the small novellas but I love this series. It was quick and satisfying.
August 29, 2020
A Very Weak Ending
The novella started out well but the ending seemed very rushed and contrived. It was a mixture of an Agatha Christie whodunit and a John Dickson Carr Historical Mystery Thriller.
The novella started out well but the ending seemed very rushed and contrived. It was a mixture of an Agatha Christie whodunit and a John Dickson Carr Historical Mystery Thriller.
July 5, 2017
Great little read
This was a fun story. I've read all the Thief Taker books and have enjoyed them all. Good historical reads.
This was a fun story. I've read all the Thief Taker books and have enjoyed them all. Good historical reads.
March 14, 2018
I enjoyed this better than the other three.
September 5, 2018
Have never read anything by this author before. I was immediately captivated by the characters and the story. Looking forward to the rest of the series.
November 9, 2018
It was a nice little story, short and entertaining.
The scene of the burning was resolved way too easily and quickly, but I'll accept that in a short story.
The scene of the burning was resolved way too easily and quickly, but I'll accept that in a short story.
March 7, 2019
Short and sweet.
Looking forward to another episode in Charlie Tuesday's ducking and diving life. Enjoy the mystery and clever ways of escapism.
Looking forward to another episode in Charlie Tuesday's ducking and diving life. Enjoy the mystery and clever ways of escapism.
April 8, 2019
A good short little book. I enjoyed reading it, it gave a good picture of 17th century London and the people within it and their way of life.
May 1, 2019
Received a free copy for a review. Interesting read and the characters are likeable. Couldn't put it down.
August 13, 2019
In the goodbooksection.
I'll enjoy all the c s lewis books a real page turner and a can't put it down books. Here's hoping for more
I'll enjoy all the c s lewis books a real page turner and a can't put it down books. Here's hoping for more
November 3, 2022
Brilliant as usual, I'm loving the series
May 5, 2024
A short story about charlie tuesday good and an intoduction toast new novle about a woman spy in Old England, looks promecing
Read
October 24, 2024Kobo e-pub
March 8, 2021
Het begin van de Thief Taker reeks over Charlie Tuesday. De reeks speelt zich af in het 17de eeuwse Londen en de auteur geeft meesterlijk de sfeer en levensstijl van die tijd weer. Zie dit relatief korte verhaal als een inleiding tot volgende werken van Catherine "Cate" Quinn waarin de historische details verweven zijn met veelvuldige plotwendingen en de beschrijving van boeiende personages.
November 23, 2016
I was hooked by the historical detail, the crime, the smart investigator, the complex plot. One of those stories that you pause your life for and then feel sad at the end because the book finishes and you have to put it down. For a short tine I walked beside Charlie Tuesday through those muddy lanes of London. I could feel the clay between my toes and smell the damp brine of that old roman bath. I immediately went looking for more Charlie Tuesday after this one.
May 6, 2016
I don't usually read short stories
But having read The Thief Taker, by C. S Quinn, I wouldn't pass anything she's written! And I was right, this story, short as it might be was every bit as good as her other book! I'm so glad that it's part of another book in her Thief Taker series, I just wish she'd hurry up and get them written!
But having read The Thief Taker, by C. S Quinn, I wouldn't pass anything she's written! And I was right, this story, short as it might be was every bit as good as her other book! I'm so glad that it's part of another book in her Thief Taker series, I just wish she'd hurry up and get them written!
December 19, 2015
I really liked C.S Quinn's first book in this series, the Thief Taker, but thought that this second book was just too short, with very little plot development or character development. I know that it wasn't intended to be more than an extended short story, but I wish I had just waited for the second full book in the series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews