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A Bloody Mary Mystery #1
Rebellion's Message
Introducing Elizabethan cutpurse and adventurer Jack Blackjack in the first of a brand-new historical mystery series"" "
January, 1554. Light-fingered Jack Blackjack knows he s not going to have a good day when he wakes with a sore head next to a dead body in a tavern s yard. That would be bad enough but when he discovers what s in the dead man s purse, the one he d stolen, his day is set to get much worse. The purse explains why the mysterious man with the broad-brimmed hat wants to catch him. But so does the Lord Chancellor, as does the enigmatic Henry. In fact, almost everyone seems to be after Jack Blackjack.
If it weren t for the rebel army marching on London determined to remove Queen Mary from her throne and install Lady Jane Grey in her place, Jack could leave the city but with the bridge blocked and every gate manned, there s no escape.
Instead he must try to work out who killed the man in the yard, and why. But it won t be easy as the rebel army comes ever closer and the death toll mounts
January, 1554. Light-fingered Jack Blackjack knows he s not going to have a good day when he wakes with a sore head next to a dead body in a tavern s yard. That would be bad enough but when he discovers what s in the dead man s purse, the one he d stolen, his day is set to get much worse. The purse explains why the mysterious man with the broad-brimmed hat wants to catch him. But so does the Lord Chancellor, as does the enigmatic Henry. In fact, almost everyone seems to be after Jack Blackjack.
If it weren t for the rebel army marching on London determined to remove Queen Mary from her throne and install Lady Jane Grey in her place, Jack could leave the city but with the bridge blocked and every gate manned, there s no escape.
Instead he must try to work out who killed the man in the yard, and why. But it won t be easy as the rebel army comes ever closer and the death toll mounts
224 pages, Hardcover
First published August 1, 2016
55 people are currently reading
309 people want to read
About the author
Michael Jecks
121 books620 followersMichael Jecks is a best-selling writer of historical novels. The son of an Actuary, and the youngest of four brothers, he worked in the computer industry before becoming a novelist full time in 1994
He is the author of the internationally popular Templar series, perhaps the longest crime series written by a living author. Unusually, the series looks again at actual events and murders committed about the early fourteenth century, a fabulous time of treachery, civil war, deceit and corruption. Famine, war and disease led to widespread despair, and yet the people showed themselves to be resilient. The series is available as ebooks and all paper formats from Harper Collins, Headline and Simon and Schuster. More recently he has completed his Vintener Trilogy, three stories in his Bloody Mary series, and a new Crusades story set in 1096, Pilgrim's War, following some of the people in the first Crusade on their long pilgrimage to Jerusalem. He has also written a highly acclaimed modern spy thriller, Act of Vengeance.
His books have won him international acclaim and in 2007 his Death Ship of Dartmouth was shortlisted for the Harrogate prize for the best crime novel of the year.
A member of the Society of Authors and Royal Literary Society, Jecks was the Chairman of the Crime Writers' Association in 2004-2005. In 2005 he became a member of the Detection Club.
From 1998 he organised the CWA Debut Dagger competition for two years, helping unpublished authors to win their first contracts He judged the CWA/Ian Fleming Steel Dagger Award for three years.
Michael Jecks is a popular speaker at literary festivals and historical meetings. He is a popular after-dinner and motivational speaker and has spoken at events from Colombia to Italy, Portugal to Alaska.
His own highlights are: being the Grand Marshal of the first parade at the New Orleans 2014 Mardi Gras, designing the Michael Jecks fountain pen for Conway Stewart, and being the International Guest of Honour at the Crime Writers of Canada Bloody Words convention.
Michael lives, walks, writes and paints in North Dartmoor.
He is the author of the internationally popular Templar series, perhaps the longest crime series written by a living author. Unusually, the series looks again at actual events and murders committed about the early fourteenth century, a fabulous time of treachery, civil war, deceit and corruption. Famine, war and disease led to widespread despair, and yet the people showed themselves to be resilient. The series is available as ebooks and all paper formats from Harper Collins, Headline and Simon and Schuster. More recently he has completed his Vintener Trilogy, three stories in his Bloody Mary series, and a new Crusades story set in 1096, Pilgrim's War, following some of the people in the first Crusade on their long pilgrimage to Jerusalem. He has also written a highly acclaimed modern spy thriller, Act of Vengeance.
His books have won him international acclaim and in 2007 his Death Ship of Dartmouth was shortlisted for the Harrogate prize for the best crime novel of the year.
A member of the Society of Authors and Royal Literary Society, Jecks was the Chairman of the Crime Writers' Association in 2004-2005. In 2005 he became a member of the Detection Club.
From 1998 he organised the CWA Debut Dagger competition for two years, helping unpublished authors to win their first contracts He judged the CWA/Ian Fleming Steel Dagger Award for three years.
Michael Jecks is a popular speaker at literary festivals and historical meetings. He is a popular after-dinner and motivational speaker and has spoken at events from Colombia to Italy, Portugal to Alaska.
His own highlights are: being the Grand Marshal of the first parade at the New Orleans 2014 Mardi Gras, designing the Michael Jecks fountain pen for Conway Stewart, and being the International Guest of Honour at the Crime Writers of Canada Bloody Words convention.
Michael lives, walks, writes and paints in North Dartmoor.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
December 4, 2019
I first reviewed Rebellion's Message in 2016. Before going any further, I must say I do like the cover for this new digital edition. I loved Jack Blackjack when I first met him and have continued to shake my head over his wayward journey. He's somewhat like that annoying younger brother, always walking deeper and deeper into trouble, and then wondering how on earth things had come to pass. Thankfully, like a cat with nine lives, he seems to land on his feet, even if the landing is somewhat shaky.
Jack being Jack, and me being me, I am incorporating parts of my review from two years ago. Rebellion's Message was the first in a Tudor mystery series rife with "intrigue, deadly court politics, a roguish, likeable anti hero, and murder-- all centered on the firm historical detail of the period during the rebellion of 1554 lead by Jane Grey supporters against Queen Mary."
An "engaging mystery tale told by a bumbling young scapegoat, Jack Blackjack who has the perfectly respectable occupation of a cut purse, living off his wits, along with his fellow gang members, all lead by the nasty piece of work, Bill Tanner. Not your band of merry men, rather a group of people living in squalor, thieving and more to make a living. Jack is besotted by the lovely Moll, Bill's girlfriend."
"Jack becomes unknowingly caught up in the rebellion. (He just never looks around the corners!) One minute he's stealing a purse, the next he finds himself coming to consciousness with a dagger in his hand, a dead body beside him and lump on his head. Taking off ahead of the hue and cry, Jack's road to discovering who framed him is littered with dead bodies, traitors, and important personages."
In 2016, I termed Rebellion's Message as masterly and I must say I continue to stand by that opinion. Jack Blackjack will always be one of my fav. Tudor rogues, that's when I'm not holding my head in my hands despairingly, muttering, "Really Jack!"
A BlackThorn ARC via NetGalley
Jack being Jack, and me being me, I am incorporating parts of my review from two years ago. Rebellion's Message was the first in a Tudor mystery series rife with "intrigue, deadly court politics, a roguish, likeable anti hero, and murder-- all centered on the firm historical detail of the period during the rebellion of 1554 lead by Jane Grey supporters against Queen Mary."
An "engaging mystery tale told by a bumbling young scapegoat, Jack Blackjack who has the perfectly respectable occupation of a cut purse, living off his wits, along with his fellow gang members, all lead by the nasty piece of work, Bill Tanner. Not your band of merry men, rather a group of people living in squalor, thieving and more to make a living. Jack is besotted by the lovely Moll, Bill's girlfriend."
"Jack becomes unknowingly caught up in the rebellion. (He just never looks around the corners!) One minute he's stealing a purse, the next he finds himself coming to consciousness with a dagger in his hand, a dead body beside him and lump on his head. Taking off ahead of the hue and cry, Jack's road to discovering who framed him is littered with dead bodies, traitors, and important personages."
In 2016, I termed Rebellion's Message as masterly and I must say I continue to stand by that opinion. Jack Blackjack will always be one of my fav. Tudor rogues, that's when I'm not holding my head in my hands despairingly, muttering, "Really Jack!"
A BlackThorn ARC via NetGalley
June 19, 2016
6/10
A mildly enjoyable historical action/mystery set during a siege on London in Queen Elizabeth's time. Jack Blackjack wakes up next to a body of which he is accused of killing, he fleas the scene and tries to flea London but the pesky siege stops him.
The premise of the book is the reason that made me request this, I quite like my historical fiction and this was a relatively short book so there wasn't much to lose. The style of narration made it easy to get into and things happen straightaway. But then the style does seem to drag after a bit and there are a number of characters jumping in and out which made it hard for me to keep on top of who was who and who was likely to be setting Jack up.
Too often were things either sorted or cleared up with someone bumping Jack on the head or bumping a villain trying to kill Jack on the head. The man lives a charmed life to keep escaping from peril with such fortuitous happenings. I'm sure London was a busy place even back then but the same couple of characters kept stumbling on each other making it all seem a bit too easy.
Overall not a bad read and I'd potentially read the next one (assuming as with most books it gets turned into a series of sorts) or failing that I wouldn't be put off trying the authors other works. A decent narration style that is let down a little by too much coincidence.
If you like this try: "Dissolution" by C. J. Sansom
I received a free copy from Netgalley for review
A mildly enjoyable historical action/mystery set during a siege on London in Queen Elizabeth's time. Jack Blackjack wakes up next to a body of which he is accused of killing, he fleas the scene and tries to flea London but the pesky siege stops him.
The premise of the book is the reason that made me request this, I quite like my historical fiction and this was a relatively short book so there wasn't much to lose. The style of narration made it easy to get into and things happen straightaway. But then the style does seem to drag after a bit and there are a number of characters jumping in and out which made it hard for me to keep on top of who was who and who was likely to be setting Jack up.
Too often were things either sorted or cleared up with someone bumping Jack on the head or bumping a villain trying to kill Jack on the head. The man lives a charmed life to keep escaping from peril with such fortuitous happenings. I'm sure London was a busy place even back then but the same couple of characters kept stumbling on each other making it all seem a bit too easy.
Overall not a bad read and I'd potentially read the next one (assuming as with most books it gets turned into a series of sorts) or failing that I wouldn't be put off trying the authors other works. A decent narration style that is let down a little by too much coincidence.
If you like this try: "Dissolution" by C. J. Sansom
I received a free copy from Netgalley for review
October 7, 2017
In this first volume of his new series Michael Jecks, the author of the Templar Medieval Mystery series, introduces us to a likable petty criminal by the name of Jack BlackJack. This novel is fairly short and I found it to be a quick read. Mr. Jecks sets this novel in the turbulent reign of Mary I, sister and predecessor to Elizabeth I.
As the novel opens Jack has been is knocked over the head while plying his trade and knocked out. As he comes to, he is lying next to his latest victim, that victim is dead and a bloody knife is in HIS hand. He realizes that if he sticks around, he is likely to be arrested for murder and hung. While he is a criminal he is not THAT kind of criminal. The rest of the story is his trying both stay ahead of law enforcement, to figure out just who the victim was and what he has gotten himself into.
As usual with Mr. Jeck’s novels, the background is very well researched and vividly written. The author really brings 16th Century London to life. His descriptions of the sights, sounds and probably more importantly the smells really bring the reader into the London of the Tudor Era. I thought some of the secondary characters were well drawn, esp the gang of cutpurses and petty criminals to which he owes his allegiance.
I found the plot is really twisty-turny and sometime difficult to follow. As Jack finds out more and more about the dead man, the more he is drawn into something that is so far out of his world that he can scarcely comprehend it. It seem the dead man was carrying a secret message dealing with a coming revolt against the queen and replacing her with the Lady Jane Grey. The message has disappeared and everyone wants the message. Jack is the first place they want to start looking.
The major problem I had with the narrative, is that whenever Jack needs an answer or an escape, someone or something just happens to be there. This reliance by the author on coincidence to propel the story and get the main character out of trouble drops the rating 3/4ths of a star for me.
I’ve enjoyed Mr. Jecks works in the past and feel that the series has promise. Jack is a very engaging rouge. Due to the series of coincidences that just happen to keep Jack one step ahead of everyone else, I would rate this 3.75 stars, so I’ve rounded up to 4 stars. It is very good way to kill a few hours.
As the novel opens Jack has been is knocked over the head while plying his trade and knocked out. As he comes to, he is lying next to his latest victim, that victim is dead and a bloody knife is in HIS hand. He realizes that if he sticks around, he is likely to be arrested for murder and hung. While he is a criminal he is not THAT kind of criminal. The rest of the story is his trying both stay ahead of law enforcement, to figure out just who the victim was and what he has gotten himself into.
As usual with Mr. Jeck’s novels, the background is very well researched and vividly written. The author really brings 16th Century London to life. His descriptions of the sights, sounds and probably more importantly the smells really bring the reader into the London of the Tudor Era. I thought some of the secondary characters were well drawn, esp the gang of cutpurses and petty criminals to which he owes his allegiance.
I found the plot is really twisty-turny and sometime difficult to follow. As Jack finds out more and more about the dead man, the more he is drawn into something that is so far out of his world that he can scarcely comprehend it. It seem the dead man was carrying a secret message dealing with a coming revolt against the queen and replacing her with the Lady Jane Grey. The message has disappeared and everyone wants the message. Jack is the first place they want to start looking.
The major problem I had with the narrative, is that whenever Jack needs an answer or an escape, someone or something just happens to be there. This reliance by the author on coincidence to propel the story and get the main character out of trouble drops the rating 3/4ths of a star for me.
I’ve enjoyed Mr. Jecks works in the past and feel that the series has promise. Jack is a very engaging rouge. Due to the series of coincidences that just happen to keep Jack one step ahead of everyone else, I would rate this 3.75 stars, so I’ve rounded up to 4 stars. It is very good way to kill a few hours.
June 17, 2016
I received an e-ARC of this novel through NetGalley and Severn House Publishing, Crème de la Crime.
I love reading historical mystery novels and could not help noticing the many books written by Michael Jecks, but had not tried one up to this point. When I realized this was the first book in a new series I thought it would be a great place to start to discover if this author would be a good fit for my likes. It really was quite enjoyable for me and I especially liked the way the narrator would periodically step outside the action to address the reader. There are some quite funny bits there. It did leave me wondering if this is a departure from Jecks books in other series because there was more humor written into this novel than I'm accustomed to when dealing with revolts, imprisonments of political foes, beheadings (and worse), and the general unpleasantness of daily life evident in a simple stroll down a London street. The stench alone would have been overpowering. So I suppose I'll have to read something else written by this author to satisfy my own curiosity.
This novel takes place in January and February 1554 and deals with the rebellion centered around Queen Mary and Lady Jane Grey. How interesting it was to watch this author weave in the importance of a cutpurse, Jack Blackjack, with dangerous political maneuvering during this violent time. I'm a little ambivalent toward Jack. On one hand he seems to be a harmless young man who lives with a gang of other cutpurses who have to contribute all of their booty to the keeping of Bill, leader of the gang. Jack is presented as almost an innocent who stumbles and bumbles his way into trouble without seeming to even try. But on the other hand, his role is vital in the outcome of this rebellion. After he takes a purse in an unusual manner he is hit over the head and regains consciousness with a very sore head while lying next to the dead body of the man he robbed, but manages to escape with the man's purse still hidden inside his clothing. Then the chase is on because Jack hasn't just stolen money, he's accidently stolen something vital to the coming rebellion. This is where characters began to be added in a wholesale fashion and I found myself sometimes slightly confused as to who was who and what they were supposed to be doing in the story. Poor Jack, it seemed everybody wanted to cosh him over the head - or worse.
There were many times when the coincidental meetings with just the right person Jack needed for help with his situation went too far to be easily believed. That being said, Jack went through a tremendous amount of danger and trouble in order to find out a life changing lesson: in this line of work, don't ever trust anybody completely. Jack survived this short period of time almost by miraculous means to live to be the hero in the next book. The thing is, I'm thinking Jack's not really hero material. No, Jack is more fall-in-the-midden-and-still-smell-like-a-rose kind of guy. Still, I did enjoy the book, I liked the writing, humor and plotting (hence the high star rating) and I will be hoping to read at least one more adventure with the character with the very strange name - Jack Blackjack.
I love reading historical mystery novels and could not help noticing the many books written by Michael Jecks, but had not tried one up to this point. When I realized this was the first book in a new series I thought it would be a great place to start to discover if this author would be a good fit for my likes. It really was quite enjoyable for me and I especially liked the way the narrator would periodically step outside the action to address the reader. There are some quite funny bits there. It did leave me wondering if this is a departure from Jecks books in other series because there was more humor written into this novel than I'm accustomed to when dealing with revolts, imprisonments of political foes, beheadings (and worse), and the general unpleasantness of daily life evident in a simple stroll down a London street. The stench alone would have been overpowering. So I suppose I'll have to read something else written by this author to satisfy my own curiosity.
This novel takes place in January and February 1554 and deals with the rebellion centered around Queen Mary and Lady Jane Grey. How interesting it was to watch this author weave in the importance of a cutpurse, Jack Blackjack, with dangerous political maneuvering during this violent time. I'm a little ambivalent toward Jack. On one hand he seems to be a harmless young man who lives with a gang of other cutpurses who have to contribute all of their booty to the keeping of Bill, leader of the gang. Jack is presented as almost an innocent who stumbles and bumbles his way into trouble without seeming to even try. But on the other hand, his role is vital in the outcome of this rebellion. After he takes a purse in an unusual manner he is hit over the head and regains consciousness with a very sore head while lying next to the dead body of the man he robbed, but manages to escape with the man's purse still hidden inside his clothing. Then the chase is on because Jack hasn't just stolen money, he's accidently stolen something vital to the coming rebellion. This is where characters began to be added in a wholesale fashion and I found myself sometimes slightly confused as to who was who and what they were supposed to be doing in the story. Poor Jack, it seemed everybody wanted to cosh him over the head - or worse.
There were many times when the coincidental meetings with just the right person Jack needed for help with his situation went too far to be easily believed. That being said, Jack went through a tremendous amount of danger and trouble in order to find out a life changing lesson: in this line of work, don't ever trust anybody completely. Jack survived this short period of time almost by miraculous means to live to be the hero in the next book. The thing is, I'm thinking Jack's not really hero material. No, Jack is more fall-in-the-midden-and-still-smell-like-a-rose kind of guy. Still, I did enjoy the book, I liked the writing, humor and plotting (hence the high star rating) and I will be hoping to read at least one more adventure with the character with the very strange name - Jack Blackjack.
September 14, 2017
This was a new author for me. I found the writing to be quite good but the story didn't do much for me. It just seemed like there was a lot going on. I found myself disappointed at the end. Everything just seemed kind of thrown together. It wasn't so much a mystery as it was a bunch of coincidences.
I might be interested in the other works by this author.
I might be interested in the other works by this author.
August 30, 2016
Pleasing new rogue!
Once again Jecks comes up with a winner. This first in a new series has it all--intrigue, deadly court politics, a roguish, likeable anti hero, and murder-- all centered in the firm historical detail of the Elizabethan period during the rebellion of 1554 lead by Jane Grey supporters against Queen Mary.
This engaging mystery tale is told by a bumbling young scapegoat, Jack Blackjack who has the perfectly respectable occupation as a cut purse, living off his wits, along with his fellow gang members, all lead by the nasty piece of work, Bill Tanner. Not your band of merry men, rather a group of people living in squalor thieving and more to make a living. Jack is besotted by the lovely Moll, Bill's girlfriend. Jack and Moll live in the same space. Theirs is a curious relationship never quite realized but Jack always adoringly hopeful. Bill Tanner always threateningly jealous.
Jack becomes unknowingly caught up in the rebellion. One minute he's stealing a purse, the next he finds himself coming to consciousness with a dagger in his hand, a dead body beside him and lump on his head.
Taking off ahead of the hue and cry, Jack's road to discovering who framed him in is littered with dead bodies, traitors, and important personages, including Queen Mary herself.
Masterly! I look forward to hearing more of Jack!
A NetGalley ARC
Once again Jecks comes up with a winner. This first in a new series has it all--intrigue, deadly court politics, a roguish, likeable anti hero, and murder-- all centered in the firm historical detail of the Elizabethan period during the rebellion of 1554 lead by Jane Grey supporters against Queen Mary.
This engaging mystery tale is told by a bumbling young scapegoat, Jack Blackjack who has the perfectly respectable occupation as a cut purse, living off his wits, along with his fellow gang members, all lead by the nasty piece of work, Bill Tanner. Not your band of merry men, rather a group of people living in squalor thieving and more to make a living. Jack is besotted by the lovely Moll, Bill's girlfriend. Jack and Moll live in the same space. Theirs is a curious relationship never quite realized but Jack always adoringly hopeful. Bill Tanner always threateningly jealous.
Jack becomes unknowingly caught up in the rebellion. One minute he's stealing a purse, the next he finds himself coming to consciousness with a dagger in his hand, a dead body beside him and lump on his head.
Taking off ahead of the hue and cry, Jack's road to discovering who framed him in is littered with dead bodies, traitors, and important personages, including Queen Mary herself.
Masterly! I look forward to hearing more of Jack!
A NetGalley ARC
June 2, 2016
Jack Blackjack is a 16th century rogue who, along with his gang of thieves, fleeces unsuspecting people on the streets of London. During one particular episode of thievery, Jack gets a knock on the head and awakens next to a dead body. This was a jolly jape through Tudor England with Jack's adventures set against a backdrop of rebellion and espionage. Good fun read.
December 15, 2017
As a long time Tudorist (is there such a word???) I was very disappointed with this DULL DULL novel.
The story just plodded...I was happy when I finished it....not in a good way !
The story just plodded...I was happy when I finished it....not in a good way !
December 13, 2019
I wanted to like this story, but just felt 'meh' about it. I found the writing to be good but too much was going on. No real mystery, a lot of coincidences and too many characters popping in and out.
December 13, 2019
Rebellion's Message by Michael Jecks is a cautionary tale, which takes place at the time of Mary of England and during Wyatt's Rebellion when the nation was afraid that Mary was going to marry Philip of Spain and essentially turn their country over to him. Jack is a relatively successful cutpurse who spends his days among whores and thieves and night among the same. He is a member of a household run by Bill who takes h is earnings and redistributes them, mostly to himself but in return provides safe shelter and food and ale. One day young Jack is in a tavern when he is passed a purse another has stolen. It is good and heavy and thrilled at his luck, Jack moves to leave the tavern. One in the courtyard, Jack is hit over the head and when he awakens he finds he is lying next to a dead man. Knowing what it will mean if he is found this way, he wisely takes off, going the only place he knows he will be safe, home. He turns the purse over to Bill and tells his story. Bill extricates the coin and tosses the purse back to Jack. Jack discovers a false bottom and within in it a small piece of parchment with something written, but it is in code. Gil, another of his mates takes a liking to the fancy purse, so Jack gives it to him sans message. Thus begins a time where seemingly everyone is London is after Jack and the message and no one seems to be honest about which side of the rebellion they are on and who, if any, can be trusted to not try to kill Jack. With many close calls under his belt, he tries to figure a way to get out of London to safety. People are dying. He doesn't want to be one of them.
I have loved Michael Jecks' writing since reading his Templar series years ago. This is a similar story, yet different. Jack is a hapless fellow. Obviously his choice of profession comes with certain innate dangers and yet he is a good guy. He is honest, relatively and non-political, although he is pulled into political intrigue. He is unable to hide, which given the size of the city, even then, is amazing. Everyone he meets is out for themselves, which sometimes gets them killed, and always threatens to get him killed. It is a face-paced intrigue, true to the time, which was one of upheaval and uncertainty. It is an interesting read, a "fun" read, if you will and one I enjoyed. I recommend it to anglophiles and history readers. Enjoy!
I received a free ARC of Rebellions's Message from Netgalley. All opinions and interpretations contained herein are solely my own. #netgalley #rebellionsmessage
I have loved Michael Jecks' writing since reading his Templar series years ago. This is a similar story, yet different. Jack is a hapless fellow. Obviously his choice of profession comes with certain innate dangers and yet he is a good guy. He is honest, relatively and non-political, although he is pulled into political intrigue. He is unable to hide, which given the size of the city, even then, is amazing. Everyone he meets is out for themselves, which sometimes gets them killed, and always threatens to get him killed. It is a face-paced intrigue, true to the time, which was one of upheaval and uncertainty. It is an interesting read, a "fun" read, if you will and one I enjoyed. I recommend it to anglophiles and history readers. Enjoy!
I received a free ARC of Rebellions's Message from Netgalley. All opinions and interpretations contained herein are solely my own. #netgalley #rebellionsmessage
January 25, 2018
Another cracking read from Michael Jecks. Rebellion's Message moves at a pretty hectic pace, throwing protagonist Jack into a series of undesirable situations which have potentially life-threatening effects unless he can avoid the law and everyone who is pursuing him.
Sharply observed, the book has (as you might expect) the same attention to detail as the Templar series and thus you are thrown right in amongst the Marian Tudors. However, this book has a lighter touch than the Templar series (reminiscent of pickpocket Jack himself!) and is full of knowing humour throughout, although it does not in any way sacrifice tension in the plot as a result. The reader will still gasp at the horror of one situation or worry for Jack as he tries to extricate himself from another. The story is told from Jack's perspective and he quickly becomes one of those good friends who infuriate the living hell out of you at times because of the way they seem to attract trouble wherever they go. I spent quite a lot of the time alternating between wanting to hug him and give him a good slap. There is much to giggle at when Jack, having taken steps to specifically avoid one kind of trouble, finds himself in equal or worse trouble as a result. This is particularly ironic in his desire to avoid physical conflict, which really doesn't work out very well for him at all.
Jack and his colleague in crime, Bill, are the Artful Dodger and Fagin of Marian London and this familiar relationship means that the set-up involving Jack, Bill, Moll, Wat et al is instantly recognisable and the reader immediately 'gets' how they exist together. Jack accidentally comes into possession of the message of the title and many of the scrapes he gets into revolve around trying to get rid of the message, deny the existence of the message and deliver the message, all whilst striving to avoid the numerous people who are after him for a variety of reasons.
One of the moments in the book which made me laugh aloud comes towards the end and therefore I will not give away any details. Suffice to say that Jack's internal monologue, on meeting a particular person of status, is truly hilarious.
I am very much looking forward to reading the next in the Jack Blackjack series!
Sharply observed, the book has (as you might expect) the same attention to detail as the Templar series and thus you are thrown right in amongst the Marian Tudors. However, this book has a lighter touch than the Templar series (reminiscent of pickpocket Jack himself!) and is full of knowing humour throughout, although it does not in any way sacrifice tension in the plot as a result. The reader will still gasp at the horror of one situation or worry for Jack as he tries to extricate himself from another. The story is told from Jack's perspective and he quickly becomes one of those good friends who infuriate the living hell out of you at times because of the way they seem to attract trouble wherever they go. I spent quite a lot of the time alternating between wanting to hug him and give him a good slap. There is much to giggle at when Jack, having taken steps to specifically avoid one kind of trouble, finds himself in equal or worse trouble as a result. This is particularly ironic in his desire to avoid physical conflict, which really doesn't work out very well for him at all.
Jack and his colleague in crime, Bill, are the Artful Dodger and Fagin of Marian London and this familiar relationship means that the set-up involving Jack, Bill, Moll, Wat et al is instantly recognisable and the reader immediately 'gets' how they exist together. Jack accidentally comes into possession of the message of the title and many of the scrapes he gets into revolve around trying to get rid of the message, deny the existence of the message and deliver the message, all whilst striving to avoid the numerous people who are after him for a variety of reasons.
One of the moments in the book which made me laugh aloud comes towards the end and therefore I will not give away any details. Suffice to say that Jack's internal monologue, on meeting a particular person of status, is truly hilarious.
I am very much looking forward to reading the next in the Jack Blackjack series!
February 1, 2022
I just finished reading this short, but action packed book. Set in January of 1554, Queen Mary has just taken the throne and Wyatt's Rebellion is headed for London. Jack Blackjack is a petty cut-purse who lives with a group of other thieves, their fence, and his girlfriend.
After pulling a neat interception of a fat purse he sneaks out the back door of a tavern to get away. The next thing he knows he's waking up with a bad headache, a bloody knife in his hand, and the bloody dead body of his mark on the ground. Things just go down hill from there, and he finds himself being hunted as a murderer, in the middle of an espionage plot on both sides of Wyatt's Rebellion which is making its way to London, and the target of two ruthless killers. Everyone on every side seems to think Jack is in the middle of murders, intrigue, plots and he's run out of places to hide.
As the rebels approach the gates of London Jack's enemies seem to multiply including high born and paid assassins, and are determined to put an end to him. Until now Jack is a pawn in the action of others, now he pulls himself together and sets out to figure out who is responsible, and take charge of his own life - and that's just what he does. And the surprises abound.
I've been reading Michael Jecks' works for years. He has many series during different time periods in England. This is the first in his Tudor mystery series. The Knights Templar series is also excellent. His historical research is really spot on. If you love historical mysteries, you will love his books.
After pulling a neat interception of a fat purse he sneaks out the back door of a tavern to get away. The next thing he knows he's waking up with a bad headache, a bloody knife in his hand, and the bloody dead body of his mark on the ground. Things just go down hill from there, and he finds himself being hunted as a murderer, in the middle of an espionage plot on both sides of Wyatt's Rebellion which is making its way to London, and the target of two ruthless killers. Everyone on every side seems to think Jack is in the middle of murders, intrigue, plots and he's run out of places to hide.
As the rebels approach the gates of London Jack's enemies seem to multiply including high born and paid assassins, and are determined to put an end to him. Until now Jack is a pawn in the action of others, now he pulls himself together and sets out to figure out who is responsible, and take charge of his own life - and that's just what he does. And the surprises abound.
I've been reading Michael Jecks' works for years. He has many series during different time periods in England. This is the first in his Tudor mystery series. The Knights Templar series is also excellent. His historical research is really spot on. If you love historical mysteries, you will love his books.
January 25, 2025
There are probably half a dozen times in this book where a character, based on their situation and the demands of the plot, would have been best served by simply sliding a knife into the main character's back. I wasn't particularly cheering for that outcome (although I have such little love for him that I would not have complained), but it would have made sense for the story.
The fact that never happens, combined with the many, many coincidences that string the plot together, are the book's big weakness. It's also a name-dropper's dream, as our humble cutpurse rockets up the social strata. At the risk of spoiling the story, I won't say how far. Too far for anything credible. But it's also why he should be dead. If a landed noble knows an explosive secret, you have to deal with him. If a street hustler does, the quickest, surest way to get rid of him is to kill him. Various attempts are made, but all in the way-too-complicated fashion of evil masterminds everywhere.
Good pace, lots of descriptive writing about place (some of which is too clever by half ... the lengthy description of how Henry VIII got fleeced for buying swampland that could never be drained in the heart of what is modern London, for instance).
Recommended only if you really, really need to read another book set in the turbulent reign of Queen Mary. Given that this is first of a series, you know you're out there ... have at it.
The fact that never happens, combined with the many, many coincidences that string the plot together, are the book's big weakness. It's also a name-dropper's dream, as our humble cutpurse rockets up the social strata. At the risk of spoiling the story, I won't say how far. Too far for anything credible. But it's also why he should be dead. If a landed noble knows an explosive secret, you have to deal with him. If a street hustler does, the quickest, surest way to get rid of him is to kill him. Various attempts are made, but all in the way-too-complicated fashion of evil masterminds everywhere.
Good pace, lots of descriptive writing about place (some of which is too clever by half ... the lengthy description of how Henry VIII got fleeced for buying swampland that could never be drained in the heart of what is modern London, for instance).
Recommended only if you really, really need to read another book set in the turbulent reign of Queen Mary. Given that this is first of a series, you know you're out there ... have at it.
January 18, 2020
This Author is one of those rare ones who can bring a time and place to life - fully immersing her readers so much so that you can almost smell the dirt , feel the tensions of the times , the ability to survive paramount .
Jack Blackjack once again finds himself in a perilous predicament - how many times will he awaken from a blow to the head with a dead body by his side ?
Jack soon finds that there are two different parties in the chase to find him - those who wish to dethrone the Queen and those who are working for the safety of the Queen. For the dead man was carrying a coded message , now missing , along with Jack's dagger in his body and both side want it .
Jack is now fleeing , desperate to find out who has framed him - Oh , he also has the problem of not knowing who he can trust , there is certainly no honour amongst thieves .
This is an engaging book featuring Jack and his cronies - following his life as a cut purse , his love for Moll, Bill's girlfriend and their will to survive at all costs . All I can say is that this was a thoroughly enjoyable book and I look forward to more in the same vein in the future .
I was given an ARC of this book by Netgalley and the Publisher in exchange for an honest review
Jack Blackjack once again finds himself in a perilous predicament - how many times will he awaken from a blow to the head with a dead body by his side ?
Jack soon finds that there are two different parties in the chase to find him - those who wish to dethrone the Queen and those who are working for the safety of the Queen. For the dead man was carrying a coded message , now missing , along with Jack's dagger in his body and both side want it .
Jack is now fleeing , desperate to find out who has framed him - Oh , he also has the problem of not knowing who he can trust , there is certainly no honour amongst thieves .
This is an engaging book featuring Jack and his cronies - following his life as a cut purse , his love for Moll, Bill's girlfriend and their will to survive at all costs . All I can say is that this was a thoroughly enjoyable book and I look forward to more in the same vein in the future .
I was given an ARC of this book by Netgalley and the Publisher in exchange for an honest review
January 16, 2018
It is a short book, written from the point of a young thief in the early reign Of Queen Mary. He manages to survive living with a Fagin type master. His teenage hormones are all over the place and thinks he loves Bill Mistress. He has good sense of morality, if the out of town bumkins do no protect their purses, his procuring of them will teach them a valuable lesson.Slowly to his great disappointment he is involved with a conspiracy, and is conscripted to protect the city and Queen Mary. Miffed that people are out to get him, and no one is who he thinks they are.Jack is not a clever young man,but his life as a thief has made the knack of survival a little easier. In all a good light read, and I am about to start the second of the series.
The fun of the book is that Jack is the narrator.The humour centers on us the reader seeing what Jack doesn't.. The naivety in asking Bills mistress to go away with is a case in point. I had found the book in the library,next to the second of the series. So I am
The fun of the book is that Jack is the narrator.The humour centers on us the reader seeing what Jack doesn't.. The naivety in asking Bills mistress to go away with is a case in point. I had found the book in the library,next to the second of the series. So I am
October 31, 2020
Having read Michael Jecks's complete series of Templar mysteries I decided to give this a go. I won't go into the plot as a number of other people have done that. I just find it interesting to get a feel for what London was like in the 1550s when White Hall is described as being a quiet retreat from the city of London.
The hero is a bit of a rogue and always manages to land on his feet; usually after something very heavy has landed on his head. A bit like Flashman in one respect; he always tries to run but gets credited with more heroism and more deeds than were duly his.
I found the very short chapters a little annoying. I tend to be with Terry Pratchett who believed that chapters were artificial and interrupted the flow of a story.
All in all I was a little disappointed, particularly after the high expectations set by the Templar novels.
The hero is a bit of a rogue and always manages to land on his feet; usually after something very heavy has landed on his head. A bit like Flashman in one respect; he always tries to run but gets credited with more heroism and more deeds than were duly his.
I found the very short chapters a little annoying. I tend to be with Terry Pratchett who believed that chapters were artificial and interrupted the flow of a story.
All in all I was a little disappointed, particularly after the high expectations set by the Templar novels.
March 12, 2021
A street thief in the time of Queen Mary and Watt's rebellion isn't interested in the political machinations of those of noble blood. All he's interested in is finding his next purse to steal and surviving with the little group of thieves he lives with. When the wrong stolen purse dumps him in the middle of plots and counter plots, he is confused and clueless, and not just because people insist on bashing him in the head. All he wants to do is run but with the rebels approaching London, that's out of the question so he tries to unravel why everyone seems bent on taking his life. Realistic feel to the description of how the rebellion affected the common people. A bit difficult to follow with the multiple intrigues and the ending seems a bit unlikely but worth checking out the next in the series.
January 5, 2019
Jack Blackjack, a cutpurse thief, is caught up in the Wyatt rebellion of 1554, when he steals a purse which contains a message for the rebellion's leader. He is also accused of murdering the messenger.
A fairly straightforward escapade, with Jack ducking and dodging any and everything, and trying not to get killed in the interim. He gets roped into dealing with the Lord Chancellor (on behalf of Queen Mary) as well as a couple of other double-dealing lords who appear to support Lady Jane Gray (poor girl who didn't last). He's also in the bad books of his 'so-called' fence, Bill.
Lots of naughty goings-on. A fair bit of gore and bloody fighting. And amazingly, Jack survives. An easy read.
A fairly straightforward escapade, with Jack ducking and dodging any and everything, and trying not to get killed in the interim. He gets roped into dealing with the Lord Chancellor (on behalf of Queen Mary) as well as a couple of other double-dealing lords who appear to support Lady Jane Gray (poor girl who didn't last). He's also in the bad books of his 'so-called' fence, Bill.
Lots of naughty goings-on. A fair bit of gore and bloody fighting. And amazingly, Jack survives. An easy read.
December 26, 2019
Jack Blackjack is a cutpurse that bumbles from one harrowing situation to another. Set during the rebellion to remove Queen Mary, Jack gets entwined in a traitorous plot. There is a lot going on in this book and the writing is solid. However, I just never connected to Jack. This is my personal taste and not a reflection on the author or his skill. I just don't seem to care for characters that ride life like a bobbing apple in a swift current. There is humor and complexity to the writing. It is obvious that Jecks has researched and knows his subject. London comes alive, you will experience the sights and smells of the 16th century.
July 30, 2022
This is the first in the Jack Blackjack series, set in Tudor England under Mary I at the time of the Wyatt rebellion. Jack is a thief, part of a gang who rob purses from the unwary. But he finds himself with a purse of gold also containing a coded message, and there are some serious contenders to get hold of that message and want to to control whether or not it either reaches its intended destination.
An exciting and fun read, although it slowed a little in parts, but Jack seems an endearing character and I look forward to reading more of his adventures.
An exciting and fun read, although it slowed a little in parts, but Jack seems an endearing character and I look forward to reading more of his adventures.
November 10, 2017
Although the writing was good, I found the plot to be too complex for a comedic murder mystery. The main character was portrayed as very stupid and fearful. If his bowels loosened once, they did so a dozen times. The villain was most improbable and the whole story had a Mission Impossible feel to it, you didn't know who was friend or foe. This sets the stage for sequels and I hope they are more enjoyable.
February 25, 2020
Overall a solid, decent story.
Everything about this for me is solidly average - and this isn't a bad thing. It's not overly complicated and the characters aren't overly complex. It's an easy book to read commuting or other places where your concentration could be broken regularly.
I thought it was little contrived in places and I'm not really a fan of 1st person but for other people that won't be a problem or it will even be a positive!
Everything about this for me is solidly average - and this isn't a bad thing. It's not overly complicated and the characters aren't overly complex. It's an easy book to read commuting or other places where your concentration could be broken regularly.
I thought it was little contrived in places and I'm not really a fan of 1st person but for other people that won't be a problem or it will even be a positive!
December 11, 2017
I liked this and found it engaging; but my gosh, did I have to look up some English history to follow what was going on. It's set when Lady Jane Grey is maybe? going to be Queen of England, but there's a lot of political intrigue and civil unrest so the future of the monarchy is murky at best. I would read another by this author, for the history as well as the plot.
November 16, 2021
It took a while to engage me and I was at the point of abandoning it due to the protagonist's tiresome non-stop ogling of women and internal soliloquies on his good looks and masculinity. The plot finally showed up. After that the ogling was still tiresome but no longer non-stop. It turned out to be an interesting mystery.
June 21, 2017
Not as good as the original medieval series. The author seems to have sacrificed character in favour of historical detail and more complex plots which I feel is a shame although may well appeal more to some readers.
September 22, 2017
Schemers and Thieves make good bed fellows?
Love Jecks' characters and this time period. Jack is a simple guy just trying to get bye in London when he meets the wrong mark. A simple purse snatching gets him drug into something much more.
Love Jecks' characters and this time period. Jack is a simple guy just trying to get bye in London when he meets the wrong mark. A simple purse snatching gets him drug into something much more.
September 18, 2021
A new Historical Novel - Oh, boy!!
So lets be honest, the world probably needs another historical novel series like it needs a new pandemic. Truth is this novel was pretty good. And funny. Read it.
So lets be honest, the world probably needs another historical novel series like it needs a new pandemic. Truth is this novel was pretty good. And funny. Read it.
January 14, 2021
Fast paced year, accurate history, and colourful scenes. I great start to a series.
April 7, 2021
A good read and an ending I hadn't worked out.
April 21, 2021
A little confusing. Probably intentional, as poor Jack was confused about who tried to kill him - so was I. Fun to read though.
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