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Matthew Hawkwood #6
The Reckoning
The 6th historical thriller featuring Matthew Hawkwood, Bow Street Runner and Spy, now hunting a killer on the loose in Regency London.
London, 1813: Bow Street Runner Matthew Hawkwood is summoned to a burial ground and finds the corpse of a young woman, murdered and cast into an open grave.
At first the death is deemed to be of little consequence. But when Chief Magistrate James Read receives a direct order from the Home Office to abandon the case, Hawkwood’s interest is piqued.
His hunt for the killer will lead him from London’s backstreets into the heart of a government determined to protect its secrets at all costs. Only Hawkwood’s contacts within the criminal underworld can now help.
As the truth behind the girl’s murder emerges, setting in motion a deadly chain of events, Hawkwood learns the true meaning of loyalty and that the enemy is much closer to home than he ever imagined
London, 1813: Bow Street Runner Matthew Hawkwood is summoned to a burial ground and finds the corpse of a young woman, murdered and cast into an open grave.
At first the death is deemed to be of little consequence. But when Chief Magistrate James Read receives a direct order from the Home Office to abandon the case, Hawkwood’s interest is piqued.
His hunt for the killer will lead him from London’s backstreets into the heart of a government determined to protect its secrets at all costs. Only Hawkwood’s contacts within the criminal underworld can now help.
As the truth behind the girl’s murder emerges, setting in motion a deadly chain of events, Hawkwood learns the true meaning of loyalty and that the enemy is much closer to home than he ever imagined
400 pages, Hardcover
First published August 24, 2017
8 people are currently reading
253 people want to read
About the author
James McGee
49 books119 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
James McGee was born into an army family. He was educated in Gibraltar, Germany and Belfast, giving him a love of travel, which is evident in his meticulous, vivid portraits of diverse people and places. His career has encompassed banking, bookselling and thirteen years in the airline business. He has also presented book reviews for BBC local radio and several independent stations.
James McGee was born into an army family. He was educated in Gibraltar, Germany and Belfast, giving him a love of travel, which is evident in his meticulous, vivid portraits of diverse people and places. His career has encompassed banking, bookselling and thirteen years in the airline business. He has also presented book reviews for BBC local radio and several independent stations.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
October 27, 2017
This is a graphic brutal depiction of London in the Regency period, full of gore, lawlessness, nightmarish cruelty to animals.and the depraved sexual proclivities of the privileged in society satisfied by upmarket brothels. It is the first that I have read in the Matthew Hawkwood series, a man who has served as soldier and spy, but I found it worked perfectly well as a standalone which gives us some of his previous history and adventures. Hawkwood is now a principal police officer, a Bow Street Runner, working under Chief Magistrate James Read. It begins in St Giles Rookery with a gunfight at The Hanged Man, a tavern frequented by the criminal underworld, run by Nathaniel Jago, an ex-sergeant involved in crime, with a close relationship with Hawkwood where they are to all intents and purposes brothers protecting each others back. The gunfight ends with three men dead, whose bodies are carted off with no judicial repercussions, with life returning to normal as if it never happened. The dispensing of summary justice in London is an accepted practice in the community, no one bats an eyelid. Hawkswood has just returned from France.
A badly mutilated woman's body is discovered in an open grave, in a part of London that has requested help from the Bow Street Runners. When it becomes clear that she is a prostitute, for many it would be a reason to drop the case, but not for Hawkwood or his boss, Read. Hawkwood finds himself led to The Salon, run by Ellie Pearce, now known as Lady Eleanor Rain, who caters for the sexual appetites of the rich and powerful. It emerges that other women have been murdered in London with the same MO. The dangers that Hawkswood faces come from Addington at the Home Office, Sir Edmund Saxby with connections to the spy networks operating out of The Alien Office, supported by the arch political manipulator, Henry Brooke. James Read and Hawkswood are warned to drop the case in no uncertain terms which they are reluctant to do, even when the killer is allegedly discovered to have committed suicide. As Read's position is threatened and danger comes to those close to Hawkwood, it is clear that the government is ruthlessly protecting a killer for what they think is the greater good of the country. Hawkswood is forced to fall back on his criminal connections in his search for justice as he goes to war against those that threaten him and his nearest and dearest.
McGee paints a vibrant picture of Regency London, with the stinking sewage, knackers yards and toxic emissions. The extreme poverty of most people is juxtaposed with the power, wealth and ruthlessness of the ruling classes. Political intrigue runs rampant as key figures in government fund and ferment insurrection in Bonaparte's France. The author has clearly done his research on the period, utilising events, organisations and real people from the time, although he does take some liberties with dates. I should warn readers that there is plentiful coverage of horrific treatment of animals, I had to read quickly to move past these descriptions. Hawkswood is a man of integrity whilst at the same prepared to do whatever it takes to protect his own and gain some measure of justice. He is prepared to cross lines and tolerate brutality and killing which might upset some readers. I found this a compelling and gripping read even when I didn't like what I was reading. Highly recommended. Thanks to HarperCollins for an ARC.
A badly mutilated woman's body is discovered in an open grave, in a part of London that has requested help from the Bow Street Runners. When it becomes clear that she is a prostitute, for many it would be a reason to drop the case, but not for Hawkwood or his boss, Read. Hawkwood finds himself led to The Salon, run by Ellie Pearce, now known as Lady Eleanor Rain, who caters for the sexual appetites of the rich and powerful. It emerges that other women have been murdered in London with the same MO. The dangers that Hawkswood faces come from Addington at the Home Office, Sir Edmund Saxby with connections to the spy networks operating out of The Alien Office, supported by the arch political manipulator, Henry Brooke. James Read and Hawkswood are warned to drop the case in no uncertain terms which they are reluctant to do, even when the killer is allegedly discovered to have committed suicide. As Read's position is threatened and danger comes to those close to Hawkwood, it is clear that the government is ruthlessly protecting a killer for what they think is the greater good of the country. Hawkswood is forced to fall back on his criminal connections in his search for justice as he goes to war against those that threaten him and his nearest and dearest.
McGee paints a vibrant picture of Regency London, with the stinking sewage, knackers yards and toxic emissions. The extreme poverty of most people is juxtaposed with the power, wealth and ruthlessness of the ruling classes. Political intrigue runs rampant as key figures in government fund and ferment insurrection in Bonaparte's France. The author has clearly done his research on the period, utilising events, organisations and real people from the time, although he does take some liberties with dates. I should warn readers that there is plentiful coverage of horrific treatment of animals, I had to read quickly to move past these descriptions. Hawkswood is a man of integrity whilst at the same prepared to do whatever it takes to protect his own and gain some measure of justice. He is prepared to cross lines and tolerate brutality and killing which might upset some readers. I found this a compelling and gripping read even when I didn't like what I was reading. Highly recommended. Thanks to HarperCollins for an ARC.
April 5, 2018
Graphic action. Gritty realism. The dark side of the streets of London. This one is not for the faint of heart. Bow Street runner Matthew Hawkwood is on yet another adventure, and this time, his lady love is threatened. Stupid criminals. They should've known better than to mess with his woman. Makes for a great story, though admittedly, this is not my all-time favorite Hawkwood adventure.
Even so, James McGee is one of the best authors out there. The man can pack a whale of a tale and make you feel as if you've stepped back through a time portal into nineteenth century England. His historic detail is awesome and I love his characters (especially Hawkwood).
Side note for my sweet Christian followers...I don't recommend this one for you. As noted, it's graphic.
Even so, James McGee is one of the best authors out there. The man can pack a whale of a tale and make you feel as if you've stepped back through a time portal into nineteenth century England. His historic detail is awesome and I love his characters (especially Hawkwood).
Side note for my sweet Christian followers...I don't recommend this one for you. As noted, it's graphic.
Read
October 20, 2017Won in the Goodreads Giveaways
August 27, 2020
Thanks to Netgalley and all involved for the free review copy of this. Confession first - I love Matthew Hawkwood. He's come a long way since book one where he was a relatively simple Bow Street runner.
In this tale Hawkwood investigates the murder of a prostitute. Soon he's linking high class whores to members of parliament and getting far too close for comfort to plots that could cost him his life.
As always the writing is action packed. There are echoes of Jack the ripper with murdered prostitutes, always a hint of Sharpe with the lingering war. But Hawkwood is one on his own - with his own moral code and sense of justice. Not to be trifled with. Brilliant.
In this tale Hawkwood investigates the murder of a prostitute. Soon he's linking high class whores to members of parliament and getting far too close for comfort to plots that could cost him his life.
As always the writing is action packed. There are echoes of Jack the ripper with murdered prostitutes, always a hint of Sharpe with the lingering war. But Hawkwood is one on his own - with his own moral code and sense of justice. Not to be trifled with. Brilliant.
November 1, 2017
I would like to thank Netgalley and HarperCollins Uk for a review copy of The Reckoning, the sixth novel to feature Matthew Hawkwood of London's Bow Street Runners.
Hawkwood is none too pleased when he is called to view a body in a grave. The body turns out not to be the intended resident but rather that of a young woman with suspicious wounds. The pathologist confirms murder, records prove she is not the first victim and some dogged investigation uncovers her identity. Unfortunately for Hawkwood and Chief Magistrate Read they are the only ones interested in justice as the investigation upsets some powerful people who try to shut it down.
What a read. This is the first novel in the series I have read so I wasn't sure what I'd be getting but I'm very impressed. Mr McGee does a sterling job with the history of the time, 1812 I think, from the politics of war with France to the poverty, smells and violence of everyday life because it was a time very different to ours. The descriptions of the smells, sludge and dirt had me shuddering in disgust as they are so well described. Yuk. The casual violence and cruelty from one man to another and to animals is unthinkable to modern sensibilities but realistic I imagine for the time. There was no financial security net so it was every man for himself in a fight for survival. It is one of the best descriptions of the times that I have ever read. I must admit that the politics of the war against France do not greatly interest me but I thoroughly enjoyed the idea that politicians even then believed that collateral damage is a necessary price for the greater good, or their perception of the greater good. It is a great plot device.
Along with or despite the politics and breathtaking descriptions of everyday life The Reckoning has a rollicking good plot. Hawkwood is determined to hunt down this serial killer because he is all the victims have and the many obstacles and lies he encounters only fuel his determination. He is resourceful and smart and well capable of vanquishing them. He is helped by his ex-army sergeant turned crook, Nathaniel Jago, his boss, Chief Magistrate Read and his trusty gun. His adventures make for a fun read, despite the grim backdrop, as they are a bit OTT and he brings a certain humour to his dealings. One of the running gags is about Tommy Reilly's pigs - think Hannibal and you'll get the picture.
The Reckoning is a class act which I have no hesitation in recommending as a great read.
Hawkwood is none too pleased when he is called to view a body in a grave. The body turns out not to be the intended resident but rather that of a young woman with suspicious wounds. The pathologist confirms murder, records prove she is not the first victim and some dogged investigation uncovers her identity. Unfortunately for Hawkwood and Chief Magistrate Read they are the only ones interested in justice as the investigation upsets some powerful people who try to shut it down.
What a read. This is the first novel in the series I have read so I wasn't sure what I'd be getting but I'm very impressed. Mr McGee does a sterling job with the history of the time, 1812 I think, from the politics of war with France to the poverty, smells and violence of everyday life because it was a time very different to ours. The descriptions of the smells, sludge and dirt had me shuddering in disgust as they are so well described. Yuk. The casual violence and cruelty from one man to another and to animals is unthinkable to modern sensibilities but realistic I imagine for the time. There was no financial security net so it was every man for himself in a fight for survival. It is one of the best descriptions of the times that I have ever read. I must admit that the politics of the war against France do not greatly interest me but I thoroughly enjoyed the idea that politicians even then believed that collateral damage is a necessary price for the greater good, or their perception of the greater good. It is a great plot device.
Along with or despite the politics and breathtaking descriptions of everyday life The Reckoning has a rollicking good plot. Hawkwood is determined to hunt down this serial killer because he is all the victims have and the many obstacles and lies he encounters only fuel his determination. He is resourceful and smart and well capable of vanquishing them. He is helped by his ex-army sergeant turned crook, Nathaniel Jago, his boss, Chief Magistrate Read and his trusty gun. His adventures make for a fun read, despite the grim backdrop, as they are a bit OTT and he brings a certain humour to his dealings. One of the running gags is about Tommy Reilly's pigs - think Hannibal and you'll get the picture.
The Reckoning is a class act which I have no hesitation in recommending as a great read.
August 26, 2018
The Reckoning is the latest in James McGee's somewhat infrequent Hawkwood series of thrillers and follows on from 2015's 'The Blooding'.
Having read all of the previous novels in the series, starting with Ratcatcher, I am happy to say that The Reckoning marks something of a return to form for the series after two not wholly successful episodes set in Revolutionary France and North America respectvely. The return of the action to Regency London, the welcome reappearance of many of the supporting characters from the earlier Hawkwood novels and a refocus on the actual investigation of crime are the three key reasons why The Reckoning works so much better than its two predecessors. The early Hawkwood book were primarily period crime novels, and a central plank of Matthew Hawkwood’s appeal as a central hero was his role as Bow Street Runner and upstanding enforcer of the law. Trying to shoehorn him into a tale of espionage and revolution (in ??) or one of colonial wars (in The Blooding) was never going to work as well.
Not that The Reckoning is retread of Hawkwood’s earlier adventures. Whilst it has elements from Ratcatcher, The Ressurectionists and ??, it manages to chart its own path and refresh the series in the process. In addition to the central criminal mystery there are layers of political skulduggery that add greater complexity to the story and ultimately impact Hawkwood and other characters in significant ways that will reverberate into future stories. Although The Reckoning works as a standalone crime thriller, it expands and alters the world of Matthew Hawkwood in pleasingly unexpected and unpredictable ways.
It manages to do whilst also providing an exciting, tense and entertaining story for readers to get their teeth into. I shan’t spoil the plot except to say that it involves high class brothels, political machinations at the highest levels of the British establishment, personal sacrifices by a number of recurring characters, including Hawkwood himself, exiles from Revolutionary France and a serial killer on the loose. The story does meander a little during the middle section, and could have used a little tightening up here and there, but McGee pulls it all together at the end with an action packed and tense finale that is satisfying but leaves enough plot threads dangling to make you want to read the next entry in the series.
Overall then, a welcome return to form for McGee and Hawkwood, and a to the latter’s old stomping grounds in Regency London. Here’s hoping for more of the same soon.
Having read all of the previous novels in the series, starting with Ratcatcher, I am happy to say that The Reckoning marks something of a return to form for the series after two not wholly successful episodes set in Revolutionary France and North America respectvely. The return of the action to Regency London, the welcome reappearance of many of the supporting characters from the earlier Hawkwood novels and a refocus on the actual investigation of crime are the three key reasons why The Reckoning works so much better than its two predecessors. The early Hawkwood book were primarily period crime novels, and a central plank of Matthew Hawkwood’s appeal as a central hero was his role as Bow Street Runner and upstanding enforcer of the law. Trying to shoehorn him into a tale of espionage and revolution (in ??) or one of colonial wars (in The Blooding) was never going to work as well.
Not that The Reckoning is retread of Hawkwood’s earlier adventures. Whilst it has elements from Ratcatcher, The Ressurectionists and ??, it manages to chart its own path and refresh the series in the process. In addition to the central criminal mystery there are layers of political skulduggery that add greater complexity to the story and ultimately impact Hawkwood and other characters in significant ways that will reverberate into future stories. Although The Reckoning works as a standalone crime thriller, it expands and alters the world of Matthew Hawkwood in pleasingly unexpected and unpredictable ways.
It manages to do whilst also providing an exciting, tense and entertaining story for readers to get their teeth into. I shan’t spoil the plot except to say that it involves high class brothels, political machinations at the highest levels of the British establishment, personal sacrifices by a number of recurring characters, including Hawkwood himself, exiles from Revolutionary France and a serial killer on the loose. The story does meander a little during the middle section, and could have used a little tightening up here and there, but McGee pulls it all together at the end with an action packed and tense finale that is satisfying but leaves enough plot threads dangling to make you want to read the next entry in the series.
Overall then, a welcome return to form for McGee and Hawkwood, and a to the latter’s old stomping grounds in Regency London. Here’s hoping for more of the same soon.
June 5, 2022
I first picked up and read the first couple of entries in James McGee's Matthew Hawkwood series (that would be Ratcatcher and Resurrectionist) round about 2010 or thereabouts when I came across them in a local branch of The Works.
I enjoyed those two enough to later pick up the next three is the series (Rapscallion, Rebellion and The Blooding). Unfortunately, however, I found the series to be drifting further and further from what it originally was, finding the last of those in particular to be quite hard to get through.
So much so, in fact, that I almost completely forgot about the series as a whole, and wasn't even aware of the fact when the latest one (this) was released in 2017.
Roll forward another five years or so, and I'm not sure how, but I came across this one somewhere on Kindle. Thoguht I would give it another chance.
I'm glad to say that this is back to what I remember the earlier book sin the series being like; back set in England, back with Matthew Hawkwood being a Bow Street Runner and back to, well, being an enjoyable read rather than a slog!
Faith restored ...
I enjoyed those two enough to later pick up the next three is the series (Rapscallion, Rebellion and The Blooding). Unfortunately, however, I found the series to be drifting further and further from what it originally was, finding the last of those in particular to be quite hard to get through.
So much so, in fact, that I almost completely forgot about the series as a whole, and wasn't even aware of the fact when the latest one (this) was released in 2017.
Roll forward another five years or so, and I'm not sure how, but I came across this one somewhere on Kindle. Thoguht I would give it another chance.
I'm glad to say that this is back to what I remember the earlier book sin the series being like; back set in England, back with Matthew Hawkwood being a Bow Street Runner and back to, well, being an enjoyable read rather than a slog!
Faith restored ...
May 14, 2018
It kills me to say this, because I have been a huge McGee fan since I picked up the first book in a bargain bin, but this one just lacked a little something that the others have had in spades. It was still totally readable. I very much enjoyed getting a lot more of Jago than the other books have delivered so far, and there was crime, and action, and politics enough to keep things ticking along.
But.
The set up - the murder of a prostitute - sets Hawkwood off on his path of lock-jawed justice, and the conclusion of this thread is 100% satisfying, but everything in between just wasn't quite up to McGee's normal standards I thought. Maybe the strength of the story was a little diluted by being privy to the pov of the behind the scenes baddies. Maybe it was that the prostitution business Hawkwood barges into looking for answers was supposed to be risque but wasn't. Maybe the whole premise just wasn't as personal for Hawkwood as it normally is. Or maybe it was just because I'm a woman, and while I'm not naive enough to think women were treated better in that time period, I'm just a little tired of it as a narrative feature. If the female characters had had more depth, I might be saying otherwise, but they were pretty much relegated to Evil Successful Businesswoman, Love Interest or Damsel To Be Rescued. It makes me sad to see that, even when I know I'm reading what amounts to an afternoon adventure serial.
But I didn't hate reading it, and it definitely hasn't put me off any further Hawkwood novels. I guess in the end it was just that I was hoping for the Regency James Bond Skyfall story, but I got one of those other Bond movies that aren't quite as good.
But.
The set up - the murder of a prostitute - sets Hawkwood off on his path of lock-jawed justice, and the conclusion of this thread is 100% satisfying, but everything in between just wasn't quite up to McGee's normal standards I thought. Maybe the strength of the story was a little diluted by being privy to the pov of the behind the scenes baddies. Maybe it was that the prostitution business Hawkwood barges into looking for answers was supposed to be risque but wasn't. Maybe the whole premise just wasn't as personal for Hawkwood as it normally is. Or maybe it was just because I'm a woman, and while I'm not naive enough to think women were treated better in that time period, I'm just a little tired of it as a narrative feature. If the female characters had had more depth, I might be saying otherwise, but they were pretty much relegated to Evil Successful Businesswoman, Love Interest or Damsel To Be Rescued. It makes me sad to see that, even when I know I'm reading what amounts to an afternoon adventure serial.
But I didn't hate reading it, and it definitely hasn't put me off any further Hawkwood novels. I guess in the end it was just that I was hoping for the Regency James Bond Skyfall story, but I got one of those other Bond movies that aren't quite as good.
December 3, 2018
The grittier the era, the better crime fiction is likely to blend with historical fiction, and this is the case with The Reckoning by James McGee.
A graphic and brutal depiction of London in the Regency period, this is the sixth historical thriller featuring Matthew Hawkwood, Bow Street Runner and spy.
It is 1813 and Hawkwood is summoned to a burial ground where he finds the mutilated corpse of a young woman, murdered and cast into an open grave.
At first the death is deemed to be of little consequence, but when chief magistrate James Read receives a direct order from the Home Office to abandon the case, Hawkwood’s interest is piqued.
Full of gore, lawlessness, nightmarish cruelty to animals and depraved proclivities satisfied by upmarket brothels, McGee paints a vibrant picture of Regency London, with the stinking sewage, pre-health and safety abattoirs and toxic emissions.
The author compares and contrasts the extreme poverty of most people with the power, wealth and ruthlessness of the ruling class.
Political intrigue is never far away as insurrection bubbles away in the background across the Channel in Bonaparte’s France.
Impressively well researched, The Reckoning works just as well as a stand-alone novel as the continuation of a series, and as an action-packed, fast-paced thriller is well worth the time.
A graphic and brutal depiction of London in the Regency period, this is the sixth historical thriller featuring Matthew Hawkwood, Bow Street Runner and spy.
It is 1813 and Hawkwood is summoned to a burial ground where he finds the mutilated corpse of a young woman, murdered and cast into an open grave.
At first the death is deemed to be of little consequence, but when chief magistrate James Read receives a direct order from the Home Office to abandon the case, Hawkwood’s interest is piqued.
Full of gore, lawlessness, nightmarish cruelty to animals and depraved proclivities satisfied by upmarket brothels, McGee paints a vibrant picture of Regency London, with the stinking sewage, pre-health and safety abattoirs and toxic emissions.
The author compares and contrasts the extreme poverty of most people with the power, wealth and ruthlessness of the ruling class.
Political intrigue is never far away as insurrection bubbles away in the background across the Channel in Bonaparte’s France.
Impressively well researched, The Reckoning works just as well as a stand-alone novel as the continuation of a series, and as an action-packed, fast-paced thriller is well worth the time.
January 15, 2019
The sixth in James McGee's Hawkwood series, which finds our Bow Street Runner back in England doing what he does best, solving murder's.
Followers of this series will remember that Hawkwood was sent to France on a secret mission, then found himself in Canada fighting...well the United States in the early parts of the War of 1812.
This time Hawkwood and his pal Jago (long missed) find themselves dealing with the vicious murder of prostitutes. Generally ignored, only these murders lead to a sister plot that reaches high to powerful officials of government.
The end leaves the reader wondering what is next, for at ends in an abrupt cliffhanger. Not to worry the next book may take awhile, but McGee will find away.
Just a note: If you haven't read the entire series it would be good to do so, but if you only read one of them you should read the four book Rebellion, this book, while not a sequel, does use Rebellion as a background.
Followers of this series will remember that Hawkwood was sent to France on a secret mission, then found himself in Canada fighting...well the United States in the early parts of the War of 1812.
This time Hawkwood and his pal Jago (long missed) find themselves dealing with the vicious murder of prostitutes. Generally ignored, only these murders lead to a sister plot that reaches high to powerful officials of government.
The end leaves the reader wondering what is next, for at ends in an abrupt cliffhanger. Not to worry the next book may take awhile, but McGee will find away.
Just a note: If you haven't read the entire series it would be good to do so, but if you only read one of them you should read the four book Rebellion, this book, while not a sequel, does use Rebellion as a background.
October 3, 2019
An enjoyable and well written series, this is number six, delivered after quite a gap.
1813 and a Britain dealing with the aftermath of Waterloo and what to do about the pesky French. Matthew Hawkwood is a Bow Street Runner having returned from his adventures in the Colonies in the last book.
Hawkwood is trying to investigate the murder of a young girl but finds that his investigation is stepping on the toes of the establishment. Trying to track down an apparently protected murderer while pushing against those in power will lead him down an unexpected route and he may need the support of unsavoury friends.
Very enjoyable thriller set in interesting times, Mr McGee delivers another great instalment in the series. A slight word of warning to those who don’t like animal distress, there are (by nature of the times and attitudes) a couple of scenes that depict animal distress/cruelty.
1813 and a Britain dealing with the aftermath of Waterloo and what to do about the pesky French. Matthew Hawkwood is a Bow Street Runner having returned from his adventures in the Colonies in the last book.
Hawkwood is trying to investigate the murder of a young girl but finds that his investigation is stepping on the toes of the establishment. Trying to track down an apparently protected murderer while pushing against those in power will lead him down an unexpected route and he may need the support of unsavoury friends.
Very enjoyable thriller set in interesting times, Mr McGee delivers another great instalment in the series. A slight word of warning to those who don’t like animal distress, there are (by nature of the times and attitudes) a couple of scenes that depict animal distress/cruelty.
January 18, 2018
like the review notes say, it was ok.
I enjoyed the earlier entries of this series, but although The Reckoning is quite entirely readable, it didn't have the same kind of drive as the previous novels. As usual, McGee describes the nastiness of the time and place with glee, and delivers some memorable characters, and lots of action. That said, even after 6 novels, it is still hard to shake the similarities between McGee's Hawkwood and Cornwell's Sharpe.
I enjoyed the earlier entries of this series, but although The Reckoning is quite entirely readable, it didn't have the same kind of drive as the previous novels. As usual, McGee describes the nastiness of the time and place with glee, and delivers some memorable characters, and lots of action. That said, even after 6 novels, it is still hard to shake the similarities between McGee's Hawkwood and Cornwell's Sharpe.
February 17, 2019
This was my favorite of the six Matthew Hawkwood books and it held my interest throughout. My only complaint is that the author tends to over emphasize the gory details of some scenes involving shootings and he seems to often mention that someone's jaw was "shot away". Admittedly it's a minor complaint, but it's a little more detail than I want to hear about.
April 20, 2022
I have now read all of Hawkswood's adventures across the best part of 20 years and enjoyed each one. This one sees the return of Hawkswood from America and is thrown straight into an intricate series of murders. Jago and Magistrate Read provide able assistance and if this is to be the final novel it was a good place to close. Well done Mr McGee, strong historical storytelling.
May 28, 2018
A wonderful historical thriller well written and well researched. There's more gore and violence than I usually like in book but the book kept hooked since the first pages.
Recommended.
Many thanks to HarperCollins and Netgalley for this ARC
Recommended.
Many thanks to HarperCollins and Netgalley for this ARC
June 2, 2019
Hawkwood, a veteran of the Napoleonic Wars and a trusted and dogged Bow Street Runner, pursues a serial killer through the bawdy houses and dingy London streets all the way into the highest offices of Whitehall. A well-told and pacy thriller, with a cold-blooded heart.
December 6, 2017
Brilliant.
November 8, 2018
bit too much deus ex machina
April 22, 2020
Matthew Hawkwood continues his adventures. It starts with a body in a grave and ends with a chase to apprehend the villians. Gripping stuff! I need more.
November 25, 2020
Enjoyable
December 17, 2020
Not the best another one with too much chatting and not enough doing
September 28, 2021
I’m not sure why I take so long to get round to reading each one in this series because they always turn out better than I expect.
November 28, 2017
Matthew Hawkwood, Bow Street Runner, hunts a killer in Regency London, 1813.
A young woman is murdered and mutilated. Shortly afterwards, Hawkwood's superior is ordered by the Home Office to abandon the case. And the first thing that Hawkwood wonders is, why? So begins his investigation.....
I've always enjoyed the Hawkwood novels - they're exciting and steeped in atmosphere with a bit of history thrown in, and Hawkwood himself is a great character, a sort of Jack Reacher of his day.
A young woman is murdered and mutilated. Shortly afterwards, Hawkwood's superior is ordered by the Home Office to abandon the case. And the first thing that Hawkwood wonders is, why? So begins his investigation.....
I've always enjoyed the Hawkwood novels - they're exciting and steeped in atmosphere with a bit of history thrown in, and Hawkwood himself is a great character, a sort of Jack Reacher of his day.
Read
October 28, 2017 A thoroughly enjoyable, roaring adventure very much in the style of c j sansom, down to the rough but dìamond-hearted side -kick in jago.
James mcgee brings the world of 1813 london to life with a wealth of historical detail although we may question if we really need to know that a particular pistol used was a :barbar:? when that detail would mean nothing to the average reader and just leave him trying to remember the name five minutes after he read it.
The ending appeared to be a little rushed and ending a book on a cliff-hanger ? whilst the author has understandable reasons for doing so,is probably not a great idea. What if i never got round to reading the sequel? i'd be left with a feeling of being short-changed.
On the whole a book well worth spending time with for the joy of immersing one self in a time long past, with characters , some admirable and some worthy of our deepest distate all brought to life by a truly skillful hand.
James mcgee brings the world of 1813 london to life with a wealth of historical detail although we may question if we really need to know that a particular pistol used was a :barbar:? when that detail would mean nothing to the average reader and just leave him trying to remember the name five minutes after he read it.
The ending appeared to be a little rushed and ending a book on a cliff-hanger ? whilst the author has understandable reasons for doing so,is probably not a great idea. What if i never got round to reading the sequel? i'd be left with a feeling of being short-changed.
On the whole a book well worth spending time with for the joy of immersing one self in a time long past, with characters , some admirable and some worthy of our deepest distate all brought to life by a truly skillful hand.
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