Plague: Murder has a New Friend

Plague and Fire #1

by C.C. Humphreys

London, 1665. A serial killer stalks his prey, scalpel in his hand and God's vengeance in his heart.
     Five years after his restoration to the throne, Charles II leads his citizens by example, enjoying every excess. Londoners have slipped the shackles of puritanism and now flock to the cockpits, brothels and, especially, the theatres, where for the first time women are allowed to perform alongside the men.
     But not everyone is swept up in the excitement. Some see this liberated age as the new Babylon, and murder victims pile up in the streets, making no distinction in class between a royalist member of parliament and a Cheapside whore. But they have a few things in common: the victims are found with gemstones in their mouths. And they have not just been murdered; they've been . . . sacrificed.
    Now the plague is returning to the city with full force, attacking indiscriminately . . . and murder has found a new friend.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Mystery, Fiction, Historical, Crime, Historical Mystery, 17th Century

Paperback

First published July 15, 2014

About the author

aka Chris Humphreys

Chris (C.C.) Humphreys was born in Toronto, lived till he was seven in Los Angeles, then grew up in the UK. All four grandparents were actors, and since his father was an actor as well, it was inevitable he would follow the bloodline.

Chris (C.C.) Humphreys has played Hamlet in Calgary, a gladiator in Tunisia, waltzed in London’s West End, conned the landlord of the Rovers Return in Coronation Street, commanded a starfleet in Andromeda, voiced Salem the cat in the original Sabrina, and is a dead immortal in Highlander. He has written eleven adult novels including The French Executioner, runner-up for the CWA Steel Dagger for Thrillers; Chasing the Wind; The Jack Absolute Trilogy; Vlad – The Last Confession; A Place Called Armageddon and Shakespeare’s Rebel – which he adapted into a play and which premiered at Bard on the Beach, Vancouver, in 2015. Plague won the Arthur Ellis Award for Best Crime Novel in Canada in 2015. He has an MFA in Creative Writing from the University of British Columbia. His epic fantasy series the Immortals’ Blood Trilogy, beginning with Smoke in the Glass' has just been published by Gollancz. He also published his other fantasy series, The Tapestry Trilogy, beginning in August 2020 with ‘The Hunt of the Unicorn’. His foray into modern crime, 'One London Day' was published in 2021. Hie new novel, the World War Two epic romance, 'Someday I'll Find You' is published by Doubleday in Canada on June 6, 2023.

Several of his novels are available as Audiobooks - read by himself! Find him here:
https://www.authorchrishumphreys.com/...

He is translated into thirteen languages. In 2015 he earned his Masters in Fine Arts (Creative Writing) from the University of British Columbia.

Check out his website: http://authorchrishumphreys.com

Reviews

[Delee · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

And I looked, and behold a pale horse: and his name that sat on him was Death, and Hell followed with him.

Revelations 6:8

Death stalks the streets of London...



I had a feeling when I requested this book it was going to be a little more gruesome than I normally like...but when I saw the words- PLAGUE, RESTORATION PERIOD and SERIAL KILLER- I knew I would have to suck it up and read it anyways. I do confess that I did have to skim a teeny weenie bit over certain areas- so a word of warning- there is some "ICK" involved. Not soooooooooo surprising when the title is PLAGUE.

London 1660-



Return of The King

After a bloody battle between the Parliamentarians and Royalists, the execution of Charles I, and the death of Oliver Cromwell- King Charles II has come out of exile and reclaimed the throne.

London- 1665-



The Plague

While many are still celebrating The Restoration- people are dying by the hundreds each day. The plague is sweeping across London and in the midst of all the chaos- a murderer is roaming the streets...



The Highwayman

Captain Coke isn't celebrating. He fought in the war on the side of the Royalists and lost everything- including his land and his best friend-Quentin. Now he is a tad bitter, making a living as a highwayman- robbing the wealthy with his young side kick Dickon.



Coke has found his next mark at The Tally Ho Inn- but when he comes across their coach on a country road- someone else has gotten there first. Their belongings are all intact...but their bodies are not- they have been butchered. After the initial shock- Coke decides to rob them anyways- but in doing so he leaves something of his behind that makes him the number one murder suspect.

The Thief-taker

Pitman fought in the war as well, on the side of the Parliamentarians. He is a family man, a devout Christian, and a thief-taker. When he comes across the grizzly scene- he vows to take down the murderer and claim the reward. And he thinks he knows exactly who it is.

The Actress

The theatres have been reopened, and women are allowed on the stage- The future looks bright for actress Sarah Chalker. She has a wonderful and respected husband- John Chalker- who is also an actor for The Duke's Company- so she is protected from some of the not-so respectful men that flock to the London theatre...but then John disappears, and Sarah fears something horrible has happened to him.



The Quest

Although Coke is trying to flee London and avoid being hanged- he has a few things he must do first. One of them is keep a promise he made to Quentin- to take care of his baby sister- Lucy.

When he arrives at her work place- the theatre- Lucy asks Coke for a favor and introduces him to her good friend Sarah. The favor- find Mrs. Chalker's husband. The Captain just can't say no to darling Lucy...

...but unfortunately there are two things waiting for him at the end of this quest. One- John Chalker's dead body...and two- the Thief-taker Pitman. But Pitman isn't so sure he has his man anymore. Things just aren't adding up.

So The Highwayman, The Thief-taker and The Actress join forces through the plague ridden streets to find the serial killer.



PLAGUE takes you on a thrilling and bloody adventure against the backdrop of 17th century London. I quite enjoyed it for the most part, and was pleased to discover at the end of it all- it is part of a series. I am guessing the next story will take place during The Great Fire of London. Yay!


Thank you first-reads for providing me with an advanced reader's copy!

[Wanda Pedersen · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

Chris Humphreys is an inspired historical fiction author. I met him last weekend at a literary conference and he is smart, funny, and charming as the devil. He definitely benefits from his acting background, particularly his ease with performing Shakespeare (we got an excerpt from one of the Henry plays during his key-note address). During one of his panel discussions, he mentioned that as an author, one must choose how the dialog will be written—choose your form of “bygone-ese” as he called it. Humphrey’s ease with the English of Shakespeare and his playwright’s ear for what will sound good gives his fiction a feeling of reality, using just enough older vocabulary and never becoming too 21st century.

There is, of course, theatre involved in the novel—a subject that the author is knowledgeable and comfortable with. But the variety of characters, from highwayman to serial killer to royalty, gives the story a breadth that I appreciated. As a reader, you are not limited to merely the theatre of 1665, you experience many parts of London. In fact London itself could be counted as a character.

I will be working my way, gradually, through all of Chris Humphreys' works and will definitely look forward to more. Highly recommended.

[C.W. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Restoration England is often portrayed as a licentious romp where Charles II and his bevy of mistresses enjoyed an endless party. The end of the brutal civil war that saw Charles’s father beheaded brought about a joyous return to life and art, including a fervor for the theater, where women took the stage for the first time. In C.C. Humphrey’s vivid and suspenseful new novel, Plague, the first in a trilogy about this fascinating era, the atmosphere is decidedly darker.

Told through the eyes of a traumatized veteran-turned-highwayman; a determined thief-taker dogged by destitution; and a troubled actress lured into a fanatic’s deadly obsession, Humphreys brings to bear all his dramatic skills on this compelling tale of mayhem and murder. The fetid labyrinth of London’s backstreets are so pungently drawn, you can smell the leavings stuck to your boots, while the advent of the plague that ravaged the city offers a terrifying backdrop to the characters’ quest to unmask a savage killer. Yet it is the cast itself, whom Humphreys invests with panache and very human foibles, who are the real draw here. These are people huddled on the fringes of society, where life is cheap and no one is safe, not from hunger, crime, or the disease creeping from the gutters like the relentless hordes of rats.

Humphreys lightens the intensity with his characters’ warmth and period-flavored quips; despite the danger at every turn, we cannot help but root for these hardy survivors, though we know going in that not everyone will make it out alive. Well known for his talents in the historical fiction arena, Plague may be Humphrey’s best work yet—a triumphant tour de-force that is part adventure, part drama, and full of unexpected thrills.

This review first appeared in the Historical Novels Review, August 2014. Editor's Choice Title.

[Andy · Rating 4 out of 5]

C 1665 in Jolly ol’ England as if you wouldn’t know, a date synonymous with most Brits I would like to believe & the first in a two part story with the second book being titled….. yep you’ve likely guessed “Fire” which I’ll wager takes us through 1666 & the events which shook England & in particular London.

To start the book we have a map of London in 1665 along with a list of Dramatis Personae & their occupations where Highwayman William Coke immediately takes my fancy.

It’s a fast start & we’re into the action almost straight away. It being advertised as a murder mystery/thriller we get jus that with a foul deed carried out in the first short chapter with the main player front & centre of proceedings.

Characters are engaging & solidly built as I’ve found with prior readings of CC Humphrys works to date, an author’s whose catalogue I’m working my way through.

William Coke as I said before is front & centre of the story and it’s he we follow for the most part & that of an actress friend (Sarah Chalker) who acts as a mentor to his young ward (Lucy) an aspiring actress, hence their connection in the story. There are appearances by the crown (Charles II) & the nobility who weave into the storyline both as heroes & villains to the common people. A thief catcher called Pitman plays in opposition to Captain Coke whose feats we also follow, moreso as the story develops. Other players & characters are brought to life as we venture through London on Coke’s travels. Plus we have a baddie BOO HISS to follow as well.

As to the setting, the cesspit that London’s streets were, is superbly described in all it’s filthy detail. No wonder Plague took a hold so readily in this age with it’s people wallowing in their own muck & poverty, struggling to feed themselves & survive. Within the story the Plague component builds slowly & it’s menace/threat is perfectly captured by the cities inhabitants before it bursts forth. The historical detail is par excellence.

As to the story, well it’s fair obvious to say what it revolves around although I would say the Plague is merely the backdrop to our story. What does feature is the English Civil War which is still fresh in many people’s minds & events are relayed from this period into our story giving it relevance to the perpetrators. The murder/mystery element you are aware of & I shall say no more of it…..

Jus shy of the 4 stars at 3.75, an engaging story with believable characters covering a period I don’t often read about so was good to fill in on some of the era’s history.

[Sebastien Castell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have a troubled relationship with historical fiction. On the one hand, I love the idea of learning about another time and place through story, but all too often the reams of historical details about trousers and curtain rods lose me within the first chapters. Not so with C.C. Humphreys' Plague--a historical adventure which always hones in on characters and their perils and lets the historical details be the means through which we see just how precarious their lives are.

The story centres around two former soldiers, both who have fallen on hard times but who have taken very different paths: Captain Coke has taken to the roads as a highwayman, and Pitman, who has become a thief-taker (a bounty hunter, in effect.) As you might predict, these different roles pit them against each other early on. But worse things stalk the streets of 17th Century London and in the midst of the eponymous Plague, Coke and Pitman are soon forced to work together to find the man responsible for a series of heinous murders.

What I loved about the book was that it lent the classical historical whodunit a twist of adventure. It almost felt as if one of my other favourite heroes, C.S. Forester's Horatio Hornblower, were suddenly forced to investigate a murder. The character of Sarah Chalker also receives a strong showing and she'll be a favourite for many, as will Coke's young sidekick, Dickon. Plague spins the story among all these characters and others while inviting the reader down dark alleyways of disease, failed nobility, shifting religious views, and a conspiracy both massive in its implications and yet remarkably personal in its ultimate resolution.

The moment I finished Plague I went and bought the sequel, Fire. That's something of a first for me.

[Paul · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not my favourite book by Humphreys but he captures London so well that its hard not to enjoy. I could see and smell the streets with his descritions. I didn't take to the main characters straight away but Coke and Pitman grew on me as they developedand I'll definitely look forward to their next adventure

[Maria Hill AKA MH Books · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dick Turpin was one of my favourite characters when I was an adolescent. Add to this a gory murder story, the plague and of course stinky, overcrowded London of the 17th century and this book should have been right up my alley. The plot was fast moving (it would make a good action movie) and the dialogue, for the male characters at least, well written.


Captain Coke is a gentleman Highway man. The thief-catcher is a working class, religious man who is trying to earn enough to raise his every growing family. The ward Dickson was a fun character, learning to read from salacious pamphlets and eating nothing but nuts. All three had some interesting traits and an interesting backstory but needed some character development. The women were very 2 dimensional and I am not surprised some reviewers could not tell them apart.
I have also read that some reviewers found the narrative overly gory. I found the opposite, there was a lack of descriptions that I have become used to. I have gotten used to books that take time to describe the scenery and place settings. I realise that this is not ideal for an action story but now it is something that I miss when it’s not there. The simple descriptions of dead cats, hundreds of rats, grass growing through paving stones (that nobody walked on any more due to lack of people during the plague outbreak) give tantalising glimpses into a 17th Century world of plague, pestilence and an ever growing overcrowded London.

Overall recommended for anybody who just wants to escape into a good adventure story.

[Trelawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really great read. Murder, plague, religious fanatics and a host of great characters. This story has it all. London in 1665 is a riotous place. The monarchy has been restored, women can tread the boards and the plague has reared it's pestilential head. Humphreys evokes the sights and sounds of London vividly. He also populates his books with vibrant characters, particularly the protagonists, Pitman and Coke. On opposite sides of the law, both must forge an alliance to apprehend the murderer committing atrocious acts as a section of fanatics heralds the end of days and the coming of the reign of King Jesus. While it takes a while for the action to get going, this is no bad thing. It gives you time to become acquainted with the colourful cast of Restoration London. Now I have to go read Fire.

[Carolyn Walsh · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fast paced crime novel, set in 1665 during the Black Death. the filth of the London streets, the brothels, cockfights, taverns, and terrible prisons gives an atmospheric setting and a subtle history lesson. It was a time of excess, and women were allowed to act on stage for the first time, and the actresses considered ladies of loose morals. The characters of Captain Coke, a highwayman, and Pitman,the thief catcher were well done and entertaining. Was interesting to read about how London coped with the plague, the wealthy fleeing the city and the poor doomed to take their chances.When one person took ill the healthy members of the household were boarded up inside the house also in an attempt to contain the spread of the plague.
Religion, such as Puritanism was on the wane, and the loose sexual mores, gambling, drinking and other excesses were changing society. In the story there is a cult who believe the plague portends signs of the imminent end of the world. There is a vicious killer about pursued by Coke and Pittman for different reasons.


A very visual story that put me in the time and place, and was thinking that it would make a good movie minus the graphic scenes of torture. I also thought if I had a time machine this would definitely be a place I would dread visiting.
I was happy to see that there is a later book, Fire, set at the time of the Great Fire of London and am looking forward to further adventures of Coke and Pitman.

[Stephen · Rating 4 out of 5]

murder mystery based at the time of the great plague of London 1665 felt like you could touch and smell the grime the way the author sets the scene and really enjoyed it with the characters and a page turner too

[Sara · Rating 3 out of 5]

finished my first Read-a-thon book!

[Patrick Rooney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Plague, by C.C. Humphreys, is an excellent historical drama set during the time of the Great Plague in London in 1665. The characters were interesting, unique, and believable, mainly because the author's descriptions accurately depicted the fashions, speech, and mannerisms of the various classes at the time. The author's historical knowledge of the theater is evident throughout the book. For instance, actresses, who are often placed "on a pedestal" by people these days, usually worked as high-class prostitutes for the nobility to earn a living during the time period of the story.

I learned a lot about historical London as the plot progressed, giving me plenty of new places to explore during my next visit. The author provided an excellent map at the front of the book that was very helpful, as well as notes at the end of the story that explained the historical context. I do think adding a bit more context about the Civil Wars fought a few years prior to the plague would have been helpful.

Overall, an excellent historical fiction shrouded in mystery and heartbreak; an accurate portrayal of the pestilence caused by what many people felt was the hand of God at work punishing people for their transgressions. Reading stories like this always makes me appreciate the luxuries we enjoy in our modern world. I am looking forward to reading more stories by this author.

[Magpie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anne 2017


Plague CC Humphreys

Anne 2017

Very good book - 5 *****

The plot involves a period of history rich with intrigue and danger- the reign of Charles II in 1665 and London's great Plague attack woven in with the threat the Fifth Monarchists posed to the religious status quo of the day.
It's a thriller and a tender love story and an examination of PTSD rolled into one.

Captain Coke (English Civil War survivor who has turned highwayman, though not deadly as he never loads his guns) with his ward in tow (Tourettes afflicted Dickon) robs the rich and leaves their dignity intact.
But mid heist he discovers a coach-load of brutally murdered nobles, religious markings, whispered bible verses and gemstones shoved into mouths. He is not alone. A thief taker called Pitman (another Civil War survivor) thinking Coke guilty, pursues him until they form an unlikely partnership that leads them on ever more dangerous adventures as they pursue the real killer - a madman dressed in finery, bent on destruction and divine forgiveness.
Coke, enthralled by actress Sarah Chalker, and Pitman, doing all for the love of his wife Bettina, get involved in crimes way above their pay grade as the plague and their adversary form a noose around their necks.
Great characters, well paced (occasionally very violent) good historical romance and thriller
M - 2018

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this one. It reminded me of the Elizabethan theatre mysteries, I think the similarities went beyond the settings of pre- Great Fire theatre. This story offers a very gruesome twist to period murder; with a damaged and psychotic murderer on the loose in London. The murderer is driven by a religious mania and a belief that the end of days in almost upon the world, a belief that is given added weight as plague breaks out across the city of London. The depiction of the damage done to society and to the mental state of individuals by the turmoil of the Civil War, is very well done indeed. Highly believable and interesting characters add depth to the story. The twist as to the identity of the murderer is nicely timed to add to the story. It was also nice to see a few famous faces thrown into the character list, each of these is nicely written in a believable way, and their interaction with the other, purely fictional characters is written seamlessly. It was nice to read a restoration crime mystery that managed to combine some disturbing murders with the usual restoration sex scenes.

[Sandra Wagner-Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

Plague is one of the best novels of historical fiction and mystery I’ve read in years. The story is not merely set in plague-ridden 17th century England. The disease itself becomes an on-going character, a situation that colors human activities. The three primary protagonists navigate life just above its lowest level. The villain is horrifying. And, despite efforts to keep the streets clean, London streets remain a breeding ground for disease.

[Brittany · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book took me forever to read. The start is slow, as in the first 100 pages or so. After there is a gruesome scene that was almost enough to make me stop reading. Once I picked it up again the story drastically improved after page 160 or so. All and all an interesting time period, filled with plague, intrigue and murder just not wonderfully done.

[Maria Masood · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good plot, believable characters, an interesting read overall; but the story could have moved a little faster and been about 100-pages shorter. Idk about you guys, but I don't feel I would have missed out on much if he hadn't taken 3 pages every once in a while to explain what London smelt like. I mean, it is the 1600s after all; people don't shower, they kill cats; made meat pies out of them none were left to eat the rats away that were transporting the plague around, no indoor plumbing, of course it was disgusting.

Jeez, move on. Tell me who is killing these people!

[Sandy S. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Disclosure: ARC provided by Doubleday Canada

3.5 stars – why oh why Goodreads won’t you give us half stars?!?

I must say, Plague by C.C. Humphreys is a book that is right up my alley: a gruesome murder mystery, the bubonic plague, and olden-times all wrapped up into one easy-breezy summer read.

We are first introduced to Captain Coke – a former military captain turned highwayman who encounters the brutal murders of some uppercrust peeps he had been planning to rob himself. He flees with an expensive necklace but is quickly fingered as the murderer by the relentless “thief-taker” Pitman, who is soon hot on his trail and looking to see Coke swing for the killings. In a parallel story-line we meet Sarah Chalker, her husband John, and their fried Lucy Absolute, all actors at the local theatre. Sarah is being pursued by a mysterious and stalker-y “Lord” who is determined to have her for himself. All of our characters paths cross as more vicious murders occur, and Coke and Pitman are forced to work together to solve them. All of the action plays out over the plague-ridden city of London in the 1660s, and Humphreys does a good job of describing both the gruesome plague symptoms (if you have the stomach for it) but also the impact of this horrifying disease on the lives of the citizens, mostly working class and poor, who had try and survive it.

Humphreys does a great job of evoking the time period, one of my favourite to explore. You really get a sense of the claustrophobic, dirty, close quarters that people lived in during the time, as well as some of the social customs and cultural attitudes of the time period. People quite often lived with their whole family in one room, they dumped their chamber pots out the window, and bathing was rare occurence. Cockfights were considered an acceptable form of entertainment, and actresses were considered one step above whores. “Justice” was swift, unfair, and often brutal, and jail, well jail was a special form of hell where you were not only put in the stockades, but your ears were nailed to them just to make your stay extra special. Yep, all fun to read about, but I’m glad I’m a 21st century gal.

In Plague, Humphreys has delivered a lively, fast-paced murder mystery with characters that are interesting and likeable (well, except for the murderer(s)). My only ruffle with this book is that I would have loved a bit more background and depth with the characters and plot, and a bit longer book over all. When you’ve got all the goods – strong characters, an interesting plot, a fascinating time period, and solid writing skills, you want it to last! I could have easily devoured a book that was twice as long (my advanced copy is 352 pages). That is really my only quibble with the book, and it is a personal one. I think anyone looking for a good, quick, summer murder mystery will be satisfied.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book as a Goodreads giveaway.

I was worried when I started the book. The first chapter was exciting, intriguing and made me want to read on and learn more about Captain Coke, then in the second chapter, he's referred to as Captain Cock! I was sure the rest of the book would be littered with typos and poor editing, taking away from the story. But I was very wrong, the name difference is part of the story, and only added to the development of the characters and plot.

This is an exciting and well-written adventure set during the London plague. I am familiar with this time in London's history, but not well researched, which is fine because the author seems to be very well researched, and weaves history seamlessly into his own fiction. Yes, he admits that he took some liberties, but I feel that when an author admits that, it shows their respect and dedication to history.

This book has it all, plague, highwaymen, lawmen, the theatre, royalty, religion and religious fanatics, and even a little behind-closed-doors sex. It features strong characters, villains that bring out hatred, strong women who are willing to fight for what they want, and an unlikely partnership with wonderful banter and great action, and a slow budding romance that I want to read more about. Added to that, the author describes 1665 London vividly, transporting the reader to the streets, filth and all. I plan to pick up a copy of Fire when it comes out (prior to knowing about the second novel in this series, I was disappointed that the novel did not feature the fire). I consider any book that has a complete story but leaves the reader wanting more a very good read.

I would recommend this book for anyone looking for a fun and exciting read, and I only regret that it took me so long to get to read this review copy. I plan to pick up more by C.C. Humphreys, and will be pleased to support a Canadian author.

[Julia Brannan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book - in fact I found it very difficult to put down! The author has a very individual style, and managed to combine compelling storytelling, fabulous historical detail woven seamlessly into the story, with wonderful and believable characters. It was one of those books that pulls you completely into the story and time period, so that you live in the book, as it were. I can't recommend this highly enough. A must-read for all fans of historical fiction.

[Taylor · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. I almost really enjoyed this book. There were so many great elements but it didn't quite work. It may have been down to the excessive (in my opinion) descriptive violence and unpleasant imagery. Think torture and dead cats. Not a book to read while eating. It was this same talent for description, however, that made the book so good. I really felt like I was there rather than just reading about the events. And the characters were well drawn. I sometimes have difficulties keeping the characters straight when there are so many but this was not the case here. I particularly liked our unlikely team of sleuths. If they were featured in a sequel, I would definitely read it.

[Kyle · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cautionary tale of putting too many people in one location, a decade or so after a civil war, and enabling the rich do whatever they want to the point of getting away with murder. Sound a bit too much like the end of days many people experience today? Fear not, it is late-17th century London and it is only the plague that is the monster in the labyrinth. Here is a well-crafted tale of the harm that comes from trying to get along with others whether they are Ranters, Royalists or religious fanatics - all this had to happen, plus a city-wide fire (sequel), for the Royal Society to come into being!

[Sam Campbell · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got this book as a blind date book from my local library and was a bit sceptical at first. However, it didn't take very long for me to get into the story. I actually really enjoyed this. The story is written in an easy to understand style and the plot is very fast paced. The characters are easy to identify with, whether good, bad or in between. The time period of the Plague is of interest to me and thought it was handled well by the author. I would recommend to anyone who fancies something different to break it up a bit. Also, look out for the amusingly titled chapter!

[Kate · Rating 3 out of 5]

Plague stalks London's streets in the company of a brutal serial murderer. While I did enjoy the character of gentleman highwayman Captain Coke - and Pitman, detective and bounty hunter - this novel was a little too violent and grim for my squeamish tastes. I suspect that readers of crime fiction would enjoy this more.

[Shawn Bird]

A serial killer detective book set in 17c century England. Plague sets the scene and adds suspense, as Pittman the thief-taker and Capt Cock the thief search for a murderer.

Humphreys's is a master of pacing and always delivers a theatrical page turner!

Audio book is dramatically narrated by Humphreys, as he is also a professional actor.

[James McCann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good murder mystery set in the time of the plague.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

As the title suggests, this novel is set during the year of the Great Plague of London in 1665. It follows a few main characters whose lives cross paths: Captain Coke - a highwayman, Dickon - Captain Coke’s ward, Pitman - a thieftaker, Lucy Absolute - an actress, Sarah Chalker - actress, Lord Garnthorpe - nobleman and fifth monarchist, Earl of Rochester and Abel Strong. Against the background of the plague ravaging London, mysterious murders begin with which the various characters are somehow connected.

Overall I enjoyed the book. It’s set in an interesting period of history and made me want to learn more about the London of the 1600s. It sounds like it was a pretty awful place to live, especially if you were poor and I’m very glad to not have been born then. The story was also interesting and kept up a good level of suspense. There were also some twists that I didn’t really expect.

The only problem I had with this book is that some things weren’t really further explained. Coke mentions a woman a couple of times who I assume was his girlfriend but it never really goes anywhere. It’s pretty strongly hinted that Abel Strong and Lord Garnthorpe are the same person but it’s not entirely clear and how this happened isn’t explained. There’s a gravestone for Abel Strong, so did Lord Garnthorpe take his identity when he died? How did he become good at butchery? And why was he so interested in Sarah? There is a second book so maybe things are explained a bit more in that but I don’t know. It just left me feeling a bit confused and like things weren’t really wrapped up completely.

If I see it I’ll read the next book ‘Fire’ about the Great Fire of London in 1666. It might explain some things and if not it’s still an interesting time in history.

[Samantha · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5-3 starts for me.

This story takes place around 1665 in England, it follows three main characters, Captain Coke, Pitman and Sarah.

Captain Coke is a highway thief however someone misheard his name and now he is known as captain cock, after the war to reinstate King Charles II back to the throne robs unsuspecting travelers on the local highways with the help of his young ward. However something goes wrong and Cock finds himself in a coach with three brutally murdered people and a head coach who has been slashed to death.

Shortly after the Thief catcher catches up to the coach of murdered victims and the murder is quickly tied to Captain Cock.

Next you'll be introduced to Sarah, an actor with Gypsy blood who is able to sense thing, while on stage she senses a danger of a lurker in the crowed.

You'll then get to meet the killer/s? and hear their vague logic about the justification of murdering people along with their belief around it.

All the while the great plague is starting up which adds a bit of historical fiction along with some obstacles of solving these murder's and finding who the killer/s are to bring them to justice before someone is hurt or wrongfully executed.

After about 3/4 of the book all three main characters are linked together along with a cliché and unneeded love story. If the author had left out this pathetic attempt at trying to make two characters 'fall in love' the book would have been a touch better. It had some good potential to be something more however the author took the save and cozy road following ridiculous clichés to fill in a few pages of a book, not every story needs to have a romantic twist to make it read worthy!

[Rebecca · Rating 3 out of 5]

Don't know what to say about it but "interesting." Humphreys can spin a good historical yarn. The French Executioner was one of my all time faves.

This one, however, wandered away from the London plague and more into seedy murder mystery with sickness kind of going on in the background? I suppose I knew that by the jacket but I sort of expected something different, given the title.

What was nice to see was his dedication to the research (as always) and an element of gory "real" detail that is often overlooked -- less historic trope, more actual human condition that you don't normally get in these kinds of books. The hero isn't so hero-y; the damsel isn't very distressed and so on.

The characters fall to ruin and make a few daring escapes, and this was good enough to be called entertaining for a few hours. But sometimes Humphreys can fall into a vat of purple prose and do laps there for a while. Other times, the writing is very engrossing.

One sour note -- enough of the kid eating bags of nuts already.

[Teresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I decided to read C.C.Humphreys' "Plague" for four reasons: I like thrillers and murder mysteries; I like historical fiction IF the period is depicted accurately; I thought, after the world's recent pandemic, that an historical perspective, trying to survive a similar experience in a different time, would be interesting; I had just thoroughly enjoyed book #9 in Diana Gabaldon's well-researched historical fiction, adventure, mystery, romance and fantasy "Outlander" series and was looking for something similar to read and saw that she recommended "Plague," so I took a chance on an unfamiliar author and was not disappointed. I absolutely want to read more by this author. Warning: the book has some extremely gruesome parts. It is a murder mystery during a horrific plague. The interestingly diverse band of players trying to stop the murderer without becoming a victim of that evil or the other, the Plague, makes for a fast moving book difficult to set aside until the final page.