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Richard Nottingham #7
Free from All Danger
Richard Nottingham discovers that a new, more ruthless breed of criminal has colonised the city when he returns as Constable of Leeds.
October, 1736. Lured out of retirement to serve as Constable once again, Richard Nottingham finds Leeds very different from the place he remembers. Many newcomers have been attracted by the town's growing wealth, but although the faces have changed, the crimes remain the same, as Nottingham discovers when a body is found floating in the River Aire, its throat cut.
What has changed is the fear that pervades the town. With more bodies emerging and witnesses too frightened to talk, Nottingham realizes he's dealing with a new kind of criminal, someone with no respect for anything or anyone. Someone who believes he's beyond the law; someone willing brutally to destroy anyone who opposes him. To stop him, Nottingham will need to call in old favours, rely on trusted friendships, and seek help from some very unlikely sources.
October, 1736. Lured out of retirement to serve as Constable once again, Richard Nottingham finds Leeds very different from the place he remembers. Many newcomers have been attracted by the town's growing wealth, but although the faces have changed, the crimes remain the same, as Nottingham discovers when a body is found floating in the River Aire, its throat cut.
What has changed is the fear that pervades the town. With more bodies emerging and witnesses too frightened to talk, Nottingham realizes he's dealing with a new kind of criminal, someone with no respect for anything or anyone. Someone who believes he's beyond the law; someone willing brutally to destroy anyone who opposes him. To stop him, Nottingham will need to call in old favours, rely on trusted friendships, and seek help from some very unlikely sources.
208 pages, Hardcover
First published February 1, 2018
About the author
Chris Nickson
69 books188 followersI'm a novelist and music journalist, the author of many books set between the 1730s and 1950s in Leeds, as well as others in medieval Chesterfield and 1980s Seattle.
Above all, though, its Leeds I love, the people, the sense of the place changing with time. Yes, I write mysteries, but ultmiateoly they're books about people and their relationships, and the crime becomes a moral framework for the story.
Above all, though, its Leeds I love, the people, the sense of the place changing with time. Yes, I write mysteries, but ultmiateoly they're books about people and their relationships, and the crime becomes a moral framework for the story.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
November 8, 2017
Richard Nottingham retired as the Constable of Leeds in the north of England two years ago. He doesn't particularly enjoy his retirement after a life of fighting crime, so when he's asked to take up his old post on a temporary basis, it doesn't take long for him to make his decision, although he does have some reservations, he's feeling his age, and he's not entirely sure he's up to the job any more.
It's October 1736, and in the two years since Richard retired, things have changed. There has been a huge influx of people into Leeds, all seeking to cash in on its increasing prosperity, due mainly to the manufacture of wool, which at the time was the lifeblood of Leeds. Sadly, it also brings more than its fair share of criminals determined to make some easy cash from this increasing wealth.
When the body of a moneylender is found floating in the River Aire with his throat cut, Richard will discover that he's dealing with someone who is utterly lawless - someone to whom human life is without value, and not only that, but he appears to be one step ahead of the police force too.
When the body count starts to increase, Richard has to turn to an eclectic group of people in order to bring this killer to justice, however, Leeds is becoming a place of fear, and witnesses are reluctant to talk, creating a wall of silence.
This storyline had real atmosphere with the swirling mists around the River Aire adding to the fear factor, along with the dark and filthy alleyways and mean cobbled courts where sunlight never penetrated. At times it seemed as if Richard would never discover the identity of this vicious killer, as the few clues he gained, persistently came to nothing. I have to say though, it was a pleasure to accompany this fair and compassionate man on his investigations around the streets of 18th century Leeds ( incidentally the city of my birth ) although I no longer live there.
Richard Nottingham actually existed, and he did hold the post of Constable of Leeds, though little documentation is in existence, with very sparse mention of him in official records. However, this worked well for author Chris Nickson, as it allowed him to create a fictional police procedural series, bringing Richard and his family to life, and allowing him to live on, solving cases that would have been relevant during this period in history. Though part of a series, 'Free From All Danger' read perfectly well as a standalone, and I for one thoroughly enjoyed it.
* Thank you to Netgalley and Severn House for my ARC in exchange for an honest review*
It's October 1736, and in the two years since Richard retired, things have changed. There has been a huge influx of people into Leeds, all seeking to cash in on its increasing prosperity, due mainly to the manufacture of wool, which at the time was the lifeblood of Leeds. Sadly, it also brings more than its fair share of criminals determined to make some easy cash from this increasing wealth.
When the body of a moneylender is found floating in the River Aire with his throat cut, Richard will discover that he's dealing with someone who is utterly lawless - someone to whom human life is without value, and not only that, but he appears to be one step ahead of the police force too.
When the body count starts to increase, Richard has to turn to an eclectic group of people in order to bring this killer to justice, however, Leeds is becoming a place of fear, and witnesses are reluctant to talk, creating a wall of silence.
This storyline had real atmosphere with the swirling mists around the River Aire adding to the fear factor, along with the dark and filthy alleyways and mean cobbled courts where sunlight never penetrated. At times it seemed as if Richard would never discover the identity of this vicious killer, as the few clues he gained, persistently came to nothing. I have to say though, it was a pleasure to accompany this fair and compassionate man on his investigations around the streets of 18th century Leeds ( incidentally the city of my birth ) although I no longer live there.
Richard Nottingham actually existed, and he did hold the post of Constable of Leeds, though little documentation is in existence, with very sparse mention of him in official records. However, this worked well for author Chris Nickson, as it allowed him to create a fictional police procedural series, bringing Richard and his family to life, and allowing him to live on, solving cases that would have been relevant during this period in history. Though part of a series, 'Free From All Danger' read perfectly well as a standalone, and I for one thoroughly enjoyed it.
* Thank you to Netgalley and Severn House for my ARC in exchange for an honest review*
November 20, 2017
A penny for your thoughts.......
Autumn of 1736 brings with it the winds of danger and the shock of mounting murders. Leeds is lined with the wares of its weavers displayed in the crowded market. But among the shop owners and the throngs of customers are the cast-outs of this society with the likes of the moneylenders, the thieves, and the procurers of young women.
Some of these shifty individuals won't make it back to their warm fires, their darkened streets, and their corners of whispered business. A body is found ensnared on craggy branches along the river in this city. His throat has been slashed. What is recognizable is the fact that this man was a moneylender who kept the poor in his clutches with the impossibility of repayment. And so begins the tallies on the wall for others who will join him. Like Four-Finger Jane who sold wares of the personal kind in the dark shadows.
Richard Nottingham, former Constable of Leeds, is called into the mayor's office. Nottingham is feeling the aches and the sluggishness of the onset of aging. No one is more surprised than he when the mayor offers him the constableship once again. Nottingham's daughter, Emily, lives with the present Deputy, Rob Lister. By right it should go to Rob. But the city of Leeds demands experience. Rob accepts the news, but resentment does stick in his craw. Will this be the makings of a dynamic duo or a mixture that just doesn't gel?
Free from All Danger has quite the historical flavor of 18th century Leeds. Chris Nickson infuses his storyline with the spark of dastardly crimes along with the budding attempts of early police procedures of the time period. Nickson wraps the character of Nottingham in a tale of fiction while drawing out snips of information from the actual Constable Richard Nottingham of Leeds. I found this well-developed character to be a walking dychotomy of strength and cutting determination with a counterpart of gentleness and family allegiance. It is my hope that Nottingham will peer around the corner once again in a future offering.
Free from All Danger promises to light a fire of the past with situations that still occur here in the present. Strange how surroundings change over time, but human nature still holds tightly to all that turns heart to shades of black.
I received a copy of this book through NetGalley for an honest review. My thanks to Severn House Publishers and to Chris Nickson for the opportunity.
Autumn of 1736 brings with it the winds of danger and the shock of mounting murders. Leeds is lined with the wares of its weavers displayed in the crowded market. But among the shop owners and the throngs of customers are the cast-outs of this society with the likes of the moneylenders, the thieves, and the procurers of young women.
Some of these shifty individuals won't make it back to their warm fires, their darkened streets, and their corners of whispered business. A body is found ensnared on craggy branches along the river in this city. His throat has been slashed. What is recognizable is the fact that this man was a moneylender who kept the poor in his clutches with the impossibility of repayment. And so begins the tallies on the wall for others who will join him. Like Four-Finger Jane who sold wares of the personal kind in the dark shadows.
Richard Nottingham, former Constable of Leeds, is called into the mayor's office. Nottingham is feeling the aches and the sluggishness of the onset of aging. No one is more surprised than he when the mayor offers him the constableship once again. Nottingham's daughter, Emily, lives with the present Deputy, Rob Lister. By right it should go to Rob. But the city of Leeds demands experience. Rob accepts the news, but resentment does stick in his craw. Will this be the makings of a dynamic duo or a mixture that just doesn't gel?
Free from All Danger has quite the historical flavor of 18th century Leeds. Chris Nickson infuses his storyline with the spark of dastardly crimes along with the budding attempts of early police procedures of the time period. Nickson wraps the character of Nottingham in a tale of fiction while drawing out snips of information from the actual Constable Richard Nottingham of Leeds. I found this well-developed character to be a walking dychotomy of strength and cutting determination with a counterpart of gentleness and family allegiance. It is my hope that Nottingham will peer around the corner once again in a future offering.
Free from All Danger promises to light a fire of the past with situations that still occur here in the present. Strange how surroundings change over time, but human nature still holds tightly to all that turns heart to shades of black.
I received a copy of this book through NetGalley for an honest review. My thanks to Severn House Publishers and to Chris Nickson for the opportunity.
July 22, 2018
A welcome return for Richard Nottingham. I love historical crime and Nickson is up there as one of my favourite writers of this genre. No over reliance on computers and databases, just good old fashioned footwork and brain power.
Nottingham has returned from retirement to take up the Constable position. As he does several pimps and money lenders start being killed and soon the body count is high. There are a lot of false starts as many of the clues Nottingham has come to nothing but you can feel the tension and frustration as the story continues on.
I love the characters and it's so easy to put yourself in the time frame and picture what the city was like back then. For me, as a Leeds resident it's trying to imagine the changes to my city and I can. The story flows well and the ending is satisfying with an interesting bit of twist in it.
Overall, loved it and let's hope for another one.
Free arc from netgalley and Severn House
Nottingham has returned from retirement to take up the Constable position. As he does several pimps and money lenders start being killed and soon the body count is high. There are a lot of false starts as many of the clues Nottingham has come to nothing but you can feel the tension and frustration as the story continues on.
I love the characters and it's so easy to put yourself in the time frame and picture what the city was like back then. For me, as a Leeds resident it's trying to imagine the changes to my city and I can. The story flows well and the ending is satisfying with an interesting bit of twist in it.
Overall, loved it and let's hope for another one.
Free arc from netgalley and Severn House
August 31, 2019
I previously tried a short featuring Leeds Constable Richard Nottingham and found this book on my library visit yesterday. 1736, rough inhabitants with some vicious murders taking place demands the return to office of retired Nottingham. Things are unsettled with the promise of more death and mayhem as the bonfires are being prepared for Gunpowder Treason Night.
Nottingham works with assist of the "lover" of his daughter, teacher Emily who is serving as assistant constable.
I don't plan to read any other books in this series.
Library Loan
Nottingham works with assist of the "lover" of his daughter, teacher Emily who is serving as assistant constable.
I don't plan to read any other books in this series.
Library Loan
November 8, 2017
An 'edge of your chair' 18th century police procedural that kept me guessing until the very end. It was wonderful to meet the new characters, and to catch up on the changes to existing ones. Overall a very satisfying read, and one that left me hoping for further books in the series.
October 23, 2017
October, 1736. Lured out of retirement to serve as Constable once again, Richard Nottingham finds Leeds very different from the place he remembers. Many newcomers have been attracted by the town's growing wealth ?..although the faces have changed, the crimes remain the same, as Nottingham discovers when a body is found floating in the River Aire, its throat cut.
An incredibly exciting mystery was presented in this book, as well as a nostalgic visit with Richard Nottingham, who again is serving as Constable in Leeds.
October 1736 - Richard Nottingham feels old and a bit disoriented as winter approaches, and has slipped into the past and is evading the present. He receives a message from the Moot Hall and John Brooke, Mayor of Leeds who is starting his year in office. Amazingly, Nottingham is told that they would like him to step back into the vacancy left by the death of Simon Kirkstall.
His daughter's man Rob Lister,currently Deputy Constable,is his immediate choice, but is deemed too young and not experienced enough by the other alderman. Brooke tells him he was the best Constable they ever had, which Nottingham feels is doubtful.
Getting the keys to the jail which serves as their office, Richard is there when Rob arrives at work and the Deputy is understandably upset. There is not too much time for hurt feelings however as a series of murders rocks the city, and both Constable and Deputy Rob are baffled.
Nottingham has a theory, which Rob Lister, Deputy does not agree with, that links three types of those murdered, prostitutes, pimps and money lenders. How do they fit?
Included is this nail biter of a mystery are the street children always barely existing, and at risk, around Leeds as well as a newborn girl. How do they fit into the Nottingham/Lister family? Who is the murderer or murderers and how are they connected to the Constable and his life ?
I strongly recommend that you, and anyone who enjoys a well thought out, historically correct mystery, order this book now and get it immediately. You will not be able to put it down.
For me, one of the best parts of this series is that Richard Nottingham was a real person who was, in actuality, the Constable of Leeds. My thanks to Chris Nickson for his books, the historical aspects of these mysteries and, above all his great love for Leeds.
5 Stars. Thanks to Severn House and the author for the ARC.
An incredibly exciting mystery was presented in this book, as well as a nostalgic visit with Richard Nottingham, who again is serving as Constable in Leeds.
October 1736 - Richard Nottingham feels old and a bit disoriented as winter approaches, and has slipped into the past and is evading the present. He receives a message from the Moot Hall and John Brooke, Mayor of Leeds who is starting his year in office. Amazingly, Nottingham is told that they would like him to step back into the vacancy left by the death of Simon Kirkstall.
His daughter's man Rob Lister,currently Deputy Constable,is his immediate choice, but is deemed too young and not experienced enough by the other alderman. Brooke tells him he was the best Constable they ever had, which Nottingham feels is doubtful.
Getting the keys to the jail which serves as their office, Richard is there when Rob arrives at work and the Deputy is understandably upset. There is not too much time for hurt feelings however as a series of murders rocks the city, and both Constable and Deputy Rob are baffled.
Nottingham has a theory, which Rob Lister, Deputy does not agree with, that links three types of those murdered, prostitutes, pimps and money lenders. How do they fit?
Included is this nail biter of a mystery are the street children always barely existing, and at risk, around Leeds as well as a newborn girl. How do they fit into the Nottingham/Lister family? Who is the murderer or murderers and how are they connected to the Constable and his life ?
I strongly recommend that you, and anyone who enjoys a well thought out, historically correct mystery, order this book now and get it immediately. You will not be able to put it down.
For me, one of the best parts of this series is that Richard Nottingham was a real person who was, in actuality, the Constable of Leeds. My thanks to Chris Nickson for his books, the historical aspects of these mysteries and, above all his great love for Leeds.
5 Stars. Thanks to Severn House and the author for the ARC.
October 26, 2017
4 stars
It’s 1736 and Richard Nottingham reluctantly accepts the position of Constable of Leeds. Rob Lister, his daughter’s lover, is the Deputy Constable. Rob is not at all happy about Richard’s appointment. He feels he earned the position for having carried the previous Constable for two years until his sudden death.
Nottingham and Lister respond to a call about a body found in the river. It is a man whose throat has been cut. Standbridge was the man’s name and he was a moneylender. Lister quickly rounds up the other local moneylenders as they might have seen Standbridge as competition.
While investigating, Nottingham speaks to a witness who says that three pimps have also disappeared. Nottingham and Lister talk to many witnesses and other who knew the murdered man. They painstakingly follow the clues.
The name of the murder came as a surprise to me.
This book is both well written and plotted. The suspense begins immediately and continues throughout the story. It is a police procedural, albeit one set in a long ago time. The descriptions of the inhabitants and atmosphere in the village of Leeds were brilliant. I felt like I was there in person. I liked Richard Nottingham. He seemed honest and decent.
I want to thank NetGalley and Severn House for forwarding to me a copy of this most engaging book to read and enjoy.
It’s 1736 and Richard Nottingham reluctantly accepts the position of Constable of Leeds. Rob Lister, his daughter’s lover, is the Deputy Constable. Rob is not at all happy about Richard’s appointment. He feels he earned the position for having carried the previous Constable for two years until his sudden death.
Nottingham and Lister respond to a call about a body found in the river. It is a man whose throat has been cut. Standbridge was the man’s name and he was a moneylender. Lister quickly rounds up the other local moneylenders as they might have seen Standbridge as competition.
While investigating, Nottingham speaks to a witness who says that three pimps have also disappeared. Nottingham and Lister talk to many witnesses and other who knew the murdered man. They painstakingly follow the clues.
The name of the murder came as a surprise to me.
This book is both well written and plotted. The suspense begins immediately and continues throughout the story. It is a police procedural, albeit one set in a long ago time. The descriptions of the inhabitants and atmosphere in the village of Leeds were brilliant. I felt like I was there in person. I liked Richard Nottingham. He seemed honest and decent.
I want to thank NetGalley and Severn House for forwarding to me a copy of this most engaging book to read and enjoy.
November 14, 2017
Thank you Netgalley and Severn Books for the eARC.
Leeds, 1736. Richard Nottingham agrees to temporarily return as Constable of Leeds after his retirement 2 years prior.
The city has changed considerably after an influx of people looking for work has flooded the area. After the death of his wife, Richard has lived in a fog of grief and needs the distraction of work and the case of a murdered moneylender provides this.
As more killings occur with no hint of a solution, Richard finds himself severely pressured by the group who hired him. Is he up to policing this new Leeds? To add to it all, a young boy and girl are robbing well-to-do citizens, becoming increasingly violent. The shadowy duo has people afraid of leaving their homes and result in more complaints about the job Richard is doing.
He strongly believes the murders of moneylenders and prostitutes are connected, a belief not shared by anyone, not even Rob Lister, his deputy. Rob is Richard's daughter's live-in lover, a smart and diligent worker, a very likeable character.
This is such a compelling book; you can practically smell the miasma and hear the sounds of the city. I love Richard and his daughter and Rob's relationship is very sweet; the chapters containing their, so far, futile wish for a child and the subsequent scenes tugged at my heartstrings...
I hadn't read any of the previous books, (will be remedied!), but even as a standalone, this was a great read and highly recommended.
Leeds, 1736. Richard Nottingham agrees to temporarily return as Constable of Leeds after his retirement 2 years prior.
The city has changed considerably after an influx of people looking for work has flooded the area. After the death of his wife, Richard has lived in a fog of grief and needs the distraction of work and the case of a murdered moneylender provides this.
As more killings occur with no hint of a solution, Richard finds himself severely pressured by the group who hired him. Is he up to policing this new Leeds? To add to it all, a young boy and girl are robbing well-to-do citizens, becoming increasingly violent. The shadowy duo has people afraid of leaving their homes and result in more complaints about the job Richard is doing.
He strongly believes the murders of moneylenders and prostitutes are connected, a belief not shared by anyone, not even Rob Lister, his deputy. Rob is Richard's daughter's live-in lover, a smart and diligent worker, a very likeable character.
This is such a compelling book; you can practically smell the miasma and hear the sounds of the city. I love Richard and his daughter and Rob's relationship is very sweet; the chapters containing their, so far, futile wish for a child and the subsequent scenes tugged at my heartstrings...
I hadn't read any of the previous books, (will be remedied!), but even as a standalone, this was a great read and highly recommended.
March 5, 2018
Nottingham is drawn back into the role of Chief Constable working side by side with his daughter's paramour. They investigate the murder of a moneylender, and begin to see a pattern of deaths taking place with no apparent understanding of why. Rob is not sure that Nottingham detective skills are a good as they were, and yet Nottingham investigates in his slow, careful ways, mulling over each clue as they appear. This is the first book I have read in the series and I plan to go and read further in the series. The characters are well drawn and the pacing of the book is good. Especially nice is to see a family from this period open to helping others to divide their grief and multiply their joys. I received this book in return for an unbiased review frm Net Galley
August 23, 2018
I've enjoyed all of the books in this series featuring Constable Richard Nottingham of Leeds in the 1760's. I had thought the series was over with and was delighted to see this crop up. The story had kind of wrapped up with the previous book with Nottingham retiring, but two years down the line he's asked to return to his old job when the current constable drops dead of a heart attack. And it's not long before he's thrown back into his old wearying routine of trying to find a killer.
It's good to see how Nottingham's family and friends have moved forward, but now I'm left wondering if THIS is the last one, or.....
It's good to see how Nottingham's family and friends have moved forward, but now I'm left wondering if THIS is the last one, or.....
April 26, 2018
This book paints an unvarnished picture of town life (particularly the seedy bits) in Leeds; not sure how realistic it is, but life seemed to have been pretty bleak two hundred years ago. I did figure out whodunnit, but that didn’t necessarily detract from the excellent storytelling—except perhaps that, as one of the minor characters suggests near the end, the constable was going about it all wrong. A bit too much going around and talking to people—which slowed the plotting as well as being ineffective— and not enough logical thought.
February 15, 2019
I just could hardly wait to see how the clues of the crime would come together to be solved by the constable. A wonderful series!
I got hooked on the first book and tried to read them in order. Fans of historic periods would enjoy these. There was so much death and love and change for the characters, and the need to solve a crime before it went any further is a tension running throughout.
I got hooked on the first book and tried to read them in order. Fans of historic periods would enjoy these. There was so much death and love and change for the characters, and the need to solve a crime before it went any further is a tension running throughout.
January 12, 2025
Two serious crimes are being investigated in this book. There was already 1 murder by page 3. Rob Lister, the deputy constable was having doubts about the ability of his boss in most of the book. As the murders mounted and tension increased a passionate side to the characters immerged . The ending seems to imply that there will be no more books in this series although a mini story has appeared on twitter. Thks to the author for my free copy
June 2, 2019
Good read, but the author seemed to have lost track of the story thread as he had Rob and Emily with the banns read in the last book and they were going to get married despite events, but now, 2 years later they're still not married?
A lot of authors seem to lose track of timelines and events between books and it's annoying so I wish they and their editors would pay attention.
A lot of authors seem to lose track of timelines and events between books and it's annoying so I wish they and their editors would pay attention.
January 9, 2018
Thanks Severn House and netgalley for this ARC.
Nottingham reluctantly becomes Sheriff again- this mystery is great because I didn't see the villain coming thru the whole book. This novel stays true to its time period, details, and atmosphere.
Nottingham reluctantly becomes Sheriff again- this mystery is great because I didn't see the villain coming thru the whole book. This novel stays true to its time period, details, and atmosphere.
September 30, 2026
I hate to say this but I almost wish Nottingham hadn’t come out of retirement. This book was very slow, repetitive, and somewhat predictable. But I still loved the characters, just wish so many of them hadn’t been written off.
March 5, 2018
Good time piece. good plot with interesting characters
June 21, 2018
A hard time in England. A man struggling to recover from the murder of his wife gradually finding his way through his work and the addition of destitute people to care for.
December 23, 2018
This series has been quite enjoyable to read. Richard Nottingham is an engrossing character as are the other players in these dramas.
September 24, 2019
It's starting to become a 'guess who the author will kill next'. After the last book, I was almost numb to losing yet another character I'd grown to like. It would be nice for this author to just read the story, have the murders solved without having main characters die all the time.
January 18, 2018
1736 Leeds and Richard Nottingham has returned from two years of retirement to become Constable again. In such a short time Leeds has changed and then the first body appears. So it is up to Nottingham and his deputy Lister to solve the mystery.
Thoroughly enjoyed the mystery, it was well-written with good characterization, though I did work out the who. It can easily be read as a standalone story.
A NetGalley Book
Thoroughly enjoyed the mystery, it was well-written with good characterization, though I did work out the who. It can easily be read as a standalone story.
A NetGalley Book
Read
June 3, 2018A good story and a fun book. Like the description of clothes and food.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews