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Sir Robert Carey #9
A Suspicion of Silver
Sir Robert Carey leaves the court of Scotland's King James VI in early January, 1593, on the hunt for Joachim Hochstetter, aka Jonathan Hepburn.
Carey, the Queen's Deputy Warden in Carlisle, is carrying a warrant for Hochstetter's arrest for plotting with the King of Spain and Scottish earls to assassinate James. Hochstetter, a skilled engineer, is a son of a family of Anabaptists from Augsburg and may have taken ship. Or he may have gone to ground at Vicar's Island, Derwentwater, where his widowed mother, Radegunda, rules the smelting business and her unruly brood. Is he a man driven by the religious politics of the period? Or is he just a stone killer?
Meanwhile, what is the fate of Land Sergeant of Gilsland Henry Dodd, Sir Robert's man but currently at potentially fatal odds with him thanks to a deadly clan feud with the Grahams; of Dodd's wife the redoubtable Janet who believes she's a childless widow and about to lose her family's land – even that of Dodd's remarkable horse, Whitesock?
319 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 11, 2018
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
November 12, 2018
Another brilliant book in this so enjoyable series. In fact it may even be the best one so far. Certainly Sir Robert Carey excels himself - in many, varied ways!
This is definitely a series which needs to be read in order as there are plot lines which continue through the books as well as the fact that the characters grow on you. At the end of the last book for example Henry Dodd was in a very serious situation and in A Suspicion of Silver we discover the unusual way his wife, Janet, deals with the possibility of his death and her consequent disinheritance.
P.F. Chisholm as usual creates an excellent feeling of the atmosphere of the time and shares many details of how uncomfortable life must have been, even for the rich and most certainly for the poor. Couple this with very poor control of the law and a general lack of morals in the populace and I am glad I live in current times!
The book ends as usual on a cliff hanger, a very personal one for Sir Robert. Now I cannot wait for book 10!
Thanks to Netgalley for this free copy to read and review.
This is definitely a series which needs to be read in order as there are plot lines which continue through the books as well as the fact that the characters grow on you. At the end of the last book for example Henry Dodd was in a very serious situation and in A Suspicion of Silver we discover the unusual way his wife, Janet, deals with the possibility of his death and her consequent disinheritance.
P.F. Chisholm as usual creates an excellent feeling of the atmosphere of the time and shares many details of how uncomfortable life must have been, even for the rich and most certainly for the poor. Couple this with very poor control of the law and a general lack of morals in the populace and I am glad I live in current times!
The book ends as usual on a cliff hanger, a very personal one for Sir Robert. Now I cannot wait for book 10!
Thanks to Netgalley for this free copy to read and review.
February 10, 2021
4.5★
“’And if you find him, you’ll arrest him?’
‘No, probably not, especially since his family are likely to back him up. I’ll kill him, if I can.’”
Ah, weren’t things simple back in 1593? Simple but grim and bloody and dirty. Sir Robert Carey, cousin and nephew to Queen Elizabeth I recently saved the King of Scotland from an attack and is pursuing the attacker. He’s back in England, not at his usual post as Deputy Warden but has a warrant to investigate.
Meanwhile, Sgt Henry Dodd, who was his stalwart second-in-command, has turned on him and seemingly disappeared, feared dead. Dodd's faithful wife, Janet, who adores him, is already grieving, both at the thought of losing him and of losing her home because there is no heir to take over. Women have never counted for much, certainly not then. (Except for the Queen, of course.)
I’ve always enjoyed Janet Dodd's character, so it was nice to see her featured. I also always enjoy Lady Elizabeth Widdrington, the married woman (with a cruel, old husband!) who has Sir Robert’s heart and whom he not so secretly longs to 'rescue'. She has been serving as a lady in waiting to the King of Scotland’s queen, so Sir Robert has had the very occasional glimpse of her when he’s with King James.
“It was so hard not to kiss her, especially with King James a few paces from him, kissing his Queen in a way that boded optimistically for the succession. He moved away with a sigh and then stopped because Elizabeth had put her hand on his arm and thrilled his skin even through the velvet of his doublet sleeve. ‘Wait!’ she said, and she was smiling.”
There are always some scenes with a comic relief quality as well, to break up the life-and-death situations Sir Robert seems to keep falling into. Most of this story takes place in freezing January, whether Carey is escorting and protecting the women who necessarily have to move from one place to another, or is trying to track down a cold-blooded killer. One of his off-siders is an Irishman who insists on running everywhere barefoot!
The story moves between Carey’s search for Sgt Dodd and helping the women and an island an island where German miners have set up a small community to mine copper. There are fantastic machines, well-described, smelters and what seems like a pretty sophisticated and complicated system of extracting ore.
Some of that I found interesting, but did get impatient waiting for something to happen. Finally
“The gates were locked, the charcoal fires burning and reeking inside like the mouth of Hell and Carey hammered with his fist on the gate and Mr Allerdyce stood with his thumbs in his belt. ‘Open in the name of the Queen!’ bellowed Carey and took an axe to the gate, hit it once with a satisfying crunch.”
Then, we get into the mines, and WOW! That was claustrophobic edge-of-the-seat action that almost needs a trigger warning!
Several storylines are brought to satisfactory conclusions, but . . . the last few pages are . . . well, let’s just say when I read the last sentence and turned the page anxiously, I was greeted with “Cast of Characters”. ARGH!#*!
I’ve had this on my NetGalley list for ages while I read the first books in this great series. Thanks to Poisoned Pen Press for the “preview” copy which is now old news! So where’s the next one, eh, Ms Chisholm/Finney?
“’And if you find him, you’ll arrest him?’
‘No, probably not, especially since his family are likely to back him up. I’ll kill him, if I can.’”
Ah, weren’t things simple back in 1593? Simple but grim and bloody and dirty. Sir Robert Carey, cousin and nephew to Queen Elizabeth I recently saved the King of Scotland from an attack and is pursuing the attacker. He’s back in England, not at his usual post as Deputy Warden but has a warrant to investigate.
Meanwhile, Sgt Henry Dodd, who was his stalwart second-in-command, has turned on him and seemingly disappeared, feared dead. Dodd's faithful wife, Janet, who adores him, is already grieving, both at the thought of losing him and of losing her home because there is no heir to take over. Women have never counted for much, certainly not then. (Except for the Queen, of course.)
I’ve always enjoyed Janet Dodd's character, so it was nice to see her featured. I also always enjoy Lady Elizabeth Widdrington, the married woman (with a cruel, old husband!) who has Sir Robert’s heart and whom he not so secretly longs to 'rescue'. She has been serving as a lady in waiting to the King of Scotland’s queen, so Sir Robert has had the very occasional glimpse of her when he’s with King James.
“It was so hard not to kiss her, especially with King James a few paces from him, kissing his Queen in a way that boded optimistically for the succession. He moved away with a sigh and then stopped because Elizabeth had put her hand on his arm and thrilled his skin even through the velvet of his doublet sleeve. ‘Wait!’ she said, and she was smiling.”
There are always some scenes with a comic relief quality as well, to break up the life-and-death situations Sir Robert seems to keep falling into. Most of this story takes place in freezing January, whether Carey is escorting and protecting the women who necessarily have to move from one place to another, or is trying to track down a cold-blooded killer. One of his off-siders is an Irishman who insists on running everywhere barefoot!
The story moves between Carey’s search for Sgt Dodd and helping the women and an island an island where German miners have set up a small community to mine copper. There are fantastic machines, well-described, smelters and what seems like a pretty sophisticated and complicated system of extracting ore.
Some of that I found interesting, but did get impatient waiting for something to happen. Finally
“The gates were locked, the charcoal fires burning and reeking inside like the mouth of Hell and Carey hammered with his fist on the gate and Mr Allerdyce stood with his thumbs in his belt. ‘Open in the name of the Queen!’ bellowed Carey and took an axe to the gate, hit it once with a satisfying crunch.”
Then, we get into the mines, and WOW! That was claustrophobic edge-of-the-seat action that almost needs a trigger warning!
Several storylines are brought to satisfactory conclusions, but . . . the last few pages are . . . well, let’s just say when I read the last sentence and turned the page anxiously, I was greeted with “Cast of Characters”. ARGH!#*!
I’ve had this on my NetGalley list for ages while I read the first books in this great series. Thanks to Poisoned Pen Press for the “preview” copy which is now old news! So where’s the next one, eh, Ms Chisholm/Finney?
December 9, 2018
In the previous episode in this excellent historical series, Sir Robert Carey had just foiled a heinous plot to kill King James of Scotland. Now he is in pursuit of the perpetrator who managed to escape over the border. It's possible he has gone to ground in his home turf, a copper mine run by his family in England and Carey has been been furnished with warrants to inspect the mines and make sure they are paying the Queen her share of the gold also produced by the mine.
Carey has suspicions that something shady is going on especially when he spots one of the known troublemakers from the borders acting as a respectable land owner. Carey is without his once loyal support to watch his back, Sergent Dodd, now believed dead although his body has not yet been found in the heavy snows.
This series gets better with each book and this is the best one so far, although it is definitely advisable to read them in order. Chisholm is so good at depicting the feel of a time and place and the historical details feel spot on, even when describing the operation of a 16th century copper mine and smelter. The next book promises to focus more on Carey's personal life as this book ends on a cliff hanger with a distress call from the woman he loves but cannot marry.
With thanks to Netgalley and Poisoned Pen Press for a digital copy of the book to read
Carey has suspicions that something shady is going on especially when he spots one of the known troublemakers from the borders acting as a respectable land owner. Carey is without his once loyal support to watch his back, Sergent Dodd, now believed dead although his body has not yet been found in the heavy snows.
This series gets better with each book and this is the best one so far, although it is definitely advisable to read them in order. Chisholm is so good at depicting the feel of a time and place and the historical details feel spot on, even when describing the operation of a 16th century copper mine and smelter. The next book promises to focus more on Carey's personal life as this book ends on a cliff hanger with a distress call from the woman he loves but cannot marry.
With thanks to Netgalley and Poisoned Pen Press for a digital copy of the book to read
November 14, 2019
I'd say go here for atmosphere...but then if you like mysteries it may appeal to you more than it did to me. I started it on a friend's recommendation and see what he liked. He recommended it on the strength of picturing life in this time and society. It works for that...but it is a mystery.
I didn't ever get really involved and really never cared that much about how the story would play itself out.
If you are a historical fiction fan or mystery fan...or both this may be more your "cup of tea".
I didn't ever get really involved and really never cared that much about how the story would play itself out.
If you are a historical fiction fan or mystery fan...or both this may be more your "cup of tea".
January 5, 2019
A good portion of this book follows up on Dodd's condition and determination as to whether he is experiencing the afterlife or is, in fact, being cared for to recover from the bolt in the back from the prior book. Carey is busy in the Marshes and is investigating mining activities to ensure Queen Elizabeth is getting her own.
When Carey is trying to determine how much silver is coming from the copper mining activities.
"They've been cheating the Queen since they started or possibly since Daniel Hochstetter died. They are still here mining, so there is still silver in Goldscope mine and perhaps others of their mines in the area."
He explains to his information source that he was playing dumb to gain this piece of intelligence. "That's because fatuous ignorance is an awful lot better for prying secrets out of people than marching up to them and hitting them until they tell you. Not that there's anything wrong with the traditional way in its proper place, but here we are in Keswick, sixty miles from Carlisle and whereas I have only four men, including you, Mr. Tovey, the Hochstetters have at least twenty men accustomed to wielding picks and axes and probably a lot more."
Eventually Dodd recovers, gets back on his faithful horse Whitelock and later agrees to end the feud with the Elliots, one of whom nearly killed him with the bolt in the previous book.
Carey's love is his cousin Widdington. As this book closes there is a young woman messenger waiting for him having walked and ran nearly a hundred miles. She handed him half of the handfasting ring from the lady. "Just as he had sent the Queen's emerald ring to Elizabeth when he had desperately needed her assistance at the Scottish King's Court the previous summer, so she had sent her part of her handfasting ring to him. It was a mute cry for help."
So...Yes, another cliffhanger!
When Carey is trying to determine how much silver is coming from the copper mining activities.
"They've been cheating the Queen since they started or possibly since Daniel Hochstetter died. They are still here mining, so there is still silver in Goldscope mine and perhaps others of their mines in the area."
He explains to his information source that he was playing dumb to gain this piece of intelligence. "That's because fatuous ignorance is an awful lot better for prying secrets out of people than marching up to them and hitting them until they tell you. Not that there's anything wrong with the traditional way in its proper place, but here we are in Keswick, sixty miles from Carlisle and whereas I have only four men, including you, Mr. Tovey, the Hochstetters have at least twenty men accustomed to wielding picks and axes and probably a lot more."
Eventually Dodd recovers, gets back on his faithful horse Whitelock and later agrees to end the feud with the Elliots, one of whom nearly killed him with the bolt in the previous book.
Carey's love is his cousin Widdington. As this book closes there is a young woman messenger waiting for him having walked and ran nearly a hundred miles. She handed him half of the handfasting ring from the lady. "Just as he had sent the Queen's emerald ring to Elizabeth when he had desperately needed her assistance at the Scottish King's Court the previous summer, so she had sent her part of her handfasting ring to him. It was a mute cry for help."
So...Yes, another cliffhanger!
October 21, 2018
4 stars
It is 1593 in Scotland and Sir Robert Carey has stepped in and prevented an assassination attempt against King James. He sets out pursue the evil doer.
What follows is an exciting chase across England while Sir Robert looks for Joachim Hochstetter also known as Jonathan Hepburn. Sir Robert is uncertain if Hochstetter has headed for home in Keswick or if he has fled the country to fields further in Europe.
Further vexing Sir Robert is the disappearance of his sidekick Sergeant Henry Dodd. No one seems to know where he has disappeared to, or if he is even alive.
This is a very well written and plotted novel. It paints a thorough and colorful picture of Scotland and England in the late 16th Century. It describes the people, the countryside and everyday life of the times in which the book is set. I felt like I was there. There is a lot going on in this book. It is not just a chase looking for a specific man. This is my first novel by this author, and I immediately went to Amazon to look for other books of hers.
I want to thank NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for forwarding to me a copy of this very good book for me to read, enjoy and review.
It is 1593 in Scotland and Sir Robert Carey has stepped in and prevented an assassination attempt against King James. He sets out pursue the evil doer.
What follows is an exciting chase across England while Sir Robert looks for Joachim Hochstetter also known as Jonathan Hepburn. Sir Robert is uncertain if Hochstetter has headed for home in Keswick or if he has fled the country to fields further in Europe.
Further vexing Sir Robert is the disappearance of his sidekick Sergeant Henry Dodd. No one seems to know where he has disappeared to, or if he is even alive.
This is a very well written and plotted novel. It paints a thorough and colorful picture of Scotland and England in the late 16th Century. It describes the people, the countryside and everyday life of the times in which the book is set. I felt like I was there. There is a lot going on in this book. It is not just a chase looking for a specific man. This is my first novel by this author, and I immediately went to Amazon to look for other books of hers.
I want to thank NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for forwarding to me a copy of this very good book for me to read, enjoy and review.
December 25, 2019
Despite the large number of brutal, deadly, and in some cases downright sadistic characters appearing in this series, #9 is the first installment featuring a classic psychopath. Well, technically he appears in #8 but his violence there is for a larger cause and/or expediency rather than love of murder for its own sake - also A Suspicion of Silver gives the reader insight into his childhood and background. While interesting, this is not one of the best novels in the series. The history and characters are still well done, but something about the plot made this feel like an Elizabethan version of Sanford's "Prey" novels - especially the ones set in small Minnesota towns. On the other hand, outside of the main plot, Chisholm wraps up some major issues, while ending the story with a (more or less) cliffhanger. Like many of the later books, this one features details on an aspect of 16th Century science and technology - in this case mining and metallurgy. 3.5 stars.
May 14, 2019
This book starts right after the ending of "A Clash of Spheres," the last in the series, and ends on a cliff-hanger; it's more like a continuation than a separate book. Queen Elizabeth I's cousin Sir Robert Carey is still the assistant warden of the debateable lands, between England and Scotland, but has been charged by King James VI of Scotland with killing the man who attempted a royal assassination. Much as he'd like to stay in court where his married love is a handwoman to the queen, he sets off for the German mining settlement where Jonathan Hepburn, ne Hochstetter, originates. Meanwhile, his henchman Henry Dodds has been attacked and hovers between life and death, giving him time to consider some of his own sins. One of the wonderful things about this series is that many of the leading characters, including Carey, were real people whose lives can be traced in histories of the time.
December 13, 2018
Sigh. Don't you just hate it when a good book ends? Luckily, P.F. Chisholm always leaves you hanging,
just like an old Saturday movie reel - and you know she's got another story in the hopper. Her hero, courtier Sir Robert Carey, is so well-imagined and like-able. Even as he's saying or doing the most outrageous things, I found myself rooting for him and his band of Scots thugs and assorted savants.
just like an old Saturday movie reel - and you know she's got another story in the hopper. Her hero, courtier Sir Robert Carey, is so well-imagined and like-able. Even as he's saying or doing the most outrageous things, I found myself rooting for him and his band of Scots thugs and assorted savants.
December 31, 2018
2.5 stars. A nice enough read for fans, but it’s not one of the stronger books in the series, and I’m rounding down a star because of the superfluous cliffhanger ending. The best part, as usual, is the author’s skill with the historical setting.
The plot picks up immediately after the events of the previous novel. Carey goes in search of the guy who tried to kill King James of Scotland (not to mention Carey himself) and ends up chasing him among German Anabaptists in a mining town in England. There are some nice details about Tudor-era mining techniques. Sgt. Dodd is out of commission for most of the book, presumed dead but actually wounded and delirious, tended by unknown people in an unknown location.
I did not find the bad guy’s POV to be believable, and I disliked the plot thread with Carey and Sgt. Dodd’s wife.
The plot picks up immediately after the events of the previous novel. Carey goes in search of the guy who tried to kill King James of Scotland (not to mention Carey himself) and ends up chasing him among German Anabaptists in a mining town in England. There are some nice details about Tudor-era mining techniques. Sgt. Dodd is out of commission for most of the book, presumed dead but actually wounded and delirious, tended by unknown people in an unknown location.
I did not find the bad guy’s POV to be believable, and I disliked the plot thread with Carey and Sgt. Dodd’s wife.
January 15, 2019
This is a fantastic story. I don't think there was a boring or wasted sentence in the entire book. I hated finishing it. I was so engrossed that I missed my train station and only realised when I looked up some stops later. I started last night and finished just now. O how I wish the next book was ready to read.
April 13, 2021
Dodd is missing, presumed dead, the King of Scotland's would-be assassin has taken shelter with his family in a tightly-knit mining community, tidying up loose ends and laying traps for his pursuer, which leaves Robert Carey with his hands full. There are, currently, no more Robert Carey books. NEED MORE ROBERT CAREY.
January 8, 2021
I think this may my least favorite of the series and it’s hard to figure out exactly why. I think the serial killer felt a too modern theme?
Whatever, I still mostly enjoyed it. 3.5
And I’m eager for the next installment. She really left us hanging.
Whatever, I still mostly enjoyed it. 3.5
And I’m eager for the next installment. She really left us hanging.
July 23, 2020
Rated 5 stars! This is the last published book in the Sir Robert Carey historical mystery series set in Northern England/Scotland during the reign of Elizabeth I. The author aka Patricia Finney posted on Facebook that she's writing #10 but doesn't think it will be out until Sept 2021. One of my favorite series and should be read in order.
November 17, 2018
Wow, there is a lot going on in this book! The author prepares us right from the beginning, with entries in an extensive glossary, but you’ll learn more about mining, the mines of Keswick, and Anabaptists then perhaps you ever wanted to know. And the problem with that is it gets in the way of the continuation of the story of Sir Robert Carey and Lady Elizabeth Widdrington. And that’s a bad thing, which is why I don’t think this book is as compelling a story as others in the series.
The plot, in a nutshell: Sir Robert’s after a would-be assassin of King James, who, having failed, has disappeared. Has he fled to the continent, or gone to hide among his German relatives? Speaking of disappearing, so has Sergeant Henry Dodd, who always manages to cause all kinds of trouble, blood feuds being what they are in this part of the kingdom. And since Dodd is presumed dead, in this complex world of inheritance, and land, and who stays and who goes from that land, his widow has plans for Sir Robert. And then there’s Lady Elizabeth, and the trials and tribulations there. And in between – did I mention all the fighting and feuding that goes on, on the border between England and Scotland, that takes place in this book and the others in the series? This is book #9 – a reader should definitely not start here.
Entirely too much time is spent in “A Suspicion of Silver” -- that prologue, for instance -- on characters that although they are very important to the plot, did not contribute to my enjoyment of the book. Now, yes, I understand that one family member in particular plays a very important part in the books and therefore in “the Courtier’s” life, but in my opinion too many pages are taken up with the Hochstetter family and their trails and tribulations. Obviously, it was a way to bring them into the plot; much is explained in a very informative author’s note at the book’s ending, and there is also an extensive Cast of Characters. But still.
Luckily, we do have a couple of scenes of Sir Robert and Lady Elizabeth. And then there’s that finish. Hmmm…. I went back and forth with my "stars" for this, but as the research and scholarship is exemplary, as is the quality of the writing, it deserves a high rating.
Thanks to the publisher and Net Galley for an advance copy of the book, in exchange for this review.
The plot, in a nutshell: Sir Robert’s after a would-be assassin of King James, who, having failed, has disappeared. Has he fled to the continent, or gone to hide among his German relatives? Speaking of disappearing, so has Sergeant Henry Dodd, who always manages to cause all kinds of trouble, blood feuds being what they are in this part of the kingdom. And since Dodd is presumed dead, in this complex world of inheritance, and land, and who stays and who goes from that land, his widow has plans for Sir Robert. And then there’s Lady Elizabeth, and the trials and tribulations there. And in between – did I mention all the fighting and feuding that goes on, on the border between England and Scotland, that takes place in this book and the others in the series? This is book #9 – a reader should definitely not start here.
Entirely too much time is spent in “A Suspicion of Silver” -- that prologue, for instance -- on characters that although they are very important to the plot, did not contribute to my enjoyment of the book. Now, yes, I understand that one family member in particular plays a very important part in the books and therefore in “the Courtier’s” life, but in my opinion too many pages are taken up with the Hochstetter family and their trails and tribulations. Obviously, it was a way to bring them into the plot; much is explained in a very informative author’s note at the book’s ending, and there is also an extensive Cast of Characters. But still.
Luckily, we do have a couple of scenes of Sir Robert and Lady Elizabeth. And then there’s that finish. Hmmm…. I went back and forth with my "stars" for this, but as the research and scholarship is exemplary, as is the quality of the writing, it deserves a high rating.
Thanks to the publisher and Net Galley for an advance copy of the book, in exchange for this review.
March 13, 2019
A Suspicion of Silver by P F Chisholm is another fantastic book in the series of murder mysteries set on the Anglo-Scottish borders in the sixteenth century. The author has done it again with the latest episode in the action-packed life of Sir Robert Carey. I wait for these books to come out, there is literally nobody out there who does this as well.
I’ve enjoyed every one of this series, but A Suspicion of Silver is, for me, one of the best. Carey is on the trail of the would-be assassin from the previous book and his quest takes him to Keswick and into the heart of a German mining community with secrets to hide. As Carey begins to dig further, it appears that there is more going on than he realises and the final chase through the mines after a sixteenth century psychopath is genuinely chilling.
As always, the author’s research is meticulous and she manages to present it in a way that is genuinely interesting without ever allowing it to swamp the storyline with too much information. I wouldn’t have said that I had much interest in sixteenth century mining techniques, but I found myself caught up in Carey’s world, as always, and I loved the way the author managed to convey the sense of a separate community with different customs which has already forged ties with the local people.
P F Chisholm’s characterisation is flawless and I find myself caring about even the minor characters like old friends. She manages to keep Carey true to his time and place while still making him immensely likeable. Carey finds it difficult to conceive of a woman reading books and yet is enthusiastic at the thought of buying them for his future wife.
I read this in two days and already want more. The cliff-hanger from the previous book was resolved but another awaits at the end of this one, and the only thing I have to say is “Please write quickly”. The world needs more Robert Carey as soon as possible.
For anybody who has not yet discovered Carey, the early books are now available in omnibus editions, Guns in the North, Knives in the South and Swords in the East. I highly recommend that you get started on them now, they’re absolutely brilliant.
I’ve enjoyed every one of this series, but A Suspicion of Silver is, for me, one of the best. Carey is on the trail of the would-be assassin from the previous book and his quest takes him to Keswick and into the heart of a German mining community with secrets to hide. As Carey begins to dig further, it appears that there is more going on than he realises and the final chase through the mines after a sixteenth century psychopath is genuinely chilling.
As always, the author’s research is meticulous and she manages to present it in a way that is genuinely interesting without ever allowing it to swamp the storyline with too much information. I wouldn’t have said that I had much interest in sixteenth century mining techniques, but I found myself caught up in Carey’s world, as always, and I loved the way the author managed to convey the sense of a separate community with different customs which has already forged ties with the local people.
P F Chisholm’s characterisation is flawless and I find myself caring about even the minor characters like old friends. She manages to keep Carey true to his time and place while still making him immensely likeable. Carey finds it difficult to conceive of a woman reading books and yet is enthusiastic at the thought of buying them for his future wife.
I read this in two days and already want more. The cliff-hanger from the previous book was resolved but another awaits at the end of this one, and the only thing I have to say is “Please write quickly”. The world needs more Robert Carey as soon as possible.
For anybody who has not yet discovered Carey, the early books are now available in omnibus editions, Guns in the North, Knives in the South and Swords in the East. I highly recommend that you get started on them now, they’re absolutely brilliant.
April 19, 2019
Minor Peeve:
I read Book 8 not too long ago (last year?), but have completely forgotten all the drama that happened to Dodd at the end of Book 8, as well as pretty much anything about Joachim.
This book throws the reader in the middle of it all with no synopsis, explanation of recurring characters, or past plot developments. This would have been much appreciated by me. Repeating the last chapter of the previous book would have helped, possibly.
Reader Advisory:
Be warned, this is absolutely NOT a standalone, and should be read immediately after book 8--unless you have a much better memory than myself.
Also, if you have a choice between print or e-book, I recommend e-book highly. I don't know how many times I highlighted and googled, or defined, or translated throughout this book. It's lovely to have that option to add to your nerdy enjoyment. For instance, did you know geese came from barnacles and hence could be eaten on Fridays (fish days)? I didn't.
Of course, you may be far more erudite than myself, but even so, I challenge you to read Chisholm without finding a gap in your knowledge.
Actual Review:
Now, after all the quibbling above: 1) I really enjoyed the read, 2) am looking forward to book 10, 3) am happy for Janet & Sgt. Dodd, 4) Anabaptists/ism as presented here is much different than in my personal experience , and 5) that was a really disturbing villain!
I read Book 8 not too long ago (last year?), but have completely forgotten all the drama that happened to Dodd at the end of Book 8, as well as pretty much anything about Joachim.
This book throws the reader in the middle of it all with no synopsis, explanation of recurring characters, or past plot developments. This would have been much appreciated by me. Repeating the last chapter of the previous book would have helped, possibly.
Reader Advisory:
Be warned, this is absolutely NOT a standalone, and should be read immediately after book 8--unless you have a much better memory than myself.
Also, if you have a choice between print or e-book, I recommend e-book highly. I don't know how many times I highlighted and googled, or defined, or translated throughout this book. It's lovely to have that option to add to your nerdy enjoyment. For instance, did you know geese came from barnacles and hence could be eaten on Fridays (fish days)? I didn't.
Of course, you may be far more erudite than myself, but even so, I challenge you to read Chisholm without finding a gap in your knowledge.
Actual Review:
Now, after all the quibbling above: 1) I really enjoyed the read, 2) am looking forward to book 10, 3) am happy for Janet & Sgt. Dodd, 4) Anabaptists/ism as presented here is much different than in my personal experience , and 5) that was a really disturbing villain!
August 8, 2020
The Author continues his series featuring Sir Robert Carey with this latest offering set at the start of 1593 .
Whilst the book can be read as a standalone I would recommend reading the previous books first to set the characters in place .
Sir Robert has two tasks in play - the first is finding the man who tried to assassinate King James and the second is from Queen Elizabeth I , what was happening in her mines run by German mining experts , close to the Scottish border . She wants and needs the gold produced .
His servant Sergeant Henry Dodd is missing , possible dead - he is escorting the widow back to her home from the Scottish court .
The assassin , as the son of a master miner , and has links in the area - murder comes easily to his hand .
In 1593 the Border countryside has shifting alliances , fighting and feuding the norm - just who can he trust ? Does the Widow have plans for Sir Robert ? What of Lady Elizabeth ? Who will watch his back ?
This is a beautifully written historical mystery which I thoroughly enjoyed and look forward to more of the same from the Author in the future .
Whilst the book can be read as a standalone I would recommend reading the previous books first to set the characters in place .
Sir Robert has two tasks in play - the first is finding the man who tried to assassinate King James and the second is from Queen Elizabeth I , what was happening in her mines run by German mining experts , close to the Scottish border . She wants and needs the gold produced .
His servant Sergeant Henry Dodd is missing , possible dead - he is escorting the widow back to her home from the Scottish court .
The assassin , as the son of a master miner , and has links in the area - murder comes easily to his hand .
In 1593 the Border countryside has shifting alliances , fighting and feuding the norm - just who can he trust ? Does the Widow have plans for Sir Robert ? What of Lady Elizabeth ? Who will watch his back ?
This is a beautifully written historical mystery which I thoroughly enjoyed and look forward to more of the same from the Author in the future .
November 27, 2018
Interesting historical mystery with the terrific setting of 16th century Scotland and England. Sir Robert is chasing a bad guy who tried to assassinate King James but he's also trying to deal with the disappearance of Henry Dodd and his own love life. Whew. There's a lot going on here and I hadn't read the earlier books so I'm sure I missed a lot. I'd also recommend newbies read this in hard copy instead of ebook in order to more easily flip back and forth to check on who's who and what's what. This is obviously well researched and you'll learn more than usual when reading a mystery, even in this genre. Thanks to the publisher for the ARC.
December 18, 2018
Great, just great
Everything you've come to expect from the pen of Patricia Finney. She is truly one of my favorite authors. Usually when a series stretches to this many books it begins to get a bit long in the tooth. Happily the case here is as vibrant as ever. The characters are real and continue to develop engaging lives. Even minor characters are three dimensional. Anyway, if you have read the earlier installments, you know what quality to expect. If not, I envy you and go start with the first in the series. Not because this one can't stand alone (because it could). But because it is more fun in order.
Everything you've come to expect from the pen of Patricia Finney. She is truly one of my favorite authors. Usually when a series stretches to this many books it begins to get a bit long in the tooth. Happily the case here is as vibrant as ever. The characters are real and continue to develop engaging lives. Even minor characters are three dimensional. Anyway, if you have read the earlier installments, you know what quality to expect. If not, I envy you and go start with the first in the series. Not because this one can't stand alone (because it could). But because it is more fun in order.
April 27, 2022
I have loved every Sir Robert Carey book in the series including this ninth book. It has been an education learning about the borderlands between England and Scotland and the blood feuds among the surnames (clans) during Elizabethan times. In particular, this book features the mining operations for ore, silver, and gold in the late 16th Century as well as references to the Copernican theory of astronomy. This book moves with fast-pace adventures, chasing traitors and murderers, humorous dialogue, and characters that you love and want to keep visiting. Surprisingly, Sergeant Dood’s horse earns a standing ovation in this book.
October 15, 2018
I do love Sir Robert Carey, although this one was a bit dark for me to read.. Earlier volumes were a bit less so or so it seems to me..
The ending which I liked suggests a rescue of Elizabeth Widdrington by Carey, hoping the marriage is in the future. What about Janet Dodd? Oh My!!
I did enjoy "the Duke of York: so have something to look forward to? The author also has good historical data but, as she says uses broad author's license.
Thanks to PF Chisolm, NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for this ARC
The ending which I liked suggests a rescue of Elizabeth Widdrington by Carey, hoping the marriage is in the future. What about Janet Dodd? Oh My!!
I did enjoy "the Duke of York: so have something to look forward to? The author also has good historical data but, as she says uses broad author's license.
Thanks to PF Chisolm, NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for this ARC
December 5, 2018
It's the first book I read in this series and it was a great discovery.
I assume it's better to have read the previous instalment as there are some references and sometimes it's not so clear if you can get all of them.
I love the novel, the well researched historical background and I loved the well written and developed characters.
The plot was engaging and kept me hooked till the last page.
I look forward to reading other instalment in this series.
Highly recommended!
Many thanks to Poisoned Pen Press and Edelweiss for this ARC
I assume it's better to have read the previous instalment as there are some references and sometimes it's not so clear if you can get all of them.
I love the novel, the well researched historical background and I loved the well written and developed characters.
The plot was engaging and kept me hooked till the last page.
I look forward to reading other instalment in this series.
Highly recommended!
Many thanks to Poisoned Pen Press and Edelweiss for this ARC
March 17, 2019
Interesting mystery set in elizabethan England and Scotland. This is eighth book in the series, so I'm starting at the most recent book, which puts me at a disadvantage. Also, details of some of the historical elements (e.g., an attempted assassination of James I) are not at my fingertips. The writing style, almost by diary and date, leads to a bit of a choppy flow, and since I don't know a lot of the character backstory, the character development is rather obscure. I did enjoy the read, though, and would be willing to try another of the series.
November 23, 2018
This is one of those series which I believe it is best to read all the previous books. It seems there are too many story lines from the previous books so I found it difficult to engage with the characters and the story, and to rate it, as I have only ever read Book one and that was many years ago. Though I do remember enjoying reading the book.
A NetGalley Book
A NetGalley Book
January 21, 2019
Really enjoyed this one. I love that the series is based on a real historical character and Robert Carey is a great protagonist. I felt this was the best book in the series for a while with a really gripping story and a couple of threads left to resolve in future books. I hope in the next book we get Robert Carey and Dodd working together again as I missed the interplay between them
March 13, 2022
Another Sir Robert Carey story. Sergeant Dodd is in trouble while Carey is chasing a murderer in Keswick--the home of ore mining in England. The tale develops around the Germans who have emigrated to open and operate the mine. Someone is randomly murdering people and Carey has to find out who. Very interesting and entertaining.
January 16, 2019
This series keeps getting better and better. I've said it before, I'm absolutely head over heels in love with Sir Robert Carey. And his adventures are thrilling. All the secondary characters are wonderful too, especially Henry Dodd. I highly recommend these books. They are brilliant!
July 27, 2019
Ploughed through the first eight of this book series and then had to wait for the author to write another one... Good continuation of the previous story which wrapped a lot up but then a bloody cliffhanger at the end and now have to wait again...
January 12, 2020
The plot was intricately woven and clever as always. However I’m starting to feel that lots of these extra view points aren’t necessary to the story (e.g. Radegunda) and slow the pace a little too much?
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