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Justice Belstrang Mysteries #1
Legacy: A Justice Belstrang Mystery
England
1616
Robert Belstrang, ex-magistrate bored with country life, comes to London to investigate the strange disappearance of Thomas Jessop, son of a poor Catholic neighbour. He locates the youth in Bedlam asylum, silent and starving himself. When he tries to free Jessop, he is warned off the case by a politic lawyer, Anstis. Soon after, Belstrang finds himself drugged, robbed and falsely imprisoned.
Once released Belstrang persists in his investigation, but he is thwarted at every turn: unseen forces are at work who seemingly want Thomas Jessop to die. When Belstrang confronts Anstis, even he turns up dead.
The trail grows murkier by the hour, drawing Belstrang into the fear-ridden Catholic underworld - until he uncovers a plan with its roots in the Gunpowder Plot of more than a decade ago. Young Thomas, an embittered papist, was being used in a desperate scheme to mark the anniversary of the Plot. The scheme failed – and now the conspirators seem eager to cover up the whole business.
But Belstrang’s a stubborn man. With the help of ex-soldier Daniel Oldrigg, he sticks doggedly to his purpose - and stumbles on the real causes of the Anniversary Plot, which stem from the very heart of a corrupt government.
Belstrang must uncover the truth, or die trying.
1616
Robert Belstrang, ex-magistrate bored with country life, comes to London to investigate the strange disappearance of Thomas Jessop, son of a poor Catholic neighbour. He locates the youth in Bedlam asylum, silent and starving himself. When he tries to free Jessop, he is warned off the case by a politic lawyer, Anstis. Soon after, Belstrang finds himself drugged, robbed and falsely imprisoned.
Once released Belstrang persists in his investigation, but he is thwarted at every turn: unseen forces are at work who seemingly want Thomas Jessop to die. When Belstrang confronts Anstis, even he turns up dead.
The trail grows murkier by the hour, drawing Belstrang into the fear-ridden Catholic underworld - until he uncovers a plan with its roots in the Gunpowder Plot of more than a decade ago. Young Thomas, an embittered papist, was being used in a desperate scheme to mark the anniversary of the Plot. The scheme failed – and now the conspirators seem eager to cover up the whole business.
But Belstrang’s a stubborn man. With the help of ex-soldier Daniel Oldrigg, he sticks doggedly to his purpose - and stumbles on the real causes of the Anniversary Plot, which stem from the very heart of a corrupt government.
Belstrang must uncover the truth, or die trying.
205 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 16, 2020
214 people are currently reading
224 people want to read
About the author
John Pilkington
31 books74 followersJohn Pilkington wrote radio plays back in the 1980s before stepping things up a notch and scribbling down television scripts for the BCC. He then went onto write historical mystery novels for children.
Librarian note:
There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name.
Librarian note:
There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
October 2, 2022
What is the truth!!!!
A interesting tail of how the law works in 1600 England. How religion is questioned, how if you were Papist believing in the Roman Catholic church you were condemned, an had to hide. Even if you believe in the Queen or Kings rule an lived according to law, the only difference is your religion.
This story is about a X - Justice getting involved with looking for a young man who is a Papist that has been used as a dup to kill the King. With so many twists an turns to find out not only the truth but to rescue the young man as well. So many lies, lawyers half truths an Justices getting involved to hid the truth of the one who set the plot in to action.
Great story telling.
A interesting tail of how the law works in 1600 England. How religion is questioned, how if you were Papist believing in the Roman Catholic church you were condemned, an had to hide. Even if you believe in the Queen or Kings rule an lived according to law, the only difference is your religion.
This story is about a X - Justice getting involved with looking for a young man who is a Papist that has been used as a dup to kill the King. With so many twists an turns to find out not only the truth but to rescue the young man as well. So many lies, lawyers half truths an Justices getting involved to hid the truth of the one who set the plot in to action.
Great story telling.
July 1, 2021
Away from computer when I finished this book, just a jot to confirm the historical detail in this book makes for a compelling read. London in 1616 - amazing stuff.
There seem to be two other books featuring Justice Belstrang I plan to follow up with.
Kindle Unlimited
There seem to be two other books featuring Justice Belstrang I plan to follow up with.
Kindle Unlimited
September 17, 2024
This was a 99p Kindle purchase – I’d never heard of the author, but the book looked to be my sort of thing. It turned out to be 99p very well spent.
The book, set in 1615, follows ex-magistrate Belstrang who is requested by a neighbour to help locate his son, last heard of in London. Belstrang wrestles with his conscience before accepting – his neighbour is a Catholic at a time in England when to be a Catholic risked prosecution, persecution and constant suspicion.
In seeking his neighbour’s son, Belstrang appears to be stumbling into a complex plot to murder the King, 10 years after the failed gunpowder plot. As Belstrang find out more about the boy, he also finds himself in extreme danger. He is however, a man of principle and seeks to face down the challenges.
I found this to be a very enjoyable read and Belstrang to be a very good central character. The author deals with time and place very well exploring some of the complexities of life in Jacobean England.
I’ve already bought the second in the series.
The book, set in 1615, follows ex-magistrate Belstrang who is requested by a neighbour to help locate his son, last heard of in London. Belstrang wrestles with his conscience before accepting – his neighbour is a Catholic at a time in England when to be a Catholic risked prosecution, persecution and constant suspicion.
In seeking his neighbour’s son, Belstrang appears to be stumbling into a complex plot to murder the King, 10 years after the failed gunpowder plot. As Belstrang find out more about the boy, he also finds himself in extreme danger. He is however, a man of principle and seeks to face down the challenges.
I found this to be a very enjoyable read and Belstrang to be a very good central character. The author deals with time and place very well exploring some of the complexities of life in Jacobean England.
I’ve already bought the second in the series.
April 12, 2021
“Legacy” by John Pilkington is an enjoyable historical mystery set in 1615 England . The book is short, well -written and with an captivating primary character, former court justice Beltrang. “ Legacy” is easily read: it is not the heavy weight historical dramas of Hillary Mantel or C.J. Sansom, whose works I enjoyed reading, but it is a good evening’s entertainment that I recommend highly.
The novel begins at the retired Justice’s house in rural England, as he is visited by his neighbor, Mr Jessop. Jessop shows him a letter from his son Thomas, who has disappeared after a trip to London. The letter, months old but just arrived at the Jessop’s hints of some dangerous affair that Thomas in which is embroiled. Beltrang is asked-begged- to find out wasn’t has happened to young Jessop. Justice Beltrang at first tempted to go , except for being held back by the fact that the Jessop family are Catholic In early 17th . Century England, there are very clear memories is of Queen Mary’s torturing , beheadings and burnings of those who followed the reformed Church of Henry VIII and the beloved Elizabeth.
Beltrang ,though retired from active life, decides to go. Perhaps as he says it will be an opportunity to visit his daughter and granddaughter and some old friends in London. Perhaps the Justice is tired of his simple, somnolent county days. What he finds in London is anything but simple and is in fact complicated and very dangerous. He finds treason.
The author gives the reader a good yarn, a sense of the time and place and a web of treacherous pitfalls for Beltrang who soon learns that he may be in well over his head. The issue is in doubt until the final pages of this very good first installment of a series of entertaining mysteries.
Culture shock warnings: nothing objectionable.
The novel begins at the retired Justice’s house in rural England, as he is visited by his neighbor, Mr Jessop. Jessop shows him a letter from his son Thomas, who has disappeared after a trip to London. The letter, months old but just arrived at the Jessop’s hints of some dangerous affair that Thomas in which is embroiled. Beltrang is asked-begged- to find out wasn’t has happened to young Jessop. Justice Beltrang at first tempted to go , except for being held back by the fact that the Jessop family are Catholic In early 17th . Century England, there are very clear memories is of Queen Mary’s torturing , beheadings and burnings of those who followed the reformed Church of Henry VIII and the beloved Elizabeth.
Beltrang ,though retired from active life, decides to go. Perhaps as he says it will be an opportunity to visit his daughter and granddaughter and some old friends in London. Perhaps the Justice is tired of his simple, somnolent county days. What he finds in London is anything but simple and is in fact complicated and very dangerous. He finds treason.
The author gives the reader a good yarn, a sense of the time and place and a web of treacherous pitfalls for Beltrang who soon learns that he may be in well over his head. The issue is in doubt until the final pages of this very good first installment of a series of entertaining mysteries.
Culture shock warnings: nothing objectionable.
November 2, 2020
As a big fan of Pilkington's, Thomas the Falconer series I was looking forward to a new book with new characters and this did not disappoint!
As you can tell from the blurb the book follows ex-magistrate Belstrang as he sets off to locate a friend's soon only to become embroiled in what appears to be a plot against the Kings life. The plot failed but just knowing about it puts Belstrang in extreme danger from very unexpected quarters.
This is a very fast paced book with lots going on, I was engaged from the beginning and read this in one sitting. This is a great storyline full of twists and an unexpected reveal at the end. I always enjoy how Pilkington weaves history with fiction. It was particularly interesting to read how catholics may have been treated during the reign of James I especially following the Gunpowder Plot.
As always, the characters are fabulous, I loved Belstrang and Oldrigg and enjoyed how their relationship developed although I certainly wasn't expecting that last twist, (I won't say anymore as I hate spoilers).
George (Belstrang’s son-in-law) comes across as arrogant and rude at first but I grew to like him by the end.
Pilkington is great at painting a picture of the surroundings and this book, as with his others makes you feel you are there. In this particular book, walking through the streets of London in the mud with rain hitting your face or wandering Whitehall where suspicion is high on everyone's agenda.
Without revealing anything I do wish there'd been a little more about a couple of people at the end and their fate but maybe there will be another Belstrang Mystery, I certainly hope so!
If you are looking for a fast paced mystery with great characters then I highly recommend Legacy.
As you can tell from the blurb the book follows ex-magistrate Belstrang as he sets off to locate a friend's soon only to become embroiled in what appears to be a plot against the Kings life. The plot failed but just knowing about it puts Belstrang in extreme danger from very unexpected quarters.
This is a very fast paced book with lots going on, I was engaged from the beginning and read this in one sitting. This is a great storyline full of twists and an unexpected reveal at the end. I always enjoy how Pilkington weaves history with fiction. It was particularly interesting to read how catholics may have been treated during the reign of James I especially following the Gunpowder Plot.
As always, the characters are fabulous, I loved Belstrang and Oldrigg and enjoyed how their relationship developed although I certainly wasn't expecting that last twist, (I won't say anymore as I hate spoilers).
George (Belstrang’s son-in-law) comes across as arrogant and rude at first but I grew to like him by the end.
Pilkington is great at painting a picture of the surroundings and this book, as with his others makes you feel you are there. In this particular book, walking through the streets of London in the mud with rain hitting your face or wandering Whitehall where suspicion is high on everyone's agenda.
Without revealing anything I do wish there'd been a little more about a couple of people at the end and their fate but maybe there will be another Belstrang Mystery, I certainly hope so!
If you are looking for a fast paced mystery with great characters then I highly recommend Legacy.
September 10, 2020
Belstrang unwittingly gets caught in his own web
Ten years on from the failed Gunpowder Plot, protestant England remains unnerved by the possibility of a repeat, particularly as the excesses of King James has not endeared himself to the nation. Retired Justice, Robert Belstrang, is persuaded to make a journey to London to investigate a matter for a neighbour whilst also visiting his daughter and grandchild he has not yet seen. A family loose end that needs tying, and an irksome enquiry into a disappeared youth. What could go wrong?
The author skilfully guides the reader from a rural backwater to the political vipers' pit of London, where unscrupulous fellows circle the royal court, indulging in vice and intrigue. Belstrang must fall back on his honest values and stubborn nature to guide him through dangerous waters, in a richly painted early Stuart London where rich and poor coexist in the eternal battle to survive, or seek advancement. Belstrang must call on the help of an old friend, and repair his strained relationship with his prim and proper son-in-law if he is to succeed.
This starts as a slow, potboiler but it soon picks up pace as the scene shifts from country to city, with many dramatic twists and turns to keep the reader guessing and fretting for the safety of the principle(d) characters. The senior protagonist makes for a believable and honourable hero in this most entertaining historical thriller.
Ten years on from the failed Gunpowder Plot, protestant England remains unnerved by the possibility of a repeat, particularly as the excesses of King James has not endeared himself to the nation. Retired Justice, Robert Belstrang, is persuaded to make a journey to London to investigate a matter for a neighbour whilst also visiting his daughter and grandchild he has not yet seen. A family loose end that needs tying, and an irksome enquiry into a disappeared youth. What could go wrong?
The author skilfully guides the reader from a rural backwater to the political vipers' pit of London, where unscrupulous fellows circle the royal court, indulging in vice and intrigue. Belstrang must fall back on his honest values and stubborn nature to guide him through dangerous waters, in a richly painted early Stuart London where rich and poor coexist in the eternal battle to survive, or seek advancement. Belstrang must call on the help of an old friend, and repair his strained relationship with his prim and proper son-in-law if he is to succeed.
This starts as a slow, potboiler but it soon picks up pace as the scene shifts from country to city, with many dramatic twists and turns to keep the reader guessing and fretting for the safety of the principle(d) characters. The senior protagonist makes for a believable and honourable hero in this most entertaining historical thriller.
Read
February 7, 2021I haven't previously read any books by this author, but the idea of a Jacobean mystery set in London piqued my interest. It was a quick and easy read, and I only noticed a couple of typos.
The plot felt like it made sense. However, I found myself struggling to remember all the characters' names, which meant I had little sense of how everything fitted together. This was particularly evident in the final chapter or two, as the pieces (presumably) fall into place, with the aid of some exposition. Readers with knowledge of the time period and social/political background might fare better.
We get the entirety of the tale via Belstrang himself. Given that we spent the whole time in his head, following him around, he made surprisingly little impression on me. Somehow, he seemed rather passive as a gatherer of information and occasional victim of events.
Overall, a decent historical mystery with detailed period flavour.
The plot felt like it made sense. However, I found myself struggling to remember all the characters' names, which meant I had little sense of how everything fitted together. This was particularly evident in the final chapter or two, as the pieces (presumably) fall into place, with the aid of some exposition. Readers with knowledge of the time period and social/political background might fare better.
We get the entirety of the tale via Belstrang himself. Given that we spent the whole time in his head, following him around, he made surprisingly little impression on me. Somehow, he seemed rather passive as a gatherer of information and occasional victim of events.
Overall, a decent historical mystery with detailed period flavour.
October 3, 2022
Justice Belstrang is an elderly man who was once a judge, living in the early 1600s. He gets a request from a neighbor to find out what happened to the man's son who wrote an ominous letter from London, then vanished.
Belstrang uncovers a sinister plot and gets himself into increasing peril while digging it up. The book is set during Charles I's reign, and ten years after the "gunpowder plot", and some historical details are interesting -- a conflict between Protestants and Roman Catholics especially. There are a lot of great political interactions and even discussions and the danger does feel very plausible and increasingly oppressive.
There are some very odd historical errors however. The term "suburbs" is used for example.
Its pretty well done, overall though, and worth reading if you like historical mysteries.
Belstrang uncovers a sinister plot and gets himself into increasing peril while digging it up. The book is set during Charles I's reign, and ten years after the "gunpowder plot", and some historical details are interesting -- a conflict between Protestants and Roman Catholics especially. There are a lot of great political interactions and even discussions and the danger does feel very plausible and increasingly oppressive.
There are some very odd historical errors however. The term "suburbs" is used for example.
Its pretty well done, overall though, and worth reading if you like historical mysteries.
December 9, 2022
Intriguing!
I must admit, this is my first book by John Pilkington.
As I get older, I enjoy history so much more than when a younger man, so this piqued my interest.
The story in based in the early 1600's, even before when I was born, and is basically a political plot and who done it mystery.
It's a bit cheesy, but I loved reading about the (despicable) religious attitudes of the times, thank God (by whichever name you call him) we all live together in harmony nowadays, right?!
All in all, a ripping good yarn and one I'd recommend reading.
After this, I will seek out further Justice Belstrang stories, for light, easy reading.
I must admit, this is my first book by John Pilkington.
As I get older, I enjoy history so much more than when a younger man, so this piqued my interest.
The story in based in the early 1600's, even before when I was born, and is basically a political plot and who done it mystery.
It's a bit cheesy, but I loved reading about the (despicable) religious attitudes of the times, thank God (by whichever name you call him) we all live together in harmony nowadays, right?!
All in all, a ripping good yarn and one I'd recommend reading.
After this, I will seek out further Justice Belstrang stories, for light, easy reading.
October 26, 2023
Plots galore in Jacobean England
This is a rather tangled tale that takes a while to unfold. It is richer in both historical detail and political context than this author’s other series, less a whodunit crime story, more a political thriller. It would help if the reader had a basic understanding of the turn of the 17 century tensions whereby Europe was split along religious lines, less as a matter of conscience ( except at the personal level), more as a basis for state policy and national identity. Also given the protagonists journey across London, having a current London map handy, helped me picture the scene more fully.
This is a rather tangled tale that takes a while to unfold. It is richer in both historical detail and political context than this author’s other series, less a whodunit crime story, more a political thriller. It would help if the reader had a basic understanding of the turn of the 17 century tensions whereby Europe was split along religious lines, less as a matter of conscience ( except at the personal level), more as a basis for state policy and national identity. Also given the protagonists journey across London, having a current London map handy, helped me picture the scene more fully.
October 4, 2020
Have been reading a fair number of books about the Jacobean period, and thought that would try this novel. Totally unfamiliar with the author's work. Just couldn't stop reading it. Felt the plot was unpredictable , the characters -their views and their speech - were all credible. The author's knowledge of history was very evident. Just can't fault this novel, and look forward to reading more books by John Pilkington.
July 19, 2021
A wonderful central character and a terrific read. John Pilkington plunges us into the turmoil and intrigue of the Jacobean royal court as Justice Belstrang finds himself in all sorts of danger and adventure he would not have dreamed of on his quiet Worcestershire estate. Fabulous sense of place and time and great storytelling.
August 10, 2021
An Interesting Plot
The plot is well conceived around fear of Catholics around the time of the restoration. The description of London life is believable, as is the use of historical words, (easy to follow with the built in dictionary). The only downside is a bit too much repetition in the telling.
The plot is well conceived around fear of Catholics around the time of the restoration. The description of London life is believable, as is the use of historical words, (easy to follow with the built in dictionary). The only downside is a bit too much repetition in the telling.
April 22, 2024
listened to this as an audio book because i love historical fiction and the only books that seem to be from this period of time are about the Gunpowder Plot and although this does reference that event a lot it is not strictly to do with it.
it was quite hard to get into and to me was very predictable but over all not a bad read. interesting character choice and setting.
it was quite hard to get into and to me was very predictable but over all not a bad read. interesting character choice and setting.
February 21, 2021
Good
Not knowing much about the rule of James 1st l found the tale very different to what l expected with regard to the aftermath of Nov. 5th and need to read a lot more of that period?
Not knowing much about the rule of James 1st l found the tale very different to what l expected with regard to the aftermath of Nov. 5th and need to read a lot more of that period?
February 24, 2021
A fascinating novel
A story that started well, and should have ended as such, a trip to London to visit family and friends, but in between there is the plotting, jealousy, and subterfuge of the Royal court!
A story that started well, and should have ended as such, a trip to London to visit family and friends, but in between there is the plotting, jealousy, and subterfuge of the Royal court!
September 2, 2021
A wonderful historical tale
Couldn't put it down, so many twists and turns, but without losing the overall feel and tension of the story. Great characters, locations and environments. Will be reading more by this author
Couldn't put it down, so many twists and turns, but without losing the overall feel and tension of the story. Great characters, locations and environments. Will be reading more by this author
November 25, 2022
fun read
Good characters. Briskly-paced plot. Satisfying ending. Convincing portrayal of 16th century England. Promise of adventures to follow. If you like historical fiction served up as mystery and thriller, this is the book for you.
Good characters. Briskly-paced plot. Satisfying ending. Convincing portrayal of 16th century England. Promise of adventures to follow. If you like historical fiction served up as mystery and thriller, this is the book for you.
May 29, 2024
Oh, what a Tangeled Web we Weave!!!
A very good read! More twists and turns than any of the last dozen or so books I've read. This is one for the record. Mr. Pilkington, "I applaud you."
A very good read! More twists and turns than any of the last dozen or so books I've read. This is one for the record. Mr. Pilkington, "I applaud you."
January 6, 2025
It's a good introduction to the series. It is grounded in historical accuracy for the time, and the plot twists aren't predictable or too cliche. Some descriptions of places can be a bit long winded but that is personal preference for the reader.
August 6, 2025
Plots and counter plots!
Another glimpse into the darker side of politics in the 17th century. I wonder if such a plot could have existed? So involved and well researched. I really love this author's writing. I wonder if things really are very different?
Another glimpse into the darker side of politics in the 17th century. I wonder if such a plot could have existed? So involved and well researched. I really love this author's writing. I wonder if things really are very different?
June 23, 2020
Fantastic read sorry it’s come to an end
February 11, 2021
Plot
I like medieval mystery books. This was well worth my time. I liked Justice Belstrang as the leader. The story had many twists and the good guys win.
I like medieval mystery books. This was well worth my time. I liked Justice Belstrang as the leader. The story had many twists and the good guys win.
March 5, 2021
Very good
Interesting in its historical substance an enjoyable yarn. I prefer the less violence of the Falconer series. A more polished background of the legal field at the time.
Interesting in its historical substance an enjoyable yarn. I prefer the less violence of the Falconer series. A more polished background of the legal field at the time.
November 9, 2021
Excellent
Tortuous thriller/mystery with an enviable period accuracy of style,! syntax and language. Very worth the read. Looking forward to the sequels.
Tortuous thriller/mystery with an enviable period accuracy of style,! syntax and language. Very worth the read. Looking forward to the sequels.
June 26, 2022
Very good realy enjoyed this one
September 14, 2023
Honest lawyers…?
Intrigue to start a worthy quest for a neighbor’s son turns into storms of thickening action and yet more intrigue.
Intrigue to start a worthy quest for a neighbor’s son turns into storms of thickening action and yet more intrigue.
November 15, 2023
An intriguing story with a nice, good guy:Belstrang. He is an interesting man to follow, and I like him, which made it a joy to read.
December 2, 2023
audio edition.
March 11, 2024
⭐️ 3.5 stars ⭐️
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews