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Simon Westow #3
To the Dark
Winter is about to take a chilling twist...
Thief-taker Simon Westow is drawn into a deadly puzzle when the melting snow reveals a dark secret in this gripping historical mystery, perfect for fans of Anne Perry and Charles Finch.
Leeds, 1822. The city is in the grip of winter, but the chill deepens for thief-taker Simon Westow and his young assistant, Jane, when the body of Laurence Poole, a petty local thief, emerges from the melting snow by the river at Flay Crow Mill.
A coded notebook found in Laurence's room mentions Charlie Harker, the most notorious fence in Leeds who's now running for his life, and the mysterious To the dark. What was Laurence hiding that caused his death? Simon's hunt for the truth pits him against some dangerous, powerful enemies who'll happily kill him in a heartbeat - if they can.
Thief-taker Simon Westow is drawn into a deadly puzzle when the melting snow reveals a dark secret in this gripping historical mystery, perfect for fans of Anne Perry and Charles Finch.
Leeds, 1822. The city is in the grip of winter, but the chill deepens for thief-taker Simon Westow and his young assistant, Jane, when the body of Laurence Poole, a petty local thief, emerges from the melting snow by the river at Flay Crow Mill.
A coded notebook found in Laurence's room mentions Charlie Harker, the most notorious fence in Leeds who's now running for his life, and the mysterious To the dark. What was Laurence hiding that caused his death? Simon's hunt for the truth pits him against some dangerous, powerful enemies who'll happily kill him in a heartbeat - if they can.
224 pages, Hardcover
Published December 31, 2020
6 people are currently reading
73 people want to read
About the author
Chris Nickson
69 books182 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 - 30 of 37 reviews
January 16, 2021
Author Chris Nickson is back with book 3 in the Simon Westow series. Now, it’s no secret that I am a massive fan of this author. He is a native of Leeds in the North of England, and it’s where the series is set, and what Chris doesn’t know about the history of his home city of isn’t worth knowing.
1822, and it’s a cold and icy winter in Leeds, where thief taker Simon Westow, his wife Rosie, and his assistant Jane, are determined to discover who was responsible for the death of petty thief Laurence Poole, who Simon recently collared for a very valuable silver theft. Poole’s body has just emerged from the melting snow at Flay Cross Mill, and a coded notebook found at his home, mentions one Charlie Harker, known to Simon and the local constabulary, as the most notorious ‘fence’ in Leeds. The trouble is, Harker is missing, looks like he’s gone on the run, and Simon’s subsequent enquiries bring him into contact with officers from a local cavalry unit, and this will lead him, and his family, into extreme danger.
I really enjoyed ‘To The Dark’ - the characters come fully fleshed, not least the women, who contrary to expectations for this period in history, are just as independent and capable as their menfolk. The plot was gripping, and as ever, the author captures the sense of time and place, aided by his extraordinary gift for detail about early 19th century Leeds. The research undertaken by him is meticulous, adds huge interest to his stories, and the details always check out. I recommend anyone who loves historical fiction/ mysteries to read Chris Nickson’s books.
* My thanks to Severn House Publishers for my ARC. I have given an honest unbiased review in exchange *
1822, and it’s a cold and icy winter in Leeds, where thief taker Simon Westow, his wife Rosie, and his assistant Jane, are determined to discover who was responsible for the death of petty thief Laurence Poole, who Simon recently collared for a very valuable silver theft. Poole’s body has just emerged from the melting snow at Flay Cross Mill, and a coded notebook found at his home, mentions one Charlie Harker, known to Simon and the local constabulary, as the most notorious ‘fence’ in Leeds. The trouble is, Harker is missing, looks like he’s gone on the run, and Simon’s subsequent enquiries bring him into contact with officers from a local cavalry unit, and this will lead him, and his family, into extreme danger.
I really enjoyed ‘To The Dark’ - the characters come fully fleshed, not least the women, who contrary to expectations for this period in history, are just as independent and capable as their menfolk. The plot was gripping, and as ever, the author captures the sense of time and place, aided by his extraordinary gift for detail about early 19th century Leeds. The research undertaken by him is meticulous, adds huge interest to his stories, and the details always check out. I recommend anyone who loves historical fiction/ mysteries to read Chris Nickson’s books.
* My thanks to Severn House Publishers for my ARC. I have given an honest unbiased review in exchange *
January 26, 2021
Revenge is beneath me, but accidents do happen.......
The master of Leeds historical fiction, Chris Nickson, presents a storyline carved deeply into setting the crooked road straight. When misfortune and life-threatening situations cross your path, it's good to know that someone will have your back.
It's 1822 in Leeds with factory smoke, soot, and miasma obscuring vision day in and day out. The snow is finally melting while revealing ruts of mud and careless refuse. But this day the remnants of something human has been left behind. With sightless eyes, the face is determined to be the petty thief Laurence Poole.
Simon Westow is engaged in a business that crossed paths will Poole on many occasions. Simon hunts down stolen items for his clients in a recovery process. His partner is Jane, a young girl with a hazy backstory who is quick-witted and handy with a knife when needed. Constable Williams hires Simon secretly to find out what he can about Poole's murder. Simon will find himself in circumstances that now threaten his wife Rosie and his twin boys. Danger is currently on his doorstep.
Chris Nickson has been broadening the role of Jane in the last two offerings in this brilliant series. Jane has had numerous run-ins with the nefarious Big Tom in the past. Each time Big Tom waits in the shadows, those encounters become more and more serious. Jane would love nothing more than to incapacitate Big Tom on a permanent basis for his dastardly deeds.
To the Dark reads as a perfect standalone. Nickson fills in the pockets of his storyline perfectly for new readers. His descriptors of life in old Leeds has us experiencing the winding lanes, crowded streets, and a sharp variation in people from the pie sellers to those of wealth and position. If danger were a flavor, it would be Flamin' Hot Cheetos down some of these back streets in Leeds. With that in mind, how can you resist anything written by the highly talented Chris Nickson?
I received a copy of To the Dark through NetGalley for an honest review. My thanks to Severn House and to Chris Nickson for the opportunity.
The master of Leeds historical fiction, Chris Nickson, presents a storyline carved deeply into setting the crooked road straight. When misfortune and life-threatening situations cross your path, it's good to know that someone will have your back.
It's 1822 in Leeds with factory smoke, soot, and miasma obscuring vision day in and day out. The snow is finally melting while revealing ruts of mud and careless refuse. But this day the remnants of something human has been left behind. With sightless eyes, the face is determined to be the petty thief Laurence Poole.
Simon Westow is engaged in a business that crossed paths will Poole on many occasions. Simon hunts down stolen items for his clients in a recovery process. His partner is Jane, a young girl with a hazy backstory who is quick-witted and handy with a knife when needed. Constable Williams hires Simon secretly to find out what he can about Poole's murder. Simon will find himself in circumstances that now threaten his wife Rosie and his twin boys. Danger is currently on his doorstep.
Chris Nickson has been broadening the role of Jane in the last two offerings in this brilliant series. Jane has had numerous run-ins with the nefarious Big Tom in the past. Each time Big Tom waits in the shadows, those encounters become more and more serious. Jane would love nothing more than to incapacitate Big Tom on a permanent basis for his dastardly deeds.
To the Dark reads as a perfect standalone. Nickson fills in the pockets of his storyline perfectly for new readers. His descriptors of life in old Leeds has us experiencing the winding lanes, crowded streets, and a sharp variation in people from the pie sellers to those of wealth and position. If danger were a flavor, it would be Flamin' Hot Cheetos down some of these back streets in Leeds. With that in mind, how can you resist anything written by the highly talented Chris Nickson?
I received a copy of To the Dark through NetGalley for an honest review. My thanks to Severn House and to Chris Nickson for the opportunity.
February 27, 2021
Dangerous opponents for the thief-taker!
A different hunt for thief-taker Simon and his cohort—his wife and love, Rosie and his helper Jane. Silver spoons have been stolen and the thief tracked by Simon. Now the thief's turned up dead and the game takes a turn. Powerful people in the Leeds of 1823 are involved. Constable Williams is a player and things are changing.
But Jane! What is it about the feral girl Jane that calls to me? She is a killer when the need arises, swift and merciless. Yet she is that innocent waif robbed of childhood. And a new addition, Martha. What is it about the child Martha and why does Catherine Shields, the woman who’s taken Jane in, warn Jane about the girl child? Jane sees her younger self, but what does Catherine see? Alongside this is, a subplot of Jane being threatened by and in turn threatening a bully, Big Tom. This too plays into the overall story.
There’s the death of a thief, a sniff of the army and some mysterious articles, indeed startling objects are discovered.
Things are coming out of the dark and being revealed, others remain a mystery or the property of the dark they’ve always been.
Once again this Nickson mystery series set in Regency / Victorian Leeds is a tightly woven, stimulating and addictive read.
A Severn House ARC via NetGalley
A different hunt for thief-taker Simon and his cohort—his wife and love, Rosie and his helper Jane. Silver spoons have been stolen and the thief tracked by Simon. Now the thief's turned up dead and the game takes a turn. Powerful people in the Leeds of 1823 are involved. Constable Williams is a player and things are changing.
But Jane! What is it about the feral girl Jane that calls to me? She is a killer when the need arises, swift and merciless. Yet she is that innocent waif robbed of childhood. And a new addition, Martha. What is it about the child Martha and why does Catherine Shields, the woman who’s taken Jane in, warn Jane about the girl child? Jane sees her younger self, but what does Catherine see? Alongside this is, a subplot of Jane being threatened by and in turn threatening a bully, Big Tom. This too plays into the overall story.
There’s the death of a thief, a sniff of the army and some mysterious articles, indeed startling objects are discovered.
Things are coming out of the dark and being revealed, others remain a mystery or the property of the dark they’ve always been.
Once again this Nickson mystery series set in Regency / Victorian Leeds is a tightly woven, stimulating and addictive read.
A Severn House ARC via NetGalley
February 28, 2021
Another great Leeds mystery. This one is intriguing as we know the whodunnit quite early one. The task is for Westow to prove it and help the local constable to make an arrest. As usual it's quite dark and tense thriller as Westow works his way into the lives of 2 cavalrymen to learn their secrets.
We get more of Jane this book too. Her story is gradually being revealed. She has a extra storyline as she ends up mentoring (sort of) a young girl with her own troubled past. It's a taut thriller and yet again brings alive the Leeds of a few centuries ago which for me, as a Leeds native, always brings something new to learn about my city. Lots of twists and turns and another page turner. Looking forward to the next one
We get more of Jane this book too. Her story is gradually being revealed. She has a extra storyline as she ends up mentoring (sort of) a young girl with her own troubled past. It's a taut thriller and yet again brings alive the Leeds of a few centuries ago which for me, as a Leeds native, always brings something new to learn about my city. Lots of twists and turns and another page turner. Looking forward to the next one
January 22, 2021
To The Dark is the third book in Chris Nickson’s historical crime series featuring thief-taker Simon Westow. Having not read the previous two books in the series, I can testify to the fact To The Dark works perfectly well as a standalone. Indeed for the benefit of new readers like myself the author includes nuggets of information about the back stories of the main characters – Simon himself, his wife Rosie and his assistant Jane.
Jane is a particularly intriguing character. Clearly she has a troubled past but possesses an uncanny ability to pass unnoticed in a crowd, mingling with those on the boundaries of society in order to gather information helpful to Simon’s investigations. And she’s more than capable of looking after herself in risky situations.
Simon is an intuitive reader of others’ actions and intentions – useful in a fight, when seeking information or in a game of cards. It’s just as well because his work as a thief-taker (recovering stolen goods for a fee) brings him into contact with some pretty shady types. Now a family man, he has more to protect than before.
Set in early 19th century Leeds, readers familiar with that city are likely to recognize many of the locations featured in the book. It’s a city that is changing though as it becomes more industrialized with many of its inhabitants taking up employment in the new “manufactories” that fill the air with smog and smoke. I enjoyed the way the author conjured up the sights and sounds of the city such as during this evening stroll down Briggate.
“The night was alive with people. Groups moved from beer shop to dram shop, singing and laughing. The whores stood their pitches at the entrances to courts, joking and teasing for business. Lights glowed behind shutters and reflected in puddles on the pavement. Someone played a fiddle, a rousing jig that carried in the winter air.”
From the beginning, Simon senses there’s more than meets the eye about his engagement to help find the murderer of Laurence Poole, especially as that should be the responsibility of the city’s Constable. “He knew he was caught up in something political, a twisted, grubby little spectacle.” His suspicions are proved correct when the hunter becomes the hunted. Soon there are scores to be settled and justice to be served.
To The Dark is a well-crafted historical mystery with plenty of twists and turns. I liked the fact that Simon’s role is not that of traditional detective or police officer. It’s certainly a series I shall be looking out for more of in the future.
Jane is a particularly intriguing character. Clearly she has a troubled past but possesses an uncanny ability to pass unnoticed in a crowd, mingling with those on the boundaries of society in order to gather information helpful to Simon’s investigations. And she’s more than capable of looking after herself in risky situations.
Simon is an intuitive reader of others’ actions and intentions – useful in a fight, when seeking information or in a game of cards. It’s just as well because his work as a thief-taker (recovering stolen goods for a fee) brings him into contact with some pretty shady types. Now a family man, he has more to protect than before.
Set in early 19th century Leeds, readers familiar with that city are likely to recognize many of the locations featured in the book. It’s a city that is changing though as it becomes more industrialized with many of its inhabitants taking up employment in the new “manufactories” that fill the air with smog and smoke. I enjoyed the way the author conjured up the sights and sounds of the city such as during this evening stroll down Briggate.
“The night was alive with people. Groups moved from beer shop to dram shop, singing and laughing. The whores stood their pitches at the entrances to courts, joking and teasing for business. Lights glowed behind shutters and reflected in puddles on the pavement. Someone played a fiddle, a rousing jig that carried in the winter air.”
From the beginning, Simon senses there’s more than meets the eye about his engagement to help find the murderer of Laurence Poole, especially as that should be the responsibility of the city’s Constable. “He knew he was caught up in something political, a twisted, grubby little spectacle.” His suspicions are proved correct when the hunter becomes the hunted. Soon there are scores to be settled and justice to be served.
To The Dark is a well-crafted historical mystery with plenty of twists and turns. I liked the fact that Simon’s role is not that of traditional detective or police officer. It’s certainly a series I shall be looking out for more of in the future.
January 28, 2021
r/suggestmeabook: I’d like a mystery with a strong sense of place and pacing set in Leeds in 1822.
This murder mystery is definitely atmospheric, as the darkness, pollution, and smell of industrial Leeds is hammered home. The pace is like a thrum of a machine, the beat of it steady and measured. Chris Nickson does an excellent job of creating a sense of place.
Simon Westow and Jane are living through their slow season when they are enlisted by the unfriendly constable to investigate the murder of the small-time thief. The phrase “to the dark” is repeatedly used, but the mystery is not solved—not in this book, at least, which is disappointing when it is built up as part of the focal point of the story.
The characters are not all that well-developed. Simon and Jane are explained by the significant traumas in their pasts, but not much else. Rosie, Simon’s wife, is mostly a placeholder. The bad guys are pretty much all stock characters. Perhaps there will be more in later installments, but there was little depth or growth from the characters.
Despite these shortcomings, the murder mystery and the atmosphere are enough to carry the book, making it worth finishing, and the writing itself is strong enough that I’d check out another installment.
This murder mystery is definitely atmospheric, as the darkness, pollution, and smell of industrial Leeds is hammered home. The pace is like a thrum of a machine, the beat of it steady and measured. Chris Nickson does an excellent job of creating a sense of place.
Simon Westow and Jane are living through their slow season when they are enlisted by the unfriendly constable to investigate the murder of the small-time thief. The phrase “to the dark” is repeatedly used, but the mystery is not solved—not in this book, at least, which is disappointing when it is built up as part of the focal point of the story.
The characters are not all that well-developed. Simon and Jane are explained by the significant traumas in their pasts, but not much else. Rosie, Simon’s wife, is mostly a placeholder. The bad guys are pretty much all stock characters. Perhaps there will be more in later installments, but there was little depth or growth from the characters.
Despite these shortcomings, the murder mystery and the atmosphere are enough to carry the book, making it worth finishing, and the writing itself is strong enough that I’d check out another installment.
July 29, 2023
I always enjoy the author's historical series, despite noticing some of the same irritations in each one. He has several, taking place in different time periods and yet each book has its similarities. I guess they aren't flaws per se, but once you've read a couple of them, you realize that much of the books will be the same as the last ones: multiple, MULTIPLE walks around the city with copious descriptions and lots of adjectives. There will be some sort of plot devised by the lead character to outwit the bad guys or bad gang, often barely scraping by being lawful, and sometimes not lawful at all, but necessary to invoke justice in politically corrupt times. The main character will be reminded several times over of all he has to lose if the plot goes wrong, and to be honest, the main characters in most of the series I've read are also somewhat interchangeable. The players and setting change a little each time, but these are essential components to each book. If I read series books one after another, I would likely find it more annoying than I do, but with a few months between them, it's easy to just sit back and enjoy each book, soak up the ambience of historical Leeds and cheer when things end well.
January 25, 2021
1823 The thawing of the winter weather reveals a body. That of thief, Lawrence Poole, a man that thief-taker Simon Westow retrieved goods from quite recently. Westow is concerned that Constable Williams will use this as an excuse to arrest him. Poole's fence is Charlie Harker, and what does Harker mean by 'To The Dark'. Soon danger comes to their lives.
Another entertaining and well-written historical mystery with its well-developed and likeable characters. A good addition to the series.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Another entertaining and well-written historical mystery with its well-developed and likeable characters. A good addition to the series.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
June 21, 2023
This series was so good! Love the 1800's and the rawness of it. Great ending book to a great trilogy!
September 28, 2025
I liked this more than the Tom Harper book I just finished. The writing was more lively and the story felt less stilted.
March 4, 2021
It’s the second half of the Regency Era in the United Kingdom. King George IV has held the throne in his own right for a little over two years. The Napoleonic Wars are over, and the French Emperor is dead. So is Jane Austen, whose books have given us a romantic and elegant view of the times which has been copied multiple times since then. But Chris Nickson is not Jane Austen, and his Leeds is a long way from Pemberley.
To The Dark is the third in Nickson’s Simon Westow series. Westow is not a northern version of Fitzwilliam Darcy, not by a long shot. He’s done well, certainly, for a lad that grew up in a workhouse. He has a wife and two sons, a solid roof over his head, and food on the table. But his choice of work isn’t welcomed by all and makes him a target for others. Simon Westow is a thief-taker. In the days before an established police force, a victim of theft would hire members of this profession to seek out their stolen property and return it. Westow has established a reputation for getting the job done, and has gathered an extensive variety of contacts, on both sides of the law.
The first book in this series had me hooked, and Nickson hasn’t let me down since. His descriptions of life in Leeds fill the senses. One hears the mills and the people conducting their business and smells the stench of the smoke and the rubbish piled high in the streets and closes. I even heard the Yorkshire voices of the characters as they interacted with one another. (They sounded like people I once knew in the area.) The tension increases throughout the narrative. Nickson has a liking for chapter ending cliffhangers. The B story regarding Westow’s assistant, Jane, weaves expertly with the main plotline. At the end, I got the impression that neither’s life will be the same. Too much happens for them not to change.
When it comes to Yorkshire and history, it’s easy to bring the city of York to mind. When I lived in Yorkshire, Leeds was a city for shopping. But the descriptions of Leeds in To The Dark are making me rethink. Whenever I can finally return, I now want to explore Nickson’s city from Swinegate to The Headrow. I want to wander by the river, hear the gentle splash of the water, and imagine what might lurk beneath the surface. I want to walk out to Woodhouse Moor, just as Westow does with his boys, and I want to stand in Green Dragon Yard and visualize Jane as she fights her demons and other, more corporeal, things. Perhaps, once our world emerges from the great pandemic, Leeds should contemplate walking tours of Chris Nickson’s Leeds. I’d sign up in a heartbeat.
Disclaimer: Although I received an electronic copy of this book from the publisher, the opinions above are my own.
To The Dark is the third in Nickson’s Simon Westow series. Westow is not a northern version of Fitzwilliam Darcy, not by a long shot. He’s done well, certainly, for a lad that grew up in a workhouse. He has a wife and two sons, a solid roof over his head, and food on the table. But his choice of work isn’t welcomed by all and makes him a target for others. Simon Westow is a thief-taker. In the days before an established police force, a victim of theft would hire members of this profession to seek out their stolen property and return it. Westow has established a reputation for getting the job done, and has gathered an extensive variety of contacts, on both sides of the law.
The first book in this series had me hooked, and Nickson hasn’t let me down since. His descriptions of life in Leeds fill the senses. One hears the mills and the people conducting their business and smells the stench of the smoke and the rubbish piled high in the streets and closes. I even heard the Yorkshire voices of the characters as they interacted with one another. (They sounded like people I once knew in the area.) The tension increases throughout the narrative. Nickson has a liking for chapter ending cliffhangers. The B story regarding Westow’s assistant, Jane, weaves expertly with the main plotline. At the end, I got the impression that neither’s life will be the same. Too much happens for them not to change.
When it comes to Yorkshire and history, it’s easy to bring the city of York to mind. When I lived in Yorkshire, Leeds was a city for shopping. But the descriptions of Leeds in To The Dark are making me rethink. Whenever I can finally return, I now want to explore Nickson’s city from Swinegate to The Headrow. I want to wander by the river, hear the gentle splash of the water, and imagine what might lurk beneath the surface. I want to walk out to Woodhouse Moor, just as Westow does with his boys, and I want to stand in Green Dragon Yard and visualize Jane as she fights her demons and other, more corporeal, things. Perhaps, once our world emerges from the great pandemic, Leeds should contemplate walking tours of Chris Nickson’s Leeds. I’d sign up in a heartbeat.
Disclaimer: Although I received an electronic copy of this book from the publisher, the opinions above are my own.
January 26, 2021
Leeds, Winter of 1822. There’s snow on the ground and a chill in the air as many people struggle to make ends meet in a city full of poverty and rising pollution from the many manufactories springing up. These are very different and difficult times. There is a Constable in the parish who is answerable to the Aldermen and runs a night watch but no real policemen exist at this time. Simon Westow makes a living as a thief-taker, enough to support wife Rosie and their two sons reasonably well. People advertise details of belongings that have been stolen and for a reward Simon catches the thief and returns the goods. It’s then up to the owner whether or not they spend money prosecuting the thief. It has provided a good living and three years ago he took on an assistant, Jane, a girl living on the streets and surviving by her wits. Both have acquired skills which have kept them alive on the dangerous streets of Leeds, necessary as everyone seems to carry at least one knife or weapon. We meet Jane as she lures and attacks Big Tom, a man accused of rape. She knows he’ll be back when his wounds have healed and this will not be their only encounter. With a heavy recent snowfall, business is quiet for Simon and when Jane tells him an incident has occurred over at Fray Crow Mill, his interest is aroused and they set off to find out what everyone is talking about. The melting snow has revealed a man’s body and as soon as he sees the face, Simon immediately recognises him. It is Laurence Poole, a man who Simon had very recently tracked down for the theft of a large quantity of silver from local Lord Fullbrook. Fullbrook did not prosecute and Poole had walked free. Just in case there are any clues to be had over Poole’s death, Jane and Simon swiftly make their way to search his lodgings before the Constable’s men beat them to it. All they find is a strange notebook but Simon is still keen to find out why Poole died in case anyone, particularly Constable Williams, seeks to blame the death on his exposure of Poole as a thief since the man must have died very soon afterwards. The notebook is hard to understand but it leads Simon to Poole’s fence, a rather dangerous man, and with the confirmation that the man was indeed murdered, he sets off to find out the truth. However what he finds is a man in fear of his life and this in turn leads him to the local barracks where it seems Poole was working for two officers. Constable Williams and Simon have a strained relationship and Simon knows Williams would have no hesitation in locking him up, however with his job hanging in the balance, Williams approaches Simon for help in finding Poole’s killer and an uneasy alliance is made. Simon forms a plan to ingratiate himself with the soldiers and provide proof that they are the killers, with help from various quarters including George Mudie, a former journalist turned printer, Barnabas Wade, a disbarred solicitor, various fencers of stolen goods and homeless children that roam the streets. Little does he realize just how much danger he is putting himself and everyone else in.
This was a very different era and many people had to do anything just to stay alive, so it’s not surprising some of them have very different expectations and moral standards. In a dangerous and often very brutal society only those with plenty of money could expect to lead a life without sin of some kind, but basically Jane and Simon are good and very likeable people, trying to protect the innocent and bring bad people to justice one way or another. I loved the rich descriptions of the city and the wide variety of people within it. The book evoked a wonderful feeling of the time and places, containing a wealth of facts without ever feeling like a history lesson. The characters were vividly portrayed in a completely engrossing story with plenty of action and twists as a daring plan is executed in a gripping finale. It was so easy to get lost in the pages of this book which I thoroughly enjoyed and I look forward to reading more in this series. 5*
This was a very different era and many people had to do anything just to stay alive, so it’s not surprising some of them have very different expectations and moral standards. In a dangerous and often very brutal society only those with plenty of money could expect to lead a life without sin of some kind, but basically Jane and Simon are good and very likeable people, trying to protect the innocent and bring bad people to justice one way or another. I loved the rich descriptions of the city and the wide variety of people within it. The book evoked a wonderful feeling of the time and places, containing a wealth of facts without ever feeling like a history lesson. The characters were vividly portrayed in a completely engrossing story with plenty of action and twists as a daring plan is executed in a gripping finale. It was so easy to get lost in the pages of this book which I thoroughly enjoyed and I look forward to reading more in this series. 5*
April 12, 2021
First Sentence: She sensed him there, behind her in the fog.
Simon West, with his assistant Jane, and wife Rose, is a thief-taker. When petty thief Laurance Poole, who robbed Alderman Sir Matthew Fullbrook, is found dead, Simon is worried he may be arrested. Instead, he is surprised to be hired by Constable Williams to find the killer. After Simon finds a notebook written in code, he is drawn into the dangerous job of exposing those behind a rash of burglaries. It is up to Simon, Jane, and Rose to keep a priceless item safe, find a killer, and stay alive.
It is always a relief when an author draws new readers into a series yet makes them feel right at home, especially when there is suspense from almost the first page. Even better is when it is the third book in the series, and one feels no lack for not having read the previous two. Nickson sets the tone with his descriptions of Leeds, a city he calls home and whose history he knows extremely well. He depicts an industrial-age city chocked by smoke, dirt, and grime all in the name of progress—"I don't think Leeds will ever be clean again,…"
This is not a book set in gentile drawing rooms, but in the homes, streets, and alleys of the working, and non-working class, just trying to survive as best they can—"He had no one to look after his mother while he was gone. No money to pay for a companion for her. He had no choice but to tie her in the chair to stop her from wandering." Yet the author's voice conveys caring and compassion.
Nickson's characters are alive and fascinating. One learns their backgrounds, often through memories, fleshing them out but still leaving a shadow around them, especially the character of Martha. An unreliable character always heightens the suspense. Watching how the three main characters use their contacts to track the clues, one step at a time, adds a sense of constant tension. Nickson's female characters are anything but minor characters or ones waiting for a man to rescue them. Jane gives as good, if not better than she gets. She is somewhat feral and works on grit. Rose, Simon's wife, is his partner in life and in craft. She depends on guile, intellect, and having the right wardrobe.
As the story progresses, suspense builds at a heart-stopping pace, aided by excellent plot twists, and an unanswered question at the end. One really can't help but wonder why this very prolific author is not better known than he is.
"To the Dark" is an exciting book filled with twists and climax after climax, but still leaving questions unanswered at the end. With female characters as clever and capable as the men, the author created a tense, suspenseful tale in a city he so obviously loves.
TO THE DARK (HisMys-Simon West/Jane-Leeds, England-1822) – VG+
Nickson, Chris – 3rd in series
Severn House, Feb 2021, 238 pp.
Simon West, with his assistant Jane, and wife Rose, is a thief-taker. When petty thief Laurance Poole, who robbed Alderman Sir Matthew Fullbrook, is found dead, Simon is worried he may be arrested. Instead, he is surprised to be hired by Constable Williams to find the killer. After Simon finds a notebook written in code, he is drawn into the dangerous job of exposing those behind a rash of burglaries. It is up to Simon, Jane, and Rose to keep a priceless item safe, find a killer, and stay alive.
It is always a relief when an author draws new readers into a series yet makes them feel right at home, especially when there is suspense from almost the first page. Even better is when it is the third book in the series, and one feels no lack for not having read the previous two. Nickson sets the tone with his descriptions of Leeds, a city he calls home and whose history he knows extremely well. He depicts an industrial-age city chocked by smoke, dirt, and grime all in the name of progress—"I don't think Leeds will ever be clean again,…"
This is not a book set in gentile drawing rooms, but in the homes, streets, and alleys of the working, and non-working class, just trying to survive as best they can—"He had no one to look after his mother while he was gone. No money to pay for a companion for her. He had no choice but to tie her in the chair to stop her from wandering." Yet the author's voice conveys caring and compassion.
Nickson's characters are alive and fascinating. One learns their backgrounds, often through memories, fleshing them out but still leaving a shadow around them, especially the character of Martha. An unreliable character always heightens the suspense. Watching how the three main characters use their contacts to track the clues, one step at a time, adds a sense of constant tension. Nickson's female characters are anything but minor characters or ones waiting for a man to rescue them. Jane gives as good, if not better than she gets. She is somewhat feral and works on grit. Rose, Simon's wife, is his partner in life and in craft. She depends on guile, intellect, and having the right wardrobe.
As the story progresses, suspense builds at a heart-stopping pace, aided by excellent plot twists, and an unanswered question at the end. One really can't help but wonder why this very prolific author is not better known than he is.
"To the Dark" is an exciting book filled with twists and climax after climax, but still leaving questions unanswered at the end. With female characters as clever and capable as the men, the author created a tense, suspenseful tale in a city he so obviously loves.
TO THE DARK (HisMys-Simon West/Jane-Leeds, England-1822) – VG+
Nickson, Chris – 3rd in series
Severn House, Feb 2021, 238 pp.
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February 26, 2021This book was received from the Author, and Publisher, in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.
This is a non spoiler review, because you as reader need to read this book. Also, I feel sometimes I have in the past gave away to much of the plot line. This has diminished the pleasure for would be readers.
To The Dark By Chris Nickson.
A riveting, impeccably written historical crime novel.
Leads England 1823 after two weeks of being snowed in the snow has started to melt.
The industrial revolution brought about factories that spew heavy smoke into the air, and jobs means a steady influx of people. Simon Westow, a thief-taker and his assistant Jane. Both making their living on rewards for the return of stolen goods. A profitable occupation to be sure, as theft is a constant occurrence in Leeds.
When the snow melts, a body surfaces, that of Laurence Poole a thief. Poole was involved in the Fullbrook robbery, and Simon was able to recover the goods stolen that Poole had taken. In close inspection Westow and Jane retrieve a coded notebook from Laurence’s Pooles room, just before the Constable has any time to search for clues. The notebook mentions a notorious fence Charlie Harker, but most of it is in code. Relying on information from Harker Simon and Jane find themselves plunging deeper into a dangerous mystery.
An absorbing plot line, with highly realistic details makes for an intense crime thriller. The novel starts off like a steam roller and didn’t let up. Right from the beginning you are immediately hooked. Chris Nickson excels beyond comparison, and I have to say he one of my favorite authors. The cast of characters are so well depicted with his outstanding narration. The book is at contant brisk pace making it absolutely un-put-down-able.
Jane is an outstanding character, able to blend into shadows almost undetected. A clever girl who can be a force to be reckoned with. Stealth with a past habitual habit of cutting herself for her failures. She adds so much complexity to the storyline. She is incredible and I see why she has a vast reader following.
To The Dark is the third book in Chris Nickson’s historical crime series featuring thief-taker Simon Westow. Even though it’s in a series, please don’t let that shy you away from venturing into its dark corners. The author is that good, he gives just enough backstory that it’s an easy standalone.
A masterfully written historical crime novel that is a rewarding read!
This is a non spoiler review, because you as reader need to read this book. Also, I feel sometimes I have in the past gave away to much of the plot line. This has diminished the pleasure for would be readers.
To The Dark By Chris Nickson.
A riveting, impeccably written historical crime novel.
Leads England 1823 after two weeks of being snowed in the snow has started to melt.
The industrial revolution brought about factories that spew heavy smoke into the air, and jobs means a steady influx of people. Simon Westow, a thief-taker and his assistant Jane. Both making their living on rewards for the return of stolen goods. A profitable occupation to be sure, as theft is a constant occurrence in Leeds.
When the snow melts, a body surfaces, that of Laurence Poole a thief. Poole was involved in the Fullbrook robbery, and Simon was able to recover the goods stolen that Poole had taken. In close inspection Westow and Jane retrieve a coded notebook from Laurence’s Pooles room, just before the Constable has any time to search for clues. The notebook mentions a notorious fence Charlie Harker, but most of it is in code. Relying on information from Harker Simon and Jane find themselves plunging deeper into a dangerous mystery.
An absorbing plot line, with highly realistic details makes for an intense crime thriller. The novel starts off like a steam roller and didn’t let up. Right from the beginning you are immediately hooked. Chris Nickson excels beyond comparison, and I have to say he one of my favorite authors. The cast of characters are so well depicted with his outstanding narration. The book is at contant brisk pace making it absolutely un-put-down-able.
Jane is an outstanding character, able to blend into shadows almost undetected. A clever girl who can be a force to be reckoned with. Stealth with a past habitual habit of cutting herself for her failures. She adds so much complexity to the storyline. She is incredible and I see why she has a vast reader following.
To The Dark is the third book in Chris Nickson’s historical crime series featuring thief-taker Simon Westow. Even though it’s in a series, please don’t let that shy you away from venturing into its dark corners. The author is that good, he gives just enough backstory that it’s an easy standalone.
A masterfully written historical crime novel that is a rewarding read!
March 8, 2021
Simon Westow is a thief taker: he recovers stolen goods for a fee. He is ably assisted by his wife Rosie and a young lady named Jane, who has a dark history, which even Simon and Rosie aren't privy to. Simon, also, has a past moulded by time spent in a workhouse as a young lad. All are familiar with the grimy streets and atmosphere of industrial Leeds, its poor and its criminals.
When Laurence Poole's body is uncovered by melting snow, Simon is asked by Constable Williams to track down the murderer of the petty thief. Williams and Simon have an uneasy relationship and Simon is wary, but the payment offered for this job is too tempting for Simon to pass it over.
With clues revealed in a coded notebook, Simon, Rosie and Jane uncover what Laurence was involved in and why a well-known fence has skipped town fearing for his life. With his own freedom in jeopardy - hanging or transportation a possibility - Simon follows through with his plan to bring the murderer to justice. But this brings reprisals and, to finally bring the investigation to a satisfactory conclusion, both Simon and Rosie must risk their lives further.
To the Dark is a great historical mystery that will keep you enthralled page after page. Chris Nickson's descriptions of 19th century Leeds, gripped in the throes of the industrial revolution, makes you feel you are there amid the grime and the polluted air.
Simon is an intriguing character. He is the father of twin boys and takes great pleasure in his family. To provide for them, he earns a living by associating with criminals and occasionally has to break the law himself without being caught. Hence his relationship with Constable Williams, who is all to eager to slap him in irons. Simon's family man persona is at odds with his role as thief-taker, but makes this man a very likeable character.
Jane, too, is intriguing. As mentioned before, she has a dark history. She also bears the scars of self-mutilation. Her full story has yet to be revealed, but she is very capable of looking after herself and her knowledge of the streets and the people, plus her ability to seem invisible, are a great asset to Simon's work.
I thoroughly enjoyed my first Chris Nickson mystery and look forward to reading more of this series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book as a participant in a book blog tour.
*https://adarngoodread.blogspot.com/
When Laurence Poole's body is uncovered by melting snow, Simon is asked by Constable Williams to track down the murderer of the petty thief. Williams and Simon have an uneasy relationship and Simon is wary, but the payment offered for this job is too tempting for Simon to pass it over.
With clues revealed in a coded notebook, Simon, Rosie and Jane uncover what Laurence was involved in and why a well-known fence has skipped town fearing for his life. With his own freedom in jeopardy - hanging or transportation a possibility - Simon follows through with his plan to bring the murderer to justice. But this brings reprisals and, to finally bring the investigation to a satisfactory conclusion, both Simon and Rosie must risk their lives further.
To the Dark is a great historical mystery that will keep you enthralled page after page. Chris Nickson's descriptions of 19th century Leeds, gripped in the throes of the industrial revolution, makes you feel you are there amid the grime and the polluted air.
Simon is an intriguing character. He is the father of twin boys and takes great pleasure in his family. To provide for them, he earns a living by associating with criminals and occasionally has to break the law himself without being caught. Hence his relationship with Constable Williams, who is all to eager to slap him in irons. Simon's family man persona is at odds with his role as thief-taker, but makes this man a very likeable character.
Jane, too, is intriguing. As mentioned before, she has a dark history. She also bears the scars of self-mutilation. Her full story has yet to be revealed, but she is very capable of looking after herself and her knowledge of the streets and the people, plus her ability to seem invisible, are a great asset to Simon's work.
I thoroughly enjoyed my first Chris Nickson mystery and look forward to reading more of this series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book as a participant in a book blog tour.
*https://adarngoodread.blogspot.com/
February 7, 2021
Fans of historical crime fiction will find much to enjoy in Chris Nickson’s absorbing new mystery featuring thief-taker Simon Westow: To The Dark.
It is the coldest winter on record for the citizens of Leeds in 1822, but little do they realise that the temperature is about to drop even lower when the body of petty local thief Laurence Poole emerges for the melting snow by the river at Flay Crow Mill. For thief-taker Simon Westow and his young assistant Jane, this mystery is one which they simply cannot resist, but this case continues to get more and more complicated with each passing day as they discover when they begin to dig deeper. Will Simon and Jane get to the bottom of this puzzling mystery? Or will there be further shocks and surprises in store for the two of them?
A coded notebook is found in Laurence’s room that mentions notorious fence Charlie Harker and three mysterious words which plunge Simon and Jane into further peril: To The Dark. What is the hidden meaning behind these three words? What is the connection between Laurence and Charlie? With Charlie having absconded from Leeds afraid that his life was in danger, Laurence had ended up meeting a most tragic fate which makes Simon question just what was Laurence hiding? Did his secrets cause his death? As Simon searches for the truth, he finds himself going down one perilous path after another and with plenty of enemies willing to do whatever it takes to protect their secrets, will Simon’s quest for answers prove to be his undoing? Or will he end up solving yet another case?
A deftly crafted historical mystery spiced with danger, tension and mayhem, To The Dark is a superbly constructed thriller full of red herrings, shocking revelations and dastardly villains featuring a clever, intuitive and intelligent sleuth readers will thoroughly enjoy spending time with.
Chris Nickson writes with plenty of assurance and flair about Victorian Leeds and will leave readers completely and utterly gripped by the pages of his latest mystery, To The Dark.
It is the coldest winter on record for the citizens of Leeds in 1822, but little do they realise that the temperature is about to drop even lower when the body of petty local thief Laurence Poole emerges for the melting snow by the river at Flay Crow Mill. For thief-taker Simon Westow and his young assistant Jane, this mystery is one which they simply cannot resist, but this case continues to get more and more complicated with each passing day as they discover when they begin to dig deeper. Will Simon and Jane get to the bottom of this puzzling mystery? Or will there be further shocks and surprises in store for the two of them?
A coded notebook is found in Laurence’s room that mentions notorious fence Charlie Harker and three mysterious words which plunge Simon and Jane into further peril: To The Dark. What is the hidden meaning behind these three words? What is the connection between Laurence and Charlie? With Charlie having absconded from Leeds afraid that his life was in danger, Laurence had ended up meeting a most tragic fate which makes Simon question just what was Laurence hiding? Did his secrets cause his death? As Simon searches for the truth, he finds himself going down one perilous path after another and with plenty of enemies willing to do whatever it takes to protect their secrets, will Simon’s quest for answers prove to be his undoing? Or will he end up solving yet another case?
A deftly crafted historical mystery spiced with danger, tension and mayhem, To The Dark is a superbly constructed thriller full of red herrings, shocking revelations and dastardly villains featuring a clever, intuitive and intelligent sleuth readers will thoroughly enjoy spending time with.
Chris Nickson writes with plenty of assurance and flair about Victorian Leeds and will leave readers completely and utterly gripped by the pages of his latest mystery, To The Dark.
February 26, 2021
Read my review on NovelsAlive.com by clicking on the link below. It's also posted in full.
https://novelsalive.com/2021/02/26/4-...
TO THE DARK is the third book in the SIMON WESTOW series. It’s a historical mystery set in Leeds in the early 1800s and it’s the first book in the series that I’ve read. The characters have a depth to them and there’s a mystery of a death to be solved so the murderer can be brought to justice. Will goodness prevail?
Simon is a thief-taker. He gets hired by those who have been robbed to find and retrieve the stolen items. But in this story, he goes well beyond that to help solve the murder of a thief but also to ensure the law is involved. All does not go to plan as he and his assistant, Jane, try to bring the murderers to the law. There are twists and turns to the story and we go to some very unsavory spots although where Simon and his family life is not in the best area either. We get a glimpse of his home life but also see him focused on his jobs but also in staying alive and keeping his family safe. Jane has an unfortunate past that I don’t learn much about but is good at what she does until she’s injured. Simon is fully focused on his jobs except when he gets distracted if he feels his family is in harm’s way. Both he and Jane are good with weapons, knives being their preference.
There are a multitude of stories being told and they are woven for the most part seamlessly together. There are treasures, stolen items, strategizing, plotting and plans, deaths, fights, family, and friends along with the lonely and downtrodden. There is some closure but the story ended very abruptly although with some happiness.
Mr. Nickson is a new to me author. I’d like to read the first two books of this series along with others he might pen.
https://novelsalive.com/2021/02/26/4-...
TO THE DARK is the third book in the SIMON WESTOW series. It’s a historical mystery set in Leeds in the early 1800s and it’s the first book in the series that I’ve read. The characters have a depth to them and there’s a mystery of a death to be solved so the murderer can be brought to justice. Will goodness prevail?
Simon is a thief-taker. He gets hired by those who have been robbed to find and retrieve the stolen items. But in this story, he goes well beyond that to help solve the murder of a thief but also to ensure the law is involved. All does not go to plan as he and his assistant, Jane, try to bring the murderers to the law. There are twists and turns to the story and we go to some very unsavory spots although where Simon and his family life is not in the best area either. We get a glimpse of his home life but also see him focused on his jobs but also in staying alive and keeping his family safe. Jane has an unfortunate past that I don’t learn much about but is good at what she does until she’s injured. Simon is fully focused on his jobs except when he gets distracted if he feels his family is in harm’s way. Both he and Jane are good with weapons, knives being their preference.
There are a multitude of stories being told and they are woven for the most part seamlessly together. There are treasures, stolen items, strategizing, plotting and plans, deaths, fights, family, and friends along with the lonely and downtrodden. There is some closure but the story ended very abruptly although with some happiness.
Mr. Nickson is a new to me author. I’d like to read the first two books of this series along with others he might pen.
December 2, 2020
#ToTheDark #NetGalley Severn House and Chris Nickson, storyteller superb of Leeds, many thanks for this very exciting historical mystery.
"Winter is about to take a chilling twist...Leeds, 1822.Thief-taker Simon Westow is drawn into a deadly puzzle when the melting snow reveals a dark secret-"
As always, Chris Nickson tells a story of historical Leeds as it was in that particular period of time. It was a time of desperation for many people and almost, but not quite, lawless.
Westow and his wife Rosie and his sometime assistant Jane, are involved in a many layered mystery involving the Constable of Leeds, as well as at least one unsolved death. These events resulted in the death of the constable and serious injury of Jane and another younger girl.
The storyline took some extreme turns and I was surprised at some of the events! I am expecting Simon to have increased involvement in Leeds government as he seems to be increasingly feared, as well as respected.( but who really knows until next time)
Again Chris Nickson pens a masterful, suspenseful tale of a dark period in Leeds history. Get yours March 2, 2021!
"Winter is about to take a chilling twist...Leeds, 1822.Thief-taker Simon Westow is drawn into a deadly puzzle when the melting snow reveals a dark secret-"
As always, Chris Nickson tells a story of historical Leeds as it was in that particular period of time. It was a time of desperation for many people and almost, but not quite, lawless.
Westow and his wife Rosie and his sometime assistant Jane, are involved in a many layered mystery involving the Constable of Leeds, as well as at least one unsolved death. These events resulted in the death of the constable and serious injury of Jane and another younger girl.
The storyline took some extreme turns and I was surprised at some of the events! I am expecting Simon to have increased involvement in Leeds government as he seems to be increasingly feared, as well as respected.( but who really knows until next time)
Again Chris Nickson pens a masterful, suspenseful tale of a dark period in Leeds history. Get yours March 2, 2021!
December 2, 2020
#ToTheDark #NetGalley Severn House and Chris Nickson, storyteller superb of Leeds, many thanks for this very exciting historical mystery.
"Winter is about to take a chilling twist...Leeds, 1822.Thief-taker Simon Westow is drawn into a deadly puzzle when the melting snow reveals a dark secret-"
As always, Chris Nickson tells a story of historical Leeds as it was in that particular period of time. It was a time of desperation for many people and almost, but not quite, lawless.
Westow and his wife Rosie and his sometime assistant Jane, are involved in a many layered mystery involving the Constable of Leeds, as well as at least one unsolved death. These events resulted in the death of the constable and serious injury of Jane and another younger girl.
The storyline took some extreme turns and I was surprised at some of the events! I am expecting Simon to have increased involvement in Leeds government as he seems to be increasingly feared, as well as respected.( but who really knows until next time)
Again Chris Nickson pens a masterful, suspenseful tale of a dark period in Leeds history. Get yours March 2, 2021!
It was
"Winter is about to take a chilling twist...Leeds, 1822.Thief-taker Simon Westow is drawn into a deadly puzzle when the melting snow reveals a dark secret-"
As always, Chris Nickson tells a story of historical Leeds as it was in that particular period of time. It was a time of desperation for many people and almost, but not quite, lawless.
Westow and his wife Rosie and his sometime assistant Jane, are involved in a many layered mystery involving the Constable of Leeds, as well as at least one unsolved death. These events resulted in the death of the constable and serious injury of Jane and another younger girl.
The storyline took some extreme turns and I was surprised at some of the events! I am expecting Simon to have increased involvement in Leeds government as he seems to be increasingly feared, as well as respected.( but who really knows until next time)
Again Chris Nickson pens a masterful, suspenseful tale of a dark period in Leeds history. Get yours March 2, 2021!
It was
February 4, 2021
Simon Westow is a thief taker in 19th century Leeds, living with his wife Rosie and family, and working with an assistant - Jane. A man is found murdered when the snow melts and, lacking any paid work, Simon tries to find out what happened to him. He finds a notebook in code which leads him to a trail of thefts committed by this man, who appeared to have nothing. Simon then works with his arch-enemy the constable to find the murderer and bring justice to Poole. Meanwhile Jane is attacked and makes a serious enemy of her own, and tries to help a young girl.
The plot swirls around the early industrialised town of Leeds, and the characters are portrayed very clearly - the reader can see Leeds in their eyes, as well as understanding their emotions and conflicts. A very readable and enjoyable story, and I shall look forward to more.
Thank you to NetGalley and Severn House Publishers for allowing me access to the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The plot swirls around the early industrialised town of Leeds, and the characters are portrayed very clearly - the reader can see Leeds in their eyes, as well as understanding their emotions and conflicts. A very readable and enjoyable story, and I shall look forward to more.
Thank you to NetGalley and Severn House Publishers for allowing me access to the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
February 28, 2021
The third book in the character driven Simon Westow series finds the snow of a hard winter beginning to melt in early 19th century Leeds. One snowbank had concealed the body of an obviously murdered petty thief, and professional thief-taker Simon is asked to assist in looking into the homicide by city officials suspiciously eager for his participation. Simon, along with his plucky wife Rose and their tough young assistant Jane, discover that the case is full of dangers and threats to their lives, connected to high level crime involving corruption among military officers. This is an outstanding historical mystery by a master of the genre, notable for its thrilling pacing and atmospherics supported by realistic period details. Thanks to the publisher for supplying an advance reading copy via NetGalley in exchange for an unbiased review.
April 16, 2021
As the snow melts a body is revealed, a man murdered and thief-taker Simon Westow knows exactly who he is. The man is a petty thief and his fence, Harker, is terrified that he will be next. Westow is engaged by the local constable to solve the murder and quickly finds out that two soldiers for the Leeds barracks are responsible, but bringing them to justice will not be easy.
I really enjoy Nickson's various novels as they are all set in Leeds. In this Westow series the date is 1822 and Leeds is expanding rapidly, becoming the industrial powerhouse of the late 19th Century. It is fascinating to read about areas such as Kirkstall being referred to as in the country. Here the plot skips along nicely with a couple of parallel plots to add interest, it isn't all wrapped up too neatly which I also like as questions can still be asked.
I really enjoy Nickson's various novels as they are all set in Leeds. In this Westow series the date is 1822 and Leeds is expanding rapidly, becoming the industrial powerhouse of the late 19th Century. It is fascinating to read about areas such as Kirkstall being referred to as in the country. Here the plot skips along nicely with a couple of parallel plots to add interest, it isn't all wrapped up too neatly which I also like as questions can still be asked.
May 24, 2021
Simon Westow is a thief taker in Regency Leeds, England. He reads the newspaper every day to find rich people who have had something stolen; Westow retrieves the item and sends the thief to the police (such as they are in early England). The dead body of Laurence Poole turns up under a snow melt and Westow is commissioned by the police to try and solve the mystery. Westow uncovers a coded notebook in Poole's room which sets him off on a chase to find the murderer and protect some innocent people along the way. Poole was a petty thief, why was he suddenly fencing very upscale materials? Poole's enemies become Westow's enemies and he has to protect his family and the other people who depend on him. Nickson writes excellent books, the research is meticulous and he writing is always entertaining.
March 3, 2021
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher, Severn House for this Advanced Reader Copy and the opportunity to review To The Dark. All opinions are my own.
Simon Westrow is a “thief taker,” one that finds stolen property for a fee. He’s been doing so for a while. A man that Simon recovered goods from turns up murdered, and to keep the constables from thinking he did it (for no good reason, but that won’t stop them), Simon sets out to find the real culprit in To The Dark, part of this continuing series, set in 1820s Leeds.
As luck would have it, Simon’s hired to find the murderer, for the constable reasons that Simon would not be stupid enough to kill the man. So he has a job! Crooked cavalrymen are involved; but can Simon prove their involvement? It’s going to be difficult. And politics are involved, too. The author is going to have to work to make us care about it all, probably. But Simon remains someone to root for.
In a side plot, Jane, his helper has acquired a helper, a child from the streets. Where will this be going, one wonders. While this is happening, Jane is fighting her private battles, an enemy who is determined to kill her. There are strong women in these books, including Rosie, Simon’s wife.
Simon also comes across something the murdered man has stolen, something very, very valuable. Something not reported missing; a mystery in itself.
There’s a final confrontation, and a twist that no one would have foreseen. At least Jane can breathe easier, and Simon, too. And Jane gets a gift.
In amongst all this the city is described, noisy, covered with a constant soot it seems, from all the factories that are its lifeblood now. Simon and Jane prowl these streets, characters in themselves. Good historical mysteries have their settings as characters, and Leeds in To the Dark is no exception.
Simon Westrow is a “thief taker,” one that finds stolen property for a fee. He’s been doing so for a while. A man that Simon recovered goods from turns up murdered, and to keep the constables from thinking he did it (for no good reason, but that won’t stop them), Simon sets out to find the real culprit in To The Dark, part of this continuing series, set in 1820s Leeds.
As luck would have it, Simon’s hired to find the murderer, for the constable reasons that Simon would not be stupid enough to kill the man. So he has a job! Crooked cavalrymen are involved; but can Simon prove their involvement? It’s going to be difficult. And politics are involved, too. The author is going to have to work to make us care about it all, probably. But Simon remains someone to root for.
In a side plot, Jane, his helper has acquired a helper, a child from the streets. Where will this be going, one wonders. While this is happening, Jane is fighting her private battles, an enemy who is determined to kill her. There are strong women in these books, including Rosie, Simon’s wife.
Simon also comes across something the murdered man has stolen, something very, very valuable. Something not reported missing; a mystery in itself.
There’s a final confrontation, and a twist that no one would have foreseen. At least Jane can breathe easier, and Simon, too. And Jane gets a gift.
In amongst all this the city is described, noisy, covered with a constant soot it seems, from all the factories that are its lifeblood now. Simon and Jane prowl these streets, characters in themselves. Good historical mysteries have their settings as characters, and Leeds in To the Dark is no exception.
May 21, 2021
Chris Nickson’s Simon Westow series is atmospheric historical mystery writing at its best.
Set in Leeds in the early 19th century, Simon Westow, a thief taker, his wife Rosie, and his assistant Jane roam the gritty neighborhoods and country. These are violent times, and Westow is not averse to using violence to accomplish his goals. The characters are very alive, the plot is engaging, and the setting is colorful.
I’m enjoying this series a lot!
For fans of Anne Perry and Charles Finch.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Set in Leeds in the early 19th century, Simon Westow, a thief taker, his wife Rosie, and his assistant Jane roam the gritty neighborhoods and country. These are violent times, and Westow is not averse to using violence to accomplish his goals. The characters are very alive, the plot is engaging, and the setting is colorful.
I’m enjoying this series a lot!
For fans of Anne Perry and Charles Finch.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
January 28, 2021
This historical crime mystery is atmospheric, menacing and realistic. It brings the crime-filled streets of nineteenth-century Leeds vividly to life. The third book in the series it provides adequate character backstory and relationship dynamics to make it readable as a standalone. The characters are shady even the protagonists have pasts and secrets. The story has many twists.
Seamlessly woven historical details immerse the reader in the place and time.
I received a copy of this book from Severn House via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
February 15, 2021
Leeds in the early nineteenth century, an urban metropolis shrouded in dirt and fumes from its vast factories and mills.
Laurence Poole was a thief. Now he is dead. Simon Westow and his assistant Kate are looking for his killer. Simon is a thief-taker. In a city full of poverty and crime there are many dangerous suspects.
Chris Nick son is a dab hand at this type of historical crime novel. The plot and characters come to life in a stark reminder of how city life was two hundred years ago. Interesting and intriguing.
Laurence Poole was a thief. Now he is dead. Simon Westow and his assistant Kate are looking for his killer. Simon is a thief-taker. In a city full of poverty and crime there are many dangerous suspects.
Chris Nick son is a dab hand at this type of historical crime novel. The plot and characters come to life in a stark reminder of how city life was two hundred years ago. Interesting and intriguing.
February 25, 2021
Unfortunately the murder mystery aspects struggle to take off in this thriller set in Leeds at the beginning of George IV's reign. While on the one hand I appreciated the descriptions of a city moving towards the great industrial revolution of the 19th century, I never managed to find the characters engaging nor the story interesting.
Many thanks to Netgalley and Severn house for the opportunity to read this novel prior to its release date
Many thanks to Netgalley and Severn house for the opportunity to read this novel prior to its release date
September 20, 2021
Gripping, well-researched and well-paced story—the mystery is solved early so it’s more of a “will they get away with it” rather than a “whodunnit”— and of course we all know they won’t get away with it, so it’s more of a “how will they get caught” story in the end. Which is fine, but it is a bit grisly. Kudos to the author for the atmosphere which seems authentic and not just a reflection of 21st century ideals in the world of 200 years ago. One quibble—and I don’t think this is a spoiler—the titular “to the dark” phrase is introduced as part of the mystery, but unless I missed it, it’s never explained at the end what it meant.
October 15, 2024
This is a good series. The author has done a lot of research into Leeds. The dirt and smells from the factory, river, and streets make the period come alive.
The characters are well developed and the women (in this class anyway) are just as strong as the men.
Well developed crime and solution.
I find it interesting that they buy meat pies and coffee from sellers similar to the way we do.
The characters are well developed and the women (in this class anyway) are just as strong as the men.
Well developed crime and solution.
I find it interesting that they buy meat pies and coffee from sellers similar to the way we do.
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