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John Grey Historical Mystery #6
Death of a Shipbuilder
John Grey is visited at his London office by Thomas Cade, a shipbuilder, who tells Grey he has evidence that Samuel Pepys is taking substantial bribes in his position at the Naval Office. Grey sends him on his way, telling him he has little chance against such a powerful man as Pepys - and then the following morning Cade's stabbed body is found in the grounds of Lincoln's Inn
Later that day Grey meets up with his benefactor Lord Arlington who tells him the king himself wants Grey to investigate corruption in the Naval Office - and it occurs to Grey that by dismissing Cade to his death, he has now lost his best witness and informant. He begins his investigation by questioning the dead man's wife - who it transpires was having an affair with Pepys... as were a great many other ladies. And as the investigation becomes increasingly hampered while the Court closes ranks and threats made against his life, Grey begins to suspect that Arlington's agenda is less to do with reform of the navy and more to do with gaining an advantage over his rivals at Court ...
Later that day Grey meets up with his benefactor Lord Arlington who tells him the king himself wants Grey to investigate corruption in the Naval Office - and it occurs to Grey that by dismissing Cade to his death, he has now lost his best witness and informant. He begins his investigation by questioning the dead man's wife - who it transpires was having an affair with Pepys... as were a great many other ladies. And as the investigation becomes increasingly hampered while the Court closes ranks and threats made against his life, Grey begins to suspect that Arlington's agenda is less to do with reform of the navy and more to do with gaining an advantage over his rivals at Court ...
320 pages, Hardcover
First published September 10, 2020
About the author
L.C. Tyler
34 books90 followersL. C. Tyler grew up in Essex and studied geography at Jesus College Oxford University and systems analysis at City University in London. During a career with the British Council he lived in Malaysia, Sudan, Thailand and Denmark. More recently he has been based in Islington and West Sussex and is an honorary fellow of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, of which he was previously Chief Executive. He is married and has two children and one dog.
Series:
* Elsie and Ethelred Mystery
* John Grey Historical Mystery
Series:
* Elsie and Ethelred Mystery
* John Grey Historical Mystery
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
October 13, 2020
This is a series of books that I have grown to love. John Grey continues to grow in guile, wit and wisdom. The plots are intricate, authentic and exciting. And the principal character and his cast of characters, both family and friends, are delightful. I honestly think this is one of the best historical fiction series I’ve been fortunate enough to encounter. Hats off to Mr Tyler.
December 15, 2020
It was with great delight that I received a copy of the sixth book in the John Grey historical mystery series.
The year is 1669 and John Grey, lawyer, is back in Lincoln’s Inn for a week to hand over to his partner Mr Sparks. A former servant of Oliver Cromwell, Grey had retired to Essex and the estate left to him by his mother. He is now a magistrate and has acquired a knighthood bestowed upon him by his benefactor the spymaster Lord Arlington in lieu of money owed to him, which Grey would have preferred to the knighthood.
Whilst in his chambers he is visited by Thomas Cade, a shipbuilder, who tells Grey he has evidence that Samuel Pepys is taking substantial bribes in his position at the Naval Office. He tells Grey that he has papers and contract letters that could be used in evidence against Pepys and others, and wants Grey to denounce Pepys to the king. Grey sends him on his way, telling him he has little chance against such a powerful man as Pepys. The following morning Cade's stabbed body is found in the grounds of Lincoln's Inn.
Later that day Grey meets up with Lord Arlington who tells him that he has a small problem and asks him to investigate corruption in the Naval Office. The king he says would like a report in two weeks. It occurs to Grey that by dismissing Cade, he has now lost his best witness and informant. With the evidence that Cade said he had, Grey begins his investigation by questioning the dead man's wife, who says she doesn’t have any papers and who it transpires was having an affair with Pepys... as were a great many other ladies. Gray then seeks out Pepys who is easy to find living and working at the Naval office in Seething Lane, but he draws a blank.
Grey continues his enquires at the Dockyard interviewing Harry Truscott who is now standing in as master of the dockyard and has nothing but good to say about his recently deceased master. ‘The best I ever had’ he says.
Although a serious story of a murder I so enjoyed the description of life in the ship yard as matters were explained in regard to chips, or what we might describe as offcuts of timber. Some chips being bigger than others, it was decreed that a chip had to be less than 3 foot long to ensure that entire ships were not dragged away to be sold for firewood. In mitigation it has to be said that the wages of people working in the ship yards had not been paid for three years.
While Grey ponders on his next move his wife Aminta appears, ostensibly checking up on the ticket sales of her new play, but there has been dirty work at the crossroads, and the actors have vamoosed. And meanwhile Grey has been assaulted by a couple of ruffians, who say certain powerful people are inconvenienced by his investigations. Grey suspects they are sent by Lord Dartford. Reporting back to Lord Arlington, Grey is perplexed by his request to ‘ask about Ruby’, And therein lies a tale. And who did kill Cade and why?
As matters progress it becomes a possibility that Grey will only retain his head if he is fitted for a periwig!
The story is narrated by Sir John Grey in the first person, interspersed by diary entries by Samuel Pepys. The twists and turns of this brilliantly plotted and beautifully crafted story are not to be missed. Highly recommended .
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Reviewer: Lizzie Sirett
The year is 1669 and John Grey, lawyer, is back in Lincoln’s Inn for a week to hand over to his partner Mr Sparks. A former servant of Oliver Cromwell, Grey had retired to Essex and the estate left to him by his mother. He is now a magistrate and has acquired a knighthood bestowed upon him by his benefactor the spymaster Lord Arlington in lieu of money owed to him, which Grey would have preferred to the knighthood.
Whilst in his chambers he is visited by Thomas Cade, a shipbuilder, who tells Grey he has evidence that Samuel Pepys is taking substantial bribes in his position at the Naval Office. He tells Grey that he has papers and contract letters that could be used in evidence against Pepys and others, and wants Grey to denounce Pepys to the king. Grey sends him on his way, telling him he has little chance against such a powerful man as Pepys. The following morning Cade's stabbed body is found in the grounds of Lincoln's Inn.
Later that day Grey meets up with Lord Arlington who tells him that he has a small problem and asks him to investigate corruption in the Naval Office. The king he says would like a report in two weeks. It occurs to Grey that by dismissing Cade, he has now lost his best witness and informant. With the evidence that Cade said he had, Grey begins his investigation by questioning the dead man's wife, who says she doesn’t have any papers and who it transpires was having an affair with Pepys... as were a great many other ladies. Gray then seeks out Pepys who is easy to find living and working at the Naval office in Seething Lane, but he draws a blank.
Grey continues his enquires at the Dockyard interviewing Harry Truscott who is now standing in as master of the dockyard and has nothing but good to say about his recently deceased master. ‘The best I ever had’ he says.
Although a serious story of a murder I so enjoyed the description of life in the ship yard as matters were explained in regard to chips, or what we might describe as offcuts of timber. Some chips being bigger than others, it was decreed that a chip had to be less than 3 foot long to ensure that entire ships were not dragged away to be sold for firewood. In mitigation it has to be said that the wages of people working in the ship yards had not been paid for three years.
While Grey ponders on his next move his wife Aminta appears, ostensibly checking up on the ticket sales of her new play, but there has been dirty work at the crossroads, and the actors have vamoosed. And meanwhile Grey has been assaulted by a couple of ruffians, who say certain powerful people are inconvenienced by his investigations. Grey suspects they are sent by Lord Dartford. Reporting back to Lord Arlington, Grey is perplexed by his request to ‘ask about Ruby’, And therein lies a tale. And who did kill Cade and why?
As matters progress it becomes a possibility that Grey will only retain his head if he is fitted for a periwig!
The story is narrated by Sir John Grey in the first person, interspersed by diary entries by Samuel Pepys. The twists and turns of this brilliantly plotted and beautifully crafted story are not to be missed. Highly recommended .
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Reviewer: Lizzie Sirett
March 26, 2023
This excellent historical mystery is the 6th volume of the marvellous "John Grey Historical Mystery" series.
At the end of the book you'll notice Notes and Acknowledgements, where some very useful information can be obtained and read.
Storytelling is absolutely witty and engaging, all figures, real historical and fabulous fictional, are very believable and lifelike in this period of history, and the circumstances and dealings are wonderfully described and pictured by the author.
This tale is set in May/June of the year AD1669, in London during the reign of King Charles II, with all its decadence, corruption and debauchery.
It starts all off with the murder of a shipbuilder called, Thomas Cade, shortly after visiting lawyer, John Grey, within the fields of Lincoln's Inn.
Soon after this murder John Grey himself is threatened by some thugs, who are sent by a very powerful courtier, followed by the death of Cade's deputy, Harry Truscott, at the Tower Yard, and while investigating these cases most events will have a mixture of loyalty, treachery, backstabbing and the important task of trying to outwit your opponents.
What is to follow is an amazing historical mystery, that will start with murders and threats and that will build up towards an excellent constructed deceiving plot, and where John Grey's final action to confront this time of mayhem and turmoil will do its trick to create a magnificently executed ending, to make this book as a whole such an enormous joy to read.
Highly recommended to all, you can read this as a standalone but I would advise you to start from the very beginning to really appreciate it, for this is a tremendous addition to this great series and that's why I like to call this episode: "A Superb John Grey Mystery"!
At the end of the book you'll notice Notes and Acknowledgements, where some very useful information can be obtained and read.
Storytelling is absolutely witty and engaging, all figures, real historical and fabulous fictional, are very believable and lifelike in this period of history, and the circumstances and dealings are wonderfully described and pictured by the author.
This tale is set in May/June of the year AD1669, in London during the reign of King Charles II, with all its decadence, corruption and debauchery.
It starts all off with the murder of a shipbuilder called, Thomas Cade, shortly after visiting lawyer, John Grey, within the fields of Lincoln's Inn.
Soon after this murder John Grey himself is threatened by some thugs, who are sent by a very powerful courtier, followed by the death of Cade's deputy, Harry Truscott, at the Tower Yard, and while investigating these cases most events will have a mixture of loyalty, treachery, backstabbing and the important task of trying to outwit your opponents.
What is to follow is an amazing historical mystery, that will start with murders and threats and that will build up towards an excellent constructed deceiving plot, and where John Grey's final action to confront this time of mayhem and turmoil will do its trick to create a magnificently executed ending, to make this book as a whole such an enormous joy to read.
Highly recommended to all, you can read this as a standalone but I would advise you to start from the very beginning to really appreciate it, for this is a tremendous addition to this great series and that's why I like to call this episode: "A Superb John Grey Mystery"!
October 28, 2020
For lovers of historical mysteries that are both well plotted and witty.
Rating: 3.5/5
'A monarch who reigned, but did not rule, allowing their first minister to do as he pleased, running roughshod over the wishes of an elected Parliament. That could never happen'
Following the murder of the owner of a shipbuilding company, who had just been to enlist his help, lawyer, Sir John Grey, finds himself once more embroiled in the shady shenanigans of the English Court during the reign of Charles II.
This is the sixth book in the John Grey historical mystery series, which are set in the 1650 and 1660s featuring the lead character of John Grey, lawyer and spy. While it is not essential to have read the previous books in the series, it would certainly help the reader to be fully familiarised with the backstories of some of the key protagonists.
Len Tyler is a very capable writer and it is something of an injustice that his work doesn't enjoy a higher profile. This book, as with all the others in this series, is well researched and intricately plotted. Although it stands up perfectly well as a fine example of an historical mystery and adventure, it is the clever use of wit that helps to make this all the more engaging.
If you have read and enjoyed L.C Tyler's work previously, you will enjoy this one too. If you haven't yet acquainted yourself yet, then you may just uncover a surprising little treasure.
Rating: 3.5/5
'A monarch who reigned, but did not rule, allowing their first minister to do as he pleased, running roughshod over the wishes of an elected Parliament. That could never happen'
Following the murder of the owner of a shipbuilding company, who had just been to enlist his help, lawyer, Sir John Grey, finds himself once more embroiled in the shady shenanigans of the English Court during the reign of Charles II.
This is the sixth book in the John Grey historical mystery series, which are set in the 1650 and 1660s featuring the lead character of John Grey, lawyer and spy. While it is not essential to have read the previous books in the series, it would certainly help the reader to be fully familiarised with the backstories of some of the key protagonists.
Len Tyler is a very capable writer and it is something of an injustice that his work doesn't enjoy a higher profile. This book, as with all the others in this series, is well researched and intricately plotted. Although it stands up perfectly well as a fine example of an historical mystery and adventure, it is the clever use of wit that helps to make this all the more engaging.
If you have read and enjoyed L.C Tyler's work previously, you will enjoy this one too. If you haven't yet acquainted yourself yet, then you may just uncover a surprising little treasure.
December 23, 2020
Samuel Pepys (yes, THAT Samuel Pepys) has some ‘splaining to do in Death of a Shipbuilder, the latest in the Sir John Grey series of mysteries set in the time of Charles II. And Sir John is going to see that he does, no matter the consequences. His honor is at stake as we soon find out, when the shipbuilder in question comes to him and asks him to expose a vast corruption scheme and then is almost immediately murdered. Well, Sir John can’t let this stand, even though some very important people would like him to.
This clever and inventive book takes the reader on a journey of magical discovery as our Sir John uncovers a conspiracy of lies and deception and as noted, murder. Along the way we meet the historical figures that Mr. Tyler likes to use in his book, including Charles II and his “chief mistress,” Barbara, Lady Castlemaine, quite the character she was, who is part and parcel of our story.
And one mustn’t overlook the humor that these books are noted for, the banter between Sir John and his wife, Aminta, Lady Grey always worth savoring. Even the cast of characters at the front of the book will bring a smile to your face, most likely.
Justice is meted out in the end – although some escape untouched; lucky for them. Did I mention that we get “excerpts” from Mr. Pepys’ “diary” that explains it all? That was worth the price of admission, too. Here’s to more Sir John Grey adventures!
This clever and inventive book takes the reader on a journey of magical discovery as our Sir John uncovers a conspiracy of lies and deception and as noted, murder. Along the way we meet the historical figures that Mr. Tyler likes to use in his book, including Charles II and his “chief mistress,” Barbara, Lady Castlemaine, quite the character she was, who is part and parcel of our story.
And one mustn’t overlook the humor that these books are noted for, the banter between Sir John and his wife, Aminta, Lady Grey always worth savoring. Even the cast of characters at the front of the book will bring a smile to your face, most likely.
Justice is meted out in the end – although some escape untouched; lucky for them. Did I mention that we get “excerpts” from Mr. Pepys’ “diary” that explains it all? That was worth the price of admission, too. Here’s to more Sir John Grey adventures!
October 1, 2023
We've reached 1669 in the John Grey series. London is starting to be rebuilt following the fire of 1666 and there are rumbles of dissatisfaction with the rule of Charles II, at least among his courtiers. John Grey combines the investigation of the death of a shipbuilder with an investigation into the finances of ship building.
There is less of Aminta, John's wife, in this book than in previous and I think that's to it's detriment, as she is a fascinating character, who complement's the character of the lead actor in the books, John Grey. We also get to meet Charles II in this book.
Well written, funny and packed with real people and the fun is trying to work out who is a real character and who isn't. Love the series.
There is less of Aminta, John's wife, in this book than in previous and I think that's to it's detriment, as she is a fascinating character, who complement's the character of the lead actor in the books, John Grey. We also get to meet Charles II in this book.
Well written, funny and packed with real people and the fun is trying to work out who is a real character and who isn't. Love the series.
May 22, 2025
Once again a very enjoyable book in this series set in Restoration England. John Grey, now a happily married magistrate in Essex, is drawn back to London and into the events surrounding the death of a shipbuilder, after he is commissioned to investigate fraudulent use of government funds in the shipbuilding trade. As usual his enquiries upset some high ranking people and put his life in danger as he tries to uncover what has happened, and more importantly what his patron really wants him to find out and who to blame.
Its a great read, and the author's wry turn of phrase makes reading a delight.
Its a great read, and the author's wry turn of phrase makes reading a delight.
August 29, 2023
The sixth installment in LC Tyler's John Grey series is as good as the first five (and that being very good). Grey is almost an anti-hero but not quite, at times disingenuous and languid but nonetheless stepping up where necessary to do the right thing. Well written with a twisting plot - perhaps a bit more predicable an ending then the previous novels but still 5*s.
June 3, 2021
Lawyer Sir John Grey sends shipbuilder Cade away. Cade is immediately bludgeoned to death just outside the door. Grey of course feels responsible and tries to find the murderer, meanwhile carrying out confusing tasks for Lord Arlington. Samuel Pepys is more of a hindrance than not.
July 6, 2025
Rather too much pointless back and forth in this... go to the docks, come away, back to the docks, away again, go to the house, away, search the house, away, back for another search etc...
October 10, 2025
Enjoyable historical whodunnit set in the Restoration period.
May 9, 2026
Thoroughly enjoyable yarn set in Charles II reign. Good fun with a crime (or two) to solve and some humour which at times did have me laughing out loud.
December 6, 2020
"Writers ask for honest criticism in the hope of receiving undiluted admiration"
As a reader, I approach series novels with some trepidation. Even the best writers can struggle to maintain the freshness of characters pressed into service again and again. I'm delighted, then, that L.C. Tyler has no such difficulties in presenting the sixth adventure of John Grey in "Death of a Shipbuilder". The familiar characters of John Grey, Aminta and Will retain all the charm readers will have enjoyed in the earlier novels, and various rogue Restoration aristocrats are every bit as vivid as we remember.
In this instalment, Grey (now "Sir John") is persuaded against his better judgement to carry out another investigation by the slippery Lord Arlington. The mystery is deeper than it first appears, and Grey is soon caught between the machinations of Arlington and the dangerous Lord Dartford.
Unravelling the plot is only part of the reader's enjoyment. As ever, at least as much satisfaction comes from Tyler's crackling one-liners and wry asides - perfectly suited to the Restoration London setting. In one such moment, we learn "all writers are feckless and idle or they would find honest work". Readers of discrimination can only hope that L.C. Tyler continues in his fecklessness for a while yet to give us many more John Grey adventures.
Verdict: undiluted admiration
As a reader, I approach series novels with some trepidation. Even the best writers can struggle to maintain the freshness of characters pressed into service again and again. I'm delighted, then, that L.C. Tyler has no such difficulties in presenting the sixth adventure of John Grey in "Death of a Shipbuilder". The familiar characters of John Grey, Aminta and Will retain all the charm readers will have enjoyed in the earlier novels, and various rogue Restoration aristocrats are every bit as vivid as we remember.
In this instalment, Grey (now "Sir John") is persuaded against his better judgement to carry out another investigation by the slippery Lord Arlington. The mystery is deeper than it first appears, and Grey is soon caught between the machinations of Arlington and the dangerous Lord Dartford.
Unravelling the plot is only part of the reader's enjoyment. As ever, at least as much satisfaction comes from Tyler's crackling one-liners and wry asides - perfectly suited to the Restoration London setting. In one such moment, we learn "all writers are feckless and idle or they would find honest work". Readers of discrimination can only hope that L.C. Tyler continues in his fecklessness for a while yet to give us many more John Grey adventures.
Verdict: undiluted admiration
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews