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The Crown Agent
n 1829, disillusioned young doctor, Mungo Lyon, is recruited by the Crown to investigate a mysterious murder and shipwreck off the coast of Scotland. His adventures lead him on a pursuit across the Scottish countryside, to kidnap and treason, an unwanted trip to the West Indies, an insurrection and love.
228 pages, Paperback
First published November 7, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
March 20, 2021
Stephen O'Rourke's first novel, a historical action adventure of daring and danger, was shortlisted for the Bloody Scotland Scottish Crime Debut of 2020. Set in 1829, it begins with the gruesome murder of a lighthouse keeper, Sandy, on Cumbrae Island. Dr Mungo Lyon is a Edinburgh surgeon, tainted and banned from practicing because of his links with Dr Robert Knox, a man guilty of accepting dead bodies from the notorious Burke and Hare. William Burke has been hanged, whilst his partner, Hare, walks free after providing testimony that convicted Burke under the Scottish justice system. Lyon's circumstances leave him free to accept an assignment to work undercover for the crown, commissioned by the Lord Advocate and Sir John Foster, the Collector of Customs at Leith. The ship Julietta was found adrift with 8 dead crew members, all having suffered from yellow fever at Greenock port on the River Clyde in Glasgow.
The Julietta has been smuggling some form of cargo from the Caribbean to Scotland, but what it was is not clear as the ship had been unloaded, but by whom or where is not known. After the murder of Sandy, the lighthouse keeper, his assistant, Tom, has run away, raising suspicions of his guilt and there is a missing Customs Officer, Crawford McGunn. Mungo is dispatched to Glasgow to investigate, but he finds himself facing numerous attempts by nefarious shadowy individuals to kill him that he manages to avoid, finding a surprising liking for his new role that he had not expected. A journal gives him a better idea of how many travelled on the ship and its sailing journey to Glasgow and with encrypted papers that he is unable to decipher, he sends them to his sister, Margaret in Edinburgh, certain she will be able to break the code. Lyon finds himself uncovering treason, powerful traitors, and travelling to a Jamaica under British rule where slavery is still rife, and involved in events that culminate in a thrilling finale.
This is the first in a series from O'Rourke, it is fast paced, full of suspense and tension, with a wide range of colourful characters, including a able William Hare now working for the crown undercover, providing valuable aid and support to Mungo Lyon. This has a feel of the old classic historical adventure stories that so many readers love, with plenty of period details, such as the class distinctions, the poverty, the growth of the Scottish Whisky industry, and the workings of the ports and customs. Lyon makes an attractive central figure, whose medical background as a surgeon is to stand him in good stead, and whilst having lingering doubts over the need to kill, discovers he is otherwise well equipped for his new profession. Many thanks to Sandstone Press for an ARC.
The Julietta has been smuggling some form of cargo from the Caribbean to Scotland, but what it was is not clear as the ship had been unloaded, but by whom or where is not known. After the murder of Sandy, the lighthouse keeper, his assistant, Tom, has run away, raising suspicions of his guilt and there is a missing Customs Officer, Crawford McGunn. Mungo is dispatched to Glasgow to investigate, but he finds himself facing numerous attempts by nefarious shadowy individuals to kill him that he manages to avoid, finding a surprising liking for his new role that he had not expected. A journal gives him a better idea of how many travelled on the ship and its sailing journey to Glasgow and with encrypted papers that he is unable to decipher, he sends them to his sister, Margaret in Edinburgh, certain she will be able to break the code. Lyon finds himself uncovering treason, powerful traitors, and travelling to a Jamaica under British rule where slavery is still rife, and involved in events that culminate in a thrilling finale.
This is the first in a series from O'Rourke, it is fast paced, full of suspense and tension, with a wide range of colourful characters, including a able William Hare now working for the crown undercover, providing valuable aid and support to Mungo Lyon. This has a feel of the old classic historical adventure stories that so many readers love, with plenty of period details, such as the class distinctions, the poverty, the growth of the Scottish Whisky industry, and the workings of the ports and customs. Lyon makes an attractive central figure, whose medical background as a surgeon is to stand him in good stead, and whilst having lingering doubts over the need to kill, discovers he is otherwise well equipped for his new profession. Many thanks to Sandstone Press for an ARC.
May 2, 2023
3 1/2 stars
This action/adventure story is set in Scotland of the 1820’s. The plot is pretty good and the historical details are well researched, adding to the fun—ships, colonial Caribbean, whisky making (and drinking), Customs House practices, and lots of good Scottish skullduggery.
The narrator is a young doctor whose reputation was tarnished in the Burke and Hare affair of 1828. Because he lost his license to practice surgery at that time he is available to become a King’s Agent doing secret duty the following year.
There might be a touch of Robert Louis Stevenson’s Kidnapped here and there as well as somewhat less than sexy Errol Flynn swashbuckling movie dialog. “He tilted his head and bared his teeth. ‘Traitor,’ I whispered. His face twisted scornfully…he mouthed, spitting emphasis on my name.”
It was too slow at times as well as feeling longer than its 228 pages. I feel a sequel coming on. Maybe the doctor will get his sexy on.
This action/adventure story is set in Scotland of the 1820’s. The plot is pretty good and the historical details are well researched, adding to the fun—ships, colonial Caribbean, whisky making (and drinking), Customs House practices, and lots of good Scottish skullduggery.
The narrator is a young doctor whose reputation was tarnished in the Burke and Hare affair of 1828. Because he lost his license to practice surgery at that time he is available to become a King’s Agent doing secret duty the following year.
There might be a touch of Robert Louis Stevenson’s Kidnapped here and there as well as somewhat less than sexy Errol Flynn swashbuckling movie dialog. “He tilted his head and bared his teeth. ‘Traitor,’ I whispered. His face twisted scornfully…he mouthed, spitting emphasis on my name.”
It was too slow at times as well as feeling longer than its 228 pages. I feel a sequel coming on. Maybe the doctor will get his sexy on.
November 14, 2019
I bring to you on the blog today an awesome little Scottish treat. We have The Crown Agent a serious gem in the Historical Fiction genre. I was extremely impressed with this novel. The world building and the stylistic invigorance that I was submerged in was so fascinating. I absolutely love the history of this wee country and its realism was outstanding. From the clothing, to the descriptions within Edinburgh, the trading ports…it was all so perfect. The author didn’t hold back, and he had me hook, line and sinker. I was ready to be transported back in time, back to a time with no internet, no distractions but a sublime narrative.
I completely got on board with the hype that was going around surrounding The Crown Agent and I wasn’t disappointed. The atmosphere is on fire, it’s a bleak world with a complex journey interweaved with the natural beauty of its time. These interweaving threads made it impossible to resist its impeccable pull into the world the author had created. I didn’t want to resist the pull.
We meet Edinburgh Doctor, Mungo Lyon. He’s inadvertently mixed up the Burke and Hare scandal, unfortunately this has left his career and his reputation in tatters. What is his vocation going to be now? Can he weather the storm or will fate direct him down another path? Luckily or not, I’ll leave that decision up to you, he is given the opportunity to leave Edinburgh behind him for now and tackle a mystery. The British crown has had his name recommended to investigate the death of a lighthouse keeper. It should be easy to clear up, right? Mungo finds himself uncovering truths he really ought to not know. It puts his life in danger and those around him too. He uncovers dark secret that he would be better off not reporting on, but he is a man of impeccable morals and must do the right thing. This secret will be far more damaging to his reputation than the scandal back home was.
The author has perfected the complexity of people, their flaws and emotional intelligence that makes a person them. The clues are there, the worries, the fears. The clues were scattered in a sherlock Holmes fashion, you just have to piece it altogether. Life will never be the same again. Mungo is swept away by the events he finds himself faced with and he knows some hard choices will need to be made. Ingenious plotting that is rich in human emotion, action and atmospheric brilliance.
I completely got on board with the hype that was going around surrounding The Crown Agent and I wasn’t disappointed. The atmosphere is on fire, it’s a bleak world with a complex journey interweaved with the natural beauty of its time. These interweaving threads made it impossible to resist its impeccable pull into the world the author had created. I didn’t want to resist the pull.
We meet Edinburgh Doctor, Mungo Lyon. He’s inadvertently mixed up the Burke and Hare scandal, unfortunately this has left his career and his reputation in tatters. What is his vocation going to be now? Can he weather the storm or will fate direct him down another path? Luckily or not, I’ll leave that decision up to you, he is given the opportunity to leave Edinburgh behind him for now and tackle a mystery. The British crown has had his name recommended to investigate the death of a lighthouse keeper. It should be easy to clear up, right? Mungo finds himself uncovering truths he really ought to not know. It puts his life in danger and those around him too. He uncovers dark secret that he would be better off not reporting on, but he is a man of impeccable morals and must do the right thing. This secret will be far more damaging to his reputation than the scandal back home was.
The author has perfected the complexity of people, their flaws and emotional intelligence that makes a person them. The clues are there, the worries, the fears. The clues were scattered in a sherlock Holmes fashion, you just have to piece it altogether. Life will never be the same again. Mungo is swept away by the events he finds himself faced with and he knows some hard choices will need to be made. Ingenious plotting that is rich in human emotion, action and atmospheric brilliance.
January 18, 2021
The Crown Agent is a thrilling novel, wonderfully laced through events occurring in 1829 Scotland, and somewhat further afield.
The writing is assured, the action fast-paced, the mystery thrilling and in need of solving, and our hero, Dr. Mungo Lyon, a fascinating and tenacious hero. I was enthralled by the attention to detail, the seamless weaving of a tale well told. And the addition of a certain character only led to the enjoyment. (No spoilers here).
A fantastic novel, helped, no doubt, by the fact I actually know my way around this part of Scotland and could picture many of the places, but with the aid of the well-drawn maps at the beginning, I'm sure anyone will enjoy it.
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for my review copy. 5 stars from me:)
The writing is assured, the action fast-paced, the mystery thrilling and in need of solving, and our hero, Dr. Mungo Lyon, a fascinating and tenacious hero. I was enthralled by the attention to detail, the seamless weaving of a tale well told. And the addition of a certain character only led to the enjoyment. (No spoilers here).
A fantastic novel, helped, no doubt, by the fact I actually know my way around this part of Scotland and could picture many of the places, but with the aid of the well-drawn maps at the beginning, I'm sure anyone will enjoy it.
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for my review copy. 5 stars from me:)
December 1, 2019
Dr Mungo Lyon, an Edinburgh surgeon, is barred from practice following his (minor) involvement in the Burke and Hare case. However, when he is caught up in a strange adventure that takes him to Glasgow and Jamaica, his skill as a surgeon is not the only skill he will need. He will need to use his intelligence and keep his wits about him as he is chased, shot at, accused of murder and taken prisoner on a ship bound for the other side of the world. Never knowing who he can trust and who is a villain, Mungo finds himself trying to solve the case almost single-handed. There are many surprises along the way and even the possibility of a romance. Murder, smuggling and treason - they are all here in this rip-roaring tale of adventure and derring-do. Many thanks to the Pigeonhole, the author and my fellow Pigeons for making this such an enjoyable read.
January 17, 2021
⭐️ 3.5 stars ⭐️
November 8, 2019
Having been caught up in the Burke and Hare scandal, Surgeon Mungo Lyon's reputation has been ruined, so when he is offered the opportunity to leave Edinburgh to undertake a clandestine political investigation of behalf of the British Crown he takes this unusual chance to redeem himself. However, this change in his circumstances is not without uncertainty, and Mungo soon discovers, to his cost, that the danger he finds himself in, as he uncovers a deadly secret, is even more devastating than being caught up in the Burke and Hare scandal.
The story flows well with enough excitement to keep you turning the pages and takes us from the dark and gloomy streets of nineteenth century Scotland, to the danger of a perilous sea voyage to the Caribbean, and throughout it all Mungo, and his rather surprising sidekick, get caught up in all sorts of political shenanigans.
The Crown Agent is a rollicking good historical adventure with more than enough twists and turns to keep you guessing, and even as Mungo gets caught further and further into a tight corner so the drama pulls ever tighter. This could easily be a series as the ending certainly lends itself to that possibility and it would be great fun to see Mungo, and his sidekick, return in further historical adventures.
The story flows well with enough excitement to keep you turning the pages and takes us from the dark and gloomy streets of nineteenth century Scotland, to the danger of a perilous sea voyage to the Caribbean, and throughout it all Mungo, and his rather surprising sidekick, get caught up in all sorts of political shenanigans.
The Crown Agent is a rollicking good historical adventure with more than enough twists and turns to keep you guessing, and even as Mungo gets caught further and further into a tight corner so the drama pulls ever tighter. This could easily be a series as the ending certainly lends itself to that possibility and it would be great fun to see Mungo, and his sidekick, return in further historical adventures.
December 1, 2019
There’s rebel blood in his veins, Mungo Lynn claims so when the opportunity to do something adventurous is presented to him, he seizes it. Fifty years on, he relates the story of his first mission as a ‘Crown Agent’. Through this first hand account, author Stephen O’Rourke permits us to see, hear, and feel the customs, mores, and atmosphere of the times in 1829:
“There were shops selling lemons and oranges, and shops selling tea leaves loose from great chests. There were shops selling nuts and dark raisins from barrels, and shops selling pepper and brown sugar by the pound.”
With Mungo, we’re taken on a roller coaster ride from a cosmopolitan, diverse Edinburgh in Scotland to the Jamaica colony where slavery is still part of its very fabric. We meet individuals who are not quite what they seem and women who are stronger than they appear. Mungo unravels a mystery that had him on the run from the get go and he returns to home base a markedly different man.
After a very satisfying journey, I felt a bit of dissatisfaction at the close and not because it wasn’t properly tied up. It was. I think I just needed more closure with regard to Mungo and his personal life. Great adventure story! My thanks to the Pigeonhole and Stephen O’Rourke for facilitating the read.
“There were shops selling lemons and oranges, and shops selling tea leaves loose from great chests. There were shops selling nuts and dark raisins from barrels, and shops selling pepper and brown sugar by the pound.”
With Mungo, we’re taken on a roller coaster ride from a cosmopolitan, diverse Edinburgh in Scotland to the Jamaica colony where slavery is still part of its very fabric. We meet individuals who are not quite what they seem and women who are stronger than they appear. Mungo unravels a mystery that had him on the run from the get go and he returns to home base a markedly different man.
After a very satisfying journey, I felt a bit of dissatisfaction at the close and not because it wasn’t properly tied up. It was. I think I just needed more closure with regard to Mungo and his personal life. Great adventure story! My thanks to the Pigeonhole and Stephen O’Rourke for facilitating the read.
November 27, 2019
Some authors write well and some tell stories well. Stephen O Rourke does both with his debut novel, set in 19th century Scotland for the most part, but also with a visit to the island of Jamaica.
This was an adventurous tale of main protagonist Dr Mungo Lyon that would translate well onto film given the colourful descriptions of trading ports, costumes, and buildings but most of all characters. The main story, though fictional, is set against the historical background of the time when Dr Lyon gets mixed up in a medical scandal that sees him out on a limb. When a proposition is made to him to solve the murder of a lighthouse keeper, he sets off on a path and encounters trouble and danger at every turn, more troubling as the story progresses.
The Crown Agent is a swashbuckling adventure with many twists and turns and the character of Hare (mungo’s sidekick) made the story for me. The ending was set up in such a way that sequels could follow. 4 and a half stars. Congratulations to the author.
This was an adventurous tale of main protagonist Dr Mungo Lyon that would translate well onto film given the colourful descriptions of trading ports, costumes, and buildings but most of all characters. The main story, though fictional, is set against the historical background of the time when Dr Lyon gets mixed up in a medical scandal that sees him out on a limb. When a proposition is made to him to solve the murder of a lighthouse keeper, he sets off on a path and encounters trouble and danger at every turn, more troubling as the story progresses.
The Crown Agent is a swashbuckling adventure with many twists and turns and the character of Hare (mungo’s sidekick) made the story for me. The ending was set up in such a way that sequels could follow. 4 and a half stars. Congratulations to the author.
March 14, 2021
A young disgraced surgeon, Mungo Lyon, is the main protagonist of Stephen O'Rourke fiendishly clever novel "The crown agent."
Working undercover for the government, Lyon must infiltrate a corrupt network of organized crime in order to solve a murder. Unbeknownst to him this simple murder investigation will send him down a tumultuous path from Scotland to Jamaica and back, a path fraught with lots of obstacles and difficulties. Mungo's adventures (and yes they include romance) will keep you enthralled thanks to a very twisty plot and perfectly drawn characters. This wonderful novel is sometimes reminiscent of Stevenson and Conrad and I honestly hope that Mr O'Rourke will turn this very accomplished work of fiction into the first installment of a successful new series. To be enjoyed without moderation!
Many thanks to Netgalley and Sandstone for the opportunity to read this wonderful novel prior to its release date
Working undercover for the government, Lyon must infiltrate a corrupt network of organized crime in order to solve a murder. Unbeknownst to him this simple murder investigation will send him down a tumultuous path from Scotland to Jamaica and back, a path fraught with lots of obstacles and difficulties. Mungo's adventures (and yes they include romance) will keep you enthralled thanks to a very twisty plot and perfectly drawn characters. This wonderful novel is sometimes reminiscent of Stevenson and Conrad and I honestly hope that Mr O'Rourke will turn this very accomplished work of fiction into the first installment of a successful new series. To be enjoyed without moderation!
Many thanks to Netgalley and Sandstone for the opportunity to read this wonderful novel prior to its release date
September 9, 2025
Entertaining.
Surprised that one reviewer described this as slow in places as I certainly did not find that; look at the geography that the protagonist covers!
Liked much of the historical background - the establishment of Crown authority especially wrt tax and the emergence of Glasgow as one of the prime cities of the Empire (I do have a problem when Scots allow themselves to believe they were the victims of imperialism, rather than willing and profit-seeking collaborators with the English; the history of Scotland is not just all plucky men and women with blue faces fighting evil Anglo-Normans).
Our hero was lucky that the general acumen and in particular the shooting of the various baddies puts the German guards in Where Eagles Dare up there as positively competent.
Don't want to give too much of the plot away but I thought the explanation of the Spectre-like organisation needed more research and work.
Surprised that one reviewer described this as slow in places as I certainly did not find that; look at the geography that the protagonist covers!
Liked much of the historical background - the establishment of Crown authority especially wrt tax and the emergence of Glasgow as one of the prime cities of the Empire (I do have a problem when Scots allow themselves to believe they were the victims of imperialism, rather than willing and profit-seeking collaborators with the English; the history of Scotland is not just all plucky men and women with blue faces fighting evil Anglo-Normans).
Our hero was lucky that the general acumen and in particular the shooting of the various baddies puts the German guards in Where Eagles Dare up there as positively competent.
Don't want to give too much of the plot away but I thought the explanation of the Spectre-like organisation needed more research and work.
December 17, 2019
https://thecaffeinatedreader.com/2019...
This is the start of a new character of the hour, Mungo Lyon, a doctor turned to espionage. You may wonder how he got to such a different place as far as careers go and I have to say the answer was amazing. His mentor purchased bodies for students….off…Burke & Hare. If you don’t know about these guys, they were two murderers in Edinburgh who killed people to sell to/for science as a fresh body was always in need to teach.
Due to this association, Dr. Lyon’s surgeon’s career is bleak, but there comes a chance to change his fate and he decides to jump right in.
And as he decides to go forward, trouble trails closely behind him.
Seriously, I felt for poor Mungo, he just never caught a break.
This means the novel was definitely fast-paced, plot-driven and full of adventure and mystery.
This is the start of a new character of the hour, Mungo Lyon, a doctor turned to espionage. You may wonder how he got to such a different place as far as careers go and I have to say the answer was amazing. His mentor purchased bodies for students….off…Burke & Hare. If you don’t know about these guys, they were two murderers in Edinburgh who killed people to sell to/for science as a fresh body was always in need to teach.
Due to this association, Dr. Lyon’s surgeon’s career is bleak, but there comes a chance to change his fate and he decides to jump right in.
And as he decides to go forward, trouble trails closely behind him.
Seriously, I felt for poor Mungo, he just never caught a break.
This means the novel was definitely fast-paced, plot-driven and full of adventure and mystery.
January 8, 2023
Quite an enjoyable short book, although hardly demanding.
The early stages have shades of Richard Hannay, where the main character is purcued across central Scotland. Thereafter is probably the bext section, although the introduction of Hare, of Burke and Hare notoriety is rather odd. The book concludes in Jamacia, and the manner in which the main character and Hare get there is a bit odd - as is the appearence of one of the earlier characters on the island. However, as the book makes no claim to be serious historical fiction, it just about gets away with it.
This is Stephen O'Rourke's first novel and I would certainly read more from him were it forthcoming.
I enjoyed the geographical settings in the first three-quarters of the book, as they are areas I am very familiar with, perhaps had this not been the case the book might not have had the same appeal.
The early stages have shades of Richard Hannay, where the main character is purcued across central Scotland. Thereafter is probably the bext section, although the introduction of Hare, of Burke and Hare notoriety is rather odd. The book concludes in Jamacia, and the manner in which the main character and Hare get there is a bit odd - as is the appearence of one of the earlier characters on the island. However, as the book makes no claim to be serious historical fiction, it just about gets away with it.
This is Stephen O'Rourke's first novel and I would certainly read more from him were it forthcoming.
I enjoyed the geographical settings in the first three-quarters of the book, as they are areas I am very familiar with, perhaps had this not been the case the book might not have had the same appeal.
March 5, 2021
I love a bit of historical fiction and this one didn't disappoint in the slightest.
Set in the 1820's the story follows Doctor Mungo Lyon (love that name) who has been barred from practising medicine nbybthr Burke and Hare serial murder scandal and his association with Robert Knox. Mungo Lyon is tasked as a agent by the Crown to investigate the murder of an lighthouse keeper and a smuggling line.
The story has a fast paced plot and is a page turner, travelling from Grenock to Glasgow and eventually Jamaica. I loved how descriptive it was and how I could visualise how things might have been, which made it an enjoyable read. The characterisation is great and I could easily imagine this book turned into a TV drama series.
Set in the 1820's the story follows Doctor Mungo Lyon (love that name) who has been barred from practising medicine nbybthr Burke and Hare serial murder scandal and his association with Robert Knox. Mungo Lyon is tasked as a agent by the Crown to investigate the murder of an lighthouse keeper and a smuggling line.
The story has a fast paced plot and is a page turner, travelling from Grenock to Glasgow and eventually Jamaica. I loved how descriptive it was and how I could visualise how things might have been, which made it an enjoyable read. The characterisation is great and I could easily imagine this book turned into a TV drama series.
December 4, 2019
I really enjoyed reading this first novel by Stephen O’Rourke which I read in ten staves on Pigeonhole. The story is set in Scotland in the 1820’s and follows Dr Mungo Lyon a doctor, who has recently been barred from practising medicine, as he takes on a new challenge from the Lord Advocate of Scotland to work undercover to investigate the murder of a lighthouse keeper. His journey takes him from Glasgow to Greenock and eventually to Jamaica! A rip roaring adventure packed with thrills and spills, political intrigue, smuggling and a touch of romance. Stephen O’Rourke’s writing is so descriptive and colourful that, at times, you feel like you are actually there standing next to the hero Mungo. A Great read.
February 7, 2021
Disgraced Edinburgh surgeon Dr Lyons is hired to solve a mystery of a murdered lighthouse keeper, a ghost ship on the rocks with some missing cargo,and missing men. From the moment he leaves his sister with a mysterious clue and heads to Greenock he is in danger from a mysterious group of men. The men in charge of customs who hdbis to work with don't want him there and his assistance appears to be in the form of a known murderer. In this thriling tale if deceit, smuggling, murder, kidnap and slavery you are kept guessing,. Who is friend, who is foe, and who will survive in this fantastic mystery set in Scotland's docks innthe 1800s
March 28, 2022
4/5 Very Good
I’ve had this one sat in my tbr pile for a little while, and being in the mood for something historical I dug this one and am very glad I did.
An extremely interesting, fascinating and entertaining romp through Scotland and later the West Indies, this story introduces Dr Mungo Lyon as an unexpected agent of the crown.
Many adventures ensue, with some real life characters, one an unlikely ally of Mungo in particular is fun to read as is the book and story itself.
Not a massive read, but a genuine page turning thriller that I thoroughly enjoyed and hope there is more to come as the ending suggests.
I’ve had this one sat in my tbr pile for a little while, and being in the mood for something historical I dug this one and am very glad I did.
An extremely interesting, fascinating and entertaining romp through Scotland and later the West Indies, this story introduces Dr Mungo Lyon as an unexpected agent of the crown.
Many adventures ensue, with some real life characters, one an unlikely ally of Mungo in particular is fun to read as is the book and story itself.
Not a massive read, but a genuine page turning thriller that I thoroughly enjoyed and hope there is more to come as the ending suggests.
November 5, 2020
A ship is found drifting, a lighthouse keeper has been murdered and The Crown need the truth so they choose Doctor Mungo Lyon who's career has been ruined by the Burke & Hare scandal. Mungo embarks on an adventure that takes him from the ports of Edinburgh to Jamaica where he will be chased, shot and held prisoner.
The Crown Agent is a fast paced piece of historical fiction that contains a load of adventure, intelligent and well researched world building which I quickly became immersed in. The author sets the bleak 19th century setting perfectly.
The Crown Agent is a fast paced piece of historical fiction that contains a load of adventure, intelligent and well researched world building which I quickly became immersed in. The author sets the bleak 19th century setting perfectly.
June 4, 2023
2,5 Stars
I had really high hopes for this book. From the abstract it sounded like it would be a witty detective story. But it wasn’t. The main character didn’t really do much at all, all his thoughts stayed unknown to the reader until the great reveal at the end.
Only that wasn’t so much of a surprise at all. It also didn’t help that there were way too many characters that all read exactly the same. I had no idea who is who which made the ending very underwhelming.
Also it kinda seems like we’re fighting against the good guys, but this is never mentioned at all, which is a little weird.
I had really high hopes for this book. From the abstract it sounded like it would be a witty detective story. But it wasn’t. The main character didn’t really do much at all, all his thoughts stayed unknown to the reader until the great reveal at the end.
Only that wasn’t so much of a surprise at all. It also didn’t help that there were way too many characters that all read exactly the same. I had no idea who is who which made the ending very underwhelming.
Also it kinda seems like we’re fighting against the good guys, but this is never mentioned at all, which is a little weird.
November 26, 2019
A great tale from a promising debut author. This is a well crafted story with enough hooks to keep you turning the pages. The author cleverly puts you into early 19th century Scotland and from the first chapter you are taken with the main protagonist, Dr Mungo Lyon, on an adventure that takes him across the country and beyond. I’d thoroughly recommend this and I look forward to further adventures with Dr Lyon.
November 27, 2019
Excellent adventure romp, full of action with dollops of history thrown in. Focused on a James Bond wannabe, with the usual suspects aiding and abetting - a disabled sister whizz at breaking secret codes; a questionable Irishman who never seems to be where he is most needed and of course the inevitable love focus with another agent.
The villains are difficult to identify - I got it completely wrong- but the tension makes for a page turner well worth a read.
The villains are difficult to identify - I got it completely wrong- but the tension makes for a page turner well worth a read.
December 2, 2019
This is a rip roaring tale set predominantly in 19th century Scotland.
Dr Mungo Lyon finds himself on the periphery of the Burke and Hare scandal due to his association with Dr Robert Knox, as a consequence he is looking for a new venture to get involved with.
He becomes an agent of the government and is charged with investigating a smuggling set up on the West Coast of Scotland.
This is just the beginning of an exciting and very entertaining adventure story. I loved it.
Dr Mungo Lyon finds himself on the periphery of the Burke and Hare scandal due to his association with Dr Robert Knox, as a consequence he is looking for a new venture to get involved with.
He becomes an agent of the government and is charged with investigating a smuggling set up on the West Coast of Scotland.
This is just the beginning of an exciting and very entertaining adventure story. I loved it.
December 14, 2019
I was a little sceptical at the beginning of the book, although it was gripping from the start. However, my fears were unfounded, and ultimately it was one of the better books I've read in a while. At times reminiscent of 'The Thirty-nine Steps', it is a gripping, roller-coaster adventure with an engaging protagonist and some very interesting characters on the side. Well worth the read, and my thanks to The Pigeonhole and Stephen O'Rourke for the opportunity to read the book.
December 18, 2020
This brilliant wee thriller plays out as a colourful mix of Robert Louis Stevenson meets Eric Ambler meets Philip Kerr. Mr O'Rourke leads us on a suspense-filled jaunt through 1820s Scotland with a story richly plotted and flush with period detail. His characters are vividly drawn, not least the memorable protagonist, Dr Mungo Lyon, and the west of Scotland dialects are spot on. In a word, a joy.
November 27, 2019
A very enjoyable read. I recommend it to readers who like historical adventures. The engaging characters, vivid descriptions and fast-paced action are very appealing. I was not surprised to find that this is to be the first in a series.
November 28, 2019
I feel as if I have just watched this book on the TV screen, the writing is so good that I was there! Very enjoyable read with great characters. Really want to read more. Highly recommended.
Thanks go to Pigeonhole and to Stephen allowing new to read this.
Thanks go to Pigeonhole and to Stephen allowing new to read this.
November 27, 2019
Very entertaining with many twists and turns. The writing is also very good.
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November 27, 2019I thoroughly enjoyed The Crown Agent. The narrative was well written and spellbinding. I really hope to meet Mungo Lyon again.
November 27, 2019
A thoroughly enjoyable read!
November 27, 2019
A thoroughly enjoyable novel with well developed characters. Fast paced and exciting. Highly recommended. Thanks to The Pigeonhole for my copy
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