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Justice Belstrang Mysteries #3
Deliverance: A Justice Belstrang Mystery
'A wonderfully humane, and all-too human, central character.' Roger Morris
England, 1618.
At his manor of Thirldon, ex-Justice Belstrang - still at loggerheads with his old rival Justice Standish - receives devastating news: King James intends to purchase the estate for his favourite, the Marquis of Buckingham – and Belstrang must comply.
In the ensuing turmoil, while his son-in-law George petitions the King on his behalf, Belstrang receives a plea from a dying friend, Sir Richard Mountford, to visit him at Foxhill Manor. To take his mind off his troubles Belstrang goes - and discovers things are not so simple.
Sir Richard is not dying, but desperate. His brother John has been killed in an explosion at the family’s iron foundry, down in the remote Forest of Dean. They cast cannons for the Royal Armouries: a privileged and lucrative business. But Sir Richard does not believe John’s death was an accident.
Meanwhile, Mountford's cold-hearted son Francis treats him as an invalid. He fears things are being kept from him - and implores Belstrang to investigate.
The mystery deepens when a forester who was seen talking to Belstrang is murdered.
Only after a violent confrontation on the bleak salt-marshes does the truth begin to unfold - and its implications reach far beyond England’s shores.
This time Belstrang must follow the trail to a very bitter end, which could be the making of him - or cause his undoing.
England, 1618.
At his manor of Thirldon, ex-Justice Belstrang - still at loggerheads with his old rival Justice Standish - receives devastating news: King James intends to purchase the estate for his favourite, the Marquis of Buckingham – and Belstrang must comply.
In the ensuing turmoil, while his son-in-law George petitions the King on his behalf, Belstrang receives a plea from a dying friend, Sir Richard Mountford, to visit him at Foxhill Manor. To take his mind off his troubles Belstrang goes - and discovers things are not so simple.
Sir Richard is not dying, but desperate. His brother John has been killed in an explosion at the family’s iron foundry, down in the remote Forest of Dean. They cast cannons for the Royal Armouries: a privileged and lucrative business. But Sir Richard does not believe John’s death was an accident.
Meanwhile, Mountford's cold-hearted son Francis treats him as an invalid. He fears things are being kept from him - and implores Belstrang to investigate.
The mystery deepens when a forester who was seen talking to Belstrang is murdered.
Only after a violent confrontation on the bleak salt-marshes does the truth begin to unfold - and its implications reach far beyond England’s shores.
This time Belstrang must follow the trail to a very bitter end, which could be the making of him - or cause his undoing.
- GenresHistorical Fiction
199 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 22, 2021
92 people are currently reading
56 people want to read
About the author
John Pilkington
31 books75 followersJohn Pilkington wrote radio plays back in the 1980s before stepping things up a notch and scribbling down television scripts for the BCC. He then went onto write historical mystery novels for children.
Librarian note:
There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name.
Librarian note:
There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
July 18, 2021
This Justice Belstrang story delivers a tale of physical and mental challenges throughout this fast paced adventure far from home in the name of friendship... and then honor with gratifying results in the end rather than death as it sometimes seemed would visit him. In responding to an old friend in need he uncovers treasonous plots with cannons being shipped to Spain for profit, and has more than a hit on the head to deal with. His estate is rumored to fall under the king's eye to be given as reward to someone else, so he has this worry hanging over him during his investigation. Loads of action!
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Kindle Unlimited
February 19, 2025
This is the third, and unfortunately, the final book in the excellent Justice Belstrang series – I’ve enjoyed them all very much. John Pilkington has delivered another really satisfying and enjoyable tale of courage and adventure set in the Jacobean period. Robert Belstrang sets out to help an old friend and ends up uncovering murder and treasonous plots. I really enjoyed learning about early industry in the Forest of Dean.
This is top quality story telling.
This is top quality story telling.
October 7, 2022
Its about time.
This series was one of the best so far. The endings are well done for once. I would recommend them to others.
This series was one of the best so far. The endings are well done for once. I would recommend them to others.
July 21, 2021
Another wonderful story in this brilliant series! The main character of Justice Belstrang just brings the uncertainties and changing values of the Jacobean period to life. I was fascinated by the history of early industry in the Forest of Dean (nice to learn something new!) as well as being caught up in the exciting plot of greed and danger that Belstrang uncovers. Fabulous storytelling!
July 12, 2024
Terrific trilogy
Read the three novels with great satisfaction. The middle book being possibly the best in my opinion, or at least the more intense. Mr Pilkington is a fine writer of the period it would be nice if there was a fourth novel just to keep in touch with Justice Beltrang.
Read the three novels with great satisfaction. The middle book being possibly the best in my opinion, or at least the more intense. Mr Pilkington is a fine writer of the period it would be nice if there was a fourth novel just to keep in touch with Justice Beltrang.
June 24, 2021
Brilliant historical mystery series
Have thoroughly enjoyed this series and the Authors others. Excellent characters rendered in such believable historic settings. Highly recommended to all
Have thoroughly enjoyed this series and the Authors others. Excellent characters rendered in such believable historic settings. Highly recommended to all
October 24, 2021
An exceptional series of mysteries
I read all three Justice Belstrang mysteries, which I thoroughly enjoyed. They were well written, with many twists and turns. With the last, I will miss the Justice's adventures and only hope that the author might write one or two more.
I read all three Justice Belstrang mysteries, which I thoroughly enjoyed. They were well written, with many twists and turns. With the last, I will miss the Justice's adventures and only hope that the author might write one or two more.
December 1, 2021
Deliverance
This is the final book in the series about Robert Belstrang, the former magistrate who unravels yet more mysteries in the early seventeenth century. It’s a good story, and one leaves this character with regret, but gladness for his happier circumstances.
This is the final book in the series about Robert Belstrang, the former magistrate who unravels yet more mysteries in the early seventeenth century. It’s a good story, and one leaves this character with regret, but gladness for his happier circumstances.
June 6, 2023
Another damn good yarn
Not too much to say. This Pilkington fella writes really well!
If you like an easy to read escapade with daring-do, then read this and you will enjoy!
As usual with John Pilkington's stories, you will find this hard to put down.
Read it and enjoy!
Not too much to say. This Pilkington fella writes really well!
If you like an easy to read escapade with daring-do, then read this and you will enjoy!
As usual with John Pilkington's stories, you will find this hard to put down.
Read it and enjoy!
November 3, 2023
wonderful tale
John Pilkington is a master storyteller. His Justice Belstrang series, hopefully not concluded, are fast paced, tense but easy to read thrillers. Original and clever plots.
John Pilkington is a master storyteller. His Justice Belstrang series, hopefully not concluded, are fast paced, tense but easy to read thrillers. Original and clever plots.
November 21, 2023
A very enjoyable tale
John Pilkington draws you in in a masterly way into the storyline that makes you want to read more.
I hope this is not the last of Sir Justice Belstrang as I would love to see where his next venture takes him as well as being a magistrate.
John Pilkington draws you in in a masterly way into the storyline that makes you want to read more.
I hope this is not the last of Sir Justice Belstrang as I would love to see where his next venture takes him as well as being a magistrate.
September 24, 2024
1618. While his estate is under threat of compulsive purchase by the King, Belstrang helps an old friend, Sir Richard Mountford, by determining how and why and by whom his brother John was killed.
An entertaining historical mystery with its likeable characters.
An entertaining historical mystery with its likeable characters.
April 8, 2021
Good adventure
I have read 2 other books about Justice Belstrang and have enjoyed them all.I look forward to reading more of the life of and times of the Justice.
I have read 2 other books about Justice Belstrang and have enjoyed them all.I look forward to reading more of the life of and times of the Justice.
December 1, 2021
Good
A satisfying end to the trilogy of Belstrang's astonishment. A good read but somewhat strange in its pace and our hero's impetuosity is at times a little unreal.
A satisfying end to the trilogy of Belstrang's astonishment. A good read but somewhat strange in its pace and our hero's impetuosity is at times a little unreal.
March 23, 2022
how nice to have series rounded off. Belstrang has been one of my favourite characters but pleased to leave him with a warm glow. Particularly good to have this final book set in my home area.
July 5, 2022
This series is terrific. Don't miss it.
September 11, 2022
Realy enjoying these john pilkington books.
April 12, 2023
Wonderful series
This has been a wonderful series and I’ve enjoyed all three books. I’m just sorry this is the last. I’ll miss Justice Belstrang.
This has been a wonderful series and I’ve enjoyed all three books. I’m just sorry this is the last. I’ll miss Justice Belstrang.
June 21, 2024
Not disappointed! Highly recommended!
October 27, 2024
page turner
An excellent book . It moves along at a good pace I enjoyed it very much .i hope Sir Robert’s adventures continue Thank you
An excellent book . It moves along at a good pace I enjoyed it very much .i hope Sir Robert’s adventures continue Thank you
June 2, 2025
a real adventure
i would highly recommend this series, highs and lows, lots of adventures with twists and turns, I really enjoyed the books.
i would highly recommend this series, highs and lows, lots of adventures with twists and turns, I really enjoyed the books.
April 3, 2026
Another enjoyable tale from Mr Pilkington. I can honestly say that I have enjoyed every one of his books I have read to date. If you like historical fiction then try him out
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews