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Plague
'Highly recommended.' Dr Noir (aka Jacky Collins) 'This is a tense parliamentary thriller with the sour tang of authenticity.' Annamarie Neary author of Sirens 'Fascinating and authoritative insider view of modern power politics that is all too frighteningly prescient. A gripping read.' VB Grey , author of Tell Me How It Ends 'Lovely insights into how the historic buildings and some of the people in the Palace of Westminster work.' Mike Naworynsky , former Deputy Serjeant at Arms, Palace of Westminster. 'If it's excitement and mystery you're after, try the bang up to date and very topical Plague .' Time & Leisure magazine. 'Absolutely enthralling...Thought provoking and genius - thank you Julie Anderson!' Barbara Pidgeon , author of Shakti Manifest . 'Intriguing and multi-layered, the plot is extremely topical and the stakes could not be higher.' David Armstrong , playwright. 'Loved the tension in the story which gripped right to the end. Very accurate description of Westminster, especially how easy it is to get lost.' Lord Collins of Highbury
There are many ways to die. Plague is just one of them. Work on a London tube line is halted by the discovery of an ancient plague pit and, within it, a very recent corpse. A day later another body is found, killed in the same way, also in a plague pit. This victim is linked to the Palace of Westminster, where rumours swirl around the Prime Minister and his rivals. As the number of deaths climbs, the media stokes fear. Government assurances are disbelieved. Everyone feels threatened. This has to be resolved and fast. The Westminster connection enables Detective Inspector Andrew Rowlands, working alone on a series of rapes and murders of vulnerable young people in central London, to finally persuade his superiors that there is a pattern. He is assigned to lead the case. Cassandra Fortune, a disgraced civil servant, is given the uncomfortable task of investigating the investigation, while joining forces with Rowlands to find the killers before Parliament rises for recess. Together they navigate the arcane world of the Palace of Westminster as the body count grows. But someone is leaking important details about the case to the press and the media ratchets up the pressure. Misinformation and malice online feeds distrust and panic and the Black Death begins to stalk the streets of London once again. Meanwhile the commercial and political world focuses on the launch of a huge government Thames-side building programme worth billions. Powerful forces, in Parliament and the City, are competing for its spoils. How, if at all, does this link with the killings? Drawn into the melee, Cassandra Fortune finds herself the object of the attentions of one of the major players, wealthy City broker, Lawrence Delahaye. The attraction is mutual. Fortune and Rowlands discover a shadowy underground network of influence and power as they race against the clock to prevent the death of more innocents and the destruction of the Mother of Parliaments itself. Cassandra will be forced to make a terrible decision as she faces ruin. Time is running out and it's not clear what, or who, is going to survive.
There are many ways to die. Plague is just one of them. Work on a London tube line is halted by the discovery of an ancient plague pit and, within it, a very recent corpse. A day later another body is found, killed in the same way, also in a plague pit. This victim is linked to the Palace of Westminster, where rumours swirl around the Prime Minister and his rivals. As the number of deaths climbs, the media stokes fear. Government assurances are disbelieved. Everyone feels threatened. This has to be resolved and fast. The Westminster connection enables Detective Inspector Andrew Rowlands, working alone on a series of rapes and murders of vulnerable young people in central London, to finally persuade his superiors that there is a pattern. He is assigned to lead the case. Cassandra Fortune, a disgraced civil servant, is given the uncomfortable task of investigating the investigation, while joining forces with Rowlands to find the killers before Parliament rises for recess. Together they navigate the arcane world of the Palace of Westminster as the body count grows. But someone is leaking important details about the case to the press and the media ratchets up the pressure. Misinformation and malice online feeds distrust and panic and the Black Death begins to stalk the streets of London once again. Meanwhile the commercial and political world focuses on the launch of a huge government Thames-side building programme worth billions. Powerful forces, in Parliament and the City, are competing for its spoils. How, if at all, does this link with the killings? Drawn into the melee, Cassandra Fortune finds herself the object of the attentions of one of the major players, wealthy City broker, Lawrence Delahaye. The attraction is mutual. Fortune and Rowlands discover a shadowy underground network of influence and power as they race against the clock to prevent the death of more innocents and the destruction of the Mother of Parliaments itself. Cassandra will be forced to make a terrible decision as she faces ruin. Time is running out and it's not clear what, or who, is going to survive.
290 pages, Paperback
First published September 15, 2020
8 people are currently reading
191 people want to read
About the author
Julie J. Anderson
16 books41 followersJulie Anderson is the CWA Dagger listed author of three Whitehall thrillers and a short series of historical adventure stories for young adults. Before becoming a crime fiction writer, she was a senior civil servant, working across a variety of departments and agencies, including the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister. Unlike her protagonists, however, she doesn’t know where (all) the bodies are buried.
She writes crime fiction reviews for Time and Leisure Magazine and is a co-founder and Trustee of the Clapham Book Festival. She lives in south London where her latest crime fiction series is set, returning to her first love of writing historical fiction with The Midnight Man, for Hobeck Books. The first in the Clapham Trilogy, the second, A Death in the Afternoon will be published in April 2025.
Her books are available in bookshops, at Bookshop.org and on Amazon and Waterstones.
She blogs occasionally about things which interest her at www.julieandersonwriter.com and tweets occasionally at Twitter.com/jjulieanderson
She writes crime fiction reviews for Time and Leisure Magazine and is a co-founder and Trustee of the Clapham Book Festival. She lives in south London where her latest crime fiction series is set, returning to her first love of writing historical fiction with The Midnight Man, for Hobeck Books. The first in the Clapham Trilogy, the second, A Death in the Afternoon will be published in April 2025.
Her books are available in bookshops, at Bookshop.org and on Amazon and Waterstones.
She blogs occasionally about things which interest her at www.julieandersonwriter.com and tweets occasionally at Twitter.com/jjulieanderson
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
November 27, 2020
You might think that a book by the name of Plague by Julie Anderson is about disease. In these days of pandemic and worry, the title can be misleading. Not to worry, this is a break from today’s worldwide bad news. In London, two hundred feet below street level, a group of experts are inspecting an ancient burial chamber. They accidentally stumble upon a body in an old plague pit, used centuries ago to dispose of diseased bodies. However, the body is recently deceased and it appears that the young man has been brutally murdered. A civil servant is in the group and the deputy prime minister gives her an assignment to report results of the investigation in order to avoid scandal in high places. More bodies are subsequently found and she joins forces with a police investigator to gain knowledge about the crimes. Powerful people are suspected and the duo are anxious to prevent the murders of more young people. Plague by Julie Anderson is a book that has everything to keep the reader satisfied and interested: mystery, history, suspense and even a little romance. I highly recommend this book. Thank you to Claret Press and the author for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
September 16, 2020
Another great and unexpected find!
Cassie has a chequered past working for GCHQ and now relegated to the Office of the Deputy PM, in this role she finds herself, unbeknowingly, at the discovery of one of London’s ‘plague pits’....but also discovered there are signs of recent murders and torture, this looks like it is linked to a recent young Danish mans death in London, it starts to point to Parliament and some of the wealthiest men in the Country being involved
With her prior knowledge and links to high Govt officials ( as asked to by Govt Ministers re her previous work) she starts on a no holds barred investigation into what could be the biggest scandal for many years, all this with the press insisting there is a new ‘plague’ thrashing its way through London ( it was interesting to read mention of Covid as something of the past )
Having worked at the House of Lords for 8 years this was a fascinating read as many of the places and protocols I saw daily were re-visited, also fascinating were the visits to ‘underworld London’, the lost rivers and systems below us all here in the Capital
I liked Cassie and her ‘thoughts’ as she spoke ( kinda answering herself but saying what she meant and not what she had to say ) and I enjoyed the story telling that went from dark and grim to adventurous and exciting, often on the same page
I guess the book reminded me of Hostel with a 24 edge and a big helping of political drama
As said another unexpected find and one I really enjoyed and glad read, roll on Book 2 ( and Book 3 which I believe is already written )
9/10
5 Stars
Cassie has a chequered past working for GCHQ and now relegated to the Office of the Deputy PM, in this role she finds herself, unbeknowingly, at the discovery of one of London’s ‘plague pits’....but also discovered there are signs of recent murders and torture, this looks like it is linked to a recent young Danish mans death in London, it starts to point to Parliament and some of the wealthiest men in the Country being involved
With her prior knowledge and links to high Govt officials ( as asked to by Govt Ministers re her previous work) she starts on a no holds barred investigation into what could be the biggest scandal for many years, all this with the press insisting there is a new ‘plague’ thrashing its way through London ( it was interesting to read mention of Covid as something of the past )
Having worked at the House of Lords for 8 years this was a fascinating read as many of the places and protocols I saw daily were re-visited, also fascinating were the visits to ‘underworld London’, the lost rivers and systems below us all here in the Capital
I liked Cassie and her ‘thoughts’ as she spoke ( kinda answering herself but saying what she meant and not what she had to say ) and I enjoyed the story telling that went from dark and grim to adventurous and exciting, often on the same page
I guess the book reminded me of Hostel with a 24 edge and a big helping of political drama
As said another unexpected find and one I really enjoyed and glad read, roll on Book 2 ( and Book 3 which I believe is already written )
9/10
5 Stars
September 26, 2020
Political thriller set in LONDON
The Palace of Westminster (otherwise known as the Houses of Parliament, the seat of parliament in England): “There are plenty of MPs who are decent, dutiful partners and parents at home in their constituencies who change character once they arrive at the Palace. It’s a world unto itself, a self-contained town full of gossip and plots”
I love a book that has a map at the front. London indeed is a strong setting in this political thriller. And the River Tyburn is at the heart of this novel, it is a river that is buried beneath the layers of history of this wonderful city. It almost seems that a series of modern day murders are linked by the route of the river.
Plague. I thought it had been obliterated. But I am wrong, There are still small cluster outbreaks around the world – Congo and Western U.S.A had small outbreaks in recent memory. So the panic engendered by the discovery of a modern day murder at the site of a plague pit causes people to demonstrate on the streets in the book, not believing the political line that there is nothing to worry about. Sound familiar on some level?
Back in medieval times people died in great numbers. Their bodies were unceremoniously dumped in ‘plague pits’. Archaeologists often discover these pits nowadays and one such pit is the opener to the book. A modern day body has been found. Rest assured, you cannot catch plague by being around a plague pit.
Cassandra is a disgraced civil servant who is helping to stop the killing spree of European nationals. The bodies of young people have been found, linked to historic sites around the capital, mutilated and clearly victims of salacious perpetrators. Rape, followed by mutilation and death. It seems that individuals are being sourced to order, young people lured for sexual exploitation. Evidence is beginning to mount that leads back to the Palace of Westminster. The rich and privileged clearly look after their own. Cassie has to cleave her way through the obfuscation and venal machinations of some of the people in government and their cohorts. It’s a nasty business and her life is under threat. The perpetrators will, it seems, stop at nothing. Power and money hold sway.
This is a well paced political thriller that kept me reading to the end.
The Palace of Westminster (otherwise known as the Houses of Parliament, the seat of parliament in England): “There are plenty of MPs who are decent, dutiful partners and parents at home in their constituencies who change character once they arrive at the Palace. It’s a world unto itself, a self-contained town full of gossip and plots”
I love a book that has a map at the front. London indeed is a strong setting in this political thriller. And the River Tyburn is at the heart of this novel, it is a river that is buried beneath the layers of history of this wonderful city. It almost seems that a series of modern day murders are linked by the route of the river.
Plague. I thought it had been obliterated. But I am wrong, There are still small cluster outbreaks around the world – Congo and Western U.S.A had small outbreaks in recent memory. So the panic engendered by the discovery of a modern day murder at the site of a plague pit causes people to demonstrate on the streets in the book, not believing the political line that there is nothing to worry about. Sound familiar on some level?
Back in medieval times people died in great numbers. Their bodies were unceremoniously dumped in ‘plague pits’. Archaeologists often discover these pits nowadays and one such pit is the opener to the book. A modern day body has been found. Rest assured, you cannot catch plague by being around a plague pit.
Cassandra is a disgraced civil servant who is helping to stop the killing spree of European nationals. The bodies of young people have been found, linked to historic sites around the capital, mutilated and clearly victims of salacious perpetrators. Rape, followed by mutilation and death. It seems that individuals are being sourced to order, young people lured for sexual exploitation. Evidence is beginning to mount that leads back to the Palace of Westminster. The rich and privileged clearly look after their own. Cassie has to cleave her way through the obfuscation and venal machinations of some of the people in government and their cohorts. It’s a nasty business and her life is under threat. The perpetrators will, it seems, stop at nothing. Power and money hold sway.
This is a well paced political thriller that kept me reading to the end.
September 28, 2020
"Plague. Ciuma. Pest. Plaga. In any language, a word of power and fear."
Alas, I selected this to read because when I skimmed the synopsis, I thought this was actually about a plague in London. The "plague" in this mystery thriller is about proximity to power and control of money markets, government, and media.
Cassandra Fortune, drummed out of her former job as investigator at GCHQ, has a chance at redemption when she's asked to work with the police after several bodies are found that appear to be linked and discovered in unusual places in the subterranean areas surrounding Westminster. While the press has a field day with reports of plague pits and corruption, Cassandra and DI Andrew Rowlands track down a shadowy organization that is connected to the highest levels of government. NO SPOILERS.
This turned out very different to what I was expecting and that has led to me being disappointed in the overall story. I was not anticipating the protagonist to be such a hot mess nor was I ready for the romantic entanglements that would ensue. I did find the descriptions of the underground and subterranean tunnels and river to be quite interesting and there was a lot of that. I understand that this is the first in a planned trilogy featuring this character and I may or may not be reading those. I was not particularly thrilled by the last third of the book or the conclusion. The writing style was interesting though it got annoying when Cassandra's thoughts would be interspersed with her interactions and printed in italics. The reader learns very little about the other characters and it was easy to guess the bad guy.
Thank you to NetGalley and Claret Press for this E-book ARC to read and review.
Alas, I selected this to read because when I skimmed the synopsis, I thought this was actually about a plague in London. The "plague" in this mystery thriller is about proximity to power and control of money markets, government, and media.
Cassandra Fortune, drummed out of her former job as investigator at GCHQ, has a chance at redemption when she's asked to work with the police after several bodies are found that appear to be linked and discovered in unusual places in the subterranean areas surrounding Westminster. While the press has a field day with reports of plague pits and corruption, Cassandra and DI Andrew Rowlands track down a shadowy organization that is connected to the highest levels of government. NO SPOILERS.
This turned out very different to what I was expecting and that has led to me being disappointed in the overall story. I was not anticipating the protagonist to be such a hot mess nor was I ready for the romantic entanglements that would ensue. I did find the descriptions of the underground and subterranean tunnels and river to be quite interesting and there was a lot of that. I understand that this is the first in a planned trilogy featuring this character and I may or may not be reading those. I was not particularly thrilled by the last third of the book or the conclusion. The writing style was interesting though it got annoying when Cassandra's thoughts would be interspersed with her interactions and printed in italics. The reader learns very little about the other characters and it was easy to guess the bad guy.
Thank you to NetGalley and Claret Press for this E-book ARC to read and review.
March 16, 2021
This is a great political murder mystery. A civil servant is our investigator. A civil servant! I love that. When was the last time you read a murder mystery with a civil servant as the heroine. Almost makes me want to sign up for the Home Office.
It turns out that Cassie, our civil servant, is a character with a murky past. Overly ambitious, she flew too close to the sun and got burned. The author does't tell us what she did that got her brought down, but two years laters, she is still licking her wounds, relegated to the lowest rung of the ladder.
Meanwhile, young foreign nations in London are being horrifically murdered and their bodies dumped .The Met can't even put them all together in a single file because they're too different. They don't even know how many there are.
And then there's Westminster. After one of the murders gets tied into Westminster, Cassie has to work with the Met to make sure that nothing bad will be traced back to politicians.
This political thriller is chillingly realistic. It reads like something pulled from the front pages of the newspapers. The fact that the author herself was a civil servant and know exactly what she is talking about shines through. It grants the novel a legitimacy and a persuasiveness that adds to the realism.
It turns out that Cassie, our civil servant, is a character with a murky past. Overly ambitious, she flew too close to the sun and got burned. The author does't tell us what she did that got her brought down, but two years laters, she is still licking her wounds, relegated to the lowest rung of the ladder.
Meanwhile, young foreign nations in London are being horrifically murdered and their bodies dumped .The Met can't even put them all together in a single file because they're too different. They don't even know how many there are.
And then there's Westminster. After one of the murders gets tied into Westminster, Cassie has to work with the Met to make sure that nothing bad will be traced back to politicians.
This political thriller is chillingly realistic. It reads like something pulled from the front pages of the newspapers. The fact that the author herself was a civil servant and know exactly what she is talking about shines through. It grants the novel a legitimacy and a persuasiveness that adds to the realism.
October 11, 2020
3.5 stars
In current day London, bodies have been found in centuries old plague pits. The victims have obviously been tortured and used for other purposes. Is there a serial killer in town? Or a group of sadistic killers? There is a link to Parliament and the Palace of Westminster which is how Cassie Fortune ends up involved with the investigation. Cassie is at a rut in her career working at Westminster and hopes that working the case will help redeem her in the higher ups' eyes. She's teamed up with Andrew, a police detective and the two follow trails that lead them into the depths of London's sewers and long buried rivers.
This was definitely an adventure. Cassie is relatable and I like her interactions with Andrew. I loved the setting of London and the involvement of what lies beneath the city. The author based much of the info about the sewers, buried rivers etc. on actual fact, so I actually got to learn some cool new facts about London.
This is the first book in a trilogy, so I am curious to check out the others.
What to listen to while reading...
Hiding Tonight by Alex Turner
Knives Out by Radiohead
No Light, No Light by Florence + the Machine
Way down We Go by KALEO
Glory and Gore by Lorde
Lost River by Murder by Death
Blue Moon by Chromatics
Thank you to the publisher for the review copy!
In current day London, bodies have been found in centuries old plague pits. The victims have obviously been tortured and used for other purposes. Is there a serial killer in town? Or a group of sadistic killers? There is a link to Parliament and the Palace of Westminster which is how Cassie Fortune ends up involved with the investigation. Cassie is at a rut in her career working at Westminster and hopes that working the case will help redeem her in the higher ups' eyes. She's teamed up with Andrew, a police detective and the two follow trails that lead them into the depths of London's sewers and long buried rivers.
This was definitely an adventure. Cassie is relatable and I like her interactions with Andrew. I loved the setting of London and the involvement of what lies beneath the city. The author based much of the info about the sewers, buried rivers etc. on actual fact, so I actually got to learn some cool new facts about London.
This is the first book in a trilogy, so I am curious to check out the others.
What to listen to while reading...
Hiding Tonight by Alex Turner
Knives Out by Radiohead
No Light, No Light by Florence + the Machine
Way down We Go by KALEO
Glory and Gore by Lorde
Lost River by Murder by Death
Blue Moon by Chromatics
Thank you to the publisher for the review copy!
May 21, 2020
A great, page-turning read filled with intrigue and mystery. I was hooked from the start and really felt as though I was on the journey with Cassandra and Andrew, throughout the narrative, helping them to carry out their investigation within the very heart of London.. With elements of history, politics and even romance thrown in, I couldn’t put it down once I started.
July 13, 2020
I was looking for a political thriller with a strong female lead. But Cassandra Fortune, the heroine of this novel, sadly does not fit that bill. Rather than focusing on reviving her tarnished career (her stated goal), she seems more interested in finding a man. Worse yet, she seems determined to look in all the wrong places for said man. Candidate one is a wealthy embezzler and psychopathic murderer. Candidate two is the Detective Inspector with whom she is working to solve a series of murders. Neither choice is particularly smart for a woman interested in a career in the upper echelons of political power! After all, falling for a psychopathic killer does not speak well of one's detective skills nor does pining over a colleague speak well of one's professionalism. At times, I could have sworn this woman had never heard of the feminist movement despite allegedly having once held a powerful position in British intelligence. To my horror, Cassandra Fortune alternately sounded like a lovesick teenager and a "Stand by Your Man" Tammy Wynette kind of girl. The only good news, if you can call it that, is that the male characters were just as lame.
I would like to thank NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. Unfortunately, this is not one that I can recommend.
I would like to thank NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. Unfortunately, this is not one that I can recommend.
May 10, 2020
I had high hope for Plague by Julie Anderson, but unfortunately for me it fell short. I could not connect with any if the characters, whom I felt were a bit one dimensional. The story was extremely slow moving, with little to nothing exciting about it. Several times I wanted to just stop reading, it was that boring to me. Oh well, on to the next read.
Thank you Netgallery for the free digital ARC in exchange for an honest and voluntary review. All opinions are my own.
Thank you Netgallery for the free digital ARC in exchange for an honest and voluntary review. All opinions are my own.
October 16, 2020
It felt peculiarly apt reading a book called Plague during these strange and uncertain times we still find ourselves in. Even though the population isn't actually at risk of contracting the bubonic plague here, there are striking similarities with the way people are manipulated by certain sections media, who increasingly shape rather than report on the news and who, in encouraging a mistrust of mainstream science, are complicit in the formation of angry, fearful mobs.
A different sort of plague has infected Westminster, but it's no less deadly; power and the corruptive pursuit of it lies behind the awful events, with innocent victims ruthlessly discarded by a dangerous cabal who use their insider knowledge and influence to perpetrate horrific rapes and murder. Cassandra Fortune is a civil servant working in procurement for the Deputy Prime Minister's Office. and although it's a coincidence that she's present when the body of a recently murdered young man is discovered in a centuries-old plague pit, it soon becomes apparent that she isn't all she seems.
Cassie is a fabulous main character; much of the book follows her and though written in the third person, readers are also given an insight into her thought processes. This clever device allows for a greater understanding of who she is and it's clear that whatever happened in her past has led to her being tormented by self-doubt. It's also obvious that she is desperately ambitious to re-establish her career and to regain her job at GCHQ, which ended with her reputation in tatters. It means she accepts an assignment to work with the police investigation into the murders, and her instructions to ensure no reputational damage is caused to Parliament are a double-edged sword; there's the lure of redemption if she succeeds - but she is under no illusion that she fails, her career is over.
With only seven days until the autumn recess, Cassie faces a race against time and this lends a real sense of urgency to the story. The tension increases throughout as she joins forces with DI Andrew Rowland, who has long suspected that the murders of a number of young foreign nationals are linked. The tempestuous relationship between the pair is compelling and Cassie's thoughts are particularly significant during many of their scenes, revealing her need to feel in control and her tendency to self-sabotage stressful situations. Although she is undoubtedly a principled woman, she obviously relishes being involved in the investigation and her desire to feel influential means she can't help but be drawn to those who are evidently powerful. As she and Rowland realise the Palace of Westminster is implicated in the deaths, those who walk its corridors come under suspicion but with the hypercritical media seemingly one step ahead, just who is pulling the strings and who should Cassie trust?
Julie Anderson's previous career as a Senior Civil Servant in Westminster and Whitehall ensures the sense of place is authentically evoked throughout Plague and the insights into the inner workings of Westminster are thoroughly enjoyable. As the investigation takes Cassie and Andrew below ground, the riveting descriptions of subterranean London paint a vivid picture of the damp and murky world under the feet of the city's current inhabitants. The history of the city and how it has changed over the centuries is absolutely fascinating and adds an intriguing dimension to the story, but as dark as the tunnels underground may be, it's what goes on behind closed doors, in the echelons of power which is truly chilling. Although the narrative mostly follows Cassie, there are brief scenes interspersed throughout the book which reveal the sinister plans of a shadowy figure who is evidently in control. However, the precarious relationship between knowledge and power constantly shifts and as the novel reaches its breath-taking conclusion, I was stunned by events in the closing chapters and raced through the pages with my heart in my mouth.
Exciting, unsettling and thought-provoking, Plague is a complex, highly topical political thriller. I loved it and can't wait to read the second book in the series, Oracle. Highly recommended.
A different sort of plague has infected Westminster, but it's no less deadly; power and the corruptive pursuit of it lies behind the awful events, with innocent victims ruthlessly discarded by a dangerous cabal who use their insider knowledge and influence to perpetrate horrific rapes and murder. Cassandra Fortune is a civil servant working in procurement for the Deputy Prime Minister's Office. and although it's a coincidence that she's present when the body of a recently murdered young man is discovered in a centuries-old plague pit, it soon becomes apparent that she isn't all she seems.
Cassie is a fabulous main character; much of the book follows her and though written in the third person, readers are also given an insight into her thought processes. This clever device allows for a greater understanding of who she is and it's clear that whatever happened in her past has led to her being tormented by self-doubt. It's also obvious that she is desperately ambitious to re-establish her career and to regain her job at GCHQ, which ended with her reputation in tatters. It means she accepts an assignment to work with the police investigation into the murders, and her instructions to ensure no reputational damage is caused to Parliament are a double-edged sword; there's the lure of redemption if she succeeds - but she is under no illusion that she fails, her career is over.
With only seven days until the autumn recess, Cassie faces a race against time and this lends a real sense of urgency to the story. The tension increases throughout as she joins forces with DI Andrew Rowland, who has long suspected that the murders of a number of young foreign nationals are linked. The tempestuous relationship between the pair is compelling and Cassie's thoughts are particularly significant during many of their scenes, revealing her need to feel in control and her tendency to self-sabotage stressful situations. Although she is undoubtedly a principled woman, she obviously relishes being involved in the investigation and her desire to feel influential means she can't help but be drawn to those who are evidently powerful. As she and Rowland realise the Palace of Westminster is implicated in the deaths, those who walk its corridors come under suspicion but with the hypercritical media seemingly one step ahead, just who is pulling the strings and who should Cassie trust?
Julie Anderson's previous career as a Senior Civil Servant in Westminster and Whitehall ensures the sense of place is authentically evoked throughout Plague and the insights into the inner workings of Westminster are thoroughly enjoyable. As the investigation takes Cassie and Andrew below ground, the riveting descriptions of subterranean London paint a vivid picture of the damp and murky world under the feet of the city's current inhabitants. The history of the city and how it has changed over the centuries is absolutely fascinating and adds an intriguing dimension to the story, but as dark as the tunnels underground may be, it's what goes on behind closed doors, in the echelons of power which is truly chilling. Although the narrative mostly follows Cassie, there are brief scenes interspersed throughout the book which reveal the sinister plans of a shadowy figure who is evidently in control. However, the precarious relationship between knowledge and power constantly shifts and as the novel reaches its breath-taking conclusion, I was stunned by events in the closing chapters and raced through the pages with my heart in my mouth.
Exciting, unsettling and thought-provoking, Plague is a complex, highly topical political thriller. I loved it and can't wait to read the second book in the series, Oracle. Highly recommended.
September 15, 2020
Now available!
Thank you to Netgalley, Claret Press and Julie J. Anderson for a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Between 4 and 4.5 stars. 4.25? Never thought I’d every use a quarter star!
I requested this originally because of the mysterious cover and the title. The Plague during the time of a pandemic? Yes please! I opened it up and it had an intelligent, confident female as the lead, we start up immediately in a plague pit – which collapses! – and reveals a body. Throw in the underground river system flowing underneath London and some nods to places in London very close to my heart and I was SOLD. Glad to see my beloved Isle of Dogs in two upcoming books – check out When I Was Ten for another reference to this unique London area.
I loved this book and thought it was very well-crafted. With most thrillers, you can tell very early on who is behind everything and it is very predictable. Anderson did a fantastic job of keeping everything hidden and even when it became obvious who the key players were, you didn't know all of them and you didn't know what the link was and why they were doing it. I just HAD to know what was going on, so I motored through the last half of the book today because I just needed to know!
I will warn people now that if you are after a tidy happy-ever-after at the end of this book, then you will be sorely disappointed. That twist absolutely gutted me .
The reason why I did not give this 5 stars is because:
1) During times in the book, things were a little repetitive or stale. There was no movement in the story and, therefore, became a little dull.
2) I didn't find Cassie's emotions believable regarding the two love interests. She switched with absolutely no hesitation a number of times and the way she acted with love interest #2 so quickly was just so out there. It was like they had known each other and dated for months.
This is the first in a three-part series. I cannot wait for Oracle and Opera!
Thank you to Netgalley, Claret Press and Julie J. Anderson for a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Between 4 and 4.5 stars. 4.25? Never thought I’d every use a quarter star!
I requested this originally because of the mysterious cover and the title. The Plague during the time of a pandemic? Yes please! I opened it up and it had an intelligent, confident female as the lead, we start up immediately in a plague pit – which collapses! – and reveals a body. Throw in the underground river system flowing underneath London and some nods to places in London very close to my heart and I was SOLD. Glad to see my beloved Isle of Dogs in two upcoming books – check out When I Was Ten for another reference to this unique London area.
I loved this book and thought it was very well-crafted. With most thrillers, you can tell very early on who is behind everything and it is very predictable. Anderson did a fantastic job of keeping everything hidden and even when it became obvious who the key players were, you didn't know all of them and you didn't know what the link was and why they were doing it. I just HAD to know what was going on, so I motored through the last half of the book today because I just needed to know!
I will warn people now that if you are after a tidy happy-ever-after at the end of this book, then you will be sorely disappointed. That twist absolutely gutted me .
The reason why I did not give this 5 stars is because:
1) During times in the book, things were a little repetitive or stale. There was no movement in the story and, therefore, became a little dull.
2) I didn't find Cassie's emotions believable regarding the two love interests. She switched with absolutely no hesitation a number of times and the way she acted with love interest #2 so quickly was just so out there. It was like they had known each other and dated for months.
This is the first in a three-part series. I cannot wait for Oracle and Opera!
June 7, 2020
Thriller set around the Houses of Parliament
A political thriller set in central London where a series of murders causes concern to those at the highest levels of government.
Cassie is a bored civil servant, having been demoted from an exciting job at GCHQ (Government Communications Headquarters). She finds herself slightly involved in two murders, and then given the chance to help find the perpetrators and save her career. Cassie’s role is to see if the murders give any risk of embarrassment to the Prime Minister or his successor, and this leads her to working closely with DI Andrew Rowlands, and a growing attraction between them.
Occasionally the narrative changes to that of the perpetrator, which adds to the suspense, and guesswork of who it might be.
There are plenty of central London sites visited during the course of the action, and if you live there (or visit) the locations referred to will get you looking at doorways and London sites with renewed interest. There is also plenty of interesting information about the internal processes at the Palace of Westminster, together with glimpses into the underground river systems and structures that most visitors never get to see.
Due to personal stuff going on, I stopped reading this book in the middle, for about a week, and then read the rest in a rather disjointed manner. I was pleased to find that I could easily pick up the story from where I left off, and had no need to flick back at any stage. The events flow well, and I particularly enjoyed the character of Cassie, though there are many strong and interesting characters in this book.
The Author’s Note at the end of this book says that there are two more novels to follow in this series – however this this book’s ending tidies everything up well.
5*s from me for this thriller that includes well researched London history and places, together with a great tour around the lesser known areas of the Houses of Parliament. All this as well as a great storyline.
A political thriller set in central London where a series of murders causes concern to those at the highest levels of government.
Cassie is a bored civil servant, having been demoted from an exciting job at GCHQ (Government Communications Headquarters). She finds herself slightly involved in two murders, and then given the chance to help find the perpetrators and save her career. Cassie’s role is to see if the murders give any risk of embarrassment to the Prime Minister or his successor, and this leads her to working closely with DI Andrew Rowlands, and a growing attraction between them.
Occasionally the narrative changes to that of the perpetrator, which adds to the suspense, and guesswork of who it might be.
There are plenty of central London sites visited during the course of the action, and if you live there (or visit) the locations referred to will get you looking at doorways and London sites with renewed interest. There is also plenty of interesting information about the internal processes at the Palace of Westminster, together with glimpses into the underground river systems and structures that most visitors never get to see.
Due to personal stuff going on, I stopped reading this book in the middle, for about a week, and then read the rest in a rather disjointed manner. I was pleased to find that I could easily pick up the story from where I left off, and had no need to flick back at any stage. The events flow well, and I particularly enjoyed the character of Cassie, though there are many strong and interesting characters in this book.
The Author’s Note at the end of this book says that there are two more novels to follow in this series – however this this book’s ending tidies everything up well.
5*s from me for this thriller that includes well researched London history and places, together with a great tour around the lesser known areas of the Houses of Parliament. All this as well as a great storyline.
August 27, 2020
My thoughts about this, brilliantly written, gripping, political police procedural, murder mystery thriller was outstanding. Author Julie Anderson's Plague, truly grips you from the start till the end. The story begins when a work on a london tube line is halted by a discovery of a ancient plague pit, and a couple of days later, another body is found, this victim is linked to the Palace of Westminster. Enter the brilliant characters, disgraced civil servant Cassandra Fortune, who investigates the the discovery of the plague pit, Cassandra gets assigned, to the case that see's her team up with, Detective Inspector Andrew Rowlands, to work together, to find out, who are the people behind the murders, which are rising. When they investigate,the investigation,leads them to a discovery of wild and dangerous people, who would do anything for money, greed and power. What I loved about the story, was the suspense kept me hooked, who was really behind the murders was just mindblowing, it took my breath away.Author Julie Anderson is not only a fantastic writer, she has written a brilliant story, that truly shows you the dark secrets of the politics inside of Westminster. The characters Julie has written are just fantastic. Julie Anderson's Plague, is one of those thrillers, you have to read. A brilliantly written, hardhiting, police procedural, murder mystery thriller that is truly remarkable.Which is highly recommended. I would like to say thank you to author Julie Anderson, for kindly giving me a gifted copy, to read and review this outstanding thriller looking forward to book 2 and book 3 soon. 💥💥💥💥💥⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
September 16, 2020
During excavation works an ancient burial pit is unearthed and work is stopped for inspection by officials, it is identified ss a plague pit which gives rise to panic by the workers; however quick imposition of authority and reassurance by the civil servant supervising the inspection averts a stampede. When an earth fall occurs a further chamber is revealed full of bones and a human body, seemingly tortured and with his throat slit. The female civil servant a well-drawn out character, perverse, stubborn, and impetuous is assigned as a watching brief when more bodies and a murder investigation is set in motion. Rather than a serial killer it becomes obvious that a high-level organisation is involved that is linked possibly to politicians and business interests. During the investigation the civil servant with experience from her former role as an investigator into politically sensitive issues suspects that further crimes were due to be set in the commons and their suspicions being apparent, causes those involved to get the investigators killed with the lady barely escaping with her life before that the case is finally cracked. A most interesting story set in the houses of parliament and its culture and environment and how false news and media manipulation can be used as a tool to stir up public hysteria to hamper the criminal investigation.
May 28, 2020
The body of a young man is found at the site of a newly discovered plague pit. Cassandra Fortune is part of the group visiting the site when the body is found. The next day, another body is found killed in a similar manner with Cassie's work pass tucked in his pocket.
Cassie is a civil servant working in the Deputy Prime Ministers office. Because of her connection to the case and because of her past (she spent 11 years working at Government Communications Headquarters) she is tasked by the Deputy Prime Minister to shadow the police investigating. I had never heard of GCHQ and had to look it up. It's an intelligence agency continuing the work of the Bletchley Park team. Cool. For some reason not given in this book, Cassie had to leave her job and is unsatisfied in her current position.
I liked the structure of this book. Each chapter was a different day of the week, The story takes place over the course of a little over a week.
Cassie was an interesting character. She made decisions that drove me crazy sometimes, but overall I enjoyed the development of her character throughout the book.
This was a fast-paced book full of police procedure, politics, wealth, and power.
Thank you to NetGalley and Claret Press for sending me a copy of this book to review.
Cassie is a civil servant working in the Deputy Prime Ministers office. Because of her connection to the case and because of her past (she spent 11 years working at Government Communications Headquarters) she is tasked by the Deputy Prime Minister to shadow the police investigating. I had never heard of GCHQ and had to look it up. It's an intelligence agency continuing the work of the Bletchley Park team. Cool. For some reason not given in this book, Cassie had to leave her job and is unsatisfied in her current position.
I liked the structure of this book. Each chapter was a different day of the week, The story takes place over the course of a little over a week.
Cassie was an interesting character. She made decisions that drove me crazy sometimes, but overall I enjoyed the development of her character throughout the book.
This was a fast-paced book full of police procedure, politics, wealth, and power.
Thank you to NetGalley and Claret Press for sending me a copy of this book to review.
October 13, 2020
Work is brought to a halt on a London tube line when a plague pit is discovered. During an inspection of the pit a much more recent body is found. A day later another body is found also near a plague pit. Links are soon made to the Palace of Westminster which could threaten the people in power. The media soon get hold of the story and start stoking fear, along with provoking fear about the return of the plague. Cassandra a disgraced civil servant must work alongside the police to find the answers quickly before Westminster closes for a recess.
This is a really good, infectious read! It is a well paced and really well thought out story with lots of really good, true to life characters who you get to know and like (or dislike!). This is a really intelligent story with a little bit of everything, a crime story, political intrigue, history and romance. What I particularly like about this book though is the lead character Cassandra who is smart, and strong but she also allows herself to be vulnerable and ultimately flawed. She is aware of her drive for power and how that makes her feel and the struggle it brings when wanting a relationship. I am pleased to note that Cassandra will return in at least two more books.
This is a really good, infectious read! It is a well paced and really well thought out story with lots of really good, true to life characters who you get to know and like (or dislike!). This is a really intelligent story with a little bit of everything, a crime story, political intrigue, history and romance. What I particularly like about this book though is the lead character Cassandra who is smart, and strong but she also allows herself to be vulnerable and ultimately flawed. She is aware of her drive for power and how that makes her feel and the struggle it brings when wanting a relationship. I am pleased to note that Cassandra will return in at least two more books.
September 16, 2020
Cassandra Fortune (Cassie) is a civil servant moving in the high echelons of political elites. She carries about the burden of her previous, badly imploded, career and tries to rebuild it in her new role at the Deputy Prime Minister’s office. It is at this point that she uncovers a body of a young Polish man among the remains in one of London’s old “Plague pits”. Another body, this time of a young Spanish man, is found together with Cassie’s pass to the Palace of Westminster. Links begin to form between the deaths, Cassie, the Whitehall and commercial lobbies. Cassie embarks on an investigation alongside Detective Inspector Andrew Rowland.
Plague is a tight, fast-moving and absorbing crime drama. The theme of the resurging plague is particularly relevant in today’s reality as is the exploration of political power and influence, corruption and dodgy dealings. Cassie’s romantic interest in Andrew Rowland (which doesn’t quite take off) adds that extra human touch to the story, which is both believable and nuanced. The plot picks up pace as it moves towards the dénouement and becomes quite impossible to put down.
Plague is a tight, fast-moving and absorbing crime drama. The theme of the resurging plague is particularly relevant in today’s reality as is the exploration of political power and influence, corruption and dodgy dealings. Cassie’s romantic interest in Andrew Rowland (which doesn’t quite take off) adds that extra human touch to the story, which is both believable and nuanced. The plot picks up pace as it moves towards the dénouement and becomes quite impossible to put down.
October 2, 2020
Multi-genre book fans, you need to read this! An astounding read that will capture every emotion you could imagine with a plot to satisfy your inner dark side. Things aren’t always as they seem in this book which is what I think made it so spectacular! The crime fighting, mystery solving elements sold this book for me, and everything else was just an added bonus.
Ending this book made me incredibly sad – I just wanted it to continue forever and I am quite literally feeling some kind of loss now I’ve finished! Characters were so easy to invest in, some of them even betrayed my trust in the end, but without all that, the story wouldn’t be as impactful as it was. The entire plot was faultless and and the overall reading experience was simply out of this world. A solid five star read and I’m already craving more from this author!
You can read my full review over on my blog: https://aquintillionwords.com/2020/10...
Ending this book made me incredibly sad – I just wanted it to continue forever and I am quite literally feeling some kind of loss now I’ve finished! Characters were so easy to invest in, some of them even betrayed my trust in the end, but without all that, the story wouldn’t be as impactful as it was. The entire plot was faultless and and the overall reading experience was simply out of this world. A solid five star read and I’m already craving more from this author!
You can read my full review over on my blog: https://aquintillionwords.com/2020/10...
May 20, 2020
Great insight into how the real world works.
I really liked this story. It had a lot of information about how Westminster operates behind the scene which I've never seen anywhere else. It's like secret info. But it also doesn't read like a textbook. It's a murder mystery which pulls in politicians and actually just about everyone else. You can't figure it all out until the end. So in that way, it's a great little mystery.
It makes clear how the elite are all interconnected in an overlapping socio-political financial strata that becomes self reinforcing in its goals. A kind of loose network so that even people who are genuinely nice get tainted by association. But it's not a lecture. It's just a great page-turning read.
I really liked this story. It had a lot of information about how Westminster operates behind the scene which I've never seen anywhere else. It's like secret info. But it also doesn't read like a textbook. It's a murder mystery which pulls in politicians and actually just about everyone else. You can't figure it all out until the end. So in that way, it's a great little mystery.
It makes clear how the elite are all interconnected in an overlapping socio-political financial strata that becomes self reinforcing in its goals. A kind of loose network so that even people who are genuinely nice get tainted by association. But it's not a lecture. It's just a great page-turning read.
May 17, 2020
A story that kept me riveted. "Plague Pits" have begun to be found, again. This, the first time in 30 years. Link with a (more than possible) deranged serial killer and you get an interesting, different type of read.
Cassandra, who had once been high on the ladder at the Palace, and DI Andrew Rowland are paired up tp investigate the deaths of young people found in the London underground. A fascinating story !
Hooked from the start - I highly recommend this different type of read...
Many Thanks to Claret Press and NetGalley for a superb book!
Cassandra, who had once been high on the ladder at the Palace, and DI Andrew Rowland are paired up tp investigate the deaths of young people found in the London underground. A fascinating story !
Hooked from the start - I highly recommend this different type of read...
Many Thanks to Claret Press and NetGalley for a superb book!
June 2, 2020
Plague, by Julie Anderson, is so topical a book that it's hard to believe it wasn't planned in advance. It predicts the current political climate, with Boris Johnson and Dominic Cummings insisting there's one set of rules for them and another for us. This political thriller is also a murder mystery and an examination of the underground London, so it's a great combination of factors that seems to come straight from the front pages of today's newspapers. I'd highly recommend it to everyone, especially considering how we, the UK, are dealing with Covid-19.
July 6, 2020
A captivating read in this time of Covid-19! A page-turning murder mystery with the added interest of an insight into the inner workings of Westminister and the corridors of power. The way the characters are developed make them very believable and interesting. The book is very topical, which made it even more enjoyable as a lockdown read. It is particularly relevant from the perspective of the rejection of science and the role of media manipulation by the rich and powerful. Well-written and can only recommend it.
December 26, 2020
Amazing, well written. Really good plot that keeps you guessing till the end. Would recommend this to everyone. Five stars from me
November 14, 2020
4.5* - I really enjoyed this novel it was very different to what i would normally read. The characters are very intriguing the only thing that let it down from being a 5* read for me was the choices the main character made towards the end of the book that for me didnt seem in keeping with her smart nature throughout. This is a personal issue though and the novel is pacy and intriguing and I would look forward to reading a lot more from this author
May 27, 2020
Plague by Julie Anderson
Published: September 2020
Publisher: Claret Press
Genre: Murder Mystery, Thriller, Police Procedural, International
Available: ebook, paperback
Pages: 288 paperback
Sex: 💗 yes, implied, nothing graphic
Violence: 😨 yes, murder mystery
Reviewer's Note: I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Author bio: Julie Anderson was a Senior Civil Servant in Westminster and Whitehall for many years, including at the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister, the Inland Revenue and Treasury Solicitors. Earlier publications include historical adventure novels and short stories. She is Chair of Trustees of Clapham Writers, organizers of the Clapham Book Festival, and curates events across London.
Author's Blurb: There are many ways to die. Plague is only one.
Work on a London tube line is halted by the discovery of an ancient plague pit and in it, a very recent corpse. A day later another body is found, also in a plague pit. This victim is linked to the Palace of Westminster, where rumours swirl around the Prime Minister and his rivals.
As the number of deaths climbs, the media stokes fear. Government assurances are disbelieved. Everyone feels threatened. This has to be resolved and fast.
A disgraced civil servant and a policeman must find the answer before Westminster closes for recess. Power, money and love curdle into a deadly brew that could bring down the Mother of Parliaments.
Time is running out. And it’s not clear what – or who – will survive.
Brief Plot: Detective Inspector Andrew Rowlands believes a serial killer may be stalking the streets of London and leaving his victims in highly unusual locations. When it appears the Palace of Westminster is linked, Civil servant Cassie Fortune is assigned to help assess the potential damage to the future Prime Minister's reputation. Together Andrew and Cassie struggle to uncover the killer. When the fact that a victim was found in a centuries-old plague pit hits the media, the public reacts with fear, further compounding the case.
Characters: I really enjoyed getting to know Cassie. She has a past, and enough flaws to be believable. D.I. Rowlands is a bit of a boy scout, but he's handsome and rock solid so I forgive him for that. Sparks fly when they are together. Super sexy and rich Lawrence Delahaye rounds out this trio of interesting engaging characters. There is a wide cast of suspicious ne'er-do-wells, who may or may not be the 'bad guy'. We get to know a bit about each of them as we draw closer to the killer's reveal. The city of London, or rather, what's under the city of London could also be considered a character in this book. We get an up close look at the hidden world lurking beneath the city streets. Over its almost 2,000 year history, the city's infrastructure has grown and evolved, each layer built on the one prior. Underground there lies a maze of tunnels, sewers, rivers, bunkers and much more.
Writing: Told in 3rd person, past tense, the writing is fast paced and for the most part zips along. Being unfamiliar with the hierarchy of the British Government, I had to slow myself down and sort out who was who, but the author does a good job of explaining the different roles. The book is well edited, easy to read and the prose has a nice flow.
Overall: I found this book highly enjoyable. The setting was fantastic, especially for a history lover with a soft spot for all things English. I really liked learning more about London, the environs of the British Government, and a bit about its key players. I also enjoyed the mini-history lesson on the city and strangely thought the trip through London's sewer system fascinating.
But this is a murder mystery so, I thought it was well plotted, the police actions to solve the case are believable and ring true. The criminal element is entirely too believable! It took a while before I guessed the killer, this did not take away from the suspense, instead it made all the more powerful.
My rating: I rate this book 5 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Recommendation: I would recommend this book to lovers of murder mysteries, police procedural, international settings (set in London) you will enjoy this book.
Published: September 2020
Publisher: Claret Press
Genre: Murder Mystery, Thriller, Police Procedural, International
Available: ebook, paperback
Pages: 288 paperback
Sex: 💗 yes, implied, nothing graphic
Violence: 😨 yes, murder mystery
Reviewer's Note: I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Author bio: Julie Anderson was a Senior Civil Servant in Westminster and Whitehall for many years, including at the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister, the Inland Revenue and Treasury Solicitors. Earlier publications include historical adventure novels and short stories. She is Chair of Trustees of Clapham Writers, organizers of the Clapham Book Festival, and curates events across London.
Author's Blurb: There are many ways to die. Plague is only one.
Work on a London tube line is halted by the discovery of an ancient plague pit and in it, a very recent corpse. A day later another body is found, also in a plague pit. This victim is linked to the Palace of Westminster, where rumours swirl around the Prime Minister and his rivals.
As the number of deaths climbs, the media stokes fear. Government assurances are disbelieved. Everyone feels threatened. This has to be resolved and fast.
A disgraced civil servant and a policeman must find the answer before Westminster closes for recess. Power, money and love curdle into a deadly brew that could bring down the Mother of Parliaments.
Time is running out. And it’s not clear what – or who – will survive.
Brief Plot: Detective Inspector Andrew Rowlands believes a serial killer may be stalking the streets of London and leaving his victims in highly unusual locations. When it appears the Palace of Westminster is linked, Civil servant Cassie Fortune is assigned to help assess the potential damage to the future Prime Minister's reputation. Together Andrew and Cassie struggle to uncover the killer. When the fact that a victim was found in a centuries-old plague pit hits the media, the public reacts with fear, further compounding the case.
Characters: I really enjoyed getting to know Cassie. She has a past, and enough flaws to be believable. D.I. Rowlands is a bit of a boy scout, but he's handsome and rock solid so I forgive him for that. Sparks fly when they are together. Super sexy and rich Lawrence Delahaye rounds out this trio of interesting engaging characters. There is a wide cast of suspicious ne'er-do-wells, who may or may not be the 'bad guy'. We get to know a bit about each of them as we draw closer to the killer's reveal. The city of London, or rather, what's under the city of London could also be considered a character in this book. We get an up close look at the hidden world lurking beneath the city streets. Over its almost 2,000 year history, the city's infrastructure has grown and evolved, each layer built on the one prior. Underground there lies a maze of tunnels, sewers, rivers, bunkers and much more.
Writing: Told in 3rd person, past tense, the writing is fast paced and for the most part zips along. Being unfamiliar with the hierarchy of the British Government, I had to slow myself down and sort out who was who, but the author does a good job of explaining the different roles. The book is well edited, easy to read and the prose has a nice flow.
Overall: I found this book highly enjoyable. The setting was fantastic, especially for a history lover with a soft spot for all things English. I really liked learning more about London, the environs of the British Government, and a bit about its key players. I also enjoyed the mini-history lesson on the city and strangely thought the trip through London's sewer system fascinating.
But this is a murder mystery so, I thought it was well plotted, the police actions to solve the case are believable and ring true. The criminal element is entirely too believable! It took a while before I guessed the killer, this did not take away from the suspense, instead it made all the more powerful.
My rating: I rate this book 5 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Recommendation: I would recommend this book to lovers of murder mysteries, police procedural, international settings (set in London) you will enjoy this book.
August 18, 2020
Thanks NetGalley for an advance preview copy!
This is the first in a planned trio of novels featuring Cassandra, or Cassie, Fortune, an ex-GCHQ spook who has now been demoted to a procurement position within the Civil Service. It still rankles with her despite being based within the Palace of Westminster but her life is about to change. Could this put her back to where she belongs?
Plague begins with DI Andrew Rowlands attending a pauper’s funeral of an unknown Danish boy. He was the latest of 7 young and vulnerable victims who were raped and tortured to death and Andrew is determined to find his killer.
Meanwhile Cassie is 200 ft below South Molton Street as construction work on Crossrail has been halted. An ancient burial chamber has been discovered which may be over 500 years old. However when one of its walls collapses a far more recent body is found. The killer has struck again and it’s now a crime scene. Cassie is given 7 days to gather information and be part of the investigation. She has received her orders from a future Prime Minister. She is thrilled to be back in the thick of it and to have regained access to power. But she notices a Polish tattoo on the victim. It’s a kotwila, an anchor – someone must be able to identify him.
Another young man is found dead and Cassie recognises him as a workman at the Palace – but why is her access pass in his jacket pocket? And it’s she who makes the connection of the bodies being found in former plague pits around London. Someone has a good knowledge of the layers of history beneath London’s streets and where to hide the evidence of his ‘entertainments’. Someone who is prepared to whip up public hysteria about the bubonic plague apparently coming back to life. But the killer’s becoming careless and leaves an important clue when another victim is found alive. Are they becoming careless?
I wasn’t surprised to learn that the author was a senior Civil Servant as she really knew how to make her reader feel part of that world. The movers and shakers, the climbers and backstabbers, the dodgy deals; all of them determined to climb the greasy pole to the top. Cassie knows this world so much and wants to become part of it again despite being dismissed as a ‘tame spook.’ The author has also really done her research into the Palace of Westminster and the ancient parts of hidden London. It’s almost a character in itself.
Plague is a fast paced thriller that would make a great holiday read. It had several twists and turns that built towards the climax of a thrilling chase through Churchill’s War Rooms. There’s a genuine love of London and its secrets. I liked the idea that Cassie saw the investigation as a tapestry as she wove, undid and rewove some of the strands and was confident of finding the central design. Recommended.
This is the first in a planned trio of novels featuring Cassandra, or Cassie, Fortune, an ex-GCHQ spook who has now been demoted to a procurement position within the Civil Service. It still rankles with her despite being based within the Palace of Westminster but her life is about to change. Could this put her back to where she belongs?
Plague begins with DI Andrew Rowlands attending a pauper’s funeral of an unknown Danish boy. He was the latest of 7 young and vulnerable victims who were raped and tortured to death and Andrew is determined to find his killer.
Meanwhile Cassie is 200 ft below South Molton Street as construction work on Crossrail has been halted. An ancient burial chamber has been discovered which may be over 500 years old. However when one of its walls collapses a far more recent body is found. The killer has struck again and it’s now a crime scene. Cassie is given 7 days to gather information and be part of the investigation. She has received her orders from a future Prime Minister. She is thrilled to be back in the thick of it and to have regained access to power. But she notices a Polish tattoo on the victim. It’s a kotwila, an anchor – someone must be able to identify him.
Another young man is found dead and Cassie recognises him as a workman at the Palace – but why is her access pass in his jacket pocket? And it’s she who makes the connection of the bodies being found in former plague pits around London. Someone has a good knowledge of the layers of history beneath London’s streets and where to hide the evidence of his ‘entertainments’. Someone who is prepared to whip up public hysteria about the bubonic plague apparently coming back to life. But the killer’s becoming careless and leaves an important clue when another victim is found alive. Are they becoming careless?
I wasn’t surprised to learn that the author was a senior Civil Servant as she really knew how to make her reader feel part of that world. The movers and shakers, the climbers and backstabbers, the dodgy deals; all of them determined to climb the greasy pole to the top. Cassie knows this world so much and wants to become part of it again despite being dismissed as a ‘tame spook.’ The author has also really done her research into the Palace of Westminster and the ancient parts of hidden London. It’s almost a character in itself.
Plague is a fast paced thriller that would make a great holiday read. It had several twists and turns that built towards the climax of a thrilling chase through Churchill’s War Rooms. There’s a genuine love of London and its secrets. I liked the idea that Cassie saw the investigation as a tapestry as she wove, undid and rewove some of the strands and was confident of finding the central design. Recommended.
September 19, 2020
Plague by Julie Anderson is a recommended procedural mixed with a love story.
Cassandra (Cassie) Fortune is one of the attendees visiting the site where an ancient plague pit was discovered during work on a London tube line. A sudden collapse reveals another room with a body that is obviously a recent corpse. Then, a day later another body is discovered, killed in the same way, and also in a plague pit. This victim is linked to the Palace of Westminster, where rumors swirl around the Prime Minister and his rivals. Cassie, who is a civil servant trying to recover from an incident that left her in disgrace, is assigned by the Deputy Prime Minister to shadow Detective Inspector Andrew Rowlands who is investigating the case and is sure it is tied to previous deaths. Cassie and Rowlands begin to work together and uncover clues in the case. To make matters more complicated due to the deaths and the ties to a plague pit, the media is inciting fear and there are riots breaking out.
This is both a whodunnit and a love story, although the investigation into the murders and the reason behind them is much more interesting and compelling a plot element than the love story, which seems a bit out of place, way too rushed, and too convenience for the plot. Setting all aspects of romance aside, the actual details and pattern of the murders and rapes of victims is exposed and the case is clearly made that there is a definite ring of people involved in the murders. They need to uncover why these people are doing this, for what purpose, and who is involved. The fact that the media gets involved indicates someone is using them and leaking information to distract people and change the narrative and focus. The characters are interesting although not particularly well-developed. Cassie's disgrace is never revealed.
The plague and plague pits are only a distraction to the real plague of murders occurring. I was a little disappointed that during this time of plague that this wasn't a real plague story, but once the plot got moving it was clear Plague was going to be a complicated tangled web of evil actions which needed to be uncovered in order to stop the plague of murders and, quite frankly, torture of the victims by those in power. The description of all the sewer tunnels, rooms, and hidden rivers, etc. underground in London was fascinating and I may have to look for a book on that. (I want to see the maps.) This is a very good mystery/procedural that was diminished by the whole love story which made no sense.
Disclosure: My review copy was courtesy of Claret Press.
http://www.shetreadssoftly.com/2020/0...
Cassandra (Cassie) Fortune is one of the attendees visiting the site where an ancient plague pit was discovered during work on a London tube line. A sudden collapse reveals another room with a body that is obviously a recent corpse. Then, a day later another body is discovered, killed in the same way, and also in a plague pit. This victim is linked to the Palace of Westminster, where rumors swirl around the Prime Minister and his rivals. Cassie, who is a civil servant trying to recover from an incident that left her in disgrace, is assigned by the Deputy Prime Minister to shadow Detective Inspector Andrew Rowlands who is investigating the case and is sure it is tied to previous deaths. Cassie and Rowlands begin to work together and uncover clues in the case. To make matters more complicated due to the deaths and the ties to a plague pit, the media is inciting fear and there are riots breaking out.
This is both a whodunnit and a love story, although the investigation into the murders and the reason behind them is much more interesting and compelling a plot element than the love story, which seems a bit out of place, way too rushed, and too convenience for the plot. Setting all aspects of romance aside, the actual details and pattern of the murders and rapes of victims is exposed and the case is clearly made that there is a definite ring of people involved in the murders. They need to uncover why these people are doing this, for what purpose, and who is involved. The fact that the media gets involved indicates someone is using them and leaking information to distract people and change the narrative and focus. The characters are interesting although not particularly well-developed. Cassie's disgrace is never revealed.
The plague and plague pits are only a distraction to the real plague of murders occurring. I was a little disappointed that during this time of plague that this wasn't a real plague story, but once the plot got moving it was clear Plague was going to be a complicated tangled web of evil actions which needed to be uncovered in order to stop the plague of murders and, quite frankly, torture of the victims by those in power. The description of all the sewer tunnels, rooms, and hidden rivers, etc. underground in London was fascinating and I may have to look for a book on that. (I want to see the maps.) This is a very good mystery/procedural that was diminished by the whole love story which made no sense.
Disclosure: My review copy was courtesy of Claret Press.
http://www.shetreadssoftly.com/2020/0...
October 9, 2020
Wow! I absolutely loved this book and didn’t want to put it down. A fantastic thriller set in London and Westminster, this will take you on a journey of murder, intrigue, corruption, crime rings, intelligence, history and a little romance.
Cassie is a fantastic character who had a job she loved, but something happened to change that (and I still don’t know what it was – the intrigue is fantastic!). When she gets the chance to redeem herself she jumps at it, but she doesn’t expect to get herself mixed up in such a complex investigation. She’s tenacious, persistent and strong, and is determined to rescue her career and get to the bottom of the murders. The romance element to the story is fantastic – it keeps you guessing and the outcome was shocking! I absolutely loved Andrew!
I thoroughly enjoyed the history references throughout the book, and learned lots of new things about London! Who knew there was an old river running underneath it! Being a history nerd I loved reading about plague pits, WWII bunkers and war rooms! Anderson has definitely done her research.
I loved the insight into Westminster, especially as Anderson has actually worked there; and learned lots about that – especially about the laws! The way the story is set out in London is fantastic, and there is even a map at the beginning to help you if you don’t know the city well.
This is a brilliant thriller novel with a fantastic plot that will keep you on your toes, get you racing through the pages and leave you wanting more. I’m so glad Cassie will be back in another two books and can’t wait to read this. If you’re looking for your next fast paced, compelling thriller then look no further. Highly recommended by me.
Cassie is a fantastic character who had a job she loved, but something happened to change that (and I still don’t know what it was – the intrigue is fantastic!). When she gets the chance to redeem herself she jumps at it, but she doesn’t expect to get herself mixed up in such a complex investigation. She’s tenacious, persistent and strong, and is determined to rescue her career and get to the bottom of the murders. The romance element to the story is fantastic – it keeps you guessing and the outcome was shocking! I absolutely loved Andrew!
I thoroughly enjoyed the history references throughout the book, and learned lots of new things about London! Who knew there was an old river running underneath it! Being a history nerd I loved reading about plague pits, WWII bunkers and war rooms! Anderson has definitely done her research.
I loved the insight into Westminster, especially as Anderson has actually worked there; and learned lots about that – especially about the laws! The way the story is set out in London is fantastic, and there is even a map at the beginning to help you if you don’t know the city well.
This is a brilliant thriller novel with a fantastic plot that will keep you on your toes, get you racing through the pages and leave you wanting more. I’m so glad Cassie will be back in another two books and can’t wait to read this. If you’re looking for your next fast paced, compelling thriller then look no further. Highly recommended by me.
May 21, 2020
Plague is about a defamed British government official, Cassandra Fortune, who is eager to climb the ladder to get her career back on track and amend her reputation. While she is investigating the discovery of a plague pit, a body is found. Cassandra gets assigned to a case with a fellow cop, Andrew Rowlands, to work together to uncover who has been conducting these murders. Cassandra gets swept into a wild and dangerous escapade through a crime-ridden, powerful, underworld of England’s wealthiest.
Upon beginning this book, it was difficult to relate to the characters due to a slow character development. However, as events began to unfold, I found myself rooting for the characters and wondering where they would be going next. Julie Anderson did a really great job creating events within the story that kept it constantly flowing, which made this a very easy and enjoyable read.
Towards the end of the book, the mystery/crime novel started to take a turn towards a romantic feature. While I typically enjoy a little romance in my books, I found that this romantic aspect was not necessary. The story captivated me enough, whereas once the romance began to unfold, I felt that it was a bit forced and out of left field. Nevertheless, it did enhance my attention and shock in the ending’s twist. There were a couple twists at the end of this novel but there was one twist I absolutely did not see coming and left me shocked.
Overall, I thought that Plague was a unique, captivating and great read that left me shocked and wanting more. Anderson wrote in such a simplistic and enjoyable rhythm that I was able to breeze right through this book. Luckily, I read the afterword to find out that Julie Anderson is planning on making this a series where Cassie comes back and continues to solve dangerous cases, picking up where she left off in the first novel. I am very excited to see where this series goes.
Upon beginning this book, it was difficult to relate to the characters due to a slow character development. However, as events began to unfold, I found myself rooting for the characters and wondering where they would be going next. Julie Anderson did a really great job creating events within the story that kept it constantly flowing, which made this a very easy and enjoyable read.
Towards the end of the book, the mystery/crime novel started to take a turn towards a romantic feature. While I typically enjoy a little romance in my books, I found that this romantic aspect was not necessary. The story captivated me enough, whereas once the romance began to unfold, I felt that it was a bit forced and out of left field. Nevertheless, it did enhance my attention and shock in the ending’s twist. There were a couple twists at the end of this novel but there was one twist I absolutely did not see coming and left me shocked.
Overall, I thought that Plague was a unique, captivating and great read that left me shocked and wanting more. Anderson wrote in such a simplistic and enjoyable rhythm that I was able to breeze right through this book. Luckily, I read the afterword to find out that Julie Anderson is planning on making this a series where Cassie comes back and continues to solve dangerous cases, picking up where she left off in the first novel. I am very excited to see where this series goes.
September 19, 2020
I was lucky to have won a copy of this book from the author just before it’s release (out now)
My first impressions of the book - great looking cover and a great feel to it too. Very upmarket!
I got reading as soon as it arrived in the post as I was hooked by the plot line.
Whilst investigating an underground cave which was found during work on a tube line, a plague pit is discovered. It is filled with many bones of long dead plague victims but also contains the body of a recently murdered young man. Cassandra Fortune, a civil servant who had worked at GCHQ, but left under a cloud, is at the site at the time the body is discovered.
When a second body turns up the following day of a workman who had been working at the Palace of Westminster, Cassandra is tasked with joining forces with the police department to uncover any connection to high ranking MP’s or even the future Prime Minster. The drawback being she has only a week before Parliament goes into recess to submit her findings to the Deputy Prime Minister and get her reputation back, and a promotion.
The investigation takes Cassandra through the tunnels below London and the hidden doors which access these tunnels which I found fascinating. She believes there is a group of individuals who are killing young people. When a young girl luckily escapes with her life from the clutches of the killers, she provides some helpful evidence.
There are another two books in this series due to be released and I will be looking forward to what Cassandra does next.
Thanks Julie!
My first impressions of the book - great looking cover and a great feel to it too. Very upmarket!
I got reading as soon as it arrived in the post as I was hooked by the plot line.
Whilst investigating an underground cave which was found during work on a tube line, a plague pit is discovered. It is filled with many bones of long dead plague victims but also contains the body of a recently murdered young man. Cassandra Fortune, a civil servant who had worked at GCHQ, but left under a cloud, is at the site at the time the body is discovered.
When a second body turns up the following day of a workman who had been working at the Palace of Westminster, Cassandra is tasked with joining forces with the police department to uncover any connection to high ranking MP’s or even the future Prime Minster. The drawback being she has only a week before Parliament goes into recess to submit her findings to the Deputy Prime Minister and get her reputation back, and a promotion.
The investigation takes Cassandra through the tunnels below London and the hidden doors which access these tunnels which I found fascinating. She believes there is a group of individuals who are killing young people. When a young girl luckily escapes with her life from the clutches of the killers, she provides some helpful evidence.
There are another two books in this series due to be released and I will be looking forward to what Cassandra does next.
Thanks Julie!
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