Overview

Over 1 Million Andrew Taylor Novels Sold! A Times Historical Crime Novel of the year ‘An absolute delight in a series that goes from strength to strength’ S. G. McLean, prize-winning author of the Seeker series ‘This is Taylor at his unassailable best’ Financial Times London 1671 The damage caused by the Great Fire still overshadows the capital. The disfigured body of a man is unearthed in the ruins of the old almshouse, forcing architect Cat Hakesby to stop restoration work. It is clear he has been murdered, and Whitehall secretary James Marwood is ordered to investigate. When the man’s identity is revealed, it’s clear that there are larger forces at play, and Marwood comes under serious pressure to solve the case. But an old adversary is attempting to stop him. As Cat and Marwood follow the threads of corruption into the heart of government, the king himself is being distracted from affairs of state. A young, impoverished Frenchwoman has caught his eye – a quiet affair that will have monumental consequences.

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9780008494179

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Reviews

‘With their complex characters, clever plots, political intrigue and vivid depictions of London just after the Great Fire of 1666, Andrew Taylor’s books about troubled civil servant James Marwood and prickly architect Cat Lovett are historical crime fiction at its finest.’ Irish Times’ 25 Great Holiday Books ‘Some of the most enjoyable historical thrillers of recent years have been Andrew Taylor’s novels set in Restoration England … Taylor weaves together all the varying threads of his plot with his customary skill, but fans of the series will be sorry to learn that this is the last hurrah for Cat and Marwood’ Sunday Times ‘Another sophisticated 17th-century mystery abounding in page-turning twists and period detail’ Waterstones ‘Taylor’s storytelling brio is on full display.’ The Sunday Times Historical Fiction Book of the Month ‘Sheer brilliance … Truly, this is breathtaking. The combination of emotional literacy, with beautiful language and an utterly immersive sense of time and place is perfect.’ Manda Scott ‘Andrew Taylor offers us a completely convincing portrait of life in the city and at court in Restoration London … An absolute delight in a series that goes from strength to strength’ S. G. McLean, prize-winning author of the Seeker series ‘This is Taylor at his unassailable best.’ Financial Times

Author Information

Andrew Taylor is the author of a number of novels, including the Dougal and Lydmouth crime series, the historical thrillers Bleeding Heart Square and The Anatomy of Ghosts, the ground-breaking Roth Trilogy, which was adapted into the acclaimed drama Fallen Angel, and The American Boy, his No. 1 bestselling historical novel which was a 2005 Richard & Judy Book Club choice. He has won many awards, including the CWA John Creasey New Blood Dagger, an Edgar Scroll from the Mystery Writers of America, the CWA Ellis Peters Historical Award (the only author to win it twice) and the CWA's prestigious Diamond Dagger, awarded for sustained excellence in crime writing. He also writes for the Spectator. He lives with his wife Caroline in the Forest of Dean.

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