
David S. (
ds) wrote on 5/22/2006...
6 member(s) found this review helpful.
This is the first of 11 books in the Sir John Fielding mystery series. The late author, who was the former books editor of USA Today, has captured London's streets of the late 18th century in this fascinating series of page-turners about the city's first organized police force, led by Fielding,and called the Bow Street Runners. The second book in the series was a "NY Times Notable Book" but many others, including this one, deserved the same praise. Highly recommended for anyone who likes historical fiction, especially people who enjoyed Patrick O'Brien's seafaring tales. Fielding is firmly planted on land of course. Great writing and historical detail throughout.

Marcy M. (
marcym) wrote on 10/3/2008...
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
This was my first historical fiction attempt. I have always feared that it would be annoying to read, filled with "proper" English words. I have also never been a fan of any history, finding most of it to be boring to me.
Bruce Alexander brought these characters to life! I feel as if I have personally met each and every one of them. I found myself involved in each of their activities, and feeling the emotions they were feeling. The mystery was not the same old same old that I have found in newer mystery novels, and was a fresh breath of air for me.
I will certainly be reading the rest of this series, and thank a fellow PBS'r for turning me on to another new author.

Angela S. (
echo123) wrote on 3/11/2006...
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
I think this is in the tradition of The Alienist; a historical mystery set in teh gritty underbelly of cities past.