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.

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A really good beginning to a series. Alexander mixes both fictional characters and real people to create a mystery series set in London during the later part of the 1700's. John Fielding was a Magistrate, brother to Henry Fielding (Tom Jones), co-founded the Bow Street Runners - the first organized police force and blind since age 19. An orphaned boy is taken under his wing and narrates the story as an adult, remembering his adventures with Fielding. The writing style is wonderfully picturesque without being overpowering or flowery and the characters three dimensional.

You might figure out the ending but it doesn't detract from the overall pleasure of reading.

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I think this is in the tradition of The Alienist; a historical mystery set in teh gritty underbelly of cities past.

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I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Alexander has created enjoyable and plausible characters beautifully integrated with true historical figures. I am definitely looking forward to reading more in this series

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