Description

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.

Publisher Review

'Another brilliantly realised historical mystery' A Waterstones Best Books of 2023: Crime and Thriller 'Andrew Taylor has brought the sights, smells and sounds of the Great Fire and its aftermath brilliantly to life' Daily Express 'With a mixture of real and fictional characters, this tale of intrigue and power imbalance is well up to standard in a series that has set a benchmark for historical mystery fiction.' Guardian '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