For this historical adventure Angus Donald takes what he accurately describes as the “cracking story” of Thomas Blood’s theft of the crown jewels, and tells it with great gusto and skill.
The tale is enhanced by the strand given over to Blood’s son Holcroft, here depicted as having mild Asperger’s syndrome, who must negotiate the dangerous world of the court of Charles II, with its scheming aristocrats. We are also treated to some strong female characters, notably Barbara Villiers and the remarkable Aphra Behn.
This is an enjoyable and exciting read which never falters and makes me want to learn more about the history of the period. It also leaves me curious about where the series will go next.
The tale is enhanced by the strand given over to Blood’s son Holcroft, here depicted as having mild Asperger’s syndrome, who must negotiate the dangerous world of the court of Charles II, with its scheming aristocrats. We are also treated to some strong female characters, notably Barbara Villiers and the remarkable Aphra Behn.
This is an enjoyable and exciting read which never falters and makes me want to learn more about the history of the period. It also leaves me curious about where the series will go next.