Gripping and atmospheric historical crime mystery
When a book comes with a glowing recommendation from a respected author of historical fiction like Rory Clements (whose ‘John Shakespeare’ series I absolutely love by the way), you have a real sense of expectation as you turn the first few pages. I’m happy to say that in the case of The Angel’s Mark those first few pages – and all the pages after that, as it happens – didn’t disappoint.
As other writers of historical fiction have discovered, the latter part of the 16th century is a promising period in which to set a historical crime novel. Fear of the plague, of plots to overthrow the Queen as well as concerns about the succession and the threat of possible invasion have created an atmosphere of suspicion in Elizabethan England. It’s a time when information, in the form of intelligence gathered by a network of spies and informers, has become a valuable commodity. It’s also a time when discoveries in science and medicine are coming into conflict with religious belief.
Personal tragedy, fueled by a sense of guilt at his inability to prevent it, has brought Nicholas Shelby to the point of despair when he chances upon a mystery that reawakens his physician’s curiosity; that, and a fortunate encounter with the independent-minded and resourceful Bianca Merton, owner of The Jackdaw tavern. However, as the reader will discover, it’s not just her skills as an apothecary that Bianca must hide. Together they embark on a search for a killer with a distinctive but gruesome calling card. Soon that search brings them into contact with powerful men (it would be a surprise in a novel set in this period not to run into a member of the Cecil family at some point!) who may pose as much of a risk as does the ruthless killer they are seeking.
The Angel’s Mark has all the ingredients I look for in a great historical crime mystery: a wealth of period of detail that conjures up the sight, sounds and smells of the time; a host of colourful characters to provide possible suspects; and a plot full of twists and turns with a generous helping of red herrings and “I wasn’t expecting that” moments. It kept me guessing right to the end. I’m definitely hoping for more of the same from this author in the future.
I received a review copy courtesy of publishers, Corvus and Readers First in return for an honest and unbiased review.
As other writers of historical fiction have discovered, the latter part of the 16th century is a promising period in which to set a historical crime novel. Fear of the plague, of plots to overthrow the Queen as well as concerns about the succession and the threat of possible invasion have created an atmosphere of suspicion in Elizabethan England. It’s a time when information, in the form of intelligence gathered by a network of spies and informers, has become a valuable commodity. It’s also a time when discoveries in science and medicine are coming into conflict with religious belief.
Personal tragedy, fueled by a sense of guilt at his inability to prevent it, has brought Nicholas Shelby to the point of despair when he chances upon a mystery that reawakens his physician’s curiosity; that, and a fortunate encounter with the independent-minded and resourceful Bianca Merton, owner of The Jackdaw tavern. However, as the reader will discover, it’s not just her skills as an apothecary that Bianca must hide. Together they embark on a search for a killer with a distinctive but gruesome calling card. Soon that search brings them into contact with powerful men (it would be a surprise in a novel set in this period not to run into a member of the Cecil family at some point!) who may pose as much of a risk as does the ruthless killer they are seeking.
The Angel’s Mark has all the ingredients I look for in a great historical crime mystery: a wealth of period of detail that conjures up the sight, sounds and smells of the time; a host of colourful characters to provide possible suspects; and a plot full of twists and turns with a generous helping of red herrings and “I wasn’t expecting that” moments. It kept me guessing right to the end. I’m definitely hoping for more of the same from this author in the future.
I received a review copy courtesy of publishers, Corvus and Readers First in return for an honest and unbiased review.