Tag: London

‘A Little London Scandal’ by Miranda Emmerson

Another book released on 20th August, this is a lovely piece of historical fiction with a mystery at its heart – right up my street!

I’d read (and loved) ‘Miss Treadway and the Field of Stars’ a while back, but picked ‘A Little London Scandal’ up without realising that it featured the same characters. It doesn’t matter too much if you haven’t read the first book, but you would be missing an absolute treat.

In this book, the sixties are swinging, but for Nik and the rent boys based around Piccadilly Circus all is not so bright. Police raids and violence threaten their livelihoods and the murder of one of them, Charlie, near an exclusive gentlemen’s club, causes them to come under some unwelcome scrutiny. When Nik is arrested for the murder, Anna Treadway, dresser at the Galaxy Theatre in Soho, steps in to prove his innocence. Her investigations take her into the heart of seedy London but also reveal corruption within high society.

This is another great read. The 1960s setting is lively and well-researched and Anna herself is an appealing protagonist (as we discovered in the first book). She is moral, motivated to help others and kind – but her softer character should absolutely not be interpreted as weakness and she is also flawed and human.

It is quite sad in places as the prejudice against gay men is depicted and the reader is shown that the 1960s were not all about free love and tolerance as they have been presented. The early pages are a little slow, but once the story really gets going then it is addictive! I raced through the majority of the book and will be keenly looking out for more titles in the series.

I would recommend this highly to anyone who enjoys historical fiction, especially connected to issues of gender and sexuality. I really would suggest you start with the first book though, otherwise you risk missing out on a charming novel that establishes this great protagonist.

I received a free copy of the book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

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Photo by Jeremy Dean Bourbeau from Burst

‘The Last Protector’ by Andrew Taylor

Published in April 2020, this is the latest in the Marwood and Lovett series set in the aftermath of the Great Fire of London.

I've followed this series from the start and was keen for my next installment of Marwood's adventures as government agent in Restoration London.  I did struggle a little more with the last book but was pleased that this one was (for me)  a more enjoyable and pacy read.

The story opens with a duel being fought by the Duke of Buckingham, a powerful man but one that needs keeping on side for the king.  Added into the messy aftermath of the duel is the return of Richard Cromwell to London, another potential problem in a society divided in so many ways.  Marwood is sent on various tasks in order to unravel the potential threats to law and order, but his loyalties are tested due to his friendship with Cat Lovett (now Hakesby), the daughter of a regicide.  In a London where everyone has secrets, Marwood has to work out who to trust and avoid those who have their sights on stopping him at any cost.

This is another meticulously-researched and beautifully written installment in the series.  The relationship between Marwood and Cat is presented engagingly, being based on mutual trust but also as fragile and tentative as they try to support each other in treacherous times.  The supporting characters are also well-written and credible and the plot twists keep coming.  Highly recommended, but if you are new to the series then best to start at the beginning of the series as there is much to enjoy throughout.

I received a free copy of the book from NetGalley in return for an honest review.

Photo by Samantha Hurley from Burst