I enjoyed the first book in this series: Devil in the Marshalsea, but didn't like the sequel. There were lots of good things though: authentic-seeming atmosphere, interesting characters and a lot of action. But both books have a serious flaw for me: the protagonist is constantly abused, manipulated and beaten up by assorted villains, accused of crimes he didn't commit and generally jumped all over. The suspense is all about whether, and how, he will survive. I like suspense but this kind is too stressful and frustrating. I prefer the CJ Sansom Tudor (Shardlake) series where the protagonist gets into scrapes while trying to help others but is not the main victim. I like heroes who rescue others better than ones that need to rescue themselves I guess. I can't help but wonder if readers have to be a bit sadistic to enjoy seeing their favourite character constantly abused like this. The fact that both novels are similar in this regard made them too much the same for me, only the settings and details changed. I also thought the Queen's involvement was not really credible. I don't have the facts but it seems to me more likely that such people in high places would work through trusted associates to engage new agents rather than deal directly with them as she did with Thomas Hawkins. I also felt that this one was rushed through to capitalize on the success of the first one. It didn't seem to be as deeply thought out as the first one. For me, it just gets very tiring to see the main character constantly victimised like this. Can't say I will be keen to read the next episode unless the underlying theme/approach takes a major change in direction. ( )

This is a sequel to the author's The Devil in the Marshalsea. Having escaped many brushes with death in that infamous prison, after a few months he is deep in trouble again, in conflict with his neighbour Joseph Burden who is shortly after found brutally murdered in his bed. To prove his innocence, Hawkins must weave a nerve wracking and tortuous journey through all reaches of early 18th century London from the royal court to the slums and criminal dens of the St Giles rookeries, ruled over by James Fleet. Parts of the plot are based on the real life doings of Henrietta Howard, discarded mistress of the new King, George II, and the conflict with her psychopathically violent husband Henry Howard. I'm still not entirely sure whether I warm to Thomas Hawkins or find him wholly believable, though I do like his partner Kitty Sparkes and Betsy, the black serving maid in the Cocked Pistol inn. It's a colourful narrative, with many twists and turns before the final exposure of Burden's murderer after Hawkins is inevitably saved from the Tyburn tree at the last moment. ( )

Excellent story. Very interesting characters and the story really gave me the feel of what life might have been like in the 1700's in England. Yes on the book, "no thanks" on living in the 1700's. ( )

Following the events portrayed in The Devil in the Marshalsea, Tom Hawkins and his love Kitty have settled down in Russell Street, running a print shop for lewd material. But all this domesticity doesn't agree with Tom, and he longs for more excitement. He should be familiar with the old saying 'Be careful what you wish for' as very soon he's obliged to work for Queen Caroline and is also accused of murdering his neighbour in a frenzied attack. Is there any hope he'll be able to keep his head out of the noose?

This is a very well-done piece of historical crime fiction with lots of authentic detail. Based partially on historic fact, Antonia Hodgson weaves a compelling tale of domestic violence, court intrigue and murder, and through a clever stylistic device it is not entirely clear whether Thomas Hawkins will live to tell his tale. She offers up several credible alternatives as to who committed the murder, cleverly disguising the clues until all is revealed near the very end of the book. Yet still I'm finding it somehow difficult to warm to the central character, while it's a lot easier to like the tempestuous Kitty and even Sam, whom Tom and Kitty have taken in and are trying to educate to turn him away from a life of crime.

The ending hints at a third volume in the series, which is already in the pipeline, I believe. ( )

This book was an impulse grab from my library, felt like something I might be in the mood to read. Saw this was the second in series, hadn't read the first but I ended up really enjoying this story. We first see Thomas on a prison cart on his way to Tyburn Hill to be hanged. Convicted of murdering his neighbor, a bully of a man, he adamantly proclaims his innocence.

The atmosphere, so true to this time period, rogues, thieves and prostitutes abound, Fleet Street, St. Giles, Seven Dials. A woman gladiator of sorts, so many varied characters but it is Thomas, his woman Kitty, who is a force onto herself, and a young boy Sam who are our main and very interesting characters. Thomas also manages to get himself involved with Queen Caroline, given a mission by her and also the kings mistress, who has little or no power but does have a despicable husband. Rousing good fun, non stop action, characters you can't help but root for and a good mystery to boot. Defoe is mentioned and indeed I can see a comparison to his Moll Flanders, but amazingly this author is a woman. Her lengthy afterward provides the reader with the knowledge that much of this book, follows fact. Not the mystery of course but the tone, the street, the historical details and such.

A stunning impulse grab. ( )