Bowden P. (Trey) - , reviewed on 2/21/2011 + 260 more book reviews

Ah, another Robin Carey mystery. Ooh! And its set in London.

And honestly, its not bad at all. Four stars for sure.

The story opens with Dodd and Carey taking a walk and watching an execution (ah, these light hearted and enlightened Elizabethans!) and discussing matters that took place in A Plague of Angels. From there we move into the action as Carey's father (the Lord Hunsdon, half brother to the queen and her Chamberlain) summons him and Dodd to the discovery of a body on the watergate of one of the Queen's palaces. Then, add in the arrival of Carey's mother (a privateer!) and character in her own right.

The plot is properly twisty for anything involving royal politics and Henage is up to his tricks again. Plus, we meet his main tool and weapon as well. Like A Plague of Angels Dodd is our main viewpoint character and he offers a decent viewpoint as a fish out of water. His direct manner makes matters better (and worse) and make the book more interesting.

There are some neat characters from the King of London to a lawyer and Carey's mother. Its a good piece. I really liked it. There is also a "I cannot believe I missed that moment" when it was revealed. Its a good one and perfect for Dodd as well.

So, likes and dislikes.

Likes: Elizabethan London; Strong female characters; Legal action in London; Dodd taking matters into his own hands; Twisty plots; proper use of Chekhov's gun; Elizabethan era viewpoints; Building on previous adventures and events.

Dislikes: Dodd taking matters into his own hands; No Robert Carey viewpoints.

Highly recommended to fans of historical mysteries and Elizabethan fiction.

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