The Shadows of London (James Marwood & Cat Lovett, Book 6)

Description

Over 1 Million Andrew Taylor Novels Sold! 'An absolute delight in a series that goes from strength to strength' S. G. McLean, prize-winning author of the Seeker series 'This is Taylor at his unassailable best' Financial Times London 1671 The damage caused by the Great Fire still overshadows the capital. When a man's brutally disfigured body is discovered in the ruins of an ancient almshouse, architect Cat Hakesby is ordered to stop restoration work. It is obvious he has been murdered, and Whitehall secretary James Marwood is ordered to investigate. It's possible the victim could be one of two local men who have vanished - the first, a feckless French tutor connected to the almshouse's owner; the second, a possibly treacherous employee of the Council of Foreign Plantations. The pressure on Marwood mounts as Charles II's most influential courtiers, Lord Arlington and the Duke of Buckingham, show an interest in his activities - and Marwood soon begins to suspect the murder trail may lead right to the heart of government. Meanwhile, a young, impoverished Frenchwoman has caught the eye of the king, a quiet affair that will have monumental consequences...

Andrew Taylor is the author of a number of novels, including the Dougal and Lydmouth crime series, the historical thrillers Bleeding Heart Square and The Anatomy of Ghosts, the ground-breaking Roth Trilogy, which was adapted into the acclaimed drama Fallen Angel, and The American Boy, his No. 1 bestselling historical novel which was a 2005 Richard & Judy Book Club choice. He has won many awards, including the CWA John Creasey New Blood Dagger, an Edgar Scroll from the Mystery Writers of America, the CWA Ellis Peters Historical Award (the only author to win it twice) and the CWA's prestigious Diamond Dagger, awarded for sustained excellence in crime writing. He also writes for the Spectator. He lives with his wife Caroline in the Forest of Dean.

'In The Shadows of London, Andrew Taylor offers us a completely convincing portrait of life in the city and at court in Restoration London. The relationship between the wonderful Cat Hakesby and the extremely likeable if occasionally hapless Marwood is beautifully drawn in this tale of intrigue that seamlessly connects the dankest city yard to the highest echelons of court politics. An absolute delight in a series that goes from strength to strength' S. G. McLean, prize-winning author of the Seeker series 'This is Taylor at his unassailable best.' Financial Times Praise for Andrew Taylor 'A pleasure from start to finish' The Spectator 'Beautifully crafted story' Mystery and Suspense Praise for The Last Protector: 'Confirms his status as one of our finest writers of historical thrillers' The Sunday Times 'There is colour, violence, devotion, courage and fun here. What more could anyone ask of a crime novel?' Literary Review 'Taylor is on reliably good form in this fourth instalment of a series that effortlessly blends history and mystery.' The Times 'A teeming London (in the process of reconstruction after the Great Fire), political chicanery, duels, brothels, court manoeuvrings - all are grist to Taylor's imaginative mill' The Financial Times 'A brilliant historical novel about Cromwell... Riveting' Evening Standard 'Superb... Cat, especially, remains one of the most compelling, multifaceted characters in contemporary historical fiction'. Observer 'Taylor's fourth Marwood tale is gripping and rich in detail - 4.5 stars' The Sun 'Boasting political intrigue and evocative period atmosphere, The Last Protector is crime writing at its most elegant and assured' Waterstones blog "[G]reat fun and perfect summer getaway reading"! Globe and Mail