Critics' Opinion:
Readers' rating:
Published Aug 2013
384 pages
Genre: Mysteries
Publication Information
Preston, 1741. The drowning of drunken publican Antony Egan is no surprise - even if it comes as an unpleasant shock to coroner Titus Cragg, whose wife was the old man's niece. But he does his duty to the letter, and the inquest's verdict is accidental death. Meanwhile the town is agog with rumour and faction, as the General Election is only a week away and the two local seats are to be contested by four rival candidates. But Cragg's close friend, Dr. Luke Fidelis, finds evidence to cast doubt on the events leading to Egan's demise.
Soon suspicions are further roused when a well-to-do farmer collapses and it appears he was in town on political business. Is there a conspiracy afoot? The Mayor and Council have their own way of imposing order, but Cragg is determined not to be swayed by their pressure. With the help of Fidelis's scientific ingenuity the true criminals are brought to light.
"Starred Review. Even experienced mystery readers will be surprised by the logical solution - and gratified at how much effort the author put into carefully constructing the plot." - Publishers Weekly
"Titus and Luke's second case is a fine mystery, awash in period detail." - Booklist
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Any "Author Information" displayed below reflects the author's biography at the time this particular book was published.
Robin Blake is the author of acclaimed works on the artists Van Dyck and Stubbs. He has written, produced and presented extensively for radio, is widely published as a critic, and is a Royal Literary Fund Fellow at Brunel University. He lives in London.
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