What readers think of The Devil in the Marshalsea, plus links to write your own review.

A well-written historical novel although, in my opinion, not
for the faint of heart. The dreadful conditions in Marshalsea are graphically depicted! The combination of a mystery, some really despicable characters, as well
as a main character with a good heart, makes for a quick
and entertaining read.

When I think about it, it is hard to quantify but this book satisfied me completely (except the maybe the too perfect ending). I do like to be entertained and find it necessary to be drawn to the characters. I loved the depiction a Samuel Fleet. He made the book. It is the type of novel that is easily finished in one sitting ( the plot twists and reader involvement). The historical aspects only added to the story and imparted much that I was unaware of in that particular level of society. A most enjoyable book in almost every way.

A cunning debut historical mystery by Antonia Hodgson, editor in chief of Little, Brown, UK. Thoroughly researched, this mystery is set in London's Marshalsea debtor's prison in 1727.Tom Watson, a charming, handsome parson's son who prefers London highlife to the quiet countryside of his childhood, finds himself in Marshalsea, a rat-infested hell hole which makes Alcatraz seem like Club Med.

Populating her fast-paced narrative with real-life characters, Hodgson weaves a vivid tale which intrigues both as a solid historical mystery as well as a lucid portrait of a little known aspect of early Eighteenth century London society.

Set in London in the 1700s, this story brings to life the horror of the prison system at the time. The characters were well introduced and developed and the plot was gripping. My only issue would be the timeframe. I found it difficult to believe that so much happened in a matter of a few days. I did enjoy the book and would highly recommend it to those who enjoy a good mystery in a historic setting. Ms. Hodgson is a talented writer and I'm sure we'll see much more from her.

Once Antonia Hodgson sets our plate with abundant characters and a malefic setting, The Devil in the Marshalsea turns into a real page turner. I was halfway through the book, when I passed-up golf with my son to race to the ending. This is a "locked room murder mystery" (in this case, locked prison and murders plural), and it is the Marshalsea prison itself that is the main character. The prison's unique internal social, legal, and organizational structure during the 18th century is a captivating historical lesson in itself, and it is this structure and the prison's brooding presence throughout the book that directs the characters and action. Four stars ... I had to withhold one star because the characters themselves seemed two-dimensional and some seemed only there to make the plot twists work.