What readers think of The Last Confession of Thomas Hawkins, plus links to write your own review.

Was Mr. Hawkins naïve, foolish, a true rake like the book says or was it just a great mystery. This book was thoroughly enjoyable as the plot was concise, funny, and thrilling. Taking place in the early 18th century the author gave us a taste of the time and what war was really like. The main character Thomas Hawkins really makes one think what a character would do when pressed to the wall. He made the decision to hang trying to protect a number of people all who turned out to be the wrong perpetrator of the crime. The fast pace, the in-depth look at the times, and the twisted plot led to a a most enjoyable read.

I thoroughly enjoyed this fast paced novel of murder and especially intrigue in early 18th Century London. The protagonist, Tom Hawkins, is a charismatic rakish "gentleman" who loves excitement and can't stay out of trouble. The novel starts with a scene where Tom is on a cart headed to the gallows for a murder he did not commit. The rest of the story is a flash back to explain his predicament. The background story is an exciting "who-done-it" with many interesting characters including Queen Caroline, wife of King George II. This is a very readable novel full of plot twists and fully fleshed characters from all walks of life. I highly recommend it.

Although I would not place this book in the category of "great", I had a great time reading the adventures of Thomas Hawkins. He is a young man who can't seem to keep himself out of trouble. The author keeps the pace up in her narrative, and it would give too much away by revealing too much of the plot line. There is a murder and a lot of mayhem. I have to say that the plot and characters kept my interest throughout. Mostly, I enjoyed the picture of early 18th century London. The book was, I feel, very well researched. I had not read Antonia Hodges' previous novel, but I am planning to read that one as well.

The Last Confession of Thomas Hawkins will appeal to fans of Anne Perry and C.J. Sansom with the murderous activity occurring during the reign of King George II rather than Victorian or Tudor times.

Thomas Hawkins is a "gentleman" ne'er do well who finds himself strapped to his coffin in a cart jostling along the road to his hanging at Tyburn for a murder he did not commit. While Hawkins pleads his innocence and hopes for a pardon from Queen Caroline for whom he has provided some valuable services, he knows that dead men tell no tales and that his death might prove convenient for the Queen.

The book is well researched, entertaining and gives the reader an intimate look into life in London during the early 18th Century including the filth, seediness, prodigious interest in porn, fetish brothels, spousal abuse, criminal investigations and the pomp and circumstance of executions.

Not every book has to be a masterpiece to be worth your time. This book, which follows up another, but can stand alone, was just the thing for a few pleasant and interesting hours. I love to read history and the author has added some reality to the tale based in 18th century London.

While I found this slow going, I think a book club might enjoy the discussions that could come of it.