The Cheapside Corpse – Susanna Gregory
SCHEMING bankers hold the country to ransom in the latest adventure featuring government agent Thomas Chaloner.
It’s a topical theme for a novel set in Restoration London – and it’s clear that today’s financiers have nothing on the behaviour of 17th-century money men.
This lot don’t mind bankrupting noblemen, sending the cudgel-wielding boys round, and leaving a penniless government at the mercy of the Dutch fleet.
Thomas, investigating the murder of a goldsmith-banker, finds himself right in the middle of the mess when he himself falls foul of the debt collectors.
As well as a knife in the back he also risks contracting the plague as his investigation takes into disease-ridden corners of the capital.
Business as usual then for our hero, with a case just as convoluted as Gregory’s previous outings for Chaloner.
It’s a long and involved story, with sometimes too many characters, but as usual the mix of wit, period detail and mystery keeps the reader engrossed.
David Knights
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article