- London burns. And a killer tracking a dangerous secret fuels his own deadly
- blazes...
Charlie Tuesday is the city's best thief taker. And as fire ravages London he's on the hunt for a killer fanning the flames. But time is running out. Each death brings the murderer closer to the ultimate prize-a fabled chest with the power to destroy London.
As flames ravage the city, the thief taker must track the murderer into London's blackest heart, where smugglers trade and sorcerers conjure. What Charlie begins to unravel is more ancient and powerful than he ever dreamed. Could the Thief Taker hold the key to the dark alchemy of a lost Brotherhood? Only the killer can reveal the truth. But Charlie must find him before fire outruns them both.
***
[London is a city of half-timbered houses and wooden shacks](Thomas & Mercer, 10 November 2015, 568 pages, ebook, Kindle Owner's Lending Library)
***
***
I didn't enjoy this as much as the first book in the series. I don't think I'll read any more.
I felt The Thief Taker was well-written, well-researched Historical Fiction. Not so much with the Fire Catcher. I just felt like there were certain historical facts that didn't ring true. A quick bit of my own research confirmed a lot of major historical inaccuracies. If Fire Catcher was alternative history, fine, but the book is supposed to be, at least partly accurate. It seems a lot of changes were made to fit with the story.
The book was enjoyable in parts. A lot happens. There is plenty of action and drama. The plot, based around the Great Fire on London fairly rattles along. I liked the way the author evokes the presence of the fire as it spreads across the city. The suspense is handled well.
However, I felt the book could have been 80-100 pages shorter. The last chunk of the book just dragged on. I started to get bored, longing for the end.
I also felt the book verges on ridiculous at times. Don't get me started on the blowjob references and dick jokes. Or Maria from The Thief Taker's replacement, exotic young gypsy Lily.
I really enjoyed The Thief Taker but Fire Catcher is weak.
