London 1667. In the Court of Charles II, it's a dangerous time to be alive - a wrong move may lead to disgrace, exile or death. The discovery of a body at Clarendon House, the palatial home of one of the highest courtiers in the land, could therefore have catastrophic consequences.
James Marwood, a traitor's son, is ordered to cover up the murder. But the dead man is Edward Alderley, the cousin of one of Marwood's acquaintances. Cat Lovett had every reason to want her cousin dead. Since his murder, she has vanished, and all the evidence points to her as the killer.
Marwood is determined to clear Cat's name and discover who really killed Alderley. But time is running out for everyone. If he makes a mistake, it could threaten not only the government but the King himself.
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[HE COULD NOT help himself]***
(@HarperCollinsUK, 4 April 2019, 464 pages, paperback, copy from (@HarperCollinsUK and voluntarily reviewed)
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I enjoyed the first two Marwood and Lovett books so had high hopes for this book. Once again, Taylor manages to pull it off. I liked the way Lovett develops in this book. She's a great character, intelligent, fiercely independent and stubborn as hell. Marwood discovers Edward Alderley, Lovett's cousin is seeking revenge against her and is stunned when Lovett reveals what her cousin did and why he's coming for her. The murder Marwood is investigating is that of Edward Alderley whose body is found in a well. Of course, Lovett becomes the prime suspect. Marwood doesn't believe she's a murder but keeps his connection to her quiet while he investigates the murder. As ever, the depiction of London in 1667 is brilliant and the city and streets really come to life.
