I've really enjoyed reading Andrew Taylor's Marwood and Lovett series, and this is a great addition! They interacted a lot more in this book, and I was definitely happy about that – it's been my one complaint of the series so far! Another twisty, well-plotted historical mystery that fans of the series will enjoy.

As usual in my reviews, I will not rehash the plot (plenty of other reviews like that out there).

This is the sixth book in Andrew Taylor's "Marwood and Lovett" series. I've read the other previous novels in this series so was pleased to be invited to read this.

The relationship between Cat and Marwood is rather fraught at times (after the events of the previous novel), but
following a mysterious death which holds up Cat's latest architectural project, she calls on Marwood to help investigate. There are other subplots at play - one involving the King, with a whole web of intrigue of its own! We meet characters from the previous novels, and several new ones - all well written as usual.

This novel (like others in the series) blends fact and fiction seamlessly, and as such, adds another dimension to history.

I'm hoping there will be more in this series!

My thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for an ARC. All opinions my own.

Marwood and Lovett (Hakesby) are back! Yay! And so are the dead bodies! Cat has embarked on an almshouse project but everything comes to a halt when a body is discovered chock full of stab wounds and his face beaten so badly he’s unrecognisable due to some local authority red tape the project is put on hold threatening to ruin everyone involved including Cat. Reluctantly and at length Cat asks Marwood/his boss for help. Things are totes awks between them since Cat turned him down, but Marwood being Marwood does what he does best and throws himself in to an investigation that naturally ends up with him ruining his best suit of clothes, his wig ruined (but salvageable thank god!) and getting nearly killed various times. Cat is at her bitchy best as she fights her feelings and Marwood is his usual pompous and foolish self I love them both so much. There’s a lot of threads to this one and it kept me guessing. The ending of this book kind of felt like a full stop so it may be the last we see of them hopefully not. Cat didn’t even get to stab anyone this time.

This sixth instalment of the Hakesby and Marwood series sees Cat and James reunite to solve the murder of an unknown man.

Cat’s latest architectural endeavours involve rebuilding an alms-house that was destroyed by the Great Fire of London, five years previously. When the discovery of a body on the site threatens to halt the work, Cat and James turn must utilise their connections at the court of Charles II to uncover the identity of first the victim, and then their killer.

This is a well put together murder mystery, and can be read as a standalone novel (although context on the history of the two main characters would probably be beneficial). I look forward to seeing where this story goes from here.

My thanks to the author, NetGalley, and the publisher for the arc to review.

An excellent addition to this wonderful historical mystery series. Set in Restoration London about 5 years after the Great Fire of 1666, Cat Hakesby (formerly Lovett) is running her late husband's architecture firm and has been hired to renovate an ancient almshouse and some adjoining properties. A disrigured dead body is found at the site, bringing the project to a halt. Cat can't afford the delay and thus asks Marwood to investigate to clear things up. Marwood's employer, Lord Arlington, also urges Marwood to look into the matter when it is believed that the dead body may be that of a man employed by the government. The mystery is intriguing and the author's attention to detail really brings the era to life. I love how he blends real life figures and events with his own fictional inventions, and how he includes an author's note to provide details.

Another enjoyable Historical Fiction from Andrew Taylor. He brings the period to life with his narrative and descriptions. Some really good characters and a storyline about life and times during the reign of Charles II. A fast paced story that was very compelling. The conclusion tied up all the loose ends..

Set in Restoration England, we find Marwood continuing his service for Lord Arlington as a body, grossly disfigured, is discovered in the ruins of the almshouse Cat and Brennan are working to restore. There are two contenders for the identity, which lead Marwood and Cat into serious political plots and Arlington orders Marwood to discover the identity, as well as missing papers, of the victim.

Cat continues her work and accepts a commission to quote for Arlington, bringing her to court where the King is pursuing the young Louise de Kerouaille, a French Catholic who is being put before him as part of another political intrigue.

Its an exciting read, and will stand alone without reading the rest of the series. The reader needs to keep a sharp eye though, as we frequently change horses several times in a paragraph, leaping from one narrator to another's point of view.

A great historical series, firmly founded in fact and full of the intrigue of the time. Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK for allowing me access to the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This is the latest in the series about James Marwood and Cat Hakesby,set in the time of Charles II .The book begins when a disfigured corpse is found on a building site being worked on by the architect Cat and her partner Brennan,and the investigation involves intrigue at the royal court,where the King is trying to make one of his wife’s French ladies his latest mistress.
The plot is full of twists and turns and requires quite a lot of concentration from the reader,but it’s well worth the effort.The book also continues the relationship between Cat and Marwood.Like the rest of the series it’s a fascinating depiction of life in 17th century London,where real historical figures are included alongside fictional characters.I look forward to the next in the series.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an ARC in return for an honest review which reflects my own opinion.

More murder, intrigue, scandals, and plots are in this sixth instalment of Andrew Taylors' excellent Marwood and Lovett series. An unidentified body found on Cats' latest job, an old almhouse, throws her career off course. Marwood is sent to investigate, and we find that things are a wee bit tense after Cats' decision in the last book. Things get a lot tenser as Marwood begins courting the daughter of Cats' latest employer. She's not happy at all, but Marwood is rather caught up in his usual intrigues. It turns out the body is either a treacherous government employee or the French tutor who is linked to the almshouses owners daughter, and possible love interest of Marwood. Oh, and just to confuse all and up the stakes even more, all this business is also linked to a young French woman who the king has a lecherous eye on!

Well written and researched as always. I say this in all my reviews, but it bears saying again. Taylor is the master of bringing historical fiction to life. It's always atmospheric, always well plotted. These can be read as standalone stories, but I'd highly recommend reading the whole series.

I was sent a copy of The Shadows of London by Andrew Taylor to read and review by NetGalley. This is another very readable adventure with James Marwood and Cat Hakesby. Once again murder is involved and the indomitable Marwood takes on the mantle of detective and endeavours to solve the puzzles that abound. The author once again gives us nice well rounded characters and lots of atmosphere and suspense, with a little bit of romance thrown in for good measure. An enjoyable read, as expected, but this did have the slight hint that it may be the last episode in the series – I hope I am mistaken!

Intrigue, sex, power and brutal murders, alongside the continuing tale of Cat Hakesby and James Marwood. London, 1671 and Cat is busy with her business partner Brennan, on the planned rebuild of an Old Almshouse when a brutally murdered, faceless corpse is discovered there. Work is halted, to her frustration and possible financial ruin. Lord Arlington, Secretary of State initially orders Marwood to investigate. Two men are discovered missing, but no-one can identify the corpse. As Marwood's (undercover) investigation proceeds, Arlington then instructs him not to proceed!

Intrigue and manipulation around installing a beautiful, young French noblewoman (Mlle Louise de Keroualle) into King Charles II's bed is mounting amoung the aristocracy who have interests to protect and encourage. Lord Buckingham and his brutal servant Durrell (who previously killed Cat's elderly husband) are of course involved. Double crossings and total lack of empathy to 'lower' beings even when they are loyal and trusted staff brings a sour taste - paticularly when it pertains to characters you adore. But it's every man for himself, especially around the monarch and the Court.

A good mystery, eye-opening scenes around how Charles and those around him comported themselves, plus the development of Hakesby and Marwood's friendship. A good read, great entertainment and characters. I'd have liked more historical detail about settings, environments, meals, and everyday circumstances as A. Taylor does this so well; interesting author's note too.

In the latest instalment of Andrew Taylor’s excellent series of historical crime novels set in Restoration England, a body is found on a building site, its face beaten beyond recognition. The discovery means work on restoring a set of almshouses must halt and Cat Hakesby, who has been employed to carry out that work, is left in limbo, her company on the brink of financial ruin.

Fortunately for Cat, James Marwood, currently working for the influential Lord Arlington, is called in to investigate. This inevitably puts him in the way of both danger and the Duke of Buckingham, who is definitely not a fan of Marwood, and in the meantime the questions are starting to stack up. Does the body belong to a dubious government functionary or a dashing French tutor? How is a young Frenchwoman, who has caught the eye of none other than King Charles himself, involved? And how will Marwood’s relationship with the coquettish daughter of an apparently wealthy businessman who has caught his eye develop?

Andrew Taylor skilfully weaves together the lives of his fictional creations and genuine historical characters, such as diarist and horticulturalist John Evelyn, in a cracking good yarn full of colour and intrigue, all of which have an authentic feel. If you’re familiar with Cat and Marwood of old you will certainly enjoy their latest escapades, but if you haven’t had the pleasure of reading about their adventures before you will still find this volume very accessible and extremely engaging.

You are very lucky if you have not read any of the Andrew Taylor novels featuring Marwood as it means you have a major treat in store for you. Six fantastic novels to read.

They are a brilliant hybrid of high history, social history and an incredible ability to bring London in the 17th century to life.

Part historical novel, part literary fiction and part a crime novel. The first novel dramatically brought the fire of London to life, you really could feel what it might have been like to be there, in this novel we find out more about the corruption of the court and the role and fate of women.

All in all a fantastic read that I highly recommend.

Andrew Taylor's latest installment of the James Marwood / Cat Hakesby chronicles continues with more murder and political intrigue in the Court of Charles II. This time, the King's new intended Mistress has a hidden past that threatens to destabilise a secret Concord with France. Again, Marwood is at the beck and call of Lord Arlington, whilst The Duke of Buckingham continues to play dirty through his thug Durrell. We get a detailed account of the perigenations of the Court allowing subterfuge and plotting to flourish. Interwoven through this is the continuing relationship between Marwood and Cat which blows hot and cold. Those who have been following these adventures won't be disappointed as this is an accomplished and enjoyable addition and as usual I am impatient to read the next chapter of this story.

The Shadows of London, book six in Andrew Taylor’s fabulous series of historical mysteries set in post-Restoration London, finds our protagonists, James Marwood and Cat Hakesby (née Lovett) once again embroiled in an intricate and cleverly constructed murder mystery. Like the earlier books in the series the mystery in this one stands alone, but I’d recommend reading them in order so as to gain a fuller understanding of the relationship between the two principals.

It’s been five years since the Great Fire that destroyed so much of London, and since the night Marwood and Cat first met. Reconstruction of the City continues, and Cat, who took over the running of her husband’s architectural firm after his death, has been awarded the contract to build a new almshouse and some new brick houses in Chard Lane, on the site of the ancient almshouse destroyed in the fire. But when a the body of a man is discovered partly buried beneath piles of rubble and old bricks, his face beaten so badly as to be unrecognisable, the work has to be halted. Frustrated at at the delay, which could mean severe financial loss, Cat reluctantly asks James Marwood if he can do anything to help.

Marwood is in the employ of Lord Arlington who, as Keeper of the Privy Purse, is the second most powerful man in England, answerable only to the King. Marwood, who is part clerk, part spy, has frequently been directed by Arlington to conduct murder investigations, and when ‘My Lord’ hears about the body in Chard Lane, he tells Marwood to find out everything he can about the murder – although he isn’t, at this stage, willing to intervene on Cat’s behalf.

The first thing to do is to identify the victim, and Cat and Marwood soon work out that there are two likely candidates. One is the young man who had been employed as French tutor to the daughter of Mr. Hadgraft – who is currently Cat’s employer as commissioner of the Chard Lane project – the other is a man named Iredale, who is employed as a clerk at the Council of Foreign Plantations. Both are nonentities, making the motivation for murder unclear, but when Cat and Marwood learn of the involvement of one of the Duke of Buckingham’s henchmen – a dangerous, violent man with whom they’ve had dealings before – they realise that there is much more at stake than it initially seemed. For Buckingham, who hates Marwood and takes every opportunity to denigrate him, to be taking an interest in the murder of a nobody is strange, to say the least, and as Cat and Marwood dig deeper, it becomes clear that whoever the victim was, this murder is somehow linked to those at the very heart of power at the English court.

As with the other books in the series, Andrew Taylor does an absoutely superb job of weaving together fact and fiction, skilfully incorporating a number of actual historical figures and events into his original story. Here, he adds a third narrator to the mix; in addition to Cat and Marwood, we also hear from a young Frenchwoman named Louise de Kéroualle, who has been brought to England by the French Ambassador, with the specific intention of making her the mistress of King Charles II. Louise is widely regarded these days as a gold-digger, but as the author points out in his note at the end, while that may have been the case, that doesn’t preclude her having been a victim; she was young and vulnerable and basically manouevered into her ‘position’ by the French, who want her to act as their spy, “a pliant girl who will do what they tell her in the interestes of France. Someone to whisper in his [Charles’] ear whatever they want to say”.

The mystery is full of unexpected twists and turns – especially the big reveal – and the author paints a vivid picture of the sights and sounds of Restoration London, seamlessly integrating observations about the way the society of the time functioned and how precarious life was for pretty much anyone not born to privilege. Marwood has, for some time, been in the employ of Lord Arlington and his star has risen accordingly, to the extent that he’s become a respected figure, but the corruption at the highest levels has never sat all that well with him, and in this book he begins to realise the truth of the old adage about touching pitch and being deflied. Even Cat – who is hardly soft or unsceptical – sees how Marwood has become harder and more cynical, and doesn’t like it. Both of them have come a long way since we first met them, and their relationship has been always fraught with tension. Cat is tough and clear-sighted, she isn’t always kind and has certainly not always been so towards Marwood, although over the last couple of books, she’s realised that she’s come to depend on him far more than she realised – or intended, and that their lives are inextricably intertwined. That Marwood has had something of a crush on Cat has been obvious for a while, but only recently has Cat begun to feel the same – or been prepared to admit it to herself – and there are clearly big changes ahead for both of them.

The one criticism of the book isn’t to do with the story but with the way it’s laid out; in the copy I had – which was an ARC, so things may have been changed – the scene breaks are not marked, so I would be reading in Cat’s PoV, turn the page and then be in Louise’s PoV or Marwood’s (Marwood is written in first person, the others in third), and I’d sometimes have to go back to work out whose head I was in. I don’t recall that being an issue with the other books in the series.

But don’t let that minor issue put you off. Marwood and Lovett is one of my favourite historical mystery series, and The Shadows of London is another enthralling instalment. The historical background has obviously been extensively researched and permeates the stories in a way that is far more than simple ‘window dressing’, the characters are extremely well-rounded and the political intrigue is fascinating. I’m not sure whether there will be a book seven given the way this one ends, but I’ll certainly be picking it up if there is.

Grade - B+ / 4.5 stars

Thoroughly enjoyed this story that lead me through 17th Century London. It was a journey with characters we’ve met previously and it was good to catch up with with what was going on in their lives.
It’s so interesting to experience through these characters, what life was like for them - particularly those close to Court. To be chosen to be close to the King and have no choice or be thrown out of Court and home because you’ve fallen out of favour. This story was told at a good pace that kept me turning the pages late into the night.

I have followed this series from the very start and have enjoyed them very much. I immediately felt comfortable, as you do with a multi-book series, but I was somewhat concerned about how much longer the tension between the two main character could be kept going without becoming incredulous. I'm happy to say that from that point of view I ended the book happy!

Reading the author's note was interesting. There is a perceived truth about The Merry Monarch and his mistresses that was pleasingly questioned. In fact in that respect it reminded me of Maggie O'Farrell's The Marriage Portrait. My only quibble is that I would have liked the sinister patriarchy that was so apparent in the king's bedroom to have permeated the rest of the book. Perhaps I wasn't questioning it closely enough myself as I read!

Thank you so much for the opportunity to read this book. I recommend it and look forward to the next in the series with renewed vigour!

Another excellent novel featuring Marwood and Cat Hakesby, based on the story of Louise de Kéroualle's seduction, if it can be so called, by Charles II. Of course, there's a murder to investigate as well and some architectural asides. Great characters and exciting events are set against the fascinating background of 17th century London, the court at Whitehall and Lord Arlington's estate in Suffolk.

If you've read the others, you'll want to read this one, and if you haven't now's the time to get stuck in.

Andrew Taylor has crafted a memorable series, The Shadows of London being the sixth book. It works well as a standalone, but there is character development with the recurring characters and it works even better if you’ve read them all.

The setting is London, 1671; a city still recovering from the devastating effects of the great fire. A body is found and Cat Hakesby is ordered to stop the restoration work she’s involved with and James Marwood is tasked with finding out all he can about the murder. Working with Cat, their investigation leads to the royal court and has implications for those close to King Charles II. As may be expected with Taylor’s stories, they’re woven very carefully around real events and real people. As historical fiction, this is a cracking read. A well paced murder mystery with intrigue around Charles and his dalliances and old adversaries mixed up with bad deeds. This is a series packed with detail. The taverns, streets and people leap off the page. The contrast between the ordinary folk and the royal court is stark and at the heart, there’s a well constructed plot to find the killer. Really enjoyed this and my thanks to the publisher for a review copy via Netgalley.

The Shadows of London by Andrew Taylor is historical crime fiction, the 6th book in his James Marwood and Cat Lovett Restoration series. I’ve read all of the previous books, set in 17th century England, during the reign of Charles II, and thoroughly enjoyed each one So I was delighted to find that this one is just as good, maybe even better. Although it does work as a stand-alone book I do think it’s best to read them in sequence to get the full background of the Restoration period and the relationship between James Marwood and Cat Hakesbury (formerly Lovett).

At the beginning of the book there is a list of the main characters, which I find very useful. It includes where they live and their professions and relationships with each other, including the real historical characters. There is also a Historical Note at the end of the book in which Taylor explains that the origins of the novel had germinated over a number of years following the Harvey Weinstein and Jeffrey Epstein cases, whilst the catalyst came when he read Dr Linda Porter’s Mistresses: Sex and Scandal at the Court of Charles II. In one chapter Dr Porter focuses on the career of Louise de Keroualle, who became Charles II’s chief mistress during the second half of his reign. In The Shadows of London the story of Louise’s seduction with its political implications, based on fact, is interwoven with the mystery of the murder of the man found dead, brutally killed, in the grounds of a ruined almshouse that Cat’s workman were restoring.

The murder mystery is complicated first of all because the victim had no face, and nothing by which he could be identified. Both the characters and the settings are well described and the mixture of fact and fiction works well. It is fast paced, full of action and intrigue. The narrative is told from both Cat’s and James’s viewpoints switching from one to the other throughout the book. Their relationship continues to develop as they work together to find the culprit and it reaches a turning point in this book. I hope that there will be a 7th book as I really want to know what happens next …

One of the things that I really enjoyed in this book is the picture it paints of John Evelyn, the writer and diarist, bibliophile and horticulturalist. He was a contemporary of Samuel Pepys. His diary covers the years from 1640 to 1706 when he died. And now I want to find out more about him.

Andrew Taylor is a bestselling crime and historical novelist, and the winner of the Diamond Dagger of the Crime Writers Association, the Gold Crown of the Historical Writers Association and many other awards. He’s written nearly fifty books, listed here, three of which have been televised. I’d leave to see the Marwood and Lovett series adapted for television!

My thanks to the publishers and NetGalley for my review copy.