Blood On The Stone

Thanks netgalley and publisher for this book. The book is centred around the English Parliament Meeting in Oxford in 1681, and relates to a murder of one of the MP's and a conspiracy based around the religious feelings of that time. I enjoyed this book immensely and learnt some historical facts of a period I have not really read about before. The characters and the setting were very lifelike and I found myself very engaged in what was happening, and hoping everything would be ok in the end. I truly hope this will be the start of a new series of books relating the the escapades of Sandys and Robshaw in solving more murders.

An interesting and engaging historical fiction, well researched and well written.
The plot was fascinating and historical background well researched.
A very good book, recommended!
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.

Do you like historical fiction, murder mysteries, the city of Oxford? If the answer to this question is yes, then this book is for you!
Who is plotting to overthrow the Crown? In March 1681, Oxford hosted the English Parliament. Shortly after King Charles II and the politicians arrive in the city, an MP is found murdered. The murder adds fuel to the already tense situation caused by anti-Papist factions fanning the flames of discontent coupled with a plot to overthrow the ‘Merry Monarch’. It is up to Luke Sandys, Chief Officer of the Oxford Bailiffs, to solve the crime and thwart the plot. Can he stop the plot in time?
As a historical fiction novel and a mystery, I loved this book. It is densely packed with historical details that were so interesting I forgot to try to figure out who the murder was. I didn’t see much of a love story in the plot, but it wasn’t necessary to keep me interested.
The star of this book is the City of Oxford. I have only been to Oxford once, but the book brought to life all of those iconic locations that are burned in my memory: Christ Church, Carfax tower, Magpie Lane, etc. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book with Oxford as the beautiful star of the show.
Thank you NetGalley and Unbound for an advance copy of this book.

My thanks to Unbound Digital for an eARC via NetGalley of Jake Lynch’s historical mystery, ‘Blood on the Stone’, in exchange for an honest review.

Double thanks are due as I also participated in The Pigeonhole’s group read and was able to share my thoughts and comments with other readers as we read the daily chapters.

In March 1681 Oxford is hosting the English Parliament. Charles II has come to the city with his mistresses, courtiers, politicians and other hanger-ons. When a MP is found murdered it triggers further tensions.

Luke Sandys as the Chief Officer of the Oxford Bailiffs is tasked with solving the murder. He is assisted by his brother, a serving cavalry officer, and his deputy, Robshaw. They become aware of a secret sectarian plot to overthrow the Crown.

I enjoy historical fiction as well as mysteries, and so this was a great choice for me. This novel was not only well researched but Lynch has translated this into a highly engaging tale of murder and political intrigue. While the King and his Court do make cameo appearances, Lynch’s main focus is on the working people and their everyday lives. The city and surrounding areas of 17th Century Oxford also comes vividly alive under Lynch’s pen.

I was very impressed by ‘Blood on the Stone’ and found that I gained knowledge about this episode in the history of the Restoration as well as about Oxford and its people. Lynch includes useful historical notes at the end. I am rather hoping for more adventures for Sandys and Robshaw in the future as they were a brilliant investigating team.

Murder, plots and civil unrest in 1681 Oxford!

Amidst the turmoil of these Restoration times King Charles II (and his two mistresses, Nell Gwyn and the Duchess of Portsmouth, Louise de Kérouaille, known as "the Catholic whore") come to Oxford. Charles has declared the sitting of the Whig parliament should take place here. Charles has taken extraordinary security measures with his Royal Guard.
Of course this brings troubles to that city.
BTW I loved that Lynch included the famous Nell Gwynn line reported to have called to the rambunctious crowd, “Calm yourselves, good people… I am the Protestant whore!”
Luke Sandys, is the Chief Officer of the Oxford Bailiff and it's he who is in charge of the city side of protecting the king against troublemakers.
And trouble comes to one Luke cares for. When William Harbord, the Member for Thetford, an agitator of the Popish Plot, is found murdered, overnight the city sits a knife edge of explosive flash points. Popular option escalates towards the murder being part of the Catholic plot. Men are turning up sporting small green ribbons. It seems they're rabidly anti papist and intent on bringing pressure to bear in support for the Exclusion Bill to be discussed by Parliament. (A Bill for "the exclusion of James, Duke of York from the line of succession." James was seen as a Catholic supporter. For those wishing to read further, all this and more is explained in the highly informative author's Historical Notes.)
Although married Luke cannot leave aside his feelings for Cate Napper, the Mitre Inn landlord's daughter and a secret Catholic.
When Cate disappears Luke must bring all his skill and knowledge to bear to find her.
Beyond the story Lynch has gifted us with a fascinating and detailed look at everyday life in these times. Everything from living conditions, work practices, social behaviour, political historical, to religious historical questions. Even information ranging from how cheese was made to the current popular theater offerings.
I wondered if there were perhaps too much daily life information to the detriment of the story line. I decided not. If anything the historical aspects supported and enriched the tale.
Just the right amount of mystery, history and intrigue!

A NetGalley ARC

Le XVIIe siècle en Angleterre, plus précisément à Oxford? Un meurtre? Des histoires d'amour qui ne se terminent pas bien? YES! J'ai adoré l'ambiance, l'époque, les personnages. Je recommande !!

I enjoyed Blood on The Stone by Jake Lynch immensely, it’s a unique murder mystery set in 17th Century Oxford.

King Charles II is visiting the city with his entourage, when an MP William Harbord is found murdered…first thoughts are this is a political killing by the papists. They worry about revenge by the Green Ribbon Club and their anti-catholic agitation..

Luke Sandys, The Chief Officer of the Bailiffs is set to solve the murder, he also finds a plot against the King.

I found Luke Sandys to be a quite sympathetic character, a married man, but lonely and has feelings for the Catholic Cate….very much against the emotions of the time.

The mix of historical facts and fiction made for a very entertaining read, it was clearly a very troubled, turbulent and brutal time….the idea of Catherine Wheeling someone is horrific….all in the name of religion. A must read for lovers of historical fiction and I can thoroughly recommend it.

Thank you to the Author, the publishers and NetGalley for the opportunity to read a free copy of the ebook in exchange for my honest, unbiased review.

I will admit I do not know that much about King Charles II or his time on the throne. However, while reading this book I felt like I was in the story watching every thing take place. It starts off when an MP is murdered while King Charles II is about to open up Parliament. It falls to Luke Sandys, The Chief Officer of the Bailiffs to solve the crime. This book is wonderfully written and I highly recommend this to anyone that likes Historical Fiction.