The third Marwood and Lovett outing in historic London.
I enjoying the continuation of the story, and the development of the characters, but some of the story points seemed to be repeated rather than fleshed out.

Despite his extensive scarring following his last adventure, James Marwood is still in the employ of the Restoration court and is called upon to investigate when a man is found drowned on the property of Lord Clarendon. Complications arise because Clarendon is falling out of favour with the king and the alleged murderer is Cat Lovett, a long-time acquaintance of Marwood. There are hints of a threat to the royal power involving different factions which Marwood must negotiate and also a scandal which may affect the succession.
Andrew Taylor is a wonderful writer who manages to combine a satisfyingly obtuse and complex plot with real and visceral historical detail. This is a further outing for James Marwood, a hero with feet of clay, in which he finds himself further embroiled in danger in Restoration London. There is a streak of humour running through the book and big issues are touched upon, eg. racism, homosexuality, without the story seeming preachy. It takes a rare talent to produce something this engaging and I look forward to each of Taylor's books!

I really enjoy this series. Both Marwood and Lovett have developed really well over the previous two books and Andrew Taylor continues to give them depth and creating understanding behind their actions. The plot was well paced and there were several red herrings placed in this that misled me. I liked the way that the King was developed further too and he became more than a side character in this story as he played a more prominent role. The intrigue and drama had some moments of good momentum and depth which really helped to make them alive for the reader. I can't wait to continue with this series as i think both Kat and Marwood are interesting characters to follow.

Skeletons in the cupboard

Andrew Taylor’s latest thriller set in Restoration London and the Cambridgeshire Fens in the years following the Great Fire does not disappoint. The nicely ambiguous title refers to the reputed power of the English monarch to heal sufferers of Scrofula with the touch of his hand.

This the third of the Marwood and Lovett stories and is a huge success, just like the others. The death of Cat Lovett’s cousin in suspicious circumstances leads to the accusation of his murder laid against her. James Marwood is asked to investigate and is determined to solve the crime to prove her innocence. But this is also a tale of past indiscretions in the royal House of Stuart, indiscretions which have the power to bring down a dynasty. Who is the mysterious girl kept in seclusion in a Fenland estate? Why is she important to so many important men? And what will Marston do with the dangerous knowledge when he finds out?

What I like most about this series of novels is how the author takes such care to set them in a convincing context. Women, however spirited and talented, have limited outlets for their abilities, and an investigator such as Marwood, even if commissioned by the government authorities, is despised and exploited, his position precarious and is life often endangered.

Another good one from Andrew Taylor. Full of period detail and mystery. Enjoyed it greatly.
(Full review coming soon.)

The 3rd book in the Marwood and Lovett series is just as enjoyable as the previous two. Picking up from where The Fire Court ends, The Kings Evil follows the intriguing story of the death of Cat's cousin, and Marwood's attempts to make sense of an ever twisting plot involving not just Cat, but the King himself.

As ever with Taylor's books, i was kept guessing throughout, and genuinely didnt see the ending coming as it did. The author paints a brilliantly descriptive picture of Stuart London, which along with the unputdownable nature of the book, leads to a hugely enjoyable read.

And as the relationship between the two main characters becomes more convoluted, i really cant wait to see what happens in book 4.

A well written and detailed storyline with the characters nicely sketched out and the continuation of the series not missing a beat. For me, perhaps, just lacking a little of the “spark” so obviously evident in the the first two books but none the less Marwood and Cat Lovett stick in the mind and you would certainly be drawn into following.

Having read with enjoyment the first two books I seized upon the follow up as soon as I could get my hands on it. It was a pleasure to renew the acquaintance of the same characters and the story was full of intrigue, excitement and interest. The hero as the Kings agent is charged with investigating the death and possible murder of a man that had fallen into a well in the grounds of a disgraced minister while at the same time he has to keep safe the prime suspect of a possible murder who happens to be his friend. The story set in the reign of King Charlies the 2nd is well researched and provides a good insight into the politics and culture of the times. Altogether a most satisfying read.

Another excellent book in the series. While not quite at the level of Hilary Mantel the historical detail is very convincing and it's a good mystery and well written.

This is not my usual genre that I read but I read the first two books in the series and surprisingly for me I did enjoy them so I had no hesitation in reading this book. Again it was a good storyline full of conspiracy and scandal. Plenty of twists and turns and I like the descriptiveness of London after the great fire, you can almost smell the ashes etc. Although it can be read as a stand-alone it’s better to read in order to see how the characters are developing. I would recommend this series to readers who like historical fiction but also crime fiction.

just love these books by Andrew Taylor and the third in the series does not disappoint. James Marwood is involved in new intrigues surrounding the royal court, even getting to meet the king, his brother and the Duke of Buckingham. Once again some interesting bits of history are revealed and then, of course, there is the whole will they / won't they of Marwood's relationship with Cat. Looking forward to the next book in the series!

Another rollicking yarn set during the reign of Charles 11 with the diverse hero Marwood and heroine Catt Lovett embroiled again in dark deeds of murder and court intrigue. Beautifully atmospheric descriptions of London after the Great Fire, Cambridge and in particular the fens(one can almost feel and smell the eels) the plot cleverly twists hither and thither. Just when everything seems laid bare it all twists again leaving one eager for,hopefully,the next instalment.

The next book in the series, the King's Evil is a story of crime and intrigue in high places. There is interesting historical detail and the story proceeds at a steady pace. The main character somehow gains access to the king and other members of the royal court. I am not sure how possible this would be but it adds to the story.
There is crime at all levels in the story and the differences between the classes is explored at length.
I enjoyed the book as I have enjoyed the previous books in the series and recommend it to anyone who likes to read historical novels.

Another great book in this series from Andrew Taylor. The writing is very atmospheric and draws the reader in to a time that was dangerous and life was cheap and unhealthy. The court of Charles the second was a hot bed of intrigue and nasty power struggles with James Marwood deftly keeping on the right side while trying to protect his friends, especially the feisty Cat. If the reader enjoys novels by C J Sansom they will enjoy this series. Look forward to the next one.

In many ways The King’s Evil is a better follow up to the excellent Ashes of London -although The Fire Court has its compelling intrigues - here the narrative involving Marwood and Cat continues to flourish against a backdrop of murder and political power play within the court of Charles II. Marwood’s character is becoming more fleshed out and one wonders how he will develop in further tales that hopefully Andrew Taylor will bring to fruition.

Book 3 in the Marwood and Lovett series.
James Marwood has been tasked by his masters to cover up a murder. The victim is Edward Alderly - the cousin of Catherine Lovett (Cat).
When Cat vanishes the evidence suggests that she is the killer. Can Marwood find the killer and save Cat from the noose?
This has been a superb series, full of conspiracy, plots and court intrigue.
Keep your friends close and your enemies closer.

I was delighted to be offered a review copy of The King’s Evil, the third book in this series. I got stuck in and finished it in a couple of days. It works well as a standalone, but characters and storyline are developing with each book. I’ve read the first two and this is a series which is really going from strength to strength.

The plotting is superb, with twists and turns it’s impossible to second guess the outcome. The cast of characters is diverse and that’s what really gives this historical thriller an edge. The period is brought to life with shenanigans and scandals involving the Royal court and those connected. But there’s also detail about the ordinary folk in post Great Fire LONDON. The aftermath has affected all in many ways, physically, financially and spiritually.

Taylor is a skilled storyteller and one whose work I shall follow with interest. This is a superb read as a crime thriller or historical fiction and it’s also a fascinating slice of social history. Brilliant.

This is the third outing in this Restoration period series, and the standard of writing and research, shows no signs of flagging. We are back with familiar friends, James Marwood, a sleuth for King Charles the second, and Cat Lovett, a feisty acquaintance ,whom James has complicated feelings towards.
A body is found in a well, at the house of Lord Clarendon, who is a courtier at the Royal Court. The victim is identified as Edward Alderley, who happens to be the cousin of Cat Lovett, and there is no love lost between them, in fact she has previously threatened to kill him, so it comes as no surprise to learn that she is suspected of his murder. James has the job of hiding and protecting her, whilst serving his master , the King.
Marwood becomes sidetracked by Lady Quincey, Cats stepmother, she and James go to Cambridgeshire to collect a young girl, who is suffering from the titular illness of The Kings Evil, or Scrofula. Today, this is known as Tuberculosis ,and then ,it was believed that the ceremony of the laying on of hands ,by the King, could provide a cure for this disease. Marwood suspects that Lady Quincey is the mother of this child, and that the secret of the missing father, is tied in to various attempts on Marwoods life and other murders.
I found this to be an exciting story, with many informative nuggets of information. There are fascinating glimpses of the Restoration court,that contrast sharply with the filth and burnt out quarters of London, following The Great Fire, covered in the previous two books. Who knew the meaning of the word, Picadilly? It's not a period covered in schools these days, but reading this,helps you understand so much.
The descriptions of the Lincolnshire Fens, and Cambridgeshire marshes are very atmospheric, all mists and aromas, and can be quite spooky! I have lived in these areas for most of my life, and when those sea fogs come rolling in, it can be very scary and there are so many isolated villages thereabouts ,it was the perfect setting to hide a young girl from curious eyes.
These books are best read in their written order, they are very addictive, and I am hoping for a fourth in this series, there is still much of this period to investigate. I highly recommend this book and give it five stars.

I have read the previous two books in this series and I was interested in how the stories of the main characters progressed. The book was written in the same style as the previous two and you can see that the history of London has been well researched. It is well written although at times I did feel that the author reiterated the plot as if the really establish the point he was trying to make. I enjoyed this book and read it quite quickly. I will read more by this author.

Brilliant.
This is the third in the Marwood series set immediately after the Great Fire of London. Again Taylor evokes a real sense of London at that time; one can almost smell the stench of the tannery. Marwood is enlisted to solve a murder, but those at the highest level of power, including the king all have a vested interest. Catherine Lovett from the previous books is the main suspect. Although the book could be read as a stand alone, I recommend that the previous books are read first.
I hope another book is on it's way.