Andrew Taylor's latest addition to his 17th century series featuring James Marwood and the daughter of the regicide, Cat Lovett, captures the dangerous and turbulent times under the restored King. Whilst at the beginning the King proved to be popular, replacing the last protector,son of Oliver Cromwell, Richard, this is no longer the case, there is now a ground swell of antipathy and hostile feelings towards the King. There is unhappiness at his extravagance, the licentiousness and immorality of the court, there is a growing nostalgia of the past golden age of the Protectorate, and many who would welcome its return. There are those amongst the King's circles who are willing to play with fire, ostensibly claiming allegiance and loyalty, but planning and engaging in treacherous activities.

Richard Cromwell, in exile in Europe, fleeing his considerable debts is deemed to no longer to be a threat, but he has returned in disguise, missing his home, family and country, and the potential horrors of another Civil War hang in the air. Cat, now married to the elderly architect, Simon Hakesby, is finding married life is not the safe and secure prospect she had envisaged, Simon is less appreciative of her strengths, his health is failing, and his poor decision making places their lives at risk. She finds herself ensnared in the dangerous intrigues of others with Elizabeth Cromwell, Richard's daughter, renewing her acquaintance with Cat, Richard wants access to Simon's plans of Whitehall palace gardens to get hold of a parcel hidden by his mother. Simon falls over himself to help Richard, paying little regard to Cat's desperate worries, but she is held back from asking for help from Marwood, feeling a misplaced loyalty to Simon. Marwood is tasked to spy on a forbidden duel, which makes him a target of the King's favourite, the Duke of Buckingham, an entitled, powerful, influential, confident and ambitious man. In a narrative where Cat and Marwood face the possibility of treason charges, a country's fate hangs in the balance.

Wilson's impressive research ensures that the London and England he depicts has a strong sense of authenticity, with its brothel houses, the political intrigues, the sewers and their maintenance, the poverty, and a Parliament unwilling to play ball with a King desperate for money. Marwood finds himself in the line of fire, given he is working for Joseph Williamson, the Under Secretary of State to Lord Arlington, who are trying to bring down Buckingham and the power he wields with the King. He is going to have use all his wits and intelligence to ensure Cat's safety and that he himself survives the plots and secrets rife in London. This is a wonderful historical series that I have followed from the beginning, it is atmospheric, and captures the period details beautifully. This will appeal to those who love their well written historical fiction and particularly to those who are interested in 17th century England. Many thanks to HarperCollins for an ARC.

Another rollicking episode in the James Marwood series. This time involving the Duke of Buckingham and Richard Cromwell, son of The Lord Protector Oliver Cromwell. It begins with Oliver's widow leaving a strange letter to her son living in exile at the time. He returns and with his daughter seeks a mysterious legacy which eventually involves Marwood and his longtime "friend" Cat Hakesby. Lots of blood letting ensues and along with political games a complex web is woven. Splendid entertainment!

The political manoeuvring of the 17th century is brought to life vividly in the latest Marwood book from Andrew Taylor. The story wends through palaces, parks, streets, up and down-river, into bawdy houses and even down sewers. The list of characters from duelling Dukes to ageing architect, Lord Protector to mazer’s boy are engagingly written, and draw you into the plots and intrigues of the time. This is a thoroughly enjoyable series and this latest instalment definitely doesn’t disappoint!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

James Marwood and Cat Lovett (Hakesby) are back. I am so pleased to have this opportunity to read the next instalment of this ongoing tale of 17th century political intrigue. Most of the usual characters are also back - Hakesby the architect, Mr Chiffinch, and Marwood's boss, Mr WIlliamson. King Charles makes an appearance, and the Duke of Buckingham and Lord Shrewsbury fight a dual. Richard Cromwell, Oliver's son and successor also features, along with his daughter, Elizabeth and his mother, who has secrets to reveal. Marwood is unwillingly involved in the various conspiracies at the behest of his masters and also through Cat's connection with the Cromwells.

Restoration London is laid out before us, from the sewers to the bawdy houses, from the palaces to the stews. We smell both the stench and the perfume that tries to mask it, and see glorious riches only yards from the most abject poverty and misery. Poor Ferrus, the mazer scourer's assistant, sleeps in a kennel with Windy the dog, and spends his working life down the sewers, while the Duke of Buckingham parades his wealth in the palace above.

This is a richly detailed novel and I longed for a map so I could track Marwood's movements from the Savoy, through Covent Garden, to Westminster and beyond.

The whole series is highly recommended.

Andrew Taylor returns with another excellent instalment, the fourth book, of his superb 17th Century series featuring James Marwood and Cat. The Last Protector follows on from the The Ashes of London, The Fire Court and The King’s Evil and sees Marwood and Cat caught up in a web of intrigue involving Richard Cromwell (the son of the late Oliver Cromwell) and the Duke of Buckingham. It can be read as a standalone book but I also highly recommend the first three in this series.

CJ Sansom has his 16th century heavyweight series featuring the wonderful Matthew Shardlake and Taylor has constructed an evocative, atmospheric and realistic world ecosystem for his 17th century series.

James Marwood witnesses a dual involving the Duke of Buckingham and Cat is reacquainted with a childhood acquaintance in Elizabeth Cromwell, the granddaughter of the Protector Oliver Cromwell. Both events have ramifications for James and Cat and those around them.

For fans of General George Monck he is mentioned by his title of the Duke of Albemarle.

It is not just the main characters that the story deals with but it touches on the brutal reality of a life of struggle for those of the lowest rungs of society. The lives of Ferrus and Chloris will stay with you after you have the read the novel. Characters reappear from earlier in the series and Taylor’s ability to make people view the same circumstances differently is a joy to behold.

The story puts both Cat and James in unenviable positions and how these develop and become entwined is something to behold. The relationship of James and Cat continues to develop, and I am intrigued to see where it ends up going. I hope that there are many more instalments of this brilliant series.

Would I read a book by Andrew Taylor again? Yes.

Would I recommend this book? Yes. Taylor is an excellent author and his Lydmouth series is well worth reading too.

Thank you NetGalley for an ARC.

A most complex story of the political intrigues of the times into which our hero is reluctantly thrust to be in peril from the powerful figures who are plotting against the King. He is called upon to spy on an illegal duel to be staged between two nobles and their seconds the out come of which could have political implications during which he is discovered and recognised as he barely escapes. There after he fears for his life in carrying out his masters wishes. Meanwhile Cat is suspected through her husband’s political leanings which gets him involved with the plotters and Marwood risks all to protect her. He accidently discovers that the ringleader has a hide out in a brothel which results in bawdy houses and the lives of the women becoming the background to the story. An interesting story that ends well with Marwood taking in another lame dog, a destitute child that he recues from a lifetime of sexual slavery. With an ever-expanding household maybe it’s time to add a wife. Can’t wait for the next instalment!

I was looking forward to the next installment in this fantastic series and I am so pleased that once again the author has written an outstanding book. This is the 4th book featuring James Harwood and Cat Lovett. I think it is very clever how the storylines all continue throughout the books, but without becoming one and the same. This outing introduces Richard Cromwell along with our old favourites and a new mystery to solve. This series goes from strength to strength and I eagerly await the next installment and where the relationship between the 2 main characters goes. Please, please read this book starting at the beginning if you have not read the others or read now if you have. I promise you will not be sorry.

Andrew Taylor's latest book featuring James Marwood and Cat from the initial Ashes Of London story doesn't disappoint. The story shows a master at his craft and to meet these familiar faces again is like visiting ones favourite hotel for the weekend.
We get to have more villainy from the Duke of Buckingham who seeks to make political gain out of the return of Richard Cromwell, the former Lord Protector, now fallen on hard times. There are some surprising characters in this instalment who liven things up by their unpredictability whilst Cat shows her claws yet again.
I would have liked another 100 pages or so to give the book a more epic quality but overall it left a contented feeling. Followers of this series won't be disappointed.

I have been fortunate enough to read all the books in this series and have thoroughly enjoyed all of them. Anyone who enjoys the CS Sansom novels will enjoy these . The story goes along at a cracking pace with James Marwood and Cat Hakesby getting into dangerous political waters in the reign of Charles the second. The court intrigues are complex and devious. I knew little about this era previously but the descriptions of the period are vivid and show how precarious and brutal life was. Brilliant.

Although this is a stand-alone novel, it will undoubtedly send the new reader to find Andrew Taylor's Ashes of London, The Fire Court and King's Evil. For lovers of C.J. Sansom this is a must read.
While this is a first rate historical novel it is also in the genre of crime fiction - a brilliant historical thriller, filled with a cast ranging from Charles II to duplicitous members of the aristocracy, to apprentices and whores, all drawn together by the protagonists, James Marwood and Cat Hakesby who return to increase our knowledge of this turbulent period in our history. The whore, Chloris, is portrayed with depth and sympathy, but my heart went out to Ferrus, whose harrowing story gradually unfolds exposing the barbaric cruelty of his loathsome Master, the sewage Mazer.
Andrew Taylor gives us a lively and fast moving story, filled with atmosphere, intrigue and suspense. The sights, sounds and above all, the stench of London accompany the reader from start to finish.
I have no hesitation in awarding five stars for this gripping read.

James Marwood returns for a fourth outing, thank goodness, this series just keeps getting better! Marwood's masters suspect the Duke of Buckingham of challenging the King. Marwood is charged with gathering information, he also discovers that Cat Hakesby has become involved in the Duke's affairs, as a childhood friend has contacted her. Unfortunately for Cat, the childhood friend is Elizabeth Cromwell, daughter of Richard Cromwell, the last Lord Protector.

Once again we get a historical mystery/thriller which entertains and informs. Full of intrigue, unforgettable characters and a plot which keeps you engaged until the last page. Here's hoping this isn't Marwood's last adventure, this reader hopes the series will continue well into the future.

The events take place in late 1660s London. Charles II is king and is short of money so he enlists the help of the dubious Duke of Buckingham to try and persuade Parliament to grant him the extra funds. The self-serving Duke sees an opportunity he can exploit especially when the last Protector, pliable Richard Cromwell, secretly returns from exile in Europe because he too is up to his eyes in debt.
We are again introduced to James Marwood, a clerk to the Undersecretary of State and a secret agent of the time. James is an amazingly resilient young man, surviving many attempts on his life.
I am not a great fan of historical fiction but this is the third Andrew Taylor novel of this era that I have read and have thoroughly enjoyed. I am totally immersed in the story telling because it's as if the author has personally walked the streets and lanes of the London of 360 years ago. He has observed the buildings, the people, smelled the smells etc. A thoroughly good, gripping read. I look forward to Andrew Taylor's next offering.

This is the fourth in the James Marwood and Catt Lovett series. I'd previously read The King's Evil and found it to be an enjoyable read.

It tells a vivid story of Cat and Marwoods involvement when Richard Cromwell sneaks back into England.  Catt wants no part of his actions and Marwood wants to discover what the Duke of Buckingham's involvement is. They both find themselves subject to danger and their lives are on the line.

This one was also fast paced although I did find it slowed towards the end. It's not a murder mystery but still full of intrigue and suspense.

The characters are really well developed and if I liked them in the last book I love them now. Marwood has really grown on me, I found his character developed greatly in this book.

I look forward to reading more of this series.

A good follow on from the first three books in this series. If, like me, you enjoy credible historical fiction it will be worth your while checking out the complete Ashes of London series as these books paint a well-coloured picture of lives and times after the Great Fire of London with crimes thrown in for good measure!

Another fascinating Historical Fiction from Andrew Taylor. The story brings the period to life once again, with believable characters and an absorbing storyline. The historical facts linking to the story, given at the end, are really useful ,giving authenticity to the background of the story.

I have enjoyed all the books in this series and this was no exception. I think I enjoyed it more because I was following the story of all the characters I met in the previous books.
This book continues the story of the restoration of Charles II and the warring factions in the high levels of the court. It is a fast moving story where the main character gets seriously damaged - again! However, the intrigue is fascinating and the amazing number of London landmarks that are still familiar today is interesting. In this book, we are introduced to the rather awful work of the mazer - a poor man in charge of the still medieval sewers!!

Thoroughly recommended for those who enjoy historical fiction.

Another great adventure for Marwood and Cat Lovett now Mrs Hakesby, Following the Great Fire of London and the restoration of the crown, King Charles II is now on the throne after the death of the Great Protector, Oliver Cromwell. Cat is still keeping herself to herself - still scared of being arrested for being the daughter of a regicide. Unfortunately her life is upset by a seemingly chance meeting with Oliver Cromwell's grand daughter. Her father, Oliver's son is now in exile on the continent running from his enormous debts as well as being wary of the king - as his father's son many would like life to be like the old days before the restoration when the Protector ruled instead of this king on his shaky throne. In fact the King's best friend and confident is one of those but maybe he is not so keen on the old days but maybe sees new days where he is more powerful than any other in the land - can one ever trust one's friends?
As with all of the books of James Marwood and Cat Hakesby I have loved reading their stories. I love the adventures and the intrigues and the history too - a cracking read and one I most heartily suggest you to read.

I'm so glad that James Marwood is back. I thought the series was finished after book 3 - I don't remember where I heard/read that, but I'm delighted we got more.
I love this series, and Andrew Taylor weaves a fabulous tale of intrigue set around the court of King Charles II. The plot is fast paced with Marwood fleeing for his life on more than one occasion.
I feel James Marwood has really grown as a character.
Thank you Netgalley and Publisher for the ARC.

I really enjoyed the book but did not think it as good as the previous three. As ever, Taylor is brilliant at portraying 17th century England; you can almost smell it as you read the book. The plot was a bit thin and never really seemed to get going. I am still looking forward to the next book and hope there is more interaction between Cat and Marwood.

James Marwood is back and in cracking form. This time the intrigues involve the Duke of Buckingham, a favourite at the court of Charles II, and the last protector of England, Richard Cromwell, son of Oliver and exiled in France. Along the way we have apprentice riots, whores and brothels and much about sewage systems, including a rather touching character, Ferrus, who has the unenviable job of crawling through the sewers to clean out the Restoration equivalents of fat bergs.

James's friend/love Cat and her elderly husband become involved and the relationship between James and Cat continues to evolve. A great read.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for a review copy..