A complex mix of intrigue, betrayal and mystery set in London during and after the Fire of London. Cat and James are both living with their fathers’ treason against the crown and the constant fear that the clemency shown to them could be snatched away.
I really enjoyed this book and was fascinated by the politics and history of the period. I look forward to reading the sequel.
My thanks to Netgalley for this copy.

I caught the atmosphere and the timeline well enough but, for me, it had a a degree of assumption rather than being led though the characters and the story. Certainly readable and look forward to the next offering.

A very enjoyable book set just as the Fire of London is happening. James Marwood is asked to find a missing heiress Catherine Lovett and her father, Thomas Lovett because Marwood's father was a supporter of Cromwell with Lovett.. It 's an interesting period as some were involved in the beheading of the king, but have reformed others not. Marwood does not know who to trust, even the king. The coincidences in the plot do stretch the imagination somewhat, but are insignificant compared to the rest of the well written, atmospheric plot.

This is the first of two books set in the period just after the fire of London. The characters a well drawn and the story goes at a good pace. I found it to be a great page turner and are looking forward to the next book in the series

This is the first book I've read by Andrew Taylor and he's now an author whose work I'll follow with interest. This story is set in the months following the Great Fire and it's as lively account. The story opens with James Marwood watching St Pauls burn and there's a real sense of drama. The heat and smoke are almost tangible and the fleeing, frightened crowds add to realism. Clearly there's significant research to inform the context of the story and Andrew Young brings the Restoration period to vivid life.

The plotting is intricate with a number of sub plots woven into the story. Marwood wants to escape his past and improve his position. We also meet Cat Lovett, masquerading as a young male. There are unexplained deaths but this is far more than a murder mystery. Taylor explores the politics and religious differences of this fascinating period with natural ease and at the end of the story, I wanted to know more about the two central characters. This is an intriguing start to a series and I can't wait to read the next one.

A great backdrop filled with vivid historical detail. 3.5/5 stars.

The second book in this series – The Fire Court – is coming out on 5th April and was available on NetGalley. It sounded interesting but, being a completist, I took the opportunity to go back and request the first book in the series. Always best to start at the beginning!

I haven’t read any historical fiction for a while and I’ve never read anything set in this specific period. I’m slightly ashamed to admit that apart from knowing that the Great Fire happened in 1666, I know little else about it. In fact I don’t know much about the history of the Restoration at all, another reason why I was keen to read this series. And, in that regard I certainly wasn’t disappointed. The historical details, both in the descriptions of London and how the main characters have been affected by the execution of Charles I and the return of his son, Charles II, to the throne, are fascinating.

I think London itself was my favourite character. It’s unusual to read about such destruction in the city, and always amusing to hear Chelsea being described as miles from the action and “out in the country”. The detail which had the most impact on me was the darkness. In our world of permanent home and street lighting, it’s hard to imagine a city in total blackness, lit only by the eerie glow of dying fire, but Talyor’s descriptions bring it to life.

I thought the mystery was handled well. Although I would stress this is more mystery than thriller and anyone looking for a fast-paced story might be disappointed. The story is split between two narrative points of view: Cat Lovett and James Marwood. This allows the mystery to have a few different levels. There is a Columbo-style element: we already know who is behind the events and watch the investigators catching up. Then there is another element which neither of the narrators are entirely “in on”, and finally a few additional twists to keep us guessing to the final pages.

The last few chapters, based in the ruins of St Paul’s Cathedral, were particularly effective and delivered a few heart-in-mouth moments before bringing events to a satisfying conclusion.

The true mark of success was that when I came to “the end” I was pleased I had the next book on my Kindle and was keen to carry straight on with the next story.

Overall: fans of historical fiction will enjoy the period details which form a great backdrop for this entertaining mystery.

Set against the Great Fire of London, I feel like I learned a lot about this period without trying to. The different strands of the story are woven together well, and move along at a great pace. An excellent read.

I enjoy historical detective fiction and this stands up with a lot of the best. The setting - at the time of the restoration and the great fire of London - is interesting, and makes a pleasant change from all the Tudor series. The aftermath of the fire is well described and brought the smell and feel of London at that time to life - with families living in the cellars of their former homes, dust and ash over the whole city and debates about reconstruction versus restoration.
The plot moves along at a good pace, and the mix of characters loyal to Cromwell still and those who welcome the restored King Charles II is a good addition.
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for a review copy.

I have just found my new favourite historical fiction writer. A great descriptive novel of the Great Fire of London. There is an underlying aura of fear and unease throughout this story from Master Marwood trying to keep his aging father safe to Cat Lovett trying to make her way while looking fo4 her father. Couldn’t put it down. Favourable Amazon review

I am also new to this genre and this author nevertheless very impressed. The research that has gone into the writing is top notch. As a reader I was transported back to 1666 and could almost smell the filthy conditions the Londoners had to endure day after day as they struggled just to survive. Contrast this with the opulence of the upper classes. The bowing and scraping of the hero as he went about his investigations. Good plot with many twists and turns and a breathtaking ending in the ruins of St Paul's Cathedral. I am looking forward to following this author.

This is a new author for me & not a genre I would usually read but thought I would give it a go anyway. I thought it started quite slow and at one point I thought I might give up reading it but I persevered with it and I’m glad I did as it turned out to be a really good read. I have already downloaded the second book so I hope that one is as good as this turned out to be.

Brilliant tale set at the time of Londons Great Fire with dark deeds of murder, the search for a regicide and all set around the ruins of St. Paul's. Beautifully atmospheric this well researched yarn is a joy from start to finish. Fascinating characters abound with a hero and heroine to both sympathise or doubt with all cleverly brought together in a breathtaking finale. Excellent!

I really loved this book! Excellent story with brilliant main characters. I would recommend this book.

I found The Ashes of London to be an interesting read and read it from end to end in 3 short evenings. However, I very quickly decided that it was aimed at young adults (all of whom are much younger than myself) and was very surprised to discover that it was actually aimed at adults, rather than the younger variety.

I was really looking forward to reading this book as I have always been interested in the goings on of the 17th Century but this tale did not grip me quite as much as I anticipated. Other than that I did find it a pleasant and interesting read and worth 4 stars. I'm now off to read The Fire Court and am hoping the sequel will add much more meat to the bones.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, It was fast paced without leaving me breathless and having to put it down but it never lost my attention at all. I couldn't guess what was going to happen and the main characters were nicely portrayed and likeable so i cared that they ended up happy. I liked the period it was set in, post Civil War when life must have been very difficult and then the Great Fire of London - I have already recommended this book to everyone who'll listen.

This is impressive historical crime fiction set in 17 century London, lightly wearing the cloak of a well researched period by the author. It is 1666, and the people of the city have faced deep suffering and turmoil and then there is the Great Fire, resulting in a multitude of dead bodies. Amongst the burnt corpses is the body of a murdered man, stabbed in the neck, with his thumbs tied behind his back. Marwood is the man tasked with the unenviable task of tracking down the killer, which takes him into dangerous waters. 'Cat' Lovett is the brave and courageous woman, much wronged, seeking her own form of justice. This is a wonderfully realised period of history with its vibrant prose and detailed descriptions. A superbly entertaining read which I recommend highly! Many thanks to HarperCollins for an ARC.