The Last Protector

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..

The latest outing in the hugely popular Marwood and Lovett series is another success.

The Last Protector has a different feel to the previous books. It not a murder mystery which see's our protagonists in a race against time to catch the killer. Its a book full of intrigue and mystery. The plot revolves around Richard Cromwell sneaking back into London, and falling foul of the Duke Of Buckingham's plots on seizing the throne.

I love the continued development of the relationship between Marwood and Lovett, and the ever increases cast of characters involved in their lives.

As ever, Taylor's descriptions of 17th century London are visually stunning. He really draws the reader into the lives of Londoners under Charles II in such a vivid way.

A brilliant read yet again, bring on book 5!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

Completely wonderful .. the devious court after Cromwell's death, and his odious family .. the wife of much older architect figures out the Cromwell family ruse and with assistance of smart clerk, Marwood, manages to fix them all and save income and livelihood. Realky smart with cliff hangers every chair and a half, great characters .. (all have bowel problems!) Illegality abounds among high and mighty right up to the king. Excellent...

The fourth in Andrew Taylor's crime series set in Restoration London, The Last Protector, depicts a population rapidly losing its infatuation with the extravagant and lascivious Charles II. Against this background, the Duke of Buckingham seeks to manipulate both parliament and monarch by courting those who look back fondly to the firm government of Oliver Cromwell. By chance his machinations draw in Cat Lovett and James Marwood, the protagonists of the previous three books, and we watch as they struggle like flies in his web.

It's a hugely entertaining tale, solidly built and gripping, but it's also a convincing portrait of an era. The research is meticulous but never intrudes. Some of the detail is delightful, my favourite being the application by doctors of a brace of freshly killed pigeons to a wound. All the characters are strongly drawn, even minor ones like Buckingham's thugs, or Ferrust he unfortunate mazer-scourer (that's a sewer cleaner to you and me).

Full of colour and atmosphere, the Last Protector depicts a world in which life is cheap, and the powerful have no regard for those who stand in the way of their schemes. But at the heart of his story, and what really gives it its power, is the relationship between Marwood and Lovett delicately shifting back and forth through a barely acknowledged emotional register .

My thanks to NetGalley and publisher HarperCollins UK for the ARC.
A perfect blend of fact and fiction makes this a most enthralling read. I really enjoyed it, although I haven't read any of the previous books in the series, that didn't present a problem.

Set in 17th century England, eighteen months after the Great Fire of London, King Charles II is on the throne and Richard Cromwell - the Last Protector, who succeeded his father Oliver, is in exile on the continent. Richard could never return to England because he was being held personally responsible for the Protectorate's debts. However, in disguise, he is lodging with his daughter Elizabeth in London where he wants to trace some valuables left to him by his late mother, but he needs access to now disused sewers on land owned by the Duke of Buckingham.

Catherine (Cat) Hakesby and husband Simon are surveyors and architects; Cat is also a childhood playmate of Elizabeth, Richard's daughter. In order to execute a plan to reclaim the valuables Cat and Simon have to become involved, much against Cat's better judgment.

James Marwood, a Government Agent, cannot help but to become involved, especially as Whitehall is concerned about the murmurings of the Duke of Buckingham and his friends - all of whom hanker after "the good old days" (in Oliver's time). Amidst fears of a renewed uprising against the King's wishes in Parliament. He also has a past protective relationship with Cat.

The writing flows beautifully; the author conveys the sights and sounds of a filthy, stinking London which is gradually being rebuilt. There's menace along the dark cobbled streets and the dirt tracks - you can almost smell the grime and poverty. The watermen on the Thames, the prostitutes in bawdy houses.
This is a complex and intriguing plot woven around thoroughly researched historical facts

Highly recommended.

The next instalment and just as great in brining to life the streets of London in the Restoration. Intrigue, plots and twists. Perfect.

Once again Andrew Taylor brings alive the past in this 17th century setting of the fourth book in this series. With James Marwood and Cat Lovett involved in the world of intrigue in the reign of Charles the Second with the Duke of Buckingham and the late Protector Richard Cromwell the focus in the beautifully crafted plot. He romps along with the tale fitting in the every day characters of life at that time, be they the aristocrats or the lowest level of society Ferris a sewer scraper.. Without overpowering detail the past is brought alive to make a wonderful story that will engage the reader from the first page!

Really enjoyed this tale of life in 17th century. Although a work of fiction, it gave us an insight into the history of the day and how life was lived and it must have been hard.
I found myself feeling very sorry for some of the characters and the life they led; in particular, the poor creature Ferrus and his only friend - the dog Windy. Despite this, the book teems with life and is colourful and eventful.
Our history is an amazing thing and books such as this, help us to peel back the veils of time and feel it for ourselves. Highly recommended.

The latest book in the series featuring James Marwood and Cat Lovett/Hakesby lives up to the high standard set by previous installments. The characters range from King Charles II & the Duke of Buckingham to Ferrus, assistant to a mazer scourer (cleaner and maintainer of sewers with minimal tools and no PPE (personal protective equipment), dealing with the 17th century equivalent of fat-bergs, amongst other things). The Last Protector of the title is Richard Cromwell, who briefly took over from father Oliver before having to flee the country at the time of the Reformation.
The sights and sounds of London are, once again, brought vividly to life, with smells also added this time out.
Cannot wait for the next novel in the series.

A good romp through 17th Century Stuart England! Were there intelligence offices in a Scotland Yard as early as this? Well who cares, it makes for a good premise for this exciting tale of the brash, bold and bullying character that was my Lord Buckingham and his henchmen! The author has a clever way of making us ‘almost’ like him! Thankfully our hero Marwood soon sees the man for what he is, though he himself is not the bravest or the most handsome, he is very human and decent, the kind of man we would like to know better. Charles himself appears briefly as a rather innocuous character certainly overshadowed by the larger than life Buckingham! Waiting in the shadows, that he appeared to constantly live in, is Oliver Cromwell’s son Richard, a pale rather feeble character compared to his father. His daughter Elizabeth is made of slightly stronger stuff. However, she fails to impress our heroine Cat, a woman of the future - an excellent romantic foil for our spy - she is her own person and I certainly hope we hear more of her perhaps in the next instalment of Marwood and his adventures!
The only mildly irritating character is Ferrus who is pure Tolkien! His appearances changing the tense, person and flow were unnecessary - perhaps an Artful Dodger would have been preferable!
Loved it - more please!

The latest in Andrew Taylor's 'The Ashes of London'. historical crime series continues with James Marwood and Cat Hakesby, nee Lovett, involved in another secret mission for Charles II's government. Richard Cromwell, son of the famous Oliver, is back in Britain and stirring up trouble. Meanwhile, the disreputable Duke of Buckingham is involved in a duel in which a man is killed. Taylor's books have a real sense of time and place. You feel as though you're living in the 17th century through the characters, in their dirty London streets. Their friends and acquaintances are a mixed bunch from flighty Elizabeth Cromwell to down to the delightfully-name Ferrus, a mute mazer-scourer's labourer (don't ask!). Works well as a stand-alone novel, but it's well worth reading the rest of this fascinating series.

This fourth book in this romp through Restoration England deals with Richard Cromwell , the late protectors son. It seems he was not as successful or capable as his father, and he doesn't seem to be such a compelling character! He has been in exile in France, but has become homesick for his family, and has returned very surreptitiously to London, as once back home, he is closely spied upon by the King's watchers
Cat Lovett, now Mrs. Hakesby, was a friend and playmate of Richard's daughter, Elizabeth. Cats parents were wealthy and great friends of the Cromwell family, and when Elizabeth gets in touch with Cat, she is suspicious of her motive for doing so. It appears that both Richard and Elizabeth are searching for hidden treasure hidden in the old Royal apartments in Whitehall, and they need the plans from Cats husband, Simon Hakesby, who is an architect. To access the location of this treasure, we are introduced to the less than fragrant world of the Mazer Scourer, named Ferrus. This name and occupation was totally unknown to me, and you could almost smell the odours rising off the pages!! We were also introduced to Bawdy houses, riots against such establishments and the Duke of Buckingham is still being less than trustworthy, as we see him fighting duels, and being involved in many nefarious schemes. James Marwell becomes involved in the action, by being a friend to Cat, rescuing a young prostitute, and not for the first time, being knocked unconscious.!
One of the central characters dies, which may work out very favourably to two of our much loved personages in this series of books.
I really enjoy improving my scanty knowledge of this period of history, not covered when I was at school in the 1960's. The amount of detail is well researched and never becomes dry in tone. By concentrating upon familiar characters, we are free to comprehend the issues of social morality, the schemes of so called gentlemen, and the lifestyle of the women, both titled and those engaged in the oldest profession!!
These stories are set in the 1600's, and therefore, we have the rebuilding of St. Paul's Cathedral, and the completion of the Dragon Yard to look forward to!! I do hope there are more adventures in store.
It is the mark of a good book, that the minute I have finished reading it, I am immediately hankering for the next one to come my way. I have bought the first three books for my youngest son's birthday, and they and he are on their way to the Falkland Islands for the next six months. I hope they will occupy and educate him, so we can discuss them on his return. I have also recommended them to my U3A group, as a possible book to explore later this year. I will leave a feedback on Goodreads later tonight, as a five star read.

A wonderfully atmospheric and engrossing book, as are the previous books in this series. Andrew Taylor paints vivid pictures of the places and people in the book and tells an engrossing story with consummate skill in his use of language. I don’t read much historical fiction but would recommend this book to all, with a suggestion that you read Ashes of London and The Fire Court first, so that you get to know the protagonist, James Marwood, his friends and enemies, and immerse yourself in 17th century London in all its gore and glory!

This is my first experience of Marwood and Lovett now Hakesby and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The story is so well researched and written, the characters so well drawn, one could almost imagine being in the grimy streets, the winding alleyways housing the bawdy houses and the clipclop of hooves. This was an enjoyable romp through the 17C and one I would love to repeat. I'll be looking out for the other novels in the series. Recommended.

Across London there is anti-Royal talk, James II is extravagant and worse still, he is probably a Catholic. Much of the trouble is being stirred up by the Duke of Buckingham and when he discovers that Richard Cromwell, former Protector and son of the Regicide Oliver, is back from the continent he decides to take advantage. Cromwell is back to recover a treasure hidden by his mother and he recruits the architect Hakesby to help him, Hakesby's wife being an old playmate of his daughter, the former Cat Lovell. Meanwhile James Marwood is trying very hard not to be killed by the Duke of Buckingham's men.
This is the fourth in Taylor's stories about Marwood and Lovell set in the 1660s. Taylor is an accomplished writer of historical fiction and class oozes from the page of this book. The plots are clever and never too far-fetched, shedding light on the politics around the Restoration and the influence of the Civil War is always an undercurrent. This is a great story from a master of his craft.

The Last Protector is the fourth book in the James Marwood and Cat Lovett series. It is set in the 17th century, just after the Restoration of King Charles II. The main protagonists are James Marwood (a government agent) and Cat Lovett (the much younger wife of an elderly architect). Both characters have fathers who are considered traitors to the Crown, so they have to tread carefully. Although they are good friends, rather than work together to solve crimes (as I expected) they usually become involved in the same mystery from different ends.

In this story James has been instructed to spy on the Duke of Buckingham, a wealthy, influential and supposed friend of the King - but just as likely to betray him! Cat, meanwhile, has been contacted by a childhood friend - the daughter of Richard Cromwell, the last Lord Protector of the British Isles. The Cromwell family is down on their luck but Richard believes his mother left something of substantial value hidden in her former lodgings at the Palace of Whitehall. Can Cat's husband help them find it?

I do love a good treasure hunt and it was this, combined with the amount of atmospheric historical detail, that really made this story for me. Cat is my favourite character because she is so proactive, although I loved the scene where the more cautious James inadvertently ends up hiding in a brothel!

The Last Protector would suit anyone who loves a cracking good historical mystery and I can't wait to read the next one in the series!


Thank you to Andrew Taylor and HarperCollins for my copy of this book, which I requested from NetGalley and reviewed voluntarily.

Another excellent story from this author who transports you back in time. Definitely recommended to those readers who enjoy reading historical mysteries.

Fourth in the 17th century crime series by Andrew Taylor, ‘The Last Protector’ sees the return to London of Richard, Oliver Cromwell’s son, and last Protector of England before the restoration of the king in 1660. And it also heralds the central plot return of Cat Lovett. Ever since the first book in the series, I have waited for Cat to have a key role in the plot again.
The story begins as James Marwood, clerk to the Under secretary of State to Lord Arlington, is sent to secretly observe a duel between two lords. Meanwhile Cat, now Mistress Hakesby and married to a frail elderly architect, meets a childhood acquaintance in the street. This is Elizabeth Cromwell, daughter of Richard. Remembering their friendship as a fleeting thing, Cat is confused by Elizabeth’s eagerness to rekindle their relationship. Until, visiting Elizabeth at her godmother’s house, she is introduced to a fellow guest John Cranmore. But a peculiar habit of tapping a finger on the table brings back memories for Cat, to the time when she and her father moved in elevated political circles, and she realizes Cranmore is a false name. Elizabeth, it becomes clear, is seeking a precious object hidden by her grandmother. The object is hidden in the Whitehall sewers beneath The Cockpit, site of the cockfighting pit, theatre and jumble of additional buildings. The Hakesbys have the architectural drawings and Elizabeth needs Cat’s help to instigate her search.
In the bigger picture, Easter holiday riots attacking brothels seem to be politically motivated. Holidays are notorious times for brawls by apprentices, but these riots by the Levellers seem encouraged by bawdy newssheets of questionable origin. The Levellers shout ‘we have been servants, but we will be masters now’. Marwood is attacked and chased around the back alleys of the City while Cat, helping Elizabeth retrieve the mysterious package, is chased and escapes with the help of Ferrus, a mazer scourer, the lowest of the low who clears blockages in the sewers.
Marwood and Cat share little page time but their separate stories and chases become entwined as the troublesome history of Cat’s dissenter father puts her in grave danger. And affecting everything are the political machinations and arguments between crown and government.
An excellent page-turner.
Read more of my book reviews at http://www.sandradanby.com/book-reviews-a-z/

My thanks to Harper Collins U.K. for an eARC via NetGalley of ‘The Last Protector’ by Andrew Taylor in exchange for an honest review. It was published on 2 April.

As I started reading after its publication date I obtained its audiobook edition, narrated by Leighton Pugh, and listened alongside reading the eARC.

London 1668. No one wants a return to the bloody days of the Civil War. However, when Oliver Cromwell’s son, Richard, quietly returns back to England from exile it could prove catastrophic.
 
James Marwood, a traitor’s son turned government agent, is given the assignment of uncovering Cromwell’s motives. Yet this is complicated by the discovery that his friend, Cat Lovett, was close to the Cromwells as a child. Elizabeth Cromwell, sister to Richard, seems especially keen to renew their friendship.

Both Marwood and Cat have mysteries to uncover. Yet they are walking a fine line as their activities could easily lead to them being charged with treason.

This is the fourth in Taylor’s James Marwood and Cat Lovett series set in Restoration England. Last year I read and reviewed ‘The King’s Evil’ so had some familiarity with the characters and setting.

Due to an estrangement Cat and Marwood have very little contact throughout the novel even if they are both involved with the Cromwells. Marwood’s chapters are narrated by him, while those detailing Cat’s activities are told in the third person.

Andrew Taylor does such a brilliant job of bringing the streets (and the sewers) of Restoration London vividly to life. I loved this novel and appreciated his Historical Note following the text that highlighted the historical events that he incorporated into the story. He also provides at the start a very useful list of the main and supporting characters and their occupations.

A highly recommended book and series.

This was an excellent follow up to the last book in the series. It was as high energy as the previous installments and this is a book that I find is best if read in one sitting as the action so non-stop. Cat and Marwood were still written excellently and the side characters were all fleshed out well and were not caricatures in the slighest.

Andrew Taylor has done it again .
Although this is the fourth book in the series it reads well as a stand alone novel. Once again we meet Cat and Marwood who are yet again pulled into political intrigue although they try to distance themselves from each other.
What I love about Andrew Taylor is how he weaves real historical events into his plot and this book is no exception.

You don’t need to have read any of the previous books, but I would recommend getting hold of at least one of them – I can personally recommend The Ashes of London. Andrew Marwood works on behalf of the King through the system of patronage that was popular back then. So while he enjoys the protection of Joseph Williamson, Undersecretary of State and Lord Arlington, Secretary of State, he has incurred the enmity of the Duke of Buckingham, who is a powerful courtier and favourite of Charles II. When a duel is fought and Marwood is sent along to provide an eye-witness account of the outcome, he becomes the target for Buckingham’s henchmen.

While Cat Lovett, now married to the elderly and increasingly frail Simon Hakesby, is worried when a girl she knew only vaguely as a child, accosts her on the street, claiming a warm friendship and wanting to renew it. But Cat is having enough problems without Elizabeth Cromwell, granddaughter to the Protector and traitor, crashing into her life. I love the dynamic. This is the aftermath of the Civil War, during which families were torn apart as loyalties were divided and though time has passed, there are those with long memories who look back on the Protectorate with wistfulness, on seeing the King’s extravagant and ungodly lifestyle.

Taylor has depicted the time really well. Both main protagonists are sympathetic and behave appropriately within the constraints of their time. And as we also get a ringside seat into the wretched life of poor Ferrus, born with some congenital defect, the tension slowly winds up as the stakes continue to increase. The climax is brutal and explosive – I couldn’t put this one down until I’d finished it. And I’ve now got hold of the second book in the series, needing more of Cat and Andrew in my life. The quality of the writing and immersive, vivid feel of 17th century London reminds me of C.J. Sansom’s Matthew Shardlake series. Highly recommended for fans of good quality historical murder mysteries. The ebook arc copy of The Last Protector was provided by the publisher through NetGalley in return for an honest opinion of the book.
9/10

loved this book - would 100% recommend and am looking forward to reading what this author writes next!

Another super addition to this series set after the Restoration. Marwood's position is secure but he is still at the mercy of the Duke of Buckingham and his thugs. Cat is married to Hakesby and is less than content when an old acquaintance, daughter of the Lord Protector Richard Cromwell, renews the friendship.

Cat and Hakesby are enlisted to assist Cromwell in recovering his roperty whilst Buckigham conspires to undermine the king and progress his own ambitions. Marwood must use his guile both to escape the attentions of Buckingham and to rescue Cat from the situation she has been drawn into.

The relationship between Marwood and Cat is understated and all the better for it. Other characters are convincing albeit generally one-dimensional and the atmosphere of late 1660s London is well conveyed through its smells and shady characters as well as the intrigues of the court. The story is well-paced and the resolution is pleasing.

More please!

I really enjoyed this book, set against real historical events and real characters, though the main characters are fictional.
The writing brings the period to life perfectly, from the first page.
I think the reader will get the most from this book if they have already read the first in the series. I hope there is another volume to come.

This is another in the series describing life in London during the period when the City was largely destroyed by the Great Fire and the political turmoil surrounding the early years of the restoration of the monarchy. This latest offering from Andrew Taylor does not disappoint. The description of life in the mid to late 1660s in this book, as in the previous novels in the series, is compelling and carefully incorporates famous figures from history and key incidents from the period. The ‘Last Protector, in the title refers to Richard Cromwell, son of Oliver Cromwell, who succeeded his father as Lord Protector during the last months of the Commonwealth. Andrew Taylor constructs a credible story around a fictional plot involving Richard Cromwell and the Duke of Buckingham.

Once again, readers who might enjoy being transported to the sights, sounds, and even smells of this fascinating period of British history will enjoy the book. The key characters of Cat and Marwood, introduced at the start of the series are again vividly brought to life as their stories intertwine and separate as events threaten to engulf them both.

Highly recommended.

17th century and an unlawful physical dual is a precursor to a struggle to topple the monarchy by those who favour a return to the days of “Old Ironsides”. The secret return of his exiled son, Richard, presents an opportunity for the opposition that leaves our central character, Marwood, establishment spy and general dogsbody, once again on the wrong end of sword, cudgel and hateful intent as he seeks to unravel the plot. For me this was as atmospheric as ever in that you don’t so much read as sit on the sidelines and watch. Good continuity of characters throughout the series gave this book a familiar feel as it ranged from sewer to sovereign and perhaps an opportunity for Marwood to finally sort his love life. My thanks to Harper Collins and Net Galley.

It's the first book I read in this series and now I must read all the other because it's excellent.
I loved this entertaining and gripping story, the vivid and well researched historical background and the well thought characters.
The plot flows and is full of twists and turns.
It was an excellent read, highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.

4.5 stars. I really enjoyed this, the third in series. Every school child in Britain will learn about the Great fire of London, as I did. But what happened afterwards? Well, London became an enormous building site as the city was more or less rebuilt. I found this very interesting. In addition, we’ve all heard of Oliver Cromwell and what happened to him. But what about his survivors? This becomes the central plot in this story. A very informative and entertaining read. Many thanks to Netgalley for an arc of this book.