The Color of Death

I am a big fan of the Sir John Fielding series, and each book seems to get better and better. Jeremy Proctor is the most appealing little sleuth out there, and in this book he gets the chance to shine a little on his own because his mentor, Sir John Fielding, has been wounded by a bullet when he and Jeremy arrive at a house where a massive robbery and a murder have taken place. Alexander does a masterful job of capturing his period, and his characters are realistic and totally likeable. I cannot wait to read the next book in this series.

THE COLOR OF DEATH is an eminently satisfying mystery. A gang of thieves are ransacking London homes, and the thieves are identified as black men. This throws Sir John into a mystery that has political and social ramifications that only a quick resolution will keep from turning into a major disaster for London's citizens. With an attempt on his life incapacitating him, Sir John turns to his assistant, Jeremy to be the lead investigator on this case. Alexander presents a clever mystery, which portrays a number of this series' regulars in a new light. Even the nature of Sir John and Jeremy's relationship shows some change, allowing Jeremy to show more maturity and giving the reader an intriguing glimpse into what motivates Sir John's gamesmanship. This one is a fine puzzle, which should be enjoyed by any fan of historical mysteries.

There is not much to say, just that it is another fantastic books in this most excellent series. The stories are always fresh and don't repeat themselves from book to book. You will find yourself getting to know the principal characters like a memeber of your extended family.I have read ALL the books in this series(Just in case you are not sure,the first one is 'Blind Justice')I await the next one......

Another brilliant instalment in the Sir John Fielding & Jeremy Proctor mystery series. As usual Bruce Alexander provides us with an intirguing mystery novel with another in depth look at 18th century England and the judicial system of the time.In this latest Sir John Fielding adventure, a highly organised group of rather violent thieves are terrorising the wealthier inhabitants of London. And when a servant is murdered in cold blood, Sir John Fielding and the Bow Street Runners are sent for. During the course of the investigations, it comes to light that the murderous thieves were all black men. This throws Sir John a little as he has hitherto had very little to do with the coloured community of London and so is a little unsure as to how to proceed. However on the way home from this crime, Sir John is shot at by a black man. And because of his wounds is forced to delegate more of the investigation to his able aide, Jeremy Proctor.The next day brings news of another violent theft. However this time doubt is thrown as to whether all the men in the gang are actually black. A witness claims to recognise one of the gang and claims that he is definitely not coloured. However before this lead can be properly investigated, the owner of the latest house to be burgalarised identifies a friend of Jeremy's as the leader of the criminal gang. Sir John and Jeremy will have to work very hard to sift through all the evidence and to discard fact from prejudice, especially as the accused has decided not to cooperate with Sir John on principle.This mystery novel was a riverting read with well developed characters and an ingenious plot. Definitely deserving a five star rating.

An eighteenth century London home invasion by an efficient and murderous gang of black men leads off this seventh in the Sir John Fielding series. Summoned to the St. James Street great house by his Bow Street constabulary, blind magistrate Sir John and his young assistant, the narrator Jeremy Proctor, discover that the departing gang cold-bloodedly executed a servant.On their way home Fielding is ambushed and shot by a black man, presumably one of the gang. While not seriously wounded, Fielding must rely on Jeremy to lead the case, quickly complicated by another robbery and an accusation by the powerful victim, who demands the arrest of a distinguished black teacher.Jeremy's voice, a perfect blend of oversensitive youth and resourceful investigator, animates this well-plotted tale of social and racial distinctions and prejudices and 1700s police procedure. Earnest and likeable, with just the right amount of hot-headed initiative and youthful misapprehensions, Jeremy is clever, humorous and observant. Smart as Jeremy is, though, only Sir John can put together the big picture.Effortless prose, lifelike characters, a fast-paced plot and street scenes teeming with rogues and toffs make this a standout.