The Frost Fair

Continuing the story of Christopher Redmayne (this is actually the book that comes prior to the Parliment House I read earlier this year), this book delves into some family dynamics as we are introduced to his pleasure seeking brother who is accused of murdering a fencing master. London politics are slightly explored with discussions on the right of the King, the role and rights of forgieners, however Marston masterfully slips small details into the story without making them feel preachy or overbearing. Instead he is able to weave comments on politics, social castes, and historical details without drowning the story in details that so often drag and slow a story. The continuing saga of Christohper's love for Susan is interesting as we learn the nuances of love and courtship in the late 1600's. All told I found this book to be an easy read, something that many historical dramas cannot claim, enjoyable and engaging. Edward Marston manages to make a historical dramatic mystery that is a wonder to read, and makes you want to continue to the next book wondering if Christopher will ever manage to prove himself to Susan's family and spend a happy life with her as his wife. I highly recommend this entire series, having read the first two books available in America I can say this is one of the most enjoyable series I have read.

Edward Marston's books about the architect Christopher Redmayne are well worth reading. The character is now becoming established in his own right. Initially I wanted to compare him with characters in some of Mr. Marston's other excellent offerings, Nicholas Bracewell etc. but now Christopher Redmayne stands out as the architect who not only want to put his stamp on London after the Great Fire, but is also making quite a name for himself as an amateur sleuth adept at solving some of the many crimes that take place in the great city. To assist him in these matters he has the assistance of his friend, constable Jonathan Bale. The year is 1669 and winter has come down on the City of London with an iron fist. It is the coldest winter for many years, cold enough to make the great river Thames freeze over. When this event happens the merchants and entertainers make good use of the frozen river by holding a fair on the ice. However the revelries are soon cut short when Redmayne and the constable discover a corpse trapped in the ice. The dead man is an Italian, a fencing master and he has been stabbed with a weapon belonging to the rakish, pleasure seeking elder brother of Christopher, Henry Redmayne. Everyone, including the constable is convinced that Henry is guilty, but the accused was too drunk to remember what happened. Christopher however is convinced of his brothers innocence and set out to prove it . . .