Review: Unnatural Fire

What a hoot! Two truly improbable sleuths in the London of 1699. Countess Ashby and her maidservant, Alpiew, are down on their luck, one step ahead of bailiffs seeking to toss them into debtor's prison. They sign on with a printer's shop, engaged to ferret out scandalous bits of London gossip to be printed in a periodic newssheet. This produces a little cash, and also brings them to the attention of a woman wishing to have her husband followed, since she suspects him of unfidelity.

The two women agree to the task of shadowing the husband, and thus begins a wonderfully funny adventure through the streets of late 17th century London - red light districts, the unfinished cathedral of St. Paul, unsavory riverbank haunts of thugs & thieves, a restoration theater, gracious mansions (some of which have fallen on hard times), alchemists shops, rural pubs, and a spooky stop in a graveyard where they discover a newly murdered body. Their goal abruptly shifts from collecting gossip to solving the murder.

This is the third novel I have read in the last month which is based in an historical period. One of the other two more or less ignores the history of the time, providing the reader a neatly isolated little scene for the crime(s) and the solution. The second omits mention of historical events important to the plot, and I often felt rather disoriented and adrift as I tried to keep track of events.

But Morgan handles this task best of the three authors. "Unnatural Fire" contains many references to events in British history in the years immediately before the story begins, and Morgan continues to acquaint the reader with important facts and background. I felt that I gained an understanding of the London of that day, in addition to being entertained by a very delightful, suspenseful story!

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Woodstock - RAM

Please Note: Books reviewed are usually provided by the publisher, author, or an agent. Reviewers usually get to keep the book.

Book Review: Unnatural Fire

Please Note: Books reviewed are usually provided by the publisher, author, or an agent. Reviewers usually get to keep the book.