code meets music

This is 2nd book by James McGee starring Matthew Hawkwood, a Bow Street Runner (think policeman, but more awesome) in Regency London, tasked by his superiors to solve the murder and face-stealing of a vicar in Bedlam, which they believe is related to a spate of bodysnatchings- noticeable even in a time when that sort of thing was fairly common.

Hawkwood is a former officer in the 95th Rifle Regiment, of ‘Sharpe’ fame, and it’s not the only thing the stories have in common. The writing style is similar, focusing on the prominent features of each character, and not delving too deep, opting for action (breadth) rather than development (depth) to keep the stories moving.

It’s the sequel to Ratcatcher (the series is subtitled “You don’t send a gentleman to catch vermin, You Send Hawkwood”) which was much the same, dealing with French espionage rather than body-snatching. It’s probably worth reading them in order, there are characters other than Hawkwood in both, but not essential- there’s not a continuing story.

It’s not the most intelligently written book, but good fun to read.