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katykelly's review against another edition
4.0
4.5 stars
Another different Richard and Judy choice. Loved this. Even the squalid, icky and upsetting parts.
Period-wise, it's fantastically detailed and real. Set in 1720s London, I could see the prison, clothes, pubs, squalor and hopelessness. Language-wise, it felt like a contemporary novel a lot of the time (it certainly didn't read like Dickens), but this did make it an easy read.
Despite raising enough funds to stave off his landlord, a robbery sets 'gentleman' Tom Hawkins up for a spell in a notorious debtors' prison, the Marshalsea, until he's paid them off. Although of course, he'll be paying for food, a room, comforts while he's there as well. And soon after arriving Tom gets caught up in the recent murder of an occupant of the prison. Keeping himself alive is just one of his priorities. There are plenty of reasons to find out what happened to the dead prisoner, and plenty of suspects...
It's a brilliant setting for a murder mystery. It does follow a lot of modern conventions of the genre (multiple suspects, clues leading to each other, tangents and false leads, mysterious and shady ladies who may or may not have darker purposes) but in such a unique setting that it's for a history fan just as much as for someone who likes a good murder/thriller tale.
I did get a little confused early on with so many names and characterse introduced within the prison setting, but soon managed to distinguish most of them through their speech. Tom himself is a witty and rascally young man, one you 'enjoy' exploring the prison with.
There is a lot of fairly upsetting poverty and violence throughout, which might put a few people off. But nothing graphic.
I loved the way the story turned and didn't guess the eventual guilty party. I did however learn a fair bit about 18th century life in London, and in the Marshalsea. And feel very grateful for the welfare support systems we have in place today!
Recommended if you like murders, prison stories or period pieces.
Another different Richard and Judy choice. Loved this. Even the squalid, icky and upsetting parts.
Period-wise, it's fantastically detailed and real. Set in 1720s London, I could see the prison, clothes, pubs, squalor and hopelessness. Language-wise, it felt like a contemporary novel a lot of the time (it certainly didn't read like Dickens), but this did make it an easy read.
Despite raising enough funds to stave off his landlord, a robbery sets 'gentleman' Tom Hawkins up for a spell in a notorious debtors' prison, the Marshalsea, until he's paid them off. Although of course, he'll be paying for food, a room, comforts while he's there as well. And soon after arriving Tom gets caught up in the recent murder of an occupant of the prison. Keeping himself alive is just one of his priorities. There are plenty of reasons to find out what happened to the dead prisoner, and plenty of suspects...
It's a brilliant setting for a murder mystery. It does follow a lot of modern conventions of the genre (multiple suspects, clues leading to each other, tangents and false leads, mysterious and shady ladies who may or may not have darker purposes) but in such a unique setting that it's for a history fan just as much as for someone who likes a good murder/thriller tale.
I did get a little confused early on with so many names and characterse introduced within the prison setting, but soon managed to distinguish most of them through their speech. Tom himself is a witty and rascally young man, one you 'enjoy' exploring the prison with.
There is a lot of fairly upsetting poverty and violence throughout, which might put a few people off. But nothing graphic.
I loved the way the story turned and didn't guess the eventual guilty party. I did however learn a fair bit about 18th century life in London, and in the Marshalsea. And feel very grateful for the welfare support systems we have in place today!
Recommended if you like murders, prison stories or period pieces.
rosieclaverton's review
4.0
My first audiobook and my first read of 2016. I hope the year continues like this!
Compelling historical novel, with exceptional detail, compelling plot and well-rounded characters. The murder mystery elements almost played second fiddle to the living, breathing entity of the prison.
The narration was also expert and I found myself gripped. Highly recommended.
Compelling historical novel, with exceptional detail, compelling plot and well-rounded characters. The murder mystery elements almost played second fiddle to the living, breathing entity of the prison.
The narration was also expert and I found myself gripped. Highly recommended.
100pagesaday's review against another edition
4.0
Tom Hawkins was once a man destined to follow in his father's footsteps and become a man of the cloth, that is, until he was disgraced on the day of his graduation by his own brother. Now, free to live life as he chooses, Tom gambles, drinks and chases after women. It is no surprise that he soon falls into debt and through a series of unfortunate events, finds himself being locked up in the infamous Marshalsea debtors prison. Upon his arrival, Tom finds out that he looks very similar to a man who was just murdered, a man whose bed he now sleeps in with a cell mate, Samuel Fleet, who might just be the murderer. Tom is now in the position to find the murderer or be killed himself.
The most interesting part of this story is that it takes place almost entirely within the walls of the Marshalsea gaol. The Marshalsea was a very real and very dangerous place to be, but within itself there was almost the feeling of a small community. Antonia Hodgson has done wonderful research into the setting, bringing this gaol to life in all of its brutality and intensiveness. Using real people as inspirations for many of the characters that worked and lived within the Marshalsea at the time created a rich historical atmosphere that I love to see in my historical fiction. Tom is a rich character, caring and intelligent, but otherwise content to let life take him for a ride, he is the perfect unintentional sleuth for the murdered Captain Roberts. Tom's crime-solving partner, and suspect, Samuel Fleet is a colorful and mysterious character himself, I never quite knew if he was trustworthy or not. The mystery, although only unfolding over Tom's stay of five days in the Marshalsea, is a little slow unfolding and Tom seems to spend almost as much time getting in and out of trouble as he does mystery-solving. However, near the end the pace picks up and the details of this intricately woven mystery come out, I found myself absorbed.
This book was received for free in return for an honest review.
The most interesting part of this story is that it takes place almost entirely within the walls of the Marshalsea gaol. The Marshalsea was a very real and very dangerous place to be, but within itself there was almost the feeling of a small community. Antonia Hodgson has done wonderful research into the setting, bringing this gaol to life in all of its brutality and intensiveness. Using real people as inspirations for many of the characters that worked and lived within the Marshalsea at the time created a rich historical atmosphere that I love to see in my historical fiction. Tom is a rich character, caring and intelligent, but otherwise content to let life take him for a ride, he is the perfect unintentional sleuth for the murdered Captain Roberts. Tom's crime-solving partner, and suspect, Samuel Fleet is a colorful and mysterious character himself, I never quite knew if he was trustworthy or not. The mystery, although only unfolding over Tom's stay of five days in the Marshalsea, is a little slow unfolding and Tom seems to spend almost as much time getting in and out of trouble as he does mystery-solving. However, near the end the pace picks up and the details of this intricately woven mystery come out, I found myself absorbed.
This book was received for free in return for an honest review.
mikkareads's review
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
London, 1727: The young gentleman Tom Hawkins is as inclined to women and alcohol as he is to gambling. Become a country parson like his dear father? Pah, the very idea is abhorrent to him! However, when Tom's extravagant lifestyle lands him in the notorious London debtors' prison, 'The Marshalsea' – a behemoth of intrigue, corruption, and abuse of power –, he must fight for his very life.
To secure his survival in this unforgiving world, Tom strikes a deal with the prison authorities to act as a hidden investigator in a murder case involving another inmate. Success promises him debt relief, while failure threatens torture and death. His cellmate Fleet, feared as much as the devil himself, surprisingly takes a liking to assisting him in the investigation, but can Tom trust him?
What sets «The Devil in the Marshalsea» apart is its skillful fusion of historical setting and detective fiction. It offers a compelling, well-researched insight into the English criminal justice system of the time and the cruel conditions under which particularly the lower-class prisoners had to exist. With rich, atmospheric writing, the author paints the world of this prison in all its terrifying reality.
Cleverly constructed, the novel builds intense suspense that is hard to resist, especially since Tom himself is never certain whom to trust.
The characters are multifaceted and finely craftet, though all of them valid reasons to keep their cards close to their chests. Tom, in particular, surprised me: Initially, he didn't come across as particularly likable, but he ultimately revealed himself as a protagonist I could empathize with. Behind his vices lie compelling inner conflicts that add depth to his character.
To secure his survival in this unforgiving world, Tom strikes a deal with the prison authorities to act as a hidden investigator in a murder case involving another inmate. Success promises him debt relief, while failure threatens torture and death. His cellmate Fleet, feared as much as the devil himself, surprisingly takes a liking to assisting him in the investigation, but can Tom trust him?
What sets «The Devil in the Marshalsea» apart is its skillful fusion of historical setting and detective fiction. It offers a compelling, well-researched insight into the English criminal justice system of the time and the cruel conditions under which particularly the lower-class prisoners had to exist. With rich, atmospheric writing, the author paints the world of this prison in all its terrifying reality.
Cleverly constructed, the novel builds intense suspense that is hard to resist, especially since Tom himself is never certain whom to trust.
The characters are multifaceted and finely craftet, though all of them valid reasons to keep their cards close to their chests. Tom, in particular, surprised me: Initially, he didn't come across as particularly likable, but he ultimately revealed himself as a protagonist I could empathize with. Behind his vices lie compelling inner conflicts that add depth to his character.
jmatkinson1's review against another edition
5.0
Tom Hawkins is the son of an East Anglican cleric, expected to follow his father into the vocation, however Tom has a wild side and whilst studying at Cambridge he indulged in many vices. Denounced by his jealous stepbrother, Tom is cast off by his father and has ended up in London living the life of a rake and a wastrel. Unfortunately Tom is naive and moral which means that he incurs debt to such a level that he is threatened with prison. Gambling all on a final game of cards he wins but is robbed and thrown into the Marshalsea Prison.
The prison is a tough place to be, life hangs by a thread and the inability to pay for rent and board on the 'Masters Side' means almost certain death on the 'Commons Side'. However a murder has taken place and Tom is charged with investigating this as the price for freedom. The regime running the Marshalsea is making a lot of money and any official investigation may bring that to an end. Tom struggles to find the truth as he is unsure of who to trust.
The depiction of life in 18th century London is excellent, the Hogarthian nature of life for all classes is shown. A man's future is dependent on money and influence and the wheel of fortune throws individuals down as often as they are thrown up. Many characters in this book are drawn from life and the fictional characters are very believable. The plot is a little odd in the end but the journey to that ending is complex and enjoyable - a gripping little book.
The prison is a tough place to be, life hangs by a thread and the inability to pay for rent and board on the 'Masters Side' means almost certain death on the 'Commons Side'. However a murder has taken place and Tom is charged with investigating this as the price for freedom. The regime running the Marshalsea is making a lot of money and any official investigation may bring that to an end. Tom struggles to find the truth as he is unsure of who to trust.
The depiction of life in 18th century London is excellent, the Hogarthian nature of life for all classes is shown. A man's future is dependent on money and influence and the wheel of fortune throws individuals down as often as they are thrown up. Many characters in this book are drawn from life and the fictional characters are very believable. The plot is a little odd in the end but the journey to that ending is complex and enjoyable - a gripping little book.
millysleep's review against another edition
4.0
Great book, gruesome history, likeable characters with a few twists before the predictable ending.
mimosaeyes's review against another edition
3.0
Equal parts tense murder mystery and indictment of the terrible conditions in the infamous debtor's prison known as the Marshalsea. I enjoyed this story quite a lot, especially its condemnation of those who are driven by greed for money or power, and those who justify their actions on the basis of religion.
More superficially, it's also just fun to read a book where the 'good guys' (namely, the protagonist Tom Hawkins and his allies) are rakes and handmaids who are looked down upon by society, yet have their own code of honour (sometimes reluctantly, much to my amusement). My rating should really have been 3.5 stars, but I'm erring on the conservative side in hopes that the rest of the series will really take off.
More superficially, it's also just fun to read a book where the 'good guys' (namely, the protagonist Tom Hawkins and his allies) are rakes and handmaids who are looked down upon by society, yet have their own code of honour (sometimes reluctantly, much to my amusement). My rating should really have been 3.5 stars, but I'm erring on the conservative side in hopes that the rest of the series will really take off.
bibliobethreads's review against another edition
5.0
I usually try not to judge a book by its cover and, when I have and am proved wrong by the brilliance of the writing (case in point, Me Before You - Jojo Moyes), I hang my head in shame and promise never to do it again. However, I was floored again by this fantastic debut novel. To be totally honest, if I had seen this particular novel on the shelves and read the synopsis, I may not have picked it up. The synopsis and cover art do not do justice to the story within The Devil In The Marshalsea and I'm so glad I've read it. It was picked as part of the Richard and Judy Autumn Book Club 2014 here in the UK which I always follow and is definitely one of my favourite reads off that particular list. Our main character is Tom Hawkins, a bit of a cheeky chappie who has had the good fortune to be raised as a gentleman but rebelled against his father's wishes to join the clergy and is having the time of his life in London where temptation, drink, gambling and women go hand in hand. Unfortunately for Tom, he has too much of a good time and ends up in debt up to his eyeballs. It is not long before his debtors catch up with him and he is imprisoned in the notorious Marshalsea prison until he can find a way to consolidate his money problems.
Tom soon finds himself in a terrible predicament. It seems that you have to know the right people with the right cash to get any decent standard of living within the prison and while his cell-mate, Samuel Fleet assists him in some ways rumours about the enigmatic Fleet are widespread. And if you can't pay? Over to the "Common" side where prisoners are literally squashed into cells, punishment and killings are rife and due to the prevalence of disease (and other factors) bodies are stacked up in piles to be removed at some point, but the gaolers are in no hurry to carry out such a menial task. Ruling over the prison with an iron fist and a cunning mind is William Acton, the sort of man that you really don't want to get on the wrong side of.
The second thread of the novel involves the murder of a in-mate called Captain Roberts, perpetuated just before Tom enters the prison and as yet, remains unsolved. But if the rumours are true, could Tom be sharing his cell with the devil? On meeting the widow of the murdered man, Tom becomes embroiled in solving the case but he must be incredibly careful about exactly where he treads, as the Marshalsea prison becomes a graveyard for many men, especially those that get a bit too close to the truth for comfort.
It didn't long for me to become completely taken in by this wonderful debut novel. In fact, I couldn't quite believe that it was a debut, as the writing is so assured and accomplished. One of the most interesting parts about the story is that the Marshalsea actually existed from 1373 to 1842 and was well known for the richer and poorer sides of the prison. The poorest relied on charity for their food and drink while their richer counterparts across the fence had access to their own bar and restaurant. Starvation and torture with skullcaps and thumbscrews appeared to be the norm, in fact a parliamentary committee reported in 1729 that 300 inmates had starved to death within a three-month period, and that eight to ten were dying every 24 hours in the warmer weather. The author has obviously done her research with this novel and I was fascinated to read a work of fiction about a place that I had never heard of previously. The plot completely blew me away, as I mentioned the synopsis does not do it justice and there was one particular scene involving torture that had me on the edge of my seat like a quivering wreck. This is definitely an author to watch out for and I'm eagerly anticipating what she's going to do next. If it's anything like this novel I just know it's going to be amazing.
Please see my full review at http://www.bibliobeth.com
Tom soon finds himself in a terrible predicament. It seems that you have to know the right people with the right cash to get any decent standard of living within the prison and while his cell-mate, Samuel Fleet assists him in some ways rumours about the enigmatic Fleet are widespread. And if you can't pay? Over to the "Common" side where prisoners are literally squashed into cells, punishment and killings are rife and due to the prevalence of disease (and other factors) bodies are stacked up in piles to be removed at some point, but the gaolers are in no hurry to carry out such a menial task. Ruling over the prison with an iron fist and a cunning mind is William Acton, the sort of man that you really don't want to get on the wrong side of.
The second thread of the novel involves the murder of a in-mate called Captain Roberts, perpetuated just before Tom enters the prison and as yet, remains unsolved. But if the rumours are true, could Tom be sharing his cell with the devil? On meeting the widow of the murdered man, Tom becomes embroiled in solving the case but he must be incredibly careful about exactly where he treads, as the Marshalsea prison becomes a graveyard for many men, especially those that get a bit too close to the truth for comfort.
It didn't long for me to become completely taken in by this wonderful debut novel. In fact, I couldn't quite believe that it was a debut, as the writing is so assured and accomplished. One of the most interesting parts about the story is that the Marshalsea actually existed from 1373 to 1842 and was well known for the richer and poorer sides of the prison. The poorest relied on charity for their food and drink while their richer counterparts across the fence had access to their own bar and restaurant. Starvation and torture with skullcaps and thumbscrews appeared to be the norm, in fact a parliamentary committee reported in 1729 that 300 inmates had starved to death within a three-month period, and that eight to ten were dying every 24 hours in the warmer weather. The author has obviously done her research with this novel and I was fascinated to read a work of fiction about a place that I had never heard of previously. The plot completely blew me away, as I mentioned the synopsis does not do it justice and there was one particular scene involving torture that had me on the edge of my seat like a quivering wreck. This is definitely an author to watch out for and I'm eagerly anticipating what she's going to do next. If it's anything like this novel I just know it's going to be amazing.
Please see my full review at http://www.bibliobeth.com
cariad_llyfr's review against another edition
3.0
A very decent book. I did enjoy it, although the climatic points fell a tad flat. A good read and love the historical context.