Christmas reading reviewed:The Drowned City K J Maitland.

1606. A year to the day that men were executed for conspiring to blow up Parliament, a towering wave devastates the Bristol Channel. Some proclaim God’s vengeance. Others seek to take advantage.

In London, Daniel Pursglove lies in prison waiting to die. But Charles FitzAlan, close adviser to King James I, has a job in mind that will free a man of Daniel’s skill from the horrors of Newgate. If he succeeds.

For Bristol is a hotbed of Catholic spies, and where better for the lone conspirator who evaded arrest, one Spero Pettingar, to gather allies than in the chaos of a drowned city? Daniel journeys there to investigate FitzAlan’s lead, but soon finds himself at the heart of a dark Jesuit conspiracy – and in pursuit of a killer.

The Drowned City is a brilliant piece of historic fiction, factual events blurred in with the story being told. Our main character Daniel Pursgrove is extraordinarily engaging, that plus the truly incredible immersion into a time long past makes this a real page turner.

Bristol comes to life within a twisted and utterly compelling story, where every character plays his or her part to perfection, keeping the narrative edgy and modern yet steeped in historical detail and feel.

The plot is clever, sometimes disturbing, always intelligently layered and very VERY entertaining.

Historical stuff is not really in my comfort zone but if they were always this good that would definitely change. Very much looking forward to the next one.

Highly recommended.

You can purchase The Drowned City (Headline) Here.

Happy reading!

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