England 1618 was a troubled time. Unrest in Europe affected England even in a remote hamlet ex magistrate Justice Belstrang gets involved in activities far beyond his realm. Visiting an old friend Richard Mountford, Belstrang is told that the death of Mountford’s brother is suspicious and he is begged by Richard to pursue private enquiries.
Visiting the foundries where John met with his death, Belstrang is met with suspicion and downright antagonism. A attempted threat to his life is unsuccessful and he realises that what he is uncovering is a wide scale operation, which is treason.
Painstakingly following clues and connecting the dots all lead back to Francis Mountford, Richard’s own son who will have no qualms to kill even his own father to cover up his operation. Belstrang pursues it to the end because his loyalty is to his country and King (despite the King trying to requisition his family home).
A slow pace, no fast action or gimmicks but still a page turner.
Sent by Boldwood Books for an unbiased review, courtesy of Netgalley.
