Book Review Summary: The Price of Murder (Sir John Fielding, Book 10)

Introduction

"The Price of Murder" by Bruce Alexander is the tenth book in the Sir John Fielding series, taking readers on a thrilling journey through 18th century London. This historical mystery novel follows blind Judge Sir John Fielding and his assistant Jeremy as they investigate the death of a young girl whose body has been found in the Thames. As they delve deeper into the case, they uncover a dangerous and high-stakes competition at the racetrack. With its clever plot and engaging characters, this book promises to captivate readers from start to finish.

About Bruce Alexander

Bruce Alexander, the pseudonym of American journalist and author Bruce Cook, is the author of "The Price of Murder." With a background in journalism, Cook brings his expertise to his historical novels, creating vivid portrayals of 18th century England. His ability to bring to life the gritty streets of London and his characters' struggles make him a talented storyteller. Although he passed away in 2003, his work continues to leave a lasting impact on readers.

Analysis of Views

Engaging Characters: Readers praise the characters in "The Price of Murder," particularly Sir John Fielding and his assistant Jeremy. They find the relationships between these characters to be genuine and enjoy the development of their characters over time.
Clever Plot: The plot of "The Price of Murder" is described as clever and well-crafted. Readers appreciate the way the story unfolds, introducing a variety of surprising characters and unexpected twists that keep them engaged throughout.
Vivid Setting: The setting of 18th century London is vividly described in the book, capturing the flavor of the period with its gritty streets and diverse characters. Readers appreciate the attention to detail and the immersive experience it provides.
Historical Accuracy: Bruce Alexander's ability to accurately portray historical events and settings is highly praised by readers. They appreciate his attention to detail and his ability to bring history to life within the context of the story.
Romance and Personal Growth: Some readers enjoy the romantic elements in "The Price of Murder," particularly the relationship between Jeremy and Clarissa. They find it refreshing to see characters grow and evolve over time, both personally and professionally.

Reasons for Recommendation

Engaging Storytelling: Bruce Alexander's storytelling abilities shine through in "The Price of Murder." Readers appreciate the way he weaves together multiple storylines, creating a compelling narrative that keeps them invested in the outcome.
Authentic Historical Setting: The book's attention to historical accuracy and its immersive portrayal of 18th century London make it a recommended read for those interested in history or fans of historical fiction.
Characters' Development: Readers enjoy watching the characters grow and evolve over time, particularly Jeremy's journey from a young orphan to a seasoned young man studying the law. This personal growth adds depth to the story and makes it relatable for readers.

Reasons for Not Recommendation

Predictable Conclusion: Some readers find that the conclusion of "The Price of Murder" is predictable, with a single obvious suspect and contrived events that force a sequence of events. This can detract from the overall enjoyment of the book for those who prefer more complex mysteries.
Lack of Participation by Main Characters: A few readers note that some main characters seem more like spectators than participants in the events unfolding in the story. They find that these characters are often passive observers rather than active participants, which can diminish their engagement with the narrative.

Conclusion

"The Price of Murder" by Bruce Alexander is a captivating historical mystery novel set in 18th century London. With its well-crafted plot, engaging characters, and immersive setting, it offers readers an entertaining and informative reading experience. While some readers find certain aspects of the book predictable or lacking in complexity, others highly recommend it for its storytelling abilities and authentic portrayal of historical events. Overall, "The Price of Murder" serves as a testament to Bruce Alexander's talent as a writer and his ability to transport readers to another time and place through his words.