Dark Threads of Vengeance

Ashmole Foxe #2

by William Savage

The dark alleys of Georgian Norwich were no place for a wealthy merchant and banker to be, dead or alive. Especially one noted for his puritanical outlook. Join Mr Foxe in another rumbustious investigation as he unravels a tale as dark and treacherous as the backstreets themselves.Mr Ashmole Foxe, Georgian bookseller and confidential investigator, has a new to find the murderer of a prominent Norwich merchant and banker before his businesses collapse and the city is crippled by financial panic. What could the puritanical and rigidly teetotal Joseph Morrow have done to provoke someone to strangle him? Why was his body, reeking of brandy, found on board a wherry, moored in a rough area haunted by sailors and prostitutes? What is the secret linking one of the the city’s grandest merchant houses to the wretches who drag out a brief existence in the slums and backstreets of the city? As Foxe probes deeper, he finds disturbing evidence of cruelty, callousness and blackmail that will shock all those who knew the man. Aided by his rag-tag group of street children, Foxe steadily uncovers a sinister pattern of evil, whose dark threads reach out to snare the guilty parties and exact a fitting vengeance on all concerned.

250 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 1, 2016

About the author

I started to write fiction as a way of keeping my mind active in retirement. I have read and enjoyed hundreds of detective stories and mystery novels. One of my other loves is history, so it seemed natural to put the two together. Thus began two series of murder mystery books set in Norfolk.
All my books are set between 1760 and around 1800, a period of turmoil in Britain, with constant wars, revolutions in America and France and finally the titanic, 22-year struggle with Napoleon.
The Ashmole Foxe series takes place at the start of this time and is located in Norwich. Mr Foxe is a dandy, a bookseller and, unknown to most around him, the mayor’s immediate choice to deal with anything likely to upset the peace or economic security of the city.
The series featuring Dr Adam Bascom, a young gentleman physician caught up in the beginning of the Napoleonic wars, takes place in a variety of locations nearer the North Norfolk coast. Adam builds a successful medical practice, but his insatiable curiosity and knack for unravelling intrigue constantly involve him in mysteries large and small.
I have spent a good deal of my life travelling in Britain and overseas. Now I am more than content to write stories and run a blog devoted to the world of Georgian England.

Reviews

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This second book following the life and investigations of bookseller Ashmole Foxe is a lively portrait of 1760's life in Norwich. Foxe is important asset for the city's councilmen when it comes to dealing discreetly with little problems such as murder. This point in Georgian era was after Fielding had established policing in London with his Bow Street Runners. Here in Norwich there are constables to be called on, but nothing like detective work. But for Foxe.
Foxe is a rake, a dandy, a wealthy man of the community who keeps his real estate holdings on the quiet, unlike his attire which is far from quiet. He also has a bit of a reputation with the ladies of the night. We find him adjusting to the loss of his two favorites as they left for London, one to pursue her acting career and her sister with her.
There is a murderer afoot, and the disposition of the slain body of a prominent Calvinist thrown onto a wherry adds to the puzzle for Foxe to untangle.
There are several foundation building sub-plots to be enjoyed in addition to the murder mystery. Foxe's formerly quiet bookstore becomes a busy gathering place for the elite ladies of Norwich.
I look forward to the next in this series.

[Nat · Rating 4 out of 5]

An easy, untaxing read but very good fun.

[Kathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

A light and enjoyable read

[Denise Rowley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Totally enchanting and enjoyable

Loved it can't wait for next one good read plot moves along well not stuffy easy reading next book downloaded

[Terry Tyler · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

Reviewed by me as a member of Rosie Amber's Review Team

The second book, a stand alone, in the Ashmole Foxe series. Foxe is an charismatic and witty businessman living in 18th century Norwich, a sociable and inquisitive chap with his finger in many pies, who is often called upon by those in power in the city to help solve crimes. This time, it is the murder of Joseph Morrow, a devoutly religious and widely disliked banker, and owner of a yarn business.

The story begins with his murder, an excellent start. This is the fourth book I have read by William Savage, and, as before, I enjoyed the descriptions of the Norfolk of 250 years ago; the domestic detail is well-placed, and of interest to anyone who wishes to know more about how people lived in this time. The author's strength is his witty dialogue and characterisation, and in this book both lived up to my expectations. There is a marvellous part when Foxe, recently depressed by circumstances in his private life, dresses extravagantly one morning to lift his spirits. On entering his bookshop, he imagines his business partner's surprised expression to be one of awe at his fine appearance, though the reader learns that the reason for her raised eyebrows is that she wonders if he has taken leave of his senses, to be dressed in such ridiculous finery at this time in the morning. Later, another associate described him as a 'strutting popinjay'. I loved that!

I found the beginning of the book a little exposition-heavy, as Foxe's circumstances are explained to the reader; although this book is a stand alone, better description is given about him in his first book, The Fabric of Murder, but it is not necessary to read it first. On occasion I found the intricacies of the plot a little repetitive and long-winded, but, as always with this author's books, I am just thinking 'hmm, this is going on a bit' when it perks up. When this happens, it's great; the good in his books is very, very good indeed.

Recommended for all who like clever, light mystery fiction of this period, and who like to learn something of the history, too.

[Helen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just as good as the first, The Fabric of Murder, with great characterization, attention to period detail, and a plot that moves along quite nicely. Mr. Foxe is quite the dogged detective, and he uses all his skills -- and those of his friends and myriad cast of acquaintances -- to come up with a solution for a particularly mysterious murder.

[MRS V JOHNSON · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this story as much as the first.

Bit of a letch isn't he! The man wouldn't last five minutes in this world of equality but fits his admirably.