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The Shadows of London
- Narrated by: Leighton Pugh
- Length: 12 hrs and 44 mins
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The Shadows of London
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Summary
‘An absolute delight in a series that goes from strength to strength’ S. G. McLean, prize-winning author of the Seeker series
‘This is Taylor at his unassailable best’ Financial Times
London 1671
The damage caused by the Great Fire still overshadows the capital.
The disfigured body of a man is unearthed in the ruins of the old almshouse, forcing architect Cat Hakesby to stop restoration work. It is clear he has been murdered, and Whitehall secretary James Marwood is ordered to investigate.
When the man’s identity is revealed, it’s clear that there are larger forces at play, and Marwood comes under serious pressure to solve the case. But an old adversary is attempting to stop him.
As Cat and Marwood follow the threads of corruption into the heart of government, the king himself is being distracted from affairs of state. A young, impoverished Frenchwoman has caught his eye – a quiet affair that will have monumental consequences.
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Critic reviews
'Another brilliantly realised historical mystery' A Waterstones Best Books of 2023: Crime and Thriller
‘Andrew Taylor has brought the sights, smells and sounds of the Great Fire and its aftermath brilliantly to life’ Daily Express
‘With a mixture of real and fictional characters, this tale of intrigue and power imbalance is well up to standard in a series that has set a benchmark for historical mystery fiction.’ Guardian
‘With their complex characters, clever plots, political intrigue and vivid depictions of London just after the Great Fire of 1666, Andrew Taylor’s books about troubled civil servant James Marwood and prickly architect Cat Lovett are historical crime fiction at its finest.’ Irish Times’ 25 Great Holiday Books
‘Some of the most enjoyable historical thrillers of recent years have been Andrew Taylor’s novels set in Restoration England … Taylor weaves together all the varying threads of his plot with his customary skill, but fans of the series will be sorry to learn that this is the last hurrah for Cat and Marwood’ Sunday Times
‘Another sophisticated 17th-century mystery abounding in page-turning twists and period detail’ Waterstones
‘Taylor’s storytelling brio is on full display.’ The Sunday Times Historical Fiction Book of the Month
‘Sheer brilliance … Truly, this is breathtaking. The combination of emotional literacy, with beautiful language and an utterly immersive sense of time and place is perfect.’ Manda Scott
‘Andrew Taylor offers us a completely convincing portrait of life in the city and at court in Restoration London … An absolute delight in a series that goes from strength to strength’ S. G. McLean, prize-winning author of the Seeker series
‘This is Taylor at his unassailable best.’ Financial Times
What listeners say about The Shadows of London
Average customer ratingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Clare
- 22-03-23
Another strong story in the series
I’ve enjoyed all the books in this series, this one particularly so. Great ending, but it makes me wonder if this is the end of the series.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Mrs R Hill
- 08-03-23
A perfect ending
Excellent in every way. The whole series has been a joy, perfect narration, brilliant characters. What more could anyone want.
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Performance4 out of 5 stars
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Story4 out of 5 stars
- D.
- 21-09-23
A slow beginning a good ending
I felt the story took some time to get going, after the initial set up the middle part of the story tended to drag a little. The ending however contains a couple of twists that sets the next book in the series (when it’s published) up nicely.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Karen
- 12-06-23
Best yet
This is the best one yet.
I hope there are more to come in this series
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- louisa Ramshaw
- 13-08-24
Another superb book!
Have loved all the books in this series and this is no exception. I can’t wait for the next one!
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Performance3 out of 5 stars
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Story4 out of 5 stars
- MISS D.
- 09-03-23
Not sure
I have read all the previous books in the series and enjoyed them but this is the first time I’ve listened and I’m not sure I would again as I kept getting lost and wasn’t alway sure who’s voice we were supposed to be hearing - this could just be me of course!
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Story4 out of 5 stars
- Mrs. Linda M. Rhodes
- 27-08-24
Historical research
The background of this story, is of the mid 17th century. Having done a little of the same, albeit with a different angle in mind, the anecdotes contained therein are completely plausible. The language used by the writer is fulsome and accurate and it is a pleasure to read. For anyone who has an ear to the 1600s, I can recommend this book unreservedly.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Anonymous User
- 23-11-23
Great story, read well
Found this by chance, surprisingly good and very listenable. Would definitely recommend to anyone interested in historical fiction.
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1 person found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Eggy
- 29-09-24
Feels authentic to it’s time & also current themes
These books have just a little more depth/ historical info than some medieval ‘who dunnits’. I have been impressed with all the novels of Andrew Taylor’s that I have heard so far. I always learn a little something of everyday life from the past but also I am reminded of different manners, beliefs & customs & in this novel, how difficult life must have been & can still be for women.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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- Kindle Customer
- 06-10-24
Special – More Please
This audio-book is performed with unerring skill and character voices are well chosen. Leighton Pugh performs with great good sense and always carries the listener with him. There is no need to alter the playing speed; his pacing is spot-on. To go faster would lessen the impact. Having this same performer over the six books, to date in the series, is wonderful. The plot of the novel is well handled and reader suspense is equally managed. You willingly submit to this. For those following the series the primary relationship dangles the listener and there is much satisfaction along the way here. There is interest and involvement concerning all other characters which suits this substantial novel. Our hero, Marwood, increasingly questions his life, including the ways that he is treated by others. It provides listeners with greater involvement in consideration of what will develop. This novel was only published in 2023 and it is to be hoped that further novels will follow. This sentiment is easily explained to once prospective listeners submerge themselves in this novel, its world and t characters. This is a thoroughly satisfying novel that will delight and not disappoint.
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