Soot

Really enjoyed this book and the way it was set out. It was such an interesting way to read a book, with excerpts and diary entries from different characters. It does leave it on a bit of a cliff hanger so I do hope a second book will follow or even a short piece? A well-written and intriguing piece!

This is a beautifully pieced together puzzle 0f historical fiction by Andrew Martin set in 1799 in York, a city of around twenty thousand people, in a period of flux where there is much movement from rural areas, where livelihoods are foundering, to the city. An artist, Matthew Harvey, has been discovered murdered by sharp scissors used to stab, tools of his profession as a cutter and painter of shade/silhouettes portraiture, which is currently in vogue. It becomes apparent that the murderer must have been one of the last six sitters for the artist, it is not immediately apparent who they are, there are only the shades left to identify them. The narrative is primarily delivered through the medium of letters, journal entries and memorandum.

A once distinguished gentleman, Fletcher Rigge, finds himself in debtors prison after his father gambled away the family estate and Fletcher, a good man, insisted on doing up the workers abodes. He is a literary man, much given to writing, who had worked at Skelton's book shop. He is rescued from his current predicament for a month by Captain Robin Harvey, the son of the artist, who wants him to find his father's six clients and the murderer. If he fails, he will return to the prison. Rigge immerses himself in the mystery and slowly the shade sitters are identified. One is a
volatile London writer, a member of the Black Diamonds, who despises Samuel Johnson. Rigge becomes a tutor to uncover a mother and her chaotic daughters. Another is a violent actor who takes umbrage on not being given leading roles. However, there is the issue of what Captain Harvey, a man with a nefarious history, wants to do with Rigge's information. Amidst the investigation, we become aware of the romantic feelings Rigge has for Miss Lucy Spink, an affair apparently doomed by Rigge's dire financial circumstances and the likelihood he will return to prison.

This is a sparkling novel with a diverse range of characters that captivate, often for their villainy as for their good qualities. Fletcher Rigge is a fascinating central character, a man who seems determined to act against his personal interests. He uncovers secrets, and takes on dangerous men without a thought to his own safety. I hope the author plans to write further on Fletcher Rigge. The author gives us a real feel of the period, the people and the city of York. An enjoyable and entertaining read which I highly recommend. Many thanks to Little, Brown for an ARC.