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maplegrey's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
barrettcmyk's review against another edition
3.0
crime/detective novels aren't my usual fare, but i enjoyed this. well written (with one minor nitpick i will raise in book club discussion), good pacing, interesting characters.
sharkbait18's review against another edition
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
3.0
alexctelander's review against another edition
3.0
Bestselling historical fiction author Bernard Cornwell has taken some time out of his hugely successful Sharpe series and his new Holy Grail series to release a novel that in no way has any bearing on the two series. Gallows Thief is set in the early nineteenth century, where a man is on trial for his life for a crime he did not commit; the gallows hangs heavy, waiting for his soft neck; there is only one man who can save him.
Rider Sandman is that man, and slowly he must retrace his steps, pick up clues and investigate for the low pay he gets from the English government, much like a Sherlock Holmes or modern-day detective case, except this is nineteenth century London and certain articles are not so easy to come by, while questions cannot be so easily asked and certainly not always answered. But the clock is ticking for our ill-charged victim and the noose at Newgate awaits. Cornwell weaves together a flamboyant and detailed picaresque picture of nineteen century London and England, as well as giving insight into how things truly were back then and how the sport of cricket was just as important as it is today.
Originally published in July/August 2002.
For over 500 book reviews, and over 40 exclusive author interviews (both audio and written), visit BookBanter.
Rider Sandman is that man, and slowly he must retrace his steps, pick up clues and investigate for the low pay he gets from the English government, much like a Sherlock Holmes or modern-day detective case, except this is nineteenth century London and certain articles are not so easy to come by, while questions cannot be so easily asked and certainly not always answered. But the clock is ticking for our ill-charged victim and the noose at Newgate awaits. Cornwell weaves together a flamboyant and detailed picaresque picture of nineteen century London and England, as well as giving insight into how things truly were back then and how the sport of cricket was just as important as it is today.
Originally published in July/August 2002.
For over 500 book reviews, and over 40 exclusive author interviews (both audio and written), visit BookBanter.
gemmiejewel's review against another edition
4.0
Plot
Rider Sandman, having fought Napoleon in the French wars, expected to lead the life of an English country gentleman, but now, two years after Waterloo, his family is impoverished, his name is disgraced and he has been forced to relinquish the woman he loves from her obligation to marry him. Desperate to earn money he accepts the job of being the government's Investigator; an official who discovers whether petitions for mercy sent by condemned criminals should be granted. His first case concerns a portrait painter who is due to hang for murder in a week's time and the government makes it clear that they want the verdict confirmed.
But Rider Sandman, whose qualifications for the post are nonexistent, discovers that the painter is almost certainly innocent and, as he peels back the layers of a corrupt penal system, he finds himself pitted against some of the wealthiest and most ruthless men in Regency England who want to keep the truth hidden
Review
Yes! This was just the book I needed to start the year off with a bang. Historical fiction is something I am trying to read more of in this next year and boy this was a good start.
The research of the setting is spot on and every sentence carries a description so rich that you can feel yourself there; in a tavern, the prison yard, outside the gallows etc.
The characters are all flawed and by no means perfect, which I love in a plot. My favourite is has to be said was Sally, Rider’s actress friend who does not deal with how women should act lightly. She’s tough, gritty, mouthy and I basically want to be her when I grow up.
The tension is kept up right to the end where it’s only then that you find out what actually happened.
The only reason this is not a five star is the fact that me being me kind of wanted a bit more interaction with some of the suspects. But that’s just me.
All in all I loved it.
Rating
4 stars
Recommend
Absolutely. Think of it as the regency’s version of Sherlock Holmes!
Rider Sandman, having fought Napoleon in the French wars, expected to lead the life of an English country gentleman, but now, two years after Waterloo, his family is impoverished, his name is disgraced and he has been forced to relinquish the woman he loves from her obligation to marry him. Desperate to earn money he accepts the job of being the government's Investigator; an official who discovers whether petitions for mercy sent by condemned criminals should be granted. His first case concerns a portrait painter who is due to hang for murder in a week's time and the government makes it clear that they want the verdict confirmed.
But Rider Sandman, whose qualifications for the post are nonexistent, discovers that the painter is almost certainly innocent and, as he peels back the layers of a corrupt penal system, he finds himself pitted against some of the wealthiest and most ruthless men in Regency England who want to keep the truth hidden
Review
Yes! This was just the book I needed to start the year off with a bang. Historical fiction is something I am trying to read more of in this next year and boy this was a good start.
The research of the setting is spot on and every sentence carries a description so rich that you can feel yourself there; in a tavern, the prison yard, outside the gallows etc.
The characters are all flawed and by no means perfect, which I love in a plot. My favourite is has to be said was Sally, Rider’s actress friend who does not deal with how women should act lightly. She’s tough, gritty, mouthy and I basically want to be her when I grow up.
The tension is kept up right to the end where it’s only then that you find out what actually happened.
The only reason this is not a five star is the fact that me being me kind of wanted a bit more interaction with some of the suspects. But that’s just me.
All in all I loved it.
Rating
4 stars
Recommend
Absolutely. Think of it as the regency’s version of Sherlock Holmes!
deb_reads_books's review against another edition
3.0
Rider Sandman has returned from the Napoleonic Wars and had been expecting to marry but with his father's disgrace and subsequent suicide, Rider's name is blackened and the wedding is off. Rider needs to earn money to support his mother and sister and takes the job of Investigator for the government. His job is to investigate the petitions sent in by families and friends of convicted criminals awaiting execution. We meet Rider as he begins to investigate the case of rape and murder of a titled lady against a young painter. As Rider's investigation progresses, he uncovers the corrupt justice system that ruled England with a blood-thirsty fist, where corruption ruled and men in power were ruthless. The painter is so obviously innocent and the chase to the end left me wondering if he would be saved in time.
The book is set during a period of time when England executed as many people as possible to deter criminality, knowing that some would be innocent. It's not a pleasant read, particularly the opening prologue which follows a very young girl as she is sent to the gallows protesting her innocence.
The book was written in 2002 and yet I still found the description of women uncomfortably sexually unnecessary. Having just read The Warlow Experience by Alix Nathan set in the same time period, I am aware of how much our language towards women has moved on and long may that last.
The book is set during a period of time when England executed as many people as possible to deter criminality, knowing that some would be innocent. It's not a pleasant read, particularly the opening prologue which follows a very young girl as she is sent to the gallows protesting her innocence.
The book was written in 2002 and yet I still found the description of women uncomfortably sexually unnecessary. Having just read The Warlow Experience by Alix Nathan set in the same time period, I am aware of how much our language towards women has moved on and long may that last.
james_patrick's review against another edition
5.0
Cornwell weaves a good, if a little predictable, mystery/adventure set at the end of the Napoleonic wars. As you'd expect from Cornwell, the period detail is brilliant, and this particular book has thematic echoes of Pratchett's Watch books. The characters are excellently crafted, even if some of them are only there as extras designed to further the plot. I found it very enjoyable, especially towards the end, and there was a part of me that didn't WANT to finish it, I was enjoying it that much.
If I have one small criticism, its that the climax feels a bit rushed, and maybe a short epilogue would have done wonders.
If I have one small criticism, its that the climax feels a bit rushed, and maybe a short epilogue would have done wonders.
newcombephillips's review
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
gigglewigglesquiggle's review against another edition
4.0
Characters: 4
Plot: 4
Setting/world building: 4
Atmosphere: 4
——
4
Plot: 4
Setting/
Atmosphere: 4
——
4
wealhtheow's review against another edition
3.0
Well written adventure from the author of the Sharpe novels. I have a huge weakness for down-at-the-heels gentlemen, especially when they are too smart for their own good.