A review by deb_reads_books
Gallows Thief by Bernard Cornwell

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.