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A Conspiracy of Violence

Adventures of Thomas Chaloner, Book 1

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A Conspiracy of Violence

By: Susanna Gregory
Narrated by: Gordon Griffin
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About this listen

Susanna Gregory, author of the Matthew Bartholomew series of medieval mysteries, has created another compelling fictional detective set in Restoration London.

The first adventure in the Thomas Chaloner series.

The dour days of Cromwell are over.

Charles II is well established at White Hall Palace, his mistress at hand in rooms over the Holbein bridge, the heads of some of the regicides on public display. London seethes with new energy, freed from the strictures of the protectorate, but many of its inhabitants have lost their livelihoods. One is Thomas Chaloner, a reluctant spy for the feared secretary of state, John Thurloe, and now returned from Holland in desperate need of employment. His erstwhile boss, knowing he has many enemies at court, recommends Thomas to Lord Clarendon, but in return, demands that Thomas keep him informed of any plot against him. But what Thomas discovers is that Thurloe had sent another ex-employee to White Hall and he is dead, supposedly murdered by footpads near the Thames. Chaloner volunteers to investigate his killing: instead he is dispatched to the Tower to unearth the gold buried by the last governor. He discovers not treasure, but evidence that greed and self-interest are uppermost in men's minds whoever is in power, and that his life has no value to either side.

©2006 Susanna Gregory (P)2021 Hachette Audio UK
Historical Mystery Fiction

Critic Reviews

"Pungent with historical detail." (Irish Times)

"A richly imagined world of colourful medieval society and irresistible monkish sleuthing." (Good Book Guide)

"Corpses a-plenty, exciting action sequences and a satisfying ending." (Mystery People)

All stars
Most relevant
This tale was too convoluted and complicated to really know what was going on. Numerous characters was confusing. I have liked other books by this author but not this one. I only finished it because I’d paid for it (!)

Too convoluted

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