The Frost Fair

Christopher Redmayne #4

by Edward Marston

Christmas, 1669. In the grip of the coldest winter for years, the River Thames is frozen from bank to bank and London celebrates with a traditional frost fair held on its broad back. Revellers come from far and wide to enjoy the spectacle.

Among the throng is ambitious young architect Christopher Redmayne. By chance he meets a good friend, Constable Jonathan Bale, attending with his family. As the adults talk, Bale's sons skate around them. But their competitive nature spells trouble onto thin ice and is in danger of crashing into the freezing water below. Christopher and Jonathan save the boy but make a chilling discovery the frozen corpse of a naked man embedded in the ice.

Bale vows to investigate but Christopher sees no reason to involve himself further until his own brother Henry is accused of the murder and thrown in jail. Now Henry faces execution if Christopher cannot prove his innocence. The architect must risk all he holds dear, both professionally and personally, to uncover the truth.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Mystery, Fiction, Historical, Crime, Historical Mystery, Audiobook

384 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2003

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

A pseudonym used by Keith Miles
AKA A.E. Marston

Keith Miles (born 1940) is an English author, who writes under his own name and also historical fiction and mystery novels under the pseudonym Edward Marston. He is known for his mysteries set in the world of Elizabethan theatre. He has also written a series of novels based on events in the Domesday Book, a series of The Railway Detective and a series of The Home Front Detective.


Series contributed to:
. Malice Domestic
. Crime Through Time
. Perfectly Criminal

Reviews

[Phrynne · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was really looking forward to this one because, historically the Frost Fair, when the River Thames froze so solidly you could drive a horse and cart across it, is a famous and fascinating event. Sadly it was all dealt with in a few pages and was merely the means with which the author set up the discovery of a corpse.

The rest of the book was spent trying to discover the murderer and clear the name of the MC's own brother. The story was good but it moved pretty slowly through some 370 pages. I am knocking a whole star off though for the dialogue which went on, endlessly covering the same ground, as characters repeatedly argued obvious facts and made totally silly statements.

On the whole it was not a bad book but the main characters did not grab me so I probably will not be looking out for other books in the series.

[Gerry · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Thames is frozen over, the ice exceedingly deep, the frost fair is in all its glory, the crowds throng around the stalls to see what is on offer and Christopher Redmayne, an architect, and his friend Jonathan Bale, a police constable, are among the onlookers. Bale's two young sons are also present, enjoying the thrill of skating.

One of the boys falls but he emits a piercing scream and it transpires that there is a dead body embedded in the ice. Who is it? Has he simply fell in and drowned or is there foul play involved?

The death turns out to be murder and in due course Christopher Redmayne's brother, Henry, is arrested and imprisoned for the crime. Christopher does not believe he committed the murder and sets out to prove his innocence with the help of Bale, who initially does not share his friend's convictions as to Henry's innocence.

They tramp around 17th century London, which is captured in great detail, and a number of suspects crop up but nothing can be proved against them. Romance is also in the air for Christopher and he is pursued by a couple of prospective paramours.

After much excitement, one or two close calls for Christopher and a series of lectures by the Redmayne's father, the Dean of Gloucester, the perpetrator of the crime is eventually uncovered, Henry is freed and the architect is free to sort out his love affairs, which he does successfully.

[Rosie Read · Rating 3 out of 5]

An unwanted book passed on to me by my father, 'The Frost Fair' definitely isn't my usual type. While I love a good crime novel this sedate little mystery was a bit different.

I throughly enjoyed the setting of the novel, just three years after the Great Fire of London when London was undergoing one of its biggest shifts. The novel is peppered with enough historical detail to keep you firmly planted in the 17th century, however this is almost always superficial with very little depth. I was most disappointed to find that the frost fair, a spontaneous event that took place when the Thames froze over, got little attention.

All the characters are easily likeable and Christopher and Jonathan make a good foil for one another. I do wonder what made the author plump for an amateur sleuth in the guise of an architect, but it does work well given the period.

The novel was a little slower than I'm used to but it was an enjoyable little mystery nevertheless. While I might not read another of this series I am intrigued to try the Victorian or Home Front series that the author has also penned.

[Joie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Writing 113 books in 51 years does not make one a good writer. I had thought that the clunky dialogue was a feature of the character in the Domesday Series, but here Christopher Redmayne and his co-characters communicate and think in the same clunky way. In places there is writing that I would consider notes from which to start writing; in other places I found myself reading four pages of dialogue for a conversation that should have been one paragraph. This is lazy writing. As usual though, Marston's story concept and planning are excellent, and his plot kept me on my toes. One character was left out in the tying up, he had seemed along the way to be something more to do with the main plot line than he turned out to be. And there was a distinct lack of historical research leaving gaping potholes. For example Lady Whitcombe would not have held any purse strings after her husband's death until the 20th century and would have been grateful if her son had allowed more than a cottage.

[Caroline · Rating 5 out of 5]

Couldn't put it down. Read the first six chapters last night and finished the book today. I love the main characters of Christopher Redmayne and Jonathan Bale. They're two such different characters, yet they seem to complement each other so well. Redmayne's fairly secular outlook on life seems to temper Jonathan Bale's Puritanical views of "no more cakes and ale". Henry Redmayne, Christopher's reprobate older brother, is still causing problems not only for his brother, but also by being a disappointment to their father, the Dean of Gloucester, the Reverand Algernon Redmayne. A thoroughly intriguimg story and one I was sorry to reach the end of. A wonderful historical setting, three years after the Great Fire of London.

[Steven Fox · Rating 4 out of 5]

December 1669. During one of the coldest winters for years, the Thames freezes over and a frost fair is held on the thick ice. Architect Christopher Redmayne and puritanical constable Jonathan Bale are both visiting the fair when one of Bale's sons gets into trouble on thin ice. The rescue the boy but in the process make a grim discovery - the frozen corpse of a man. The dead man is Jeronimo Maldini, an Italian fencing master who has been missing for some time. Redmayne is inclined to dismiss the case and leave the investigation to Bale; but all that changes when his own brother, Henry Redmayne, is charged with the murder.

[M. Sprouse · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book and series accomplishes what they sets out to do. It's above all a good period mystery. The mystery though is a bit overly manufactured. The period piece seems to be mostly historically accurate, though I'm not up on this particular historic era. The writing itself is well done and the plot is planned almost to perfection. In the previous three books I have bounced between three and four stars. I think those who seek a mystery from this general time period will not be disappointed, but not amazed either.

[Leigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story revolves around Henry Redmayne, brother of Christopher. While not so interesting or exciting in the first half as the previous books in the series, I was getting a little disappointed. The twists and turns and attacks on both the brothers helped rescue the story and with amorous advances coming from unexpected quarters along with some amusing moments the outcome was once again a very enjoyable read.

[Rob Cook · Rating 3 out of 5]

Despite the title and cover blurb, the Frost Fair only provides the backdrop for the discovery of the murder victim and the story quickly moves away from this unique setting to a more standard historical novel that blends mystery with costume drama (the latter of which bogs down the first half of the book).

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this ‘who done it’ set in 17th century London. So much so that I went on a walk treading in the footsteps of the characters around Fleet Street and Fetter Lane. An intriguing plot populated by a well drawn cast. Kept me glued until the final chapter it also had me looking up a few 17th century words and phrases.

[LemontreeLime · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a good series, I love this wide combination of characters in restoration England.

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this series and the era it is set in. Looking forward to the next book in the series.

[Debs Hiley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Spelling!!

Why, oh why was the book plagued with so many spelling errors! They took away the enjoyment of reading the story.

[Lisa Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fab Historical whodunnit

[Kirstin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Excellent historical read and as always well researched. I really enjoyed another installment of Redmayne & Bale's adventures in London of 1669

[[ J o ]]

[ read the third book in the series, 'The Repentant Rake' and did not enjoy so will not be continuing with the series ]

[Marilyn]

the narrator cannot pronounce newgate properly ! its not difficult if your not stupid

[Robert Hepple · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Frost Fair, first published in 2002, is a routine murder mystery set in London in 1669 at the time of a historically cold winter that froze the Thames over. It forms part of a series featuring the architect Christopher Redmayne. Whilst the mystery element is routine and lightweight, this is made up for by some excellent character development and character interaction - most enjoyable.

[Anne Patkau · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fights are fierce. Jon, his family, Chris, sweetie Susan find body frozen in Thames, stabbed in back. Jail is vile. Typos: 1,4 mere IS there 3 dearly IS clearly, reign IS rein 4 wanner, out 10 Fool, be with, seeming, much 11 searching, strait 12 minks 14 me 15 title, little 16 strangest IS strongest

[Jules Jones · Rating 3 out of 5]

I bought this because it was by the same author as the Railway Detective series, which I'd found enjoyable at the "read once" level. This is the fourth in the Restoration series, a mystery series about architect Christopher Redmayne and constable Jonathan Bale, set in Restoration London in the years following the Great Fire of 1666. I haven't previously read any in this series, but found that this worked well as a standalone, with enough backstory worked in to be able to follow who people were.[return][return]A naked corpse is found frozen into the sheet of ice that has covered the Thames, and the most obvious suspect is Christopher's rake of a brother, who wakes up after a drunken night to find himself arrested and flung into Newgate. Christopher is convinced of his brother's innocence, not just out of filial loyalty but because he is only too aware of his brother's vices -- and violence is not among them. His friend Jonathan, on the other hand, is convinced of Henry's guilt, and not just because the Puritan Jonathan disapproves of Henry's lifestyle. The evidence at the scene is all too damning. But both men feel that justice will not be done unless the matter is properly investigated. And investigate they do, following parallel lines of enquiry and sharing their information. Along the way there's some excellent world-building about the re-building of the world of London after the Great Fire. I don't know the period well enough to say how accurate it is, but Marston has created an enjoyable picture of a culture that is both alien and familiar. [return][return]I think I like this one a little better than I did the Railway Detective series, possibly because rather than in spite of coming in part way through the series -- there's far less overt info-dumping in this one than in the first Railway Detective book I read. I'd be happy to read more of these, although I'm not going to rush out looking for them; in part because a quick look at the blurbs on the author's website suggests there is very little character arc development through the series for the continuing characters and their lives outside the mystery-solving, something I found rather frustrating in the Railway Detective books.

[Matt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Continuing the story of Christopher Redmayne (this is actually the book that comes prior to the Parliment House I read earlier this year), this book delves into some family dynamics as we are introduced to his pleasure seeking brother who is accused of murdering a fencing master. London politics are slightly explored with discussions on the right of the King, the role and rights of forgieners, however Marston masterfully slips small details into the story without making them feel preachy or overbearing. Instead he is able to weave comments on politics, social castes, and historical details without drowning the story in details that so often drag and slow a story. The continuing saga of Christohper's love for Susan is interesting as we learn the nuances of love and courtship in the late 1600's.

All told I found this book to be an easy read, something that many historical dramas cannot claim, enjoyable and engaging. Edward Marston manages to make a historical dramatic mystery that is a wonder to read, and makes you want to continue to the next book wondering if Christopher will ever manage to prove himself to Susan's family and spend a happy life with her as his wife.

I highly recommend this entire series, having read the first two books available in America I can say this is one of the most enjoyable series I have read.

[Karen Brooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Frost Fair is the fourth book in the Christopher Redmayne series by Edward Marston and, so far, the one I have most enjoyed.
Featuring the usual characters: the earnest, reliable and lovable architect, Christopher, the loyal, hard-working and taciturn Puritan constable, Jonathan Bale as well as Christopher's family and his new love interest, the story turns on a body found beneath the frozen Thames during a Frost Fair. The man is identified as an Italian fencing instructor, who has managed to alienate a group of London gentleman, including, it turns out Christopher's brother.
When Henry Redmayne's knife is found in the man's back and Henry is arrested and thrown into Newgate charged with his death, Christopher and Jonathan must use all their wiles and connections to uncover the killer.
As usual, there are marvellous side-plots and extraneous characters only in this book, I felt they served the primary story in ways perhaps previous ones hadn't, enriching the primary narrative and making it quite riveting.
I love the way Marston captures any era he is writing in and this is no exception. Looking forward to the next book.

[Sidney · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read about this novel in the Rough Guide to Crime Fiction and was intrigued by its use of a frost fair, events held spontaneously in London over many years when the Thames froze. The frost fair is well realized, but only one chapter is devoted to it as the story's beginning. The mystery takes off from there readily, however. Architect Christopher Redmayne's brother proves to be the acquaintance of the Italian fencing master found frozen in the ice, and the sibling's soon locked up in Newgate prison, leaving Redmayne to find the real culprit. It's a challenging quest that requires the help of Redmayne's constable friend, Jonathan Bale. London society's restrictions hamper the investigation and challenge Redmayne's relationships both professional and romantic, but he doggedly pursues the truth, working his way through suspects, dual identities and political intrigue. I found this to be an engaging adventure with a dash of sword play, some surprises and interesting relationships. I plan to read more in the Redmayne series.

[Wayne Farmer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another enjoyable read in the Christopher Redmayne series, however for the first time this loses a star. The reason for this is that I found the circumstances all a bit too contrived and over-coincidental - Firstly it is Jonathan Bale's son who finds the corpse and then it is his friend Christopher's brother Henry who is the main suspect in the murder, and this follows on from the previous book where Henry was also in the thick of the murderous plot. While I can allow that Henry's lifestyle is so debauched that he is mixing with the sorts of people that do bad things I felt it really didn't need to be Jonathan's boy that found the corpse-it was one coincidence too far.
However, as usual, the stories setting and historical background were fascinating and I loved hearing a little information on the Frost Fair which is something that has always fired my imagination. The mystery itself worked well and just when I thought my suspicions were about to become fact I got proven wrong on the instigator.

[Frostling · Rating 1 out of 5]

Murder mystery set in 1669. The brother of architect Christopher Redmayne is accused of having murdered an Italian fencing teacher. Follows a dull investigation (as the same people are visited over and over again) led by Christopher and his friend, Constable Jonathan Bale.

This is a book I wished I had not touched. Too many details are told and not shown, robbing the readers of the historical atmosphere of London after the Great Fire. It is also let down considerably by numerous spelling mistakes creeping up everywhere. Where was the editor?

Thankfully, it perks up a little when Christopher's life, as well as that of his love interest, are troubled by families who want to play a prominent part in their future. But it's not enough to make it a good read.

[Tim · Rating 3 out of 5]

A tolerable mystery set in 1669 London. The city is less a character than in Shardlake or Stephenson's Baroque Cycle - this focuses on the team of an architect and a Puritan constable. I appreciated the positively portrayed Puritan (probably why it gets three stars), but the entire story felt a bit constrained in its narrow circle of operation. It lacked the depth of other historical novels (like those noted above) and the dialogue was wooden and overdone. The main characters were likable, but the other characters were cardboard.

[Cat. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a volume in Marston's series that follows Henry Redmayne, architect, who is helping to rebuild London just after the Great Fire (in 1666). In this one, his brother is accused of murdering his former fencing instructor and thrown into Newgate Prison. Also, Henry has developed a relationship with a young woman, which is placed in jeopardy because of his brother's arrest. He must clear his brother's name as well as his own while continuing to pursue his career.

Which, of course, he does, with help from his Puritan friend, Jonathan Bale. Fun.

[William · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this series and this book was my favorite so far. Just one "complaint' (more to the publisher than the author) - would you PLESAE proof-read books before they are published?? There were numerous typos and errors throughout this book and I've noticed the same thing in other books in this series and in other series as well. Even a rudimentary spelling / grammar checker such as is found in Word would catch many of these.

[Lilla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christmas 1669, the River Thames is frozen from bank to bank and London celebrates with Frost Fair held on its broad back...and then a frozen corpse is discovered embedded in the ice.
Even so it is a murder mystery I would qualify this book as light reading.
Very good story and characters.I could not put it down and finished the book within two days.

[Trawets · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Frost Fair by Edward Marston is a rollicking detective story set in London in 1669. Virtually no sex, in fact I can't even remember a kiss and very little graphic violence but great twists and turns in the plot, all made it a good read for me.