Mistress of the Just Land: A Jean Brash Mystery 1

Jean Brash Mystery #1

by David Ashton

'Jean Brash is my favourite character and David Ashton's writing is as delicious, elegant and compelling as she is' Siobhan Redmond (Jean Brash in BBC Radio 4's McLevy series)Jean Brash, who first appeared in BBC Radio 4's Inspector McLevy mysteries, is a formidable woman in her prime. Once a child of the streets, she is now Mistress of the Just Land, the best bawdy-hoose in Edinburgh and her pride and joy. But a murder in her establishment could wreck everything.New Year's Day - and through the misty streets of Victorian Edinburgh an elegant, female figure walks the cobblestones - with a certain vengeful purpose. Jean Brash, the Mistress of the Just Land, brings her cool intelligence to solving a murder, a murder that took place in her own bawdy-hoose. A prominent judge, strangled and left dangling, could bring her whole life to ruin and she didn't haul herself off the streets, up through low dirty houses of pleasure and violent vicious men - to let that come to pass. The search for the killers will take Jean back into her own dark past as she uncovers a web of political and sexual corruption in the high reaches of the Edinburgh establishment. A young boy's death long ago is demanding justice but, as the body count increases, she has little time before a certain Inspector James McLevy comes sniffing round like a wolf on the prowl. Jean may be on the side of natural justice but is she on the side of the law? Or will the law bring her down?

Genres: Mystery, Historical Fiction, Historical

336 pages, Paperback

Published October 22, 2019

About the author

David Ashton (born 10 November 1941 in Greenock) is a Scottish actor and writer. Trained at the Central School of Speech and Drama in London, 1964–67, he has acted in a wide variety of film, television, theatre and radio roles. He has also developed a parallel career as a writer of fiction, film and television screenplays and plays for theatre and radio. His radio play The Old Ladies at the Zoo, which starred Peggy Mount and Liz Smith, won the Radio Times Drama Award in 1985.

Reviews

[Paromjit · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a historical crime story set in atmospheric Victorian Edinburgh. David Ashton has previously focused on Inspector McLevy for his series. This time the primary action is focused on Queen Bee, Jean Brash, the owner of the Just Land, the premier bawdy hoose in the city. Many familiar characters are present and include McLevy, Mulholland, Roach, Craddock, and Hannah Semple. It takes no effort for the wild, wilful and elemental Jean to take centre stage in this new series as the investigator. She has quite the gift for it and she needs this as she traverses into dangerous and murky territory. The case touches on Jean's troubled past as a young girl.

The dead body of the hated Judge Abercrombie is discovered in the basement of the Just Land after a night of wild revelries. He has been garroted, stabbed and hung up. On his body is a playing card. Jean is furious, this could bring her and the Just Land down. It is not within her character to accept this fate. She is the hunter as she sets on the path to look into the Judge's past life to discover who killed him in this brutal manner. Another murder, that of Alexander Moncrie, in a similar manner, again with a playing card points to rumours of the murder of a young boy, John Finch, by Moncrie. The harsh children's home run by Moncrie had governors that colluded in the cover up. It seems a bloody retribution is sought for Finch with the killing of the governors. A pact made by two children might lie behind the killings. Moncrie's death brings in McLevy, which adds to Jean's difficulties, he is no-one's fool. With the help of her trusty Hannah, Jean fearlessly goes in search of the truth in a city where death haunts every corner. There are corrupt city officials and a McLevy under extreme pressure to find those behind the unspeakably gruesome deaths.

David Ashton wields his writer's magic in creating an authentic picture of Victorian Edinburgh. I was caught up in the spell he weaves in bringing that era alive. Jean Brash is a larger than life character with a commanding presence that holds your interest. She is wily and intelligent, not a woman to cross. The cast of characters are familiar, you feel at ease with them. Wonderful book that I loved. Highly recommended. Thanks to John Murray Press for an ARC.

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the reasons that I loved the Mclevy series on the BBC radio was Siobhan Redmond’s portrayal of Jean Brash, mistress of the best bawdy house in Edinburgh (actually most likely the world). This book, written by the BBC series’ creator/writer David Ashton, takes place before the close of the series and focuses mainly on Jean Brash solving a crime that occurred in her business. She is not happy about this. Hannah Semple, of course, is Watson to Brash’s Sherlock. Mclevy and Mulholland make appearances as well. We get more about Jean’s past as well as how she runs her business. The lives of some of her staff also get some more development.

It would be fair to say that my enjoyment of this book was enhanced because my mind read it to me in the voice of Siobhan Redmond (and honesty that is a reason to get the audio), so this is a good companion to the radio series. I would recommend listening to at least some of the series’ first.

Like the series, the book does an excellent job bringing the reader to Leith, to the stews. You are not hanging out with Christie’s Marple or Poirot, or even the great detective himself. You are with a much earthy company who, as Ashton notes, use razors instead of Excaliburs. The drug of choice isn’t the Seven Percent solution but a more caffeinated beverage.

If we can’t have more BBC radio series of Mclevy, this series is a worthy successor.

[Michael Rumney · Rating 2 out of 5]

Brothel Madame Jean Brash discovers a body in her Edinburgh establishment. Decides not to involve the police especially James McLevy and goes in search of the murderer, this I couldn't understand as in the radio series, Brash and McLevy have some sort of relationship and she might mention something. The book certainly portrays Edinburgh victorian society well and certain scenes have a unique tense atmosphere. But what lets the book down is its disjointed nature. The action takes place over 3 days and it seems much longer. Brash and McLevy are fantastic characters, this book needed a bit more of McLevy. A book that could of been so much better.

[Syrathe · Rating 2 out of 5]

I haven’t read any of the McLevy books. I confess I picked up this one and its sequel because it was in the bargain bin of my local indie bookstore.
Where to start... This first book was so eyeballs up in the male gaze. You know that tired trope starting with ”She breasted boobily”? Well, this comes close. The uncareful reader would be easily tripped up by the various single and double entendres and bawdy puns. Ok I get it, it’s an Edinburgh whore-house but come on. I rather expected the gals to gush over their clothes or trinkets... instead there’s rather a lot of exposed bosoms. Of the two f/f relationships, the author seems rather too preoccupied with the sexual aspects rather than any real deep bond between the characters. I also didn’t understand why Jean Brash was painted in an animalistic manner - she literally howls (wolf-like) or paces like a tiger. I stayed for the plot, which was decent. Even the Edinburgh dialect, and the writing otherwise was pretty good. At the end of it, I felt a bit like having sat through an R&J play - one is surprised at how quickly events passed at the end, when it felt to have dragged on over a longer period of time. Am now giving ”The Lost Daughter” the stink-eye, as I suspect it is also another textbook example of the male gaze.

[Ian · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first book in a new series by the creator of Inspector McLevy.

When a prominent judge is found strangled in Jean Brash's bawdy house establishment, Mistress of the Just Land by a couple of her girls, Jean take exception. This could ruin her business, and she's having none of that! And then when a certain Inspector James McLevy, comes sniffing around like a wolf on the prowl. She must use all her wits to out fox him, and get to the bottom of the murder.

As the body count starts to rise, Jean must search back into her past, to find the answers and catch a killer.

An enjoyable read, with a good cast of characters, well plotted and written. Will look forward to reading some more books about the Mistress of the Just Land.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book. Published by John Murray Press/Two Roads Books and downloaded via NetGalley.

If you like the review and would like to read reviews on other books I have made, visit my blog at www.finalchapterreadersgroup.wordpres... like, comment and follow.

[Gary and Sandra Sims · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful book

This is a story about Jean Brash a madam in 1880's Edinburgh Scotland, where we get a look inside a bawdy house and the women who live there. It is New Years Eve and we have a problem, a dead body of a famous judge has been found in the house and Jean has decided to solve the murder without notifying the police especially one Inspector James McLeavy. Once started Jean is embroiled in numerous murders being committed by a vengeful mad man. Mr. Ashton has written a compelling story that takes you into the underbelly of Jean's world and the people that inhabit it. A must read story.

[Andy Carter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book by David Ashton, this time with Jean Brash, the owner of the “bawdy house”, as the main character. But Inspector McLevy still plays a significant part.

A murdered judge is found by some of Jean’s women on her premises. Realising that this may give ammunition to those who want to close her business she hides the body, and sets out to find the killer. Other murders follow.

Jean Brash is a vividly drawn character, strong-willed, resourceful and full of life. 19th century Edinburgh is again a great setting for the novel. It’s a very good read.

[Deirdre · Rating 3 out of 5]

Brothel owner to detective Not content with playing with the detective James McLevy, Ashton turns his attention to Jean Brash, Mistress of the Just Land, a high class brothel. After the New Year's Day celebrations a body is found in the Just Land, one of their clients. Well aware that this could lead back to them they decide to investigate, while McLevy is investigating first one and then more similar deaths.
It's complex and interesting and the reasoning is pretty good.

[Kristen · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was too dark for me. Not a bad book, in fact the writing is excellent, and the story is exciting and action-packed, right from the start. But it is also very intense and gritty and bloody. There is intense violence, and it is detailed, again right from the start of the story. It was too much for me.

[Robin H-R Holmes Richardson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bold, brazen Brash

The first book in a spin-off from the McLevy series centers around Jean Brash, bawdy-hoose keeper and McLevy antagonist. All the familiar characters from the McLevy series are brought to life with David Ashton 's witty prose, making this a very entertaining read. Bravo, bravo, bravo!

[Donald · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thanks to the vagaries of the library system this was lost, then thanks to the covid shutdown and re-opening it re-appeared. Which is a bit annoying, as it sets up several of the characters that are in the sequel, which I read first. Inspector Levy and Jean Brash are great characters, so I just hope there's more to come...

[John McCaskey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book came from Ashton’s “McLevy” radio dramas. I like them because they’re good stories based in old Leith. This is the first of two “Jean Brash” mysterys,and I am sure she is based on Dora Noyce, a famous Edinburgh madam based in 17 Danube Street (or so a good friend told me.😇

[Sheila · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this. Very unusual and the main protagonists were fabulous. Set in my home town I could envisage the sight and sounds ( and smells! ) of old Edinburgh

[Symon Hill · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quite good. I enjoyed the characterisation and the plot was engaging enough. It was let down a bit by the language, which was full of over-the-top similies.

[Thebroadgrumps · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quite enjoyable

[Martina Fagan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very enjoyable story with a good pace..a quick read.

[Belinda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love all of David Ashton's book. Looking forward to reading book 2

[T. K. Elliott (Tiffany) · Rating 4 out of 5]

What do you do when you find the corpse of a judge in your brothel?

Fortunately, Jean Brash, madam of Edinburgh's finest House of Negotiable Affection, knows the answer.

This is a spin-off from Ashton's Inspector McLevy series, featuring Jean Brash (who appears as a secondary character in the main series) as the protagonist. This is the first David Ashton novel I've read, although I've had the McLevy series on my radar for a while, and I'm pleased I found this one.

What I Liked
I liked Jean: she's a businesswoman who has climbed up from the bottom of the ladder. She did it by being tougher than anybody else, and by having an ability to spot and opportunity and the guts to take it. But through all of that, she keeps a sense of perspective and a sense of responsibility for her people. I hope Ashton will write more books concentrating on Jean.

Ashton also seemed to get the atmosphere of Victorian Edinburgh - to me, it felt dark, cold, and wet, with a realistic muckiness. Some historical novels come across too clean and sanitised: this was not one of those books.

Ashton also writes good walk-on characters - interestingly, particularly women. There are several women in this book with their own lives, and their own troubles and goals. I particularly liked one scene between a father and daughter late in the book; you'll know why when you get to it. It's unusual to see an author give relatively minor characters some personal growth. And in such a satisfying way, too.

What I Liked Less
I found Ashton's rather whimsical writing style was a bit of a barrier to really connecting with the characters. It was amusing at times, and gave the books a unique feel - but, still, I was interested enough in the characters themselves that it was more of a distraction. But not enough of a distraction for me to read another Ashton book, so not that much of a problem.

Conclusion
A solid four-star read, and I'm hoping that further Jean Brash mysteries will follow.

[Carla Jayne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely brilliant! Had me gripped all the way through and managed to read it in two days.

[Eric · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for an advance copy which I found difficult to read.
However,thanks to my local library....
I came to the books after hearing the BBC radio programmes and do not find them as easy to take.Is this to do with the writing style or simply that the actors were so well-chosen that only by hearing their voices do the characters in the book come alive for me?
The book is atmospheric and, as an Edinburgher in exile, I appreciate the accurate depiction of the city and its people.
Jean is as feisty, McLevy as thrawn as ever but do the sparks really fly in this?
Decent plot, well-drawn minor characters but not top-notch.

[Catherine Pinkett · Rating 3 out of 5]

eceived a copy of this book in return for my independent and honest opinion. This is a historical crime, set in Victorian Scotland. One of my favourite periods of history. I have loved David Ashton"'s McLevy on Radio 4 and was really looking toward to this new series featuring Jean Brash his so called 'Mistress'. Jean Brash is the owner of a High Class brothel, and she spreads her talents into amateur sleuth. One of her regular clients, Judge Abetcrombe is discovered dead in a compromised position in her basement.! To prevent a possible scandal, Jean decides to investigate this case herself, whilst trying to keep McLevy out of it. I loved the authentic Victorian atmosphere and the believable cast of characters. The plot is well written and showcases how excellent an author David Ashton is. Jean Brash herself is a well formed extrovert character,which bodes well for the series. I admire sassy Victorian women who stand by their principles and are not afraid of the men in their lives. The reason why I rated this only 3.5* is the strong Scottish prose which I found slowed down the flow for me, especially where letters were missing either at the beginning or ends of words. I believe I would have enjoyed this so much more in audio format. This way I can relax and listen to a narrator tackling the language. This is a must for those who have been following Inspector McLevy. It promises to be an excellent series. Hope it is going to be available on audible for me.