Blood on the Strand

Thomas Chaloner #2

by Susanna Gregory

In London in 1663, rebellion is in the air. Thomas Chaloner, spy for the King's intelligence service, has just returned from thwarting a planned revolt in Dublin, but he soon realizes that England's capital is no haven of peace. Ordered to investigate the shooting of a beggar during a royal procession, he soon learns that the man is not a vagrant, but someone with links to the powerful Company of Barber-Surgeons. Meanwhile, Chaloner's master, the Earl of Clarendon, is locked in a deadly feud with the Earl of Bristol, and an innocent man is about to be hanged in Newgate. In a desperate race against time, Chaloner must find a way to protect Clarendon, track down a murderer, and save an innocent man from the executioner's noose.

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

480 pages, Hardcover

First published January 4, 2007

About the author

Susanna Gregory is the pseudonym of Elizabeth Cruwys, a Cambridge academic who was previously a coroner's officer. She is married to author Beau Riffenburgh who is her co-author on the Simon Beaufort books.

AKA Simon Beaufort

She writes detective fiction, and is noted for her series of mediaeval mysteries featuring Matthew Bartholomew, a teacher of medicine and investigator of murders in 14th-century Cambridge.
These books may have some aspects in common with the Ellis Peters Cadfael series, the mediaeval adventures of a highly intelligent Benedictine monk and herbalist who came to the Benedictine order late in an eventful life, bringing with him considerable secular experience and wisdom combined with a deal of native wit. This sets him apart from his comparatively innocent and naíve monastic brethren. His activities, both as a monk and a healer, embroil him in a series of mysterious crimes, both secular and monastic, and he enthusiastically assumes the rôle of an amateur sleuth. Sceptical of superstition, he is somewhat ahead of his time, and much accurate historical detail is woven into the adventures. But there any resemblance to the comparatively warm-hearted Cadfael series ends: the tone and subject matter of the Gregory novels is far darker and does not shrink from portraying the harsh realities of life in the Middle Ages. The first in the series, A Plague on Both Your Houses is set against the ravages of the Black Death and subsequent novels take much of their subject matter from the attempts of society to recover from this disaster.
These novels bear the marks of much detailed research into mediaeval conditions - many of the supporting characters have names taken from the documentation of the time, referenced at the end of each book - and bring vividly to life the all-pervading squalor of living conditions in England during the Middle Ages. The deep-rooted and pervasive practice of traditional leechcraft as it contrasts with the dawning science of evidence-based medicine is a common bone of contention between Matthew and the students he teaches at Michaelhouse College (now part of Trinity College, Cambridge), whilst the conflict between the students of Cambridge and the townsfolk continually threatens to escalate into violence.
Another series of books, set just after the Restoration of Charles II and featuring Thomas Chaloner, detective and former spy, began with A Conspiracy of Violence published in January 2006, and continues with The Body in the Thames, published in hardback edition January 2011.

Reviews

[Clemens Schoonderwoert · Rating 4 out of 5]

**Should Read as 4.5 Stars!**

Read this book in 2011, and its the 2nd volume of the wonderful "Thomas Chaloner" series.

This tale is set in the Spring of the year AD 1663, and Thomas Chaloner, former Parliamentarian spy but now spy for the King's intelligence service, has just arrived home from Dublin, Ireland, after having thwarted a planned revolt there, but now finds that London is no haven of peace also.

During the royal procession a beggar is shot, and soon enough Thomas discovers that the man is not a beggar at all, but someone with links to the Company of Barber-Surgeons.

Besides that Thomas finds his master, the Earl Clarendon in a deadly feud with the Earl of Bristol, while an innocent man is about to be hanged in Newgate prison.

What is to follow is an intriguing mystery, in which Thomas Chaloner in a race against time must try to solve three cases, whether connected or not, and so against all hope but determined to succeed he has to use his wits and cunning to unravel the mysteries surrounding all these cases, and in a terrific executed plot he will be able to save the innocent man in Newgate from the noose, find the culprit of the murder and save his master Lord Clarendon from a deadly feud.

Highly recommended, for this is a excellent addition to this great series, and that's why I like to call this episode: "A Very Exciting Blood On The Strand"!

[Truls Ljungström · Rating 3 out of 5]

Det man kan säga emot denna bokserie, är att den är långsam. Mycket långsam. Dess fördel är att det är en intressant miljö, och att böckerna, denna inkluderad, har en upplösning som sällan är den förväntade.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thomas Chaloner is back in London after being on assignment in Ireland. As he settles in with his new boss, Lord Clarendon, things go greatly awry when two murders are committed. At first it seems they are not connected but something keeps niggling at the back of Chaloner's mind that tells him differently.

There are conspiracies within conspiracies in this fast moving tale. Thomas does not know who to trust, even his own boss and former boss are linked to some unsavory things. And, his friends, William Scott and Eaffrey have secrets too.

This story takes place in the mid 1600's and is based on a true story of that time. Politics are even nasty back then and that is what the story revolves around.

There are many deaths, both of the innocent and the not so innocent. Back stabbing seems to be a way of life, or is it survival? There is also humor that is fun and enjoyable.
A great read with twists and turns that will keep you guessing until the very end.

[Emilia · Rating 2 out of 5]

Liikaa hahmoja, osan ajasta olin ihan hukassa kenestä puhutaan mikä on hänen roolinsa ja mitä nyt tapahtuu, lisäks kaikki juonenkäänteet tapahtu ehkä viimesen vajaan 100n sivun aikana sai mut lähinnä vaan tuhahtamaan joka kerta

[Sophie Narey (Bookreview- aholic) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Published: 28/05/2007
Author: Susanna Gregory
Recommended for: fans of historical murder fiction novels

I thought that this book was very good and it definately kept me wanting to read on until the very end. This book is part of the brilliant Thomas Chaloner series. This story is set in London in 1663, Thomas Chaloner is a spy for the Kings intelligence, on returning form his last mission he is ordered to investigate into the shooting of a begger which turns out to not be a begger after all but a someone with very powerful links. Thomas takes us on the adventure with him and the description used by Susanna Gregory paints the image in your mind of what the characters are like and the setting.

[Donal McNamara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blood On The Stand has its temporal base in 1663 and its geographical location in London, England. It’s early in the reign of King Charles II and his court is determined to party day and night, to make up for puritan rule under Oliver Cromwell. The book presents a court full of back stabbing, spineless, greedy, self-serving courtiers who are prepared to do almost anything to gain power and wealth. Two of the most prominent of these courtiers are the Earl of Bristol and the Earl of Clarendon. They hate each other and would love nothing more than to see the other destroyed.

The main character, Thomas Chaloner, was a roundhead and is reduced, as he sees it, to working for the Earl of Clarendon (and old royalist) as his main spy and fixer. He used to be a spy for Cromwell’s spymaster and spent most of his career in Holland. Cromwell’s death and the removal of his old boss from his job forces him to seek employment with Lord Clarendon. Into this mix of 17’th century London squalor and madcap aristocratic antics are thrown a series of high profile murders. Chaloner has been given the dubious task by his boss of solving them. The book describes Chaloner’s journey as his weaves his way through this dangerous society where your life is valued depending on what family you were born into. He soon discovers that there is no shortage of suspects and uncovers plot behind plots. At the end of the day, all he really wants to do is play his music and avoid getting killed.

Susanna Gregory introduces Thomas Chaloner for the second time in this series and while some characters and background history is introduced in the first book, this second book can be easily read as a stand-alone work of historical fiction. This is a must read book for anyone who enjoys a good mystery that is placed in an historical context. The history and geography is well researched, as to be expected from the accomplished author of the Matthew Bartholomew series. There are many characters in this book as well as a number of plots that are running in parallel with each other. The author inserts many reflections into the story so that the reader does not get confused over who is who. The story line runs along quite nicely and reader never feels that they are bogged down in any section and wondering how the hell they got there and why. There are different twists and plot endings scattered all along the book which keep the reader interested and satisfied. This is not a book where you want to jump to the end to find out who the culprits are. There is too much fun to be had reading through the whole of it. Enjoy!

[Victoria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well, the second instalment of Thomas Chaloner is super fast paced, crammed with conspiracies within conspiracies, and absolutely kept me guessing right up until the final page.
Chaloner is working for the Earl of Clarendon, and after hearing a dying man’s final, cryptic words, is given the task of investigating two suspicious deaths, both murders, that appear to be linked. Along with incriminating evidence that most of Spymaster Williamson’s intelligencers are somehow involved, it seems that there are links to several nobleman, members of the Guild of Barber-Surgeons, and some wealthy merchants in the city. Chaloner finds himself in some very dangerous situations, he isn’t certain who, if anyone, he can trust, even questioning the motives of his employer, his friends, and all his colleagues. As I said, this story kept me guessing right up until the very last page.

[Mark Higginbottom · Rating 4 out of 5]

The second novel in Susanna Gregory 's series of books set in Restoration London.The setting is great,she really does describe everything so so well ,you really feel like you could be there!The characters are all fascinating and the plot is very interesting but oh my word how blumming convoluted !! My head was almost aching....was it really like this in Restoration London?!??Who's cheating on who,who's deceiving who,who's lying to who,who's scheming and plotting against who,who's alias is who...!?!? I almost felt like I'd have to sit down and draw a map of all the characters and what they are doing!I am looking forward to reading the third in the series but oh God please don't let it be as intricate ( read complicated!! )....I don't think my brain could take it!

[Pamela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Set in Restoration England, 1663, this is a lively and enjoyable mystery with a dash of adventure. Thomas Chaloner is a spy who has just returned to London after assignments in Holland and Ireland, and is finding politics at the court of Charles II a bit of a headache.

He must deal with an increasingly bitter feud between the Earl of Clarendon (Chaloner's employer) and the Earl of Bristol, rivalries between various eminent members of the company of Barber-Surgeons, and a pair of murders with disturbing links to both groups.

I really enjoyed the mixture of suspense and humour in this book. The period setting is lovingly recreated, especially the details of seventeenth century medicine and medical research. The plot does get rather confusing at times, but it is largely an intelligent and convincing one, and the character of Chaloner leads the reader through its twists and turns with panache.

Already an admirer of Susanna Gregory's medieval Matthew Bartholomew series, I am becoming equally gripped by this series and will definitely be reading on for more of Thomas Chaloner's adventures.

[Jaybour · Rating 3 out of 5]

Too little, too late

"Byzantine" is the kindest word I can conjure to describe the tortuous and torturous plot twists in this narrative. Enough said on that matter. Thomas Greeting is a name that pops up in the early pages. There is no background for this character. Maddeningly, the author finally relents in the Historical Notes and graces us with a brief note as to his identity. Too little, too late!

[Nance Roepke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bringing in the Company of Barber-Surgeons to the story added a lot of interest for me. Our hero struggles, both physically and mentally, and it is hard to understand how he has survived as a spy yet I like the fact that he does struggle. Great characters and a solid mystery.

[Jean Walton · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another entertaining though sometimes stomach churning tale from Ms Gregory. I liked reading about the surgeons though not some of their exploits and I didn't expect the ending.

[Nikki · Rating 5 out of 5]

More twists and turns than fusilli!

[Cuppa Books · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5*

[Susan Grimshaw · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting, entertaining and exciting in parts, but the storyline could have easily been told in half the amount of pages, it was hugely padded out with a lot of babbling dialogue.

[Margaret · Rating 3 out of 5]

Basic story was good but some of the style was too modern.

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

A thoroughly enjoyable adventure. Kept me intrigued all the way through.

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed it, but geez is there a lot going on. I'm not sure how realistic the timeline is, as everything happens on foot.
London as a setting is wonderful to read about.

[Zandra is now on StoryGraph · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very convoluted plot, even more than should be expected when inserting a fictional protagonist into historical events.

[Karen Juul · Rating 3 out of 5]

To Many Plots

Confusing plots, subplots, sub-subplots and more plots! The historical setting was well done but in general an overly designed spies and murderers story.

[Mark Harrison · Rating 1 out of 5]

Tedious, ridiculously convulted and so boring. Central character is dull as a ditch of muddy water and the plot goes on and on and......awful.

[Volare · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book very much but it took me awhile to settle into it. It was fast paced and had many interesting elements and plot twists.

[Monika · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read. I enjoyed it.

[Rebecca · Rating 3 out of 5]

An enjoyable read, I particularly liked the Surgeons and their Public Anatomies.

However, it did get a little confusing at times as there are lots of names, some of which look similar, many relating to secondary characters we don't know very well. The issue is further exasperated by the spies who have two or even three names to keep track of. Keeping track of identities and loyalties took some concentration, especially when the plot got particularly twisty.

[Ed · Rating 2 out of 5]

At least as much a historical novel as a mystery, this is the second book in a series that features Thomas Chalconer, an undercover agent for the Lord Chancellor during the Restoration of the monarchy in England. "Blood on the Strand" takes place early in the reign of Charles II, a time of extreme licentiousness, political intrigue and social turmoil. I know just enough about the politics and society of the time to recognize the main characters and events--Edward Hyde, the Earl of Clarendon employs Chalconer against George Bristol, the Earl of Digby, Clarendon's sworn enemy, for example, are central to the story.

The growing importance of slavery to the English economy--both nobles and commoners became wealthy growing sugar on Barbados with slave labor or shipping it to Europe--is important. The murder of a pushy merchant who owns a ship that brings slave grown sugar to England occurs in the Prologue and becomes more important as the story unfolds. If Chalconer can solve that crime it will unravel a much larger plot against the monarchy, one that would plunge the nation into anarchy, bloodshed and civil war.

Recommended for those who like historical mysteries.

[Bettie]

Description: Rebellion is in the air of London in the spring of 1663. Thomas Chaloner, spy for the King's intelligence service, has just returned from thwarting a planned revolt in Dublin, but soon realizes that England's capital is no haven of peace. He is ordered to investigate the shooting of a beggar during a royal procession. He soon learns the man is no vagrant, but someone with links to the powerful Company of Barber-Surgeons. His master, the Earl of Clarendon, is locked in a deadly feud with the Earl of Bristol, and an innocent man is about to be hanged in Newgate. Chaloner is embroiled in a desperate race against time to protect Clarendon, to discover the true identity of the beggar's murderer, and to save a blameless man from the executioner's noose,

For Michael Churgin

Opening: London, early May 1663
Matthew Webb was cold wet and angry. The rain, which had started as an unpleasant, misty drizzle, was now the kind of drenching downpour that was likely to last all night.

[Iona · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was an interesting format. The descriptions of London in 1663 were colourful, bringing sights, sounds and smells from the pages to the readers' imaginations. But for me, there was not enough.
The author is able to use the descriptive prose and subtle humour to introduce a tale of intrigue and complex relationships - of spies and friendships, of politics and science, and of tested loyalties.
The plot is simple - and an adaptation of tested plots by various authors, but the historical aspect makes it different.... Sadly though the book did not 'grip' me. It was an easy and relatively interesting read, but one that was easier to put down than to pick up. However, it passed the time, and I did keep reading because I ultimately wanted to find out the end for the individual characters.
It is not one I am recommending to friends, nor am I keeping it on myself. I will take this to my local charity shop - and hope someone else gets an element of enjoyment from its tale.

[James Casey · Rating 3 out of 5]

To much of a web of intrigue. It goes this way and that way and at times I was quite confused. So many spies, so many aliases, so many disguises, who was who’s friend, who was who’s enemy, who was a suspect and who was not?
It’s interesting to know that the events did happen and though authors have the right to change things around to their own perspective so as to make a story that will keep her readers adhered to the pages, why confuse us so much? I often turned a few pages back so I could understand what was going on.
Thomas Chaloner is a likeable character but always seems to have more enemies than friends (even they want to stab him in the back) no wonder he turns to drink now and then. Because of Tom I give it 3 or it would be less.

[Vivienne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Even though Thomas is a fictional character, his family are not and in this series Gregory brings into play a cast of characters who were part of the actual political intrigues taking place in Restoration England.

Her writing is quite dense and so demanded close attention for the period detail, plot complexity and the number of characters. After the text she includes notes on the historical figures. I was especially interested to discover that Aphra (Effray) did exist and was one of the few female spies during the period.

This is a terrific series that I look forward to continue reading more of Thomas' exploits.

[Elaine · Rating 1 out of 5]

Surprisingly, I did not enjoy this book half as much as 'A Conspiracy of Violence' by the same author. I found it a struggle to wade my way through. To be honest, there was little action and I found the dialogue repetitive. Other than Chaloner and Clarendon I found the other charaters rather annoying.

I am so glad I started with 'A Conspiracy of Violence', that got my five-star rating! If I'd have begun with this one I would not consider reading the rest.

All in all, rather disappointing but I'm willing to give books further on in the series a try.