Six Furlongs

The King's Watch #8

by Mark Hayden

Saddle up for the ride of your life...In Clerkswell, the great and the good assemble for a Samhain party. In Manchester, Mages prepare for the Warden Hustings. But on a tree in the Furness Peninsula hangs the body of a man. Someone thinks they have settled a score, but all they’ve done is start a feud. A storm is brewing in the Lakeland Particular, and Conrad has to stop it turning into All Out War. Fate has dealt him a difficult hand – another new partner, the implacable opposition of the Lakeland Mages and having to shield the members of his non-magickal team. So Conrad does what he does best: grits his teeth and rides into the storm. Find out how he cracks the case and stays alive.

Genres: Fantasy, Urban Fantasy, Magic, Detective, Mystery, Crime, Audiobook

288 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 2, 2020

About the author

Author also writes under Ruth Ward

Mark Hayden is the nom de guerre of Adrian Attwood. He lives in Westmorland with his wife, Anne.

Adrian has had a varied career working for a brewery, teaching English and being the Town Clerk in Carnforth. He is now a part-time writer and part-time assistant in Anne's craft projects.

He is also proud to be the Mad Unky to his Great Nieces & Great Nephew.

His current writing project is the King’s Watch series of urban fantasy novels, from 13th Witch all the way down to Zero Hour. If he can keep it up.

Reviews

[Milda Page Runner · Rating 4 out of 5]

This UF series has been a comfort read for me. Very much enjoyed it and look forward to the new releases. Books range between 3 - 4 stars, some being a bit weaker and some stronger. Last two were very good.

[Alison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Three and a half stars.

Tom Morton and Conrad Clarke team up to investigate the grisly murder of a mage which inevitably brings them into conflict with the magickal world.

I have to be honest I love this series but I am starting to lose track of all the characters, especially since Conrad seems to acquire a new partner in every book. Mark Hayden has foregone the list of characters at the front of this book, something I usually overlook, but this time I could have done with its assistance, especially when some characters seem to have three or four names!

This book is written predominantly from the alternate viewpoints of Conrad and Tom, I get that they are the two key characters but I also couldn't really tell their voices apart which made reading confusing. Also, despite the myriad goings-on this felt like a filler book, one that sets the scene for the upcoming battle. Enjoyable but ultimately leaving me feeling wanting.

I definitely feel I need to reread this series in preparation for the next book!

[Mark · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fantastic

Another fantastic entry in magikical world of Conrad Clarke. World building is as good as ever. New characters and old friends and old enemies are part of this.

Highly recommended to all my good read friends.

[John-Torleif Harris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun story, though not as technically well written as the prior books

My one question, after having finished this, is why did Odin suggest that Conrad have a coat of arms? Previously, when the Allfather gives advice, it’s definitely needed before the current issue is dealt with. In this case, we saw the start, and then were told that Conrad’s going to sit on it for a while and that was the end. Was it a plot point that got dropped? Is it a part of the story arc that was originally in book eight, but pushed back to book 9?

I felt that this book wasn’t as tightly plotted as the previous ones had been. In the first chapters, when we are reading about Harry’s life, I kept thinking that I must have missed a short story, because I had no idea who this guy was, or why it was important for me to know. Eventually it all came together, but the writing just didn’t come out as smoothly as I have come to expect.

I liked that Conrad wasn’t doing all of the entangling in this book, and that we are learning that he is much more capable with the magick side of things than he’s always assumed. I also have to say that I don’t have much respect for Cordelia, or pretty much any of the Glastonbury Circle - any group that rips a family apart to join their club automatically gets no respect from me. And Cordie is compounding that by being so completely selfish that it’s almost baffling that she is described as being mature in her manner. She is almost sure to get into more trouble than she can handle and it’ll probably be up to Conrad to either save her, or abandon her.

One final observation, what does the Allfather see in Barney Smith? And how will that impact his plans for Conrad?

[Dan Ferguson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great instalment to this addictive series

[Eden · Rating 4 out of 5]

2023 bk 185. With this storyline most of the action moves further into the north of England. The book plot was not as smooth as the earlier novels, albeit still enjoyable and addictive in nature. When a man is found hung in a wood, Conrad must work with his former nemesis, Tom Morton, to solve the mystery. Each step of this book further entangles Tom, Lucy, and Elaine into the world of Magick. Another new and rather endearing character, Barney Smith, is introduced in this book. I predict that he e is the type of guy who will become a rock of stability when needed - and he will be needed.

[Tina M · Rating 4 out of 5]

Worth Sticking It Out

A bit confusing in the beginning trying to understand the side story, which actually becomes the main focus later on, that's being introduced chapter by chapter at times. Not sure who the characters are, how they relate to the unfolding overall storyline, or to the King's Watch. By page 59, or 18% of the book, I was truly lost.
You don't even realize, until your well into a new chapter, and once again, ANOTHER new character, that the storyline has picked back up. Quite a few chapters later, mind you.
It's not a well seamed presentation, and it causes the reading to become quite awkward and clumsy. Gives the impression that even the author wasn't quite sure how to work it into the story.

I was so glad when it finally started to blend together and make sense. From that point forward, it becomes what has made me stick with this series for 8 books, so far.
At around 60%, maybe less, the intensity ramps up and makes it almost impossible to put down!!

I have to admit, I had totally forgotten about the extras Mark Hayden mentions is available for viewing and downloading, on his website.
It really worked out and saved not only my sanity, but helped with the comprehension of all the characters involved throughout this body of work, the Magickal and the magical terminology "floating" around within these thousands of pages of print. I highly recommend, if you haven't already done so, unlike the dimwit myself, to immediately go and at least bookmark the information, for future reference and digestion at a later date. I wish I would've way sooner in my reading of the series.
I honestly don't know if I would have made it through this particular book without it.
https://pawpress.co.uk/extras/

I was also kind of taken by surprise how one of the repeating characters, Erin, is presented in book 8. I hadn't really noticed any dissent or dislike for her, until it's brought up, quite a few times, in this one.

There's quite a teaser at the end, so be forewarned that it's coming. It also rather apparent at the beginning of this book, with one of the primary characters brought in, there's more to to the story than is being shared at this point. Without going into further detail, and including any spoilers here, it's heavily hinted at, just as this one comes to a close.

It's also extremely obvious by the end of the book that Conrad will be changing partners for his second Lieutenant, once again, but who knows when or how soon. That will now make what, 4, or 5? Something like that. More to keep track of, and not a decision I always agree with. You become attached to these characters, only to have them pushed out, and relegated to the back pages, with the occasional mention of them later.

And as much as I can say I've truly enjoyed this series, I can also admit that I'm quite annoyed at the "mention" of these novellas that now seem to be essential to understanding, in depth, some of what's going down on the side. I feel forced to read them, and have decided to hold off on books 9 and 10, to go through and read them now. If it's important enough to write up in 50-100 pages or so in a novella, than it was probably important enough to be included in the main book. I'm not a fan of novellas as it is, so this feels more like "homework" than enjoyment.

My overall rating of the book kept wavering between 3, to 4, stars. Because I did find it quite entertaining, once getting past the disorder and confusion mentioned above, I did end up going with the 4 stars.

[Cherry Mischievous · Rating 4 out of 5]

Harry

My Thoughts:
I don't like clerical errors and I think this book has more than the rest of the other books in this series thus far.

I am looking forward to seeing Elvenham's crest or coat of arms... hopefully soon!

DCI Morton's mangling of sayings is quite similar to Lt. Eve Dallas' in the In Death series by JD Robb . Can't get it right. But Dallas doesn't really understand the sayings or phrases. I don't think that is the case for DCI Morton. He just don't get it right.

In Eight Kings (book 6), I complained that it seems like it is always Conrad who knows "what's what" with a plan to go with it (i.e., to explain some scenarios in the story) only to reveal that he actually didn't know. That phenomenon reared it's ugly head again in this book. So how would Conrad know that Saïa Ripley would be kidnapped by the fae? Know enough to make plans. Know enough to pacify and reassure Cordy that justice will be served? Know enough to perhaps instruct Cordy to recruit Flora into being their informer? When you look at it there, the plot kinda breaks down.

Even after all that whinging, this book is still a jolly good read!

Empirical Evaluation:
Story telling quality = 4.5
Character development = 4
Story itself = 4
Writing Style = 4
Ending = 4
World building = 4
Cover art = 3
Pace = 4
Plot = 3

Overall Rating: 4 out of 5

[Dale Russell · Rating 5 out of 5]

The circle of friends and partners continue to grow around Deputy Constable and the newly appointed Guardian of the North, Conrad Clarke. A gathering of those , as well as family members of which the friends and partners have become to be as well, at Elvenham House to celebrate Samhain (Halloween and the surrounding supernatural happenings tend to have a much more significance when you are among Mages, Witches, and those of the Entangled). Appropriately, it was a day to stretch and try new magickal abilities that, while succesful, see the lose of one of Conrad's closest allies. But the celebration is the quiet before the storm as a horrific murder brings Conrad and the Watch into a conflict that has more than just simple legal complications within the Magickal world as Clarke and his newest partner, Cordelia Kennedy, late of the Daughters, are called to investigate the murder...an imvestigation that has the potential of inflaming the already tenuous peace with the Unions and their version of the watch, the Assesors. But, needs must, and the politics of the magickal world are bent before the reality of the mundane. But, as the investigation continues, the secrets and the lies that are uncovered threaten not only the peace, but the lives of so many involved.

Author Mark Hayden continues to amaze and entertain in one of the best ongoing series of urban fantasy and the world of magick. Each story begins with the central core of the main character Conrad Clarke and continues to add new and fun characters as well as seeing the best of character development and world building as Hayden spins threads and weaves a full tapestry of a story that has no bounds and grows wider and more rich with each story.

Whether you are a returning reader or new to this world, these stories only continue to get better with each new entry. Also, there are several short stories that Hayden and other writers have set into the ongoing story. Those can be read afterwards, but I suggest that if you are interested, but up the shorts and read them where they are set into the overall time frame as they give added insights and more fun.

[The Man from DelMonte · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the eighth instalment (plus four side novellas) of a series that features an ex military man trying to keep a leash on a world that contains the mundane and the magickal.
It’s a mixture of fantasy and police procedural with a side helping of James Bond. Any similarity with the Laundry and/or Rivers of London ends there because the style is very different. The author knows and loves his landscapes and that shines through. He does a good job of illustrating how different law enforcement and governance bodies would operate in a world where the mundane and the magickal overlap. It’s not giving too much away to say that there are the Fae, other non-humans, various human magickal traditions and the mundane - both covert and otherwise. A lot of the substance of the novel turns on whose jurisdiction takes precedence.
The plot builds well to a thrilling denouement and kudos to the author, because he must have a devil of a job keeping his characters and his plot lines in check. There are just so many of them. Therein lies one of the main issues with this book. There are so many that some of the characters are barely fleshed out. It’s just about possible to read this as a stand alone - but only just.
There are also some clunky bits (Merseyside United anyone?) which is a shame because they’re grit in what is otherwise quite a well oiled mechanism.
All that said, I’m looking forward to the ninth volume and the fifth accompanying novella.

[A · Rating 5 out of 5]

Six Furlongs is the best of the Kings Watch books since the first two installments. Long live Lord Mayor of Moles (I miss him so). In this installment Conrad is called in under his MI7 identity to help Tom Morton with a murder victim found hanging in a tree. A tree being guarded by a raven. Our old pal Constable Barney actually was the first copper on the scene and he is. welcome addition too. The murder victim, Harry, was quite a character. Oh did I mention that the whole thing takes place in the Lakelands and Conrad gets into a tussle with the Union Assessors from the start even though the mundane police brought him into the investigation?

This story would be an easy five stars except it introduces Conrads newest partner, Cordelia Kennedy, Rick's ex and ex devote of Raven. She clearly has her own agenda, doesn't have Conrad's back and is a character almost written to be one you dislike. At least this reader doesn't like her. Conrad and Tom end up relying more on Erin, Conrad's live in scribe, even though she points out multiple times she is not part of Conrad's coven.

The story involves the Fae, the gnomes, a bit and all of the magical creatures and factions in one compelling novel. Conrad is in danger from the third page and in the end he finally faces his mortality. You have to read this story because I think it sets the stage for the rest of the books. Maybe Mark Hayden should write during a pandemic more often because this one is really good.

[Chris Hinchliffe · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you haven't read any of Mark Hayden's previous books, then the characters and relationships in the first third of the book will be confusing. Don't worry, either go back and catch up on Conrad Clarke's journey or stick with it and you'll find a police procedural hiding within the lore.

I'd say about half of this book is a DCI Tom Morton crime novel, so you get the normal narrative beats (crime scene, forensics, interviews, justice (?!). But this is a Conrad Clarke book, so there are also complicated interpersonal relationships, weird magicks and either red herrings or loose threads that will become relevant in 4 book's time.

As ever, Hayden's writing style makes this an absorbing page turner (yes I read it in a day, yes I am looking forward to the novella due out shortly). Conrad has now become a full on white hat hero, there is less nuance in his character than before. If the stories were 90% from his point of view this would make for a very dull story, however we now see the world from a lot more points of view than in earlier Conrad Clarke books.

The main story arc of the series seems to be happening around Conrad with him only influencing it in small ways, I haven't decided how I feel about this yet, it creates a more realistic world but is it making Conrad a bystander in his on narrative?

[Ruan · Rating 2 out of 5]

"Six Furlongs (The King's Watch, #8)" by Mark Hayden, narrated by Ciaran Saward and Tamsin Kennard, marks another installment in the series, but unfortunately, the overall experience remains lackluster. The combined efforts of the narrators provide engagement, yet the storytelling falls short in creating a captivating magical world. With a rating of 2 out of 5, this book struggles to achieve the anticipated excitement and enchantment.

Despite the dual narration by Ciaran Saward and Tamsin Kennard, the story fails to evolve and deliver the anticipated magical wonder. The depth provided by the narrators cannot fully compensate for the lack of immersive world-building.

The narrative also continues to struggle with character development, notably Conrad Clarke's portrayal. This deficiency in character connection hinders the overall engagement and investment in the storyline.

In conclusion, "Six Furlongs (The King's Watch, #8)" disappoints by not capitalizing on its potential for a captivating magical realm. The narration by Saward and Kennard offers moments of engagement, but the story's lack of development and unfulfilling character connections result in a rating of 2 out of 5.

[Michael D Kinsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book has highs and lows. There isn’t a character list inside it which is a pain. It was probably 9-10 months ago that I last read the previous book and trying to place and re visualise so many characters so early in this book was difficult. You will see nothing much happens for the first 25% of the book as time is spent reacquainting the reader with the players in this drama.Thats the low! After that it’s off like a rocket ! This is the high ! Back to form and a good storyline develops quickly. The dialogue can get a little tedious when there are so many characters in action together though . Perhaps more texting “in italics” ,may help spare some of the conversational intricacies. The last half of the book is a good read hard to put down . The ending is not as solid as previous. I like a good solid ending even though it’s a series. I’m not into so much scene setting for the jump to the next one please. I’m quite happy that Conrad lives to fight another day-(don’t think that’s a spoiler ) with 5 books yet to come ! I look forward to them all .

[Amanda Jane · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hmmm

It's hard to work out how this links to the grand overall scheme of finding a missing manuscript. It seems that the original long plot has drifted off somewhat, and project Talpa is going nowhere.

With so many characters, it is hard to recall who is who or in charge of what exactly. When you start to colour code the glossary in an endeavour to speed up tracking them, it's a sign that things are not clear enough in the tale itself.

Hayden seems to be applying abilities to Conrad now that belonged to others too.. quick example, he checked someone's, Medbh/Morwenna (?), imprint, and yet this was Vicky's power... at no point has it been suggested that Conrad can acquire his sidekicks talents without them showing him through a physical connection, but suddenly that appears to be the case.

I don't like these loose ends/plot holes

[Hana · Rating 4 out of 5]

What started in previous books became fully developed here - the story is told from the perspective of several characters, not only Conrad but also Tom and Cordelia, his new partner. Also, it became a full detective story where Conrad needs to solve a murder and there are quite a lot of faes. There are lots of new but also old characters. It lost its easy banter, which is a pity, but it didn't loose its fast pace, sometimes difficult to explain magic and lots of action. And this is the first time when Conrad ends up seriously injured and in a hospital...

[Robert N & Roberta J Abernethy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent Fantasy/Adventure

These are adult Fantasy/Adventure novels. In all the ways that Harry Potter and The Lord of the Rings are not. They are, also, modern hip and funny. The world is well conceived and coherent and the plotting logical and, often, surprising. The cast of characters is worthy of a Russian novel. It all hangs together and sucks one in, seamlessly. Three cheers for Conrad Clark, his coven, and the irregulars.

[Chris Strangeman · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm sure these books appeal to many people, but I'm done with the series. I couldn't get into them at all, and it has been a real struggle to get into them. The only reason I went this deep into the series is because I was stubborn and said I had already read so much of it that I would finish it. I've decided I've got much better things to do / books to read, than to try to slog through any more of these.

[Alastair Deacon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Need a book to curl up with? Look no further!

Another brilliant part to this story is over far too quickly and I could have easily turned another couple of hundred pages of this one. With familiar characters and new introductions this series delivers a now familiar yet thoroughly unique read. Thank you! What's next??

[Adrian Wood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great read.

Conrad Clarke and Tom working on a murder together. Add in fae w*r*w*l*es and you have another gripping tale of other worlds. There are a lot of references back to earlier books so I might just settle down for lockdown and refresh my memory.

[kate mcgrail · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great

Another great book. Fast paced and entertaining. Brilliant use of the Lake district geography and history. The plots are getting more complicated and the cast list gets longer but that makes it more enjoyable. Can't wait for the next one.

[MB (What she read)]

Since I'm American, I find these books incredibly confusing. I do like the characters and the fantasy plots, but I feel like I'm drifting aimlessly through unknown territory with no landmarks in sight. This one though...I'm feeling even more confused than normal.

[Mordecai · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing Series of Books!

Even the novellas are worth taking the time to read as well as they open up so much!
Am I going to tell you about the book?
No!
Do I tell you to read the series in order?
Yes

!!!

[Erica O'Brien · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Great Read!

I still love this Conrad Clarke series! Exciting and well written. I am getting a bit confused with all the characters. I did not realize this series was still being written, and thought I'd read them all.......oh well, something to look forward to!

[andrew james hill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun,mayhem and fury

I enjoyed this book it is a great escape from the tedium of lockdown.recommended😃 I like a good rollicking piece of fiction to brighten up a day that is very grey😊🤔

[Julie Totsch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Story

Lots of twists and turns. This one makes me think I should read the rest all over again. I'm not a fantasy person, but the King's Watch books are making me rethink that.

[Sara Hawkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lakeland Adventure

Conrad meets his new partner who has their own agenda, joining forces with Tom and Barney met in previous books. Conrad is evolving magically too!
I thoroughly enjoy the fast pace and detail that makes these books addictive, thanks Mark Hayden

[Michael MacLeod · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best Conrad Clarke book yet

As is the case with many series, this one has always been enjoyable, but has taken several books to really gel into an interwoven story. This book felt very refined and polished.

[Áine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Return to form

Much improved from the last few books - I love the characters and how fact/reality is blended. Looking forward to the next instalment.

[COOKE Steve · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not that I don't enjoy them, but I had got a little jaded with the series, however I loved this one couldn't put it down