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Lucy Campion Mysteries #5
The Sign of the Gallows
A dead man at a crossroads. A secret message. A ring with a warning about death . . . Printer's apprentice Lucy Campion is caught up in a strange and puzzling murder case in this twisty historical mystery set in seventeenth-century London.
London, 1667. On her way to a new market to peddle her True Accounts and Strange News, printer's apprentice Lucy Campion quickly regrets her decision to take the northwestern road. Dark and desolate, the path leads her to the crossroads - and to the old hanging tree. She doesn't believe in ghosts, but she's not sure ghosts don't believe in her. But before she even reaches the crossroads, she's knocked off her feet by two men in a hurry. What were they running from? To her dismay, she soon discovers for herself: there, dangling from the tree, is the body of a man. Did he commit self-murder, or is there something darker afoot? The more Lucy learns, the more determined she is to uncover the truth. But this time, even the help and protection of magistrate's son Adam, and steadfast Constable Duncan, may not be enough to keep her safe from harm . . .
279 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2021
9 people are currently reading
124 people want to read
About the author
Susanna Calkins
22 books345 followersSUSANNA CALKINS, author of the award-winning Lucy Campion series, holds a PhD in history and teaches at the college level. Her historical mysteries have been nominated for the Mary Higgins Clark and Agatha awards, among many others, and The Masque of a Murderer received a Macavity. Originally from Philadelphia, Calkins now lives in the Chicago area with her husband and two sons.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
January 12, 2021
Three Uncolored Stars.
Plain. Bland. Not much of a plot.
You’d think that a man hanging himself to start the book would spearhead the mystery into “Can’t put it down” territory. That was my presumption on reading the premise anyway.
It was not to be as this seemed slow moving and I was a little bored to be honest. Such a disappointment after enjoying one of the author’s other books “Fate of a Flapper”.
This has many great reviews from readers, so this appears to be a case of my personal preference.
I purchased a lovely hard backed copy from The Book Depository and appreciate their selection of books I can’t locate anywhere else. Yay for that!
Plain. Bland. Not much of a plot.
You’d think that a man hanging himself to start the book would spearhead the mystery into “Can’t put it down” territory. That was my presumption on reading the premise anyway.
It was not to be as this seemed slow moving and I was a little bored to be honest. Such a disappointment after enjoying one of the author’s other books “Fate of a Flapper”.
This has many great reviews from readers, so this appears to be a case of my personal preference.
I purchased a lovely hard backed copy from The Book Depository and appreciate their selection of books I can’t locate anywhere else. Yay for that!
February 6, 2021
A thrilling mystery, with a strong female lead set in 1660’s Restoration London. Printer’s apprentice Lucy Campion whilst delivering papers to a new market beyond the fringes of the usual places stumbles upon a body dangling from an old hanging tree near a crossroads. Rough treatment by a couple of fellows, and other factors convinces Lucy this is not a suicide.
That supposition opens the way to a deeper mystery, and a riddle that will involve mathematical deductions, leading Jane and her erstwhile suitors Constable Duncan and Adam Hargreaves, the magistrate’s son, an intriguing and dangerous chase. But where Lucy’s heart leads her is another matter.
A Severn ARC via NetGalley
(Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.)
That supposition opens the way to a deeper mystery, and a riddle that will involve mathematical deductions, leading Jane and her erstwhile suitors Constable Duncan and Adam Hargreaves, the magistrate’s son, an intriguing and dangerous chase. But where Lucy’s heart leads her is another matter.
A Severn ARC via NetGalley
(Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.)
February 22, 2021
I enjoyed this book much more than the previous one A Death Along the River Fleet, there was more happening and Lucy was far more involved.
Sometimes the limitations of the times and Lucy’s gender and status become a little frustrating. However they are also what make book different from many other mysteries.
Sometimes the limitations of the times and Lucy’s gender and status become a little frustrating. However they are also what make book different from many other mysteries.
June 11, 2021
A historical mystery set in the 17th century after the great fire. Nicely written but bit of a far fetched story. I liked the protagonist and the author brought brought out the atmosphere of the time but the romance angle spoilt it a bit for me. If not for that I may have given it 4 stars.
Read
June 23, 20222.5? The mystery was decent but overall the plotting was slow. Nor do I care about the two guys in love with her. I e liked the others in the series, but two things kept interrupting the pace for me. 1) the constant - constant - inner monologue about her knowing her place but also about how it wasn’t fair followed by shocked at others not knowing their place. Etc. 2) No way on gods blue earth did Adam go to the New World and back in less than 9 months in the late 1600s. No way. Nor did it take 3-4 weeks for letters to cross the ocean. Six weeks at minimum - 2-3 months usually. Plus you didn’t cross the ocean during certain months. I double checked that with a quick google search while reading.
June 24, 2021
Great historical mystery. Interesting to read about what 1667 was like in London. Lucy is a great character.
January 31, 2023
I really enjoyed the first four books of this series and am happy to see it return! Unusually historically accurate and well researched. Also goodreads looks very different all of a sudden???
May 21, 2021
Surprisingly engaging for an historical fiction murder mystery. Was pleasantly surprised.
January 26, 2021
The Sign of the Gallows is book five in the Lucy Campion historical mystery series set in 17th-century London. I LOVED books one and two, but somehow never got around to reading books three and four, even though I own them (a situation that needs to be remedied, pronto!) I wouldn't start this series without reading at least book one (A Murder at Rosamund's Gate), or the uniqueness of Lucy's situation won't make sense.
In this book, Lucy is a printer's apprentice (an upgrade from her former station as a chambermaid) on her way to sell some papers at the market, when she comes upon a dead man hanging at a crossroads and two men fleeing the scene. There's a mysterious ring, secret codes, murders, and threats in the dark, and Lucy handles it all brilliantly, while also navigating the hazards of being a "lower class" woman in a restrictive time.
Susanna Calkins is such an excellent researcher, and I love the blend of historical detail, mystery, murder, CODES (!!!), and romance. Lucy is such an interesting character, and I can't wait to see what she gets up to next!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC for review!
In this book, Lucy is a printer's apprentice (an upgrade from her former station as a chambermaid) on her way to sell some papers at the market, when she comes upon a dead man hanging at a crossroads and two men fleeing the scene. There's a mysterious ring, secret codes, murders, and threats in the dark, and Lucy handles it all brilliantly, while also navigating the hazards of being a "lower class" woman in a restrictive time.
Susanna Calkins is such an excellent researcher, and I love the blend of historical detail, mystery, murder, CODES (!!!), and romance. Lucy is such an interesting character, and I can't wait to see what she gets up to next!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC for review!
February 11, 2023
My review of this title is very much based in my genre preferences. I love period mysteries. I loathe period romances. The Sign of the Gallows is both. If, like me, you enjoy your mysteries "straight," this probably isn't a good title for you. If you enjoy mysteries that include a central female character chossing among suitors while solving a mystery, you should find this title quite enjoyable.
February 1, 2021
I love this series set in 1660’s London, featuring former maid turned bookseller Lucy Campion. London has weathered both the plague and the great fire, and the upheaval finds some women able to take work usually reserved for men. While Lucy is not technically a bookseller’s apprentice, she does everything an apprentice would do. In the 1660’s, bookselling also meant publishing, so Lucy works as a typesetter, a sometime writer of murder broadsheets, which were often sold at public executions, as well as working as a seller. Her intelligence and connections to the wealthy Hargreaves family, her former employer, get her into some places the police cannot go. She’s also torn between two suitors – Constable Duncan and Adam Hargreaves.
That’s the background of the stories, and you need not have read the other books in the series to enjoy this one, as Calkins is an excellent storyteller and draws the reader into Lucy’s world effortlessly. The book opens at a crossroads – Lucy is passing a well known hanging tree on her way to sell tracts at a marketplace. She’s been knocked down by two men in a cart before she reaches it, and to her horror, she discovers a very recently hanged man at the tree. She’s pretty sure the two men who knocked her down are responsible in some way and she hurries back to town for the Constable.
The hanged man provides quite a puzzle: was he a murder or a suicide? If he was a suicide he cannot be buried in hallowed ground. The threads unraveled by Lucy, the Constable and Adam Hargreaves (recently back from the New World), depend upon a cipher found in the man’s pocket.
As Lucy attempts to figure out the cipher she heads to the house of a well known mathematician, a friend of the Hargreaves, who introduce her as they ask the man to help unscramble the code. Duncan is frustrated both by her access and the amount of time she’s spending with Adam, and Lucy is frustrated when the mathematician is a dead end.
This book has excellent pacing, and the story unfolds organically, as one piece fits seamlessly into the next. Calkins also skillfully creates a feeling of 1667 London, with the many layers of class, the way of life for ordinary people, even to the medicines taken and the food eaten. Calkins really puts the reader inside Lucy’s world.
Lucy is a wonderful character. She’s intelligent, stubborn and relentless as she pursues answers to the many questions that arise throughout the book, some of which involve discerning the character of those she meets and attempting to sense if they are telling her the truth or not. The details of bookselling in 1667 are especially fascinating (especially to this former bookseller), as it’s a profession that’s changed mightily, though happily, still exists.
I loved Lucy’s personal “crossroads” as she attempts to decide what’s best for her moving forward. She’s a strong character and a believable one. She doesn’t feel like an historical anachronism. This is a wonderful series, a really wonderful array of characters, and best of all a great mystery at the center of things.
That’s the background of the stories, and you need not have read the other books in the series to enjoy this one, as Calkins is an excellent storyteller and draws the reader into Lucy’s world effortlessly. The book opens at a crossroads – Lucy is passing a well known hanging tree on her way to sell tracts at a marketplace. She’s been knocked down by two men in a cart before she reaches it, and to her horror, she discovers a very recently hanged man at the tree. She’s pretty sure the two men who knocked her down are responsible in some way and she hurries back to town for the Constable.
The hanged man provides quite a puzzle: was he a murder or a suicide? If he was a suicide he cannot be buried in hallowed ground. The threads unraveled by Lucy, the Constable and Adam Hargreaves (recently back from the New World), depend upon a cipher found in the man’s pocket.
As Lucy attempts to figure out the cipher she heads to the house of a well known mathematician, a friend of the Hargreaves, who introduce her as they ask the man to help unscramble the code. Duncan is frustrated both by her access and the amount of time she’s spending with Adam, and Lucy is frustrated when the mathematician is a dead end.
This book has excellent pacing, and the story unfolds organically, as one piece fits seamlessly into the next. Calkins also skillfully creates a feeling of 1667 London, with the many layers of class, the way of life for ordinary people, even to the medicines taken and the food eaten. Calkins really puts the reader inside Lucy’s world.
Lucy is a wonderful character. She’s intelligent, stubborn and relentless as she pursues answers to the many questions that arise throughout the book, some of which involve discerning the character of those she meets and attempting to sense if they are telling her the truth or not. The details of bookselling in 1667 are especially fascinating (especially to this former bookseller), as it’s a profession that’s changed mightily, though happily, still exists.
I loved Lucy’s personal “crossroads” as she attempts to decide what’s best for her moving forward. She’s a strong character and a believable one. She doesn’t feel like an historical anachronism. This is a wonderful series, a really wonderful array of characters, and best of all a great mystery at the center of things.
April 18, 2024
DNF on page 34
“Except that it was hard not to recall the passionate kiss she’d once exchanged with Adam, during the plague, when the world still seemed upside down.” (pg 27-28)
I just picked this out as a blind little read. While I know nothing about these characters, the author gave me a good sense of who they were and their relationship to our mc. Unfortunately though, because I’ve never read any of these books, the characters felt like pawns that just hand everything to the MC. I’m not sure if this is because of her relationship with them that was fleshed out in earlier books or a flaw of the series, but as a casual reader I didn’t quite like it. It also felt like very similar to Sherlock Holmes where the main character is writing a story about their case. There’s nothing wrong with this, and I actually quite like this troupe(??) I believe this wasn’t executed well in the story. Where with Sherlock, the story we’re reading is Watson’s story, in this book it seems like we’re watching the MC witness part of this murder and then watching her write about it in a fantasy disconnected from the case. Which felt really wrong to me. Especially when we see her adding or removing bits to make both herself and the story look better. “Should she include ghosts instead? Why not?” And “‘Shall I include the ring and those words in my true tale?’ Lucy asked herself. ‘No, someone might think I robbed the body.’” (both quotes on pg 27) While this is part of the creative process, I found it strange to start writing about it as a draft for a profitable publication a few hours after witnessing it. At least figure out most of the mystery before writing a mystery.
Now all this being said, the book did hold my attention and I enjoyed it for a little bit unfortunately though,by chapter 5 I was bored and decided not to continue. Maybe the story gets better and the mystery becomes more complex but I’m already reading 3 different books right now and I don’t have time to pick up another. Maybe in the future I will pick it up again though!
“Except that it was hard not to recall the passionate kiss she’d once exchanged with Adam, during the plague, when the world still seemed upside down.” (pg 27-28)
I just picked this out as a blind little read. While I know nothing about these characters, the author gave me a good sense of who they were and their relationship to our mc. Unfortunately though, because I’ve never read any of these books, the characters felt like pawns that just hand everything to the MC. I’m not sure if this is because of her relationship with them that was fleshed out in earlier books or a flaw of the series, but as a casual reader I didn’t quite like it. It also felt like very similar to Sherlock Holmes where the main character is writing a story about their case. There’s nothing wrong with this, and I actually quite like this troupe(??) I believe this wasn’t executed well in the story. Where with Sherlock, the story we’re reading is Watson’s story, in this book it seems like we’re watching the MC witness part of this murder and then watching her write about it in a fantasy disconnected from the case. Which felt really wrong to me. Especially when we see her adding or removing bits to make both herself and the story look better. “Should she include ghosts instead? Why not?” And “‘Shall I include the ring and those words in my true tale?’ Lucy asked herself. ‘No, someone might think I robbed the body.’” (both quotes on pg 27) While this is part of the creative process, I found it strange to start writing about it as a draft for a profitable publication a few hours after witnessing it. At least figure out most of the mystery before writing a mystery.
Now all this being said, the book did hold my attention and I enjoyed it for a little bit unfortunately though,by chapter 5 I was bored and decided not to continue. Maybe the story gets better and the mystery becomes more complex but I’m already reading 3 different books right now and I don’t have time to pick up another. Maybe in the future I will pick it up again though!
February 17, 2021
London, 1667. Lucy Campion is traveling to market when she’s almost run over by two men with a handcart. Subsequently, she discovers a dead man hanging from a tree. As she goes to report her find to the constable, Lucy runs into Adam Hargrave, who’s freshly returned from the New World, a man she’s still sorting out her feelings for. After all, she was a servant in Adam’s household for years and of lower standard. Yet, Adam has feelings for her too. After the man’s body is reported and brought to the morgue, a strange cipher is discovered in his pocket, leading everyone to believe he didn’t commit suicide. Was he murdered by the men who ran into Lucy? If so, she could be in great danger if the mysterious message isn’t decoded in time.
After the first chapter, I sensed this book was part of a series. However, it was easy to catch onto the character dynamics without the necessity of lengthy recaps (despite this being book 5). The historical setting is beautifully nuanced. This is a London that’s been ravaged by the plague and the Great Fire, and the cultural implications of both are well-explored. Lucy is an intriguing, hard-working woman whose spirited curiosity propels the investigation forward in organic and character-developing ways. She plausibly holds her own in a male-dominated world. Clues are uncovered through a variety of surprising twists and turns. Thus, I kept wanting to read “just one more chapter” to see what was discovered next. Lucy’s trade as a printer’s apprentice and traveling bookseller is enjoyable to read about, an opportunity due in part to the reduced pool of male apprentices. There’s also a lovely appreciation for the printed word underlying the narrative. This is a delightful character-driven, suspenseful murder mystery. Recommended.
Review originally posted via the Historical Novel Society at: https://historicalnovelsociety.org/re...
After the first chapter, I sensed this book was part of a series. However, it was easy to catch onto the character dynamics without the necessity of lengthy recaps (despite this being book 5). The historical setting is beautifully nuanced. This is a London that’s been ravaged by the plague and the Great Fire, and the cultural implications of both are well-explored. Lucy is an intriguing, hard-working woman whose spirited curiosity propels the investigation forward in organic and character-developing ways. She plausibly holds her own in a male-dominated world. Clues are uncovered through a variety of surprising twists and turns. Thus, I kept wanting to read “just one more chapter” to see what was discovered next. Lucy’s trade as a printer’s apprentice and traveling bookseller is enjoyable to read about, an opportunity due in part to the reduced pool of male apprentices. There’s also a lovely appreciation for the printed word underlying the narrative. This is a delightful character-driven, suspenseful murder mystery. Recommended.
Review originally posted via the Historical Novel Society at: https://historicalnovelsociety.org/re...
April 18, 2022
The Sign of the Gallows: Susanna Caulkins
😻👍👍👌
From Amazon: "A dead man at a crossroads. A secret message. A ring with a warning about death . . . Printer's apprentice Lucy Campion is caught up in a strange and puzzling murder case in this twisty historical mystery set in seventeenth-century London.
London, 1667. On her way to a new market to peddle her True Accounts and Strange News, printer's apprentice Lucy Campion quickly regrets her decision to take the northwestern road. Dark and desolate, the path leads her to the crossroads - and to the old hanging tree. She doesn't believe in ghosts, but she's not sure ghosts don't believe in her.
But before she even reaches the crossroads, she's knocked off her feet by two men in a hurry. What were they running from? To her dismay, she soon discovers for herself: there, dangling from the tree, is the body of a man.
Did he commit self-murder, or is there something darker afoot? The more Lucy learns, the more determined she is to uncover the truth. But this time, even the help and protection of magistrate's son Adam, and steadfast Constable Duncan, may not be enough to keep her safe from harm . . ."
Oh my, I really enjoyed this book, the story was very interesting and I read straight through until 3:30 am! I like most all of the characters, and I finally figured out who-done-it, but that didn't ruin the ending for me. The part about the Cyphers was really interesting and added more to the story.
😻👍👍👌
From Amazon: "A dead man at a crossroads. A secret message. A ring with a warning about death . . . Printer's apprentice Lucy Campion is caught up in a strange and puzzling murder case in this twisty historical mystery set in seventeenth-century London.
London, 1667. On her way to a new market to peddle her True Accounts and Strange News, printer's apprentice Lucy Campion quickly regrets her decision to take the northwestern road. Dark and desolate, the path leads her to the crossroads - and to the old hanging tree. She doesn't believe in ghosts, but she's not sure ghosts don't believe in her.
But before she even reaches the crossroads, she's knocked off her feet by two men in a hurry. What were they running from? To her dismay, she soon discovers for herself: there, dangling from the tree, is the body of a man.
Did he commit self-murder, or is there something darker afoot? The more Lucy learns, the more determined she is to uncover the truth. But this time, even the help and protection of magistrate's son Adam, and steadfast Constable Duncan, may not be enough to keep her safe from harm . . ."
Oh my, I really enjoyed this book, the story was very interesting and I read straight through until 3:30 am! I like most all of the characters, and I finally figured out who-done-it, but that didn't ruin the ending for me. The part about the Cyphers was really interesting and added more to the story.
December 15, 2020
This was a really pleasant surprise - A great historical mystery series featuring a female amateur that I'm not already familiar with! I love when I discover a new series to binge on. While this particular one is several deep into the series, it is the first one I've read (and while it references previous relationships/cases it does not give away any of the previous mysteries). I loved the historical setting, its an unusual time period (1660's) you don't see as much and of course I loved the idea of her being the apprentice to a printer/bookseller.
It was a reasonably fast-paced mystery and read quickly. I liked the subplot of the returning love interest/love triangle, and issues of class differences/distinctions. They mystery itself was unusual with the addition of the Cypher's being used, which again I don't usually associate with that early of a time period, so that was really interesting and cool learning about the beginnings of codes etc - and there were enough suspects/red-herrings to keep you on your toes, and a good twist with the culprit (I guessed it but it was still good).
I would definitely recommend, especially for those who like Tasha Alexanders Lady Emily series, Anna Lee Huber's Lady Darby series, and Stephanie Barron's Jane Austen mysteries. I will definitely be reading the rest of the series.
It was a reasonably fast-paced mystery and read quickly. I liked the subplot of the returning love interest/love triangle, and issues of class differences/distinctions. They mystery itself was unusual with the addition of the Cypher's being used, which again I don't usually associate with that early of a time period, so that was really interesting and cool learning about the beginnings of codes etc - and there were enough suspects/red-herrings to keep you on your toes, and a good twist with the culprit (I guessed it but it was still good).
I would definitely recommend, especially for those who like Tasha Alexanders Lady Emily series, Anna Lee Huber's Lady Darby series, and Stephanie Barron's Jane Austen mysteries. I will definitely be reading the rest of the series.
November 2, 2020
I’ve come to realize how much I enjoy a good series, particularly if it is a historical fiction one. I was so excited when I recently came across the upcoming The Sign of The Gallows on Netgalley as it is the 5th book in the Lucy Campion mystery series.
Set in London during the 1600s the series has followed Lucy as she has lived through the plague and survived the Great Fire while also charting her own path in life. And while the historical aspects of each book has been fascinating, it’s Lucy and her never ending sleuthing that have captured my attention.
I found The Sign of The Gallows to be an excellent addition to the series. The mystery was well done and balanced with what was taking place in Lucy’s personal life. And how lovely it was see her finally come to a conclusion on the man in her life. I hope there are more books in the series because I am so curious to see what happens next for Lucy!
Set in London during the 1600s the series has followed Lucy as she has lived through the plague and survived the Great Fire while also charting her own path in life. And while the historical aspects of each book has been fascinating, it’s Lucy and her never ending sleuthing that have captured my attention.
I found The Sign of The Gallows to be an excellent addition to the series. The mystery was well done and balanced with what was taking place in Lucy’s personal life. And how lovely it was see her finally come to a conclusion on the man in her life. I hope there are more books in the series because I am so curious to see what happens next for Lucy!
March 30, 2021
Calkins continues the adventures of Lucy Campion - finally! I have been a fan of Lucy, since the Saturday afternoon that Susanna walked up to me at the B&N I work at carrying five copies of the paperback edition of A MURDER AT ROSAMUND'S GATE to autograph. Our chat began my following. Calkins is a stickler for details, and once more she nails most everything, that I am aware of. You are walking alongside Lucy in 1667 England and everything is believable. The man hanging from a tree at a crossroads begins Lucy's new quest. The Plague, The Great Fire, cryptography, a murder and a bit of romance pepper the story. Lucy is stronger here than in her previous adventure, and the story flows along quickly. Not all murder and mayhem; Lucy's personal life situation is pleasing to learn more about as is the math and cryptography of the time. (It is enjoyable to learn while reading historical thrillers). This is a real treat and reward to read. Looking forward to Lucy's sixth adventure.
January 21, 2021
Fans of historical mysteries should give this one a try- and it's fine as a standalone. Set in 1667 UK, it features. Lucy, a printer's apprentice, who apparently has an uncanny ability to stumble onto dead bodies. Now she's found a man hanging from a tree. She also saw two men leaving the scene. While others might turn away, she turns in and, along with Constable Duncan, sets out to find answers. I liked the period atmospherics and that Lucy is a strong independent woman who stepped away from her life as a maid to do what she really wants to do with printing and books. There's a romantic element to this- a love triangle- which was less interesting to me but I'm sure fans of the series have a favorite between Adam and Duncan. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. A fast good engaging read.
August 14, 2022
I discovered this book when I opened an account on GoodReads. I had no idea that this author had continued with this series. It took me awhile to get where I finally checked out the book. The plot was interesting, but the downside was that the main character, Lucy appears to make a decision about these two men who are competing for her affections. In the previous book, one of the men had sailed away to the colonies to be with his sister. I was glad he was leaving and had hoped that if there was a next book that the mystery would focus on Lucy and the other love interest, who's basically a police officer, solving the crime together. However, in the midst of this story, the man who went to the colonies returned and I learned that he had been writing to Lucy, which I thought was nice, but was still hoping the other man would get to spend some more time with Lucy in the other man's absence.
February 17, 2021
Lucy Campion is a strong female lead, and London in the aftermath of the 1666 Great Fire is a fascinating historical setting. Lucy is an informal apprentice to a printer. (The guild doesn’t accept women.) A former maid, Lucy has little formal education, but a great thirst for knowledge and adventure. In this, the fifth in the series, that thirst gets her involved in a murder investigation, and not for the first time.
While there was much to like in this book, the plot moved a little slowly, and I didn’t feel like the tension between Lucy and the two men interested in marrying her was developed as much as it could have been.
While there was much to like in this book, the plot moved a little slowly, and I didn’t feel like the tension between Lucy and the two men interested in marrying her was developed as much as it could have been.
March 26, 2024
I bought this book on a whim at a local bookstore since I was told it was written by a local author and I wanted to support. To my surprise, the book I chose is one out of a series and I liked it so much I know I'll need to read the rest. The series takes place in 17th century England around its heroine, Lucy Campion, and she is a servant/bookseller who comes across all these mysteries that she helps to solve. Think Nancy Drew in 1667 London. It's a light read but I appreciated that the mystery keeps getting solved a little along the way and then creates the big reveal at the very end. It definitely keeps the reader interested throughout the story.
January 13, 2021
November 1667. On her way to market, Lucy Campion, printer's apprentice, comes across a body hanging from the 'hanging tree' on Drury Lane. Did the two men she had recently saw be involved. Who is he, and what is the motive, and what have ciphers to do with his death. Lucy and Constable Duncan investigate. Though it does take Lucy overly long to work out the guilty party.
Overall an enjoyable historical mystery and romance.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Overall an enjoyable historical mystery and romance.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
November 5, 2020
I was excited to be approved for an advance copy of The Sign of the Gallows from Netgalley because I'm a big fan of this series. The fifth book features messages written in cipher, but main character Lucy Campion is able to crack the code. The story has twists and turns all the way to the end. I highly recommend this title, as well as the whole series. Each book can be read as standalone, but I suggest reading them in order from the beginning as there is some continuity in running story lines.
January 30, 2021
Restoration London, still recovering from the horror of the Great Plague and the chaos of the Great Fire. Lucy Campion works for a printer and bookseller, an opportunity she would not have had but for the disasters of the last two years.
There is a strong plot, set in a fascinating period of history, beautifully written and full of clever twists and turns. This is historical crime fiction of the highest order. I eagerly await the next novel in the series.
There is a strong plot, set in a fascinating period of history, beautifully written and full of clever twists and turns. This is historical crime fiction of the highest order. I eagerly await the next novel in the series.
March 11, 2021
It's the first book I read in this series and hope to read others soon as I liked it.
It's a gripping and highly entertaining story, a bit slow at time but it kept me hooked.
I loved the strong female MC and the vivid historical background.
The mystery is solid and it kept me guessing.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
It's a gripping and highly entertaining story, a bit slow at time but it kept me hooked.
I loved the strong female MC and the vivid historical background.
The mystery is solid and it kept me guessing.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
September 26, 2021
Welcome back, Lucy! Boy have I missed reading about her adventures! Thank you Susanna Calkins for writing another excellent addition to the Lucy Campion series! I learned so many historical facts about 1667 with the ciphers, Great Fire, and type setters. I love reading a book that I can not put down and one that I can cheer on the characters!
October 28, 2021
2.5 stars. I didn't know this was part of a series when I read it. Maybe I would have enjoyed it a little more if I had read some of the earlier books. It wasn't much of a mystery. Also, the "mystery" isn't really solved. Lucy Campion watches someone do something incriminating. Afterwards, the suspect is arrested. Later the suspect confesses everything and explains the goings on.
It was a period piece but there weren't enough historical details to immerse the reader in the time or to connect the story to the time. It really could have been about any time or place.
This version of the book could have also used a proofreader/editor. A few examples. On p.85 "She continued to pour over the key ...". I thought maybe the author/editor didn't know the word then I got to p.93. "When Lucy had returned home, she continued to pore over the Babington tract ..."
p.113 "After more than hour (sic) had passed"
I hope these and other errors are corrected in the next version.
It was a period piece but there weren't enough historical details to immerse the reader in the time or to connect the story to the time. It really could have been about any time or place.
This version of the book could have also used a proofreader/editor. A few examples. On p.85 "She continued to pour over the key ...". I thought maybe the author/editor didn't know the word then I got to p.93. "When Lucy had returned home, she continued to pore over the Babington tract ..."
p.113 "After more than hour (sic) had passed"
I hope these and other errors are corrected in the next version.
February 10, 2021
I liked the story. But the characters were wooden. The dialogues and the way the scenes changed was awkward . The old language did not fit. No tension.
And not to fond of the american propaganda.
This is the only book I have read in this series. Enough for me.
And not to fond of the american propaganda.
This is the only book I have read in this series. Enough for me.
November 17, 2021
The love triangle is really starting to wear thin, and Lucy spent a good portion of this book talking to herself (especially when she was decoding ciphers...) I also figured out the mystery fairly early on, which took away some of my enjoyment too.
January 26, 2021
Good to hang out with Lucy again.
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