The Incendiary's Trail

Albert Newsome #1

by James McCreet

Ingeniously plotted and seething with grotesque characters, the striking first novel in a new Gothic Victorian crime series will grip readers from its first dark pages  Murder is rampant in Early Victorian London. Detective Inspector Newsome of the new Detective Force decides to recruit a recently-apprehended master criminal to help bring the culprits to justice. A polymath with a mysterious past, the man is no eager volunteer. And when the ghastly murder of conjoined twins galvanizes the city, Newsome blackmails his prisoner—Noah Dyson, as he calls himself—into working with the Force's Sergeant George Williamson. Unknown to the policemen, the criminal genius behind the murder shares a dark past with their new associate. It is not justice that is on Dyson's mind, but retribution. As Williamson and Dyson together close the net, the murder-rate soars and the streets of London begin to burn.

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

356 pages, Paperback

First published July 3, 2009

Reviews

[Jess The Bookworm · Rating 3 out of 5]

This novel is set in Victorian London, where the police are called upon to solve the murder of conjoined twins who are part of a freak show. When the police start to investigate the murder, more murders start to occur and a complicated web starts to form.

They call in Noah Dyson, a prisoner, and someone who is looking for the "Incendiary", the man setting fires all around London, and the one believed to be behind the murders. Noah has his own reasons for wanting to catch the Incendiary and has his own ways of how to go about it, not always in line with the law.

It was a fun novel, with enough twists and turns to keep me interested, but nothing too ground breaking. A good holiday read.

[Peter Wilson · Rating 1 out of 5]

I wanted to give up on it on numerous occasions.Finished it but it was a chore and not a treat.Just too dull and the story held no interest.

[Corey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just an absolutely ripping yarn from beginning to end.

[Graculus · Rating 3 out of 5]

First in a new series, set in Victorian London, even though I ought to know better about picking up books when the sequel isn't out yet...

The basic premise of 'The Incendiary's Trail' is that it's the story of a fledgling Scotland Yard, desperate for success in the eyes of a sceptical public. In pursuit of this aim, one individual comes up with a daring plan, looking to turn a criminal into an accessory for the police by means of blackmail - this plan comes into action after the grisly death of a Siamese twin, whose freakshow associates create almost as much horror as the murder.

Naturally their plan does not take into account the criminal (one Noah Dyson) and his own desire for revenge; fortunately for Scotland Yard, the subject of such revenge and the driving force behind the murder are one and the same, the eponymous firebug who has been setting fires all over the city.

It's an interesting enough book, though sadly let down by frequent changes of point of view and the use of 'authentic' spelling that grates on the modern eye. Likewise, in my opinion, not quite enough effort is put into building the character of the main detective in comparison to his criminal counterpart. Hopefully this may be resolved in the next book in this series, The Vice Society.

[Robert Davidson · Rating 4 out of 5]

James McCreet's The Incendiary's Trail, infused with exotic, almost paranormal strains of morbidity, peopled by ogre-like unfortunates, verging on the grotesque, and set in the dark London of the "Penny Dreadfuls" is paradoxically a stunning and enthralling work. The prose vivid, energetic and powerfully descriptive, without succumbing to hyperbole or melodrama, presents each scenario in but one colour -- gray --but what a wealth of tonal shades are encompassed in its creation. This is storytelling at its finest and has been crafted by a confident artisan. Robert Davidson. The Tuzla Run

[Piyumi · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a debut novel to a detective series, this had a great story, depicting a Victorian crime. The pairing of a seasoned investigator with a master criminal was a great touch, as was their gradual mutual grudging respect and trust. The story flowed smoothly and the twists and revelations throughout the story were well placed to keep the reader hooked.
The only issue I had with this book was how the author jumped from one time period of the story to another. That seemed a bit confusing and disconnecting.
But the story ended satisfactorily and with morsels for the reader to want to read the next in this detective series, as I surely will.

[Beth]

Set in London. 356 pp.

Found online at https://archive.org/details/incendiar...

The Incendiary's Trail (Albert Newsome, #1) by James McCreet

[Mark Pearce · Rating 1 out of 5]

I just couldn't get into this. I have a lot of respect for Mr McCreet as a hard talking critic so I won't hold back. I found it boring. The prose is very flowery and descriptive, and perhaps my palate has been ruined by other page turner books. However, I like more action in my reads and life is too short to waste on such as this. Not for me. I didn't even manage to complete it!

[ghostly_bookish · Rating 3 out of 5]

CAWPILE 6.29
3.5 STARS

A new historical mystery/crime series based around detectives.
I loved the atmosphere and the characters although this story is named Albert Newsome but it seemed more about George Williamson and the mysterious Noah Dyson.
Very interested in book #2 which is on my shelf thankfully!
also, a hot air balloon chase scene? fabulous!

[Graham · Rating 4 out of 5]

Damn me for a fool - for some reason I thought this was the second book in the series. I wish I had of read it in order in part as I'm OCD in these matters and as importantly to get a better understanding of the second book that I read first (The Vice Society).

The elements of the Vice Society that I enjoyed so much were replicated here and enhanced. The language, filth and squalor, characters, depiction of the London lifestyle of the time and the story telling were enthralling.

My only criticism (please dont read this as me being petty) was how Sgt Williamson was left alive by the villains. It just didn't make sense.

From the start with the death of one of the cast of the 'Freak Show' the story unfolds in a fascinating and intriguing fashion with plenty of interest.

I'm keen to follow this series and await new releases.

[Dorie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had expected to enjoy this a little more than I did. I love the way it started, but at one point I had to set the book aside and read something different. I think my problem was with the narrative voice, which was supposedly a reporter that was not one of the active characters in the book. At first it was novel, then it become a bit annoying. The mystery itself was good, but not much in the way of fleshing out the three main characters. This was a big drawback for me, because I read more for the characters than the story itself. I'll eventually read the next in the series (which I already have) and see if that one improves my impression.

[Robert Davidson · Rating 4 out of 5]

James McCreet’s The Incendiary’s Trail, infused with exotic, almost paranormal strains of morbidity, peopled by ogre-like unfortunates, verging on the grotesque, and set in the dark London of the “Penny Dreadfuls” is paradoxically a stunning and enthralling work. The prose vivid, energetic and powerfully descriptive, without succumbing to hyperbole or melodrama, presents each scenario in but one colour — gray —but what a wealth of tonal shades are encompassed in its creation. This is storytelling at its finest and has been crafted by a confident artisan. Robert Davidson. The Tuzla Run

[Jonathan · Rating 3 out of 5]

A competent debut novel, James McCreet shows lots of promise. Although the plot is not the most sound, there are many plot holes in fact,it was still a good read. The setting and characters were very interesting, the writer just needs to improve upon the descriptive side of fiction and perhaps a little more time spent describing the characters. I'd say this is definately worth a read if you want a mystery that is easy to follow and doesn't tax the brain too much.

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm so glad that I discovered this series. What shall I say? This book is exactly my cup of tea. A story with twist and turns, convincing descriptions of Victorian London, different point of views and developing characters.

From the first page the author cast a spell over me. As much as I like the book as much I can understand why people will not like it.

I look forward to read the rest of the series (three more books so far).

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved the book! It's style and writing reminded me of the Sherlock Holmes stories written by Aurther Conan Doyle, and McCreet's book has the same type of characters: the master criminal and his henchmen, two master detectives:one is a detective sergeant and one is a mysterious privaate citisen. There is even a supercilious detective-inspector as well as a unique chase scene at the climax.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

A pacy novel that captures its Victorian London atmosphere well without heavy-handedly trying to replicate the stylistics of a Victorian novel. Indeed, it is very well written (and, sadly, too many crime novels are not). The characters are intriguing and there is a sense of unease and futility that seeps through the novel that feels truthful. Good set pieces too.

[Mary G. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an incrediable read. Despite its interesting start, Dyson and the other characters make this a can't put down book. I was sad to see it end and now knowing a second book is coming out I am very excited.

[Ben Chenoweth · Rating 3 out of 5]

A reasonable first novel, but while the characters were interesting enough and there was plenty of action, the overall result was not that gripping. Having said that, I will probably seek out the next in the series...

[P T Flynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great Historic Mystery

James McCreet has created a fine set of characters for this tale. They merge in this masterful story set in Victorian London with murder, mystery and twists aplenty. I will be reading more by McCreet very soon.

[Stephen · Rating 4 out of 5]

enjoyable victorian crime thriller in the mold of sherlock holmes and has you on the edge while events unfold and look forward to reading the vice society

[Rob Cohen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely fantastic, I could not have enjoyed it more.