Fire Catcher

The Thief Taker, Book 2

By: C. S. Quinn

Narrated by: Napoleon Ryan

Length: 14 hrs and 29 mins

Publisher's summary

Hidden in London is a legendary power. A fabled chest guards secrets more precious than gold.

But in 1666 secrets are deadly, and London is burning....

Charlie Tuesday is the city's best thief taker. But one case still eludes him, a mysterious key entrusted by the mother he barely knew. The key opens a chest of priceless papers - papers said to hold the dark alchemy of a lost Brotherhood.

As flames ravage the city, the thief taker must track the chest into London's blackest heart, where smugglers trade and sorcerers conjure. What Charlie begins to unravel is more ancient and powerful than he ever dreamed.

But time is running out and fire is the greatest purge of all.

©2015 C. S. Quinn (P)2015 Brilliance Audio, all rights reserved.

good story

Good story but dialogue is wooden at time between the main characters. Make seem that way due to narrator.

C.S. Quinn is on FIRE!

I loved the first book in this series, and if you haven't listened to it, I strongly suggest it. I listened to this one in 2 days. I couldn't stop! Most of our favorite characters are back. The villains are more villainy. And we get some really great back story that was hinted at in the first book. I'm excited for the next, although nervous about switching readers. Napoleon Ryan is brilliant. But I'm open minded. This is a great adventure in a well described and fully realized historical landscape. Kudos!

Very good historical picture of jolly old England

I have to say that I am pleased to have not been born during this time period. This account, though fictitious, paints a very good picture of London of old. the story is a very good intrigue, if a bit long. I enjoyed it immensely.

slow

ponderous. I enjoyed the first book but don't think I will continue with the series. this book seemed to cover the same thing over and over again. moved very slowly.

Charlie Tuesday back at it!

I've really enjoyed this series. Charlie Tuesday, the orphan turned private investigator, or thief taker, is fun to follow as he's solving crimes for the poor and deserving. The backdrop of London during the Great Fire, told in tandem with story line about the royal family is fascinating. I love this imperfect hero and his love interest (or not?) Lili, the gypsy catholic spy. From what I've read in other reviews, the historical details aren't perfect, so if you are an historian, perhaps this isn't the book for you, but if you love historical fiction and don't mind small liberties to be taken to improve the story, this is an exciting and educational mystery with intrigue and puzzles galore. The storyline with the Royals and court is interesting and gives perspective of the challenges of a monarchy completely out of touch with the common people. Lili's gypsy status and Catholic persuasion highlights religious and class persecution. The narrator is wonderful, too. Can't wait for more in this series!

A Fantastic Follow Up To The First Story!

A lot can happen for Charlie Tuesday in a year's time. The pace of this story and exposition of the recurring characters will keep listeners engaged and waiting eagerly for what comes next. I am thoroughly enjoying this series.

Great continuation of the story

I read book one, The Thief Taker, and really pondered whether to read this one because the series is so dark. I did follow up and again, I am glad that I did.

Fire Catcher is not as dark as The Thief Taker in regards to content. In book one, the plague victims were described in great detail and were heartbreaking. This book does use the London Fire to drive the plot and it is just as fascinating in terms of historical events v. historical fiction. As far as the plot, I did think that perhaps the author strayed from Book 1 in a few places. It was noticeable, but were items that I could accept and move on with the story. I intend to read Book 3, but I am slightly concerned whether those plot issues will rise again. These plot variations are the only reason I gave the book less than 5 stars.

Don't miss the extra at the end where you can get a "secret scene" from the author! As always, truth is stranger than fiction.

The book does contain profanity and sexual content. This is not what I could call erotic, but is graphic in terms of factually describing what is happening between participants.

Great series!!

I love historical fiction and this series is amazing. Good characters and story telling. Two thumbs up!

Book 1 earned 5 stars; this one is better!!

Author C. S. (Catherine) Quinn continues her tour of 17th century English/London history with this novel set in 1666 soon after the reestablishment of the monarchy after the Cromwell period. The prior novel, The Thief Taker, was set in 1665 London during the last great black plague. This one is set in 1666 leading up to and during the great London fire. Again the protagonist is Charlie Tuesday, London's most successful thief taker. Napoleon Ryan narrates superbly.

Novels set in desperate times in the middle ages are certainly not of interest to everyone. But against a realistic historical background the author weaves a compelling fictional plot.

Excellent historical fiction

Between the gritty details of 17th century London & the excellent narration, this audiobook makes that far-away time come alive. Strongly recommend.