Intrigue in Covent Garden

Adventures of Thomas Chaloner, Book 13

By: Susanna Gregory

Narrated by: Gordon Griffin

Length: 13 hrs and 30 mins

Publisher's Summary

By January 1666, the plague has almost disappeared from London, leaving its surviving population diminished and in poverty. The resentment against those who had fled to the country turns to outrage as the court and its followers return, their licentiousness undiminished. 

The death of a well-connected physician, the mysterious sinking of a man-of-war in the Thames and the disappearance of a popular courtier are causing concern to Thomas Chaloner's employer. When instructed to investigate them all, he is irritated that he is prevented from gaining intelligence on the military preparations of the Dutch. Then he discovers common threads in all the cases, which seem linked to those planning to set a match to the powder keg of rebellion in the city.

Battling a ferocious winter storm that causes serious damage to London's fabric, Chaloner is in a race against time to prevent the weakened city from utter destruction.

©2018 Susanna Gregory (P)2018 Hachette Audio UK

Difficult to follow the characters

I found this book a little tedious and difficult to follow all the different “assignments “ that the main character was tasked to do. I’m not sure I would buy the next in the series.

Another good installment

As always,this was a well researched and written story. The performance was also very engaging, as it often is with these books.

For those who have not listened to, or read, any Chaloner books its worth noting that they can take a little time to get into but the stories are always historically rich and cleverly framed.

They can be complicated plots with a lot of twists and a lot of characters, So it's not what I would consider an easy read and I'd recommend starting from book 1, To give the backgrounds and character richness that is necessary to feel engaged with the main characters.

This was another plot of multiple threads with Chaloner tasked to solve a variety of mysteries, up against a ticking clock. The political landscape is compelling and the book us set during the recovery from the plague.

As I've listened to this whilst Locked down during Covid-19 this (and the book before) feels very topical.

Enjoyable, if a little slow at times!

Very good book Wonderful

Great book wonderful listening. Great story line.
I have read or listened to all the Chandler books. Best yet

As much fun as ever

I've always enjoyed the tongue in cheek humour of Susanna Gregory, the larger than life characters are brought to life and the reader is always kept entertained .