It is spring of 1742 – We experience the exhilarating sequel to Archer Bows In, in this Dublin-themed murder mystery. Archer and his mentor, David Garrick, arrive at the Smock Alley Theatre for the summer season to see George Frederick Handel’s performance of his greatest work. Amidst adjusting to a new city, new politics and new friends, Archer finds himself immersed in detective work as a body is found floating in the River Liffey. Some of the story beats from the first novel are repeated slightly, but we are jerked in a different direction this time, with a new sympathetic cast of characters and brewing political turmoil that becomes quite intense. Archer as ever is a determined, gentlemanly young man, but his rash and romantic nature continue to get him and his friends in some hot water sometimes!
As we’ve come to expect with Eston’s work, this novel is rife with nuanced characters. No one is quite who they seem and it was exciting trying to figure out who was who. Even the villainous characters we come to sympathize with a little; no one feels flat or underdeveloped (except for maybe Molly). All the characters shine through their distinct dialogue; it was nice getting more background on characters from the first book like Kitty, or meet famous cameos like Dr. Swift. Archer and Hervey’s forced amicable working relationship is as ever a delight to read. We don’t know who is guilty until quite late in the novel, as a lot of people have murky motives and/or a shady past.
The writing style was authentic and true to the times; it is obvious the author did his research and he doesn’t hesitate to describe the more gritty, nastier parts of 1742 living. I found the plot to be gripping, as the issue of the dead man quickly becomes something bigger. The scenes are detailed and vivid, but move on at a good pace for the most part. This is a page turning read, and as always the ending adds urgent layer after urgent layer, with very high stakes, making it a nail – biting experience.
Apart from a few story beats that felt a bit too similar to the 1st book, the rest is excellent, and I’m looking forward to reading the sequels.
I award this book 4.5 stars
