Introducing Bow Street Runner Matthew Hawkwood, the protector, who, along with a small group of about eight, watch over Regency London. He’s an attractive hero, the period atmosphere is great, the main plot wonderfully inventive and the writing compulsive and gripping, all in all the start of what should grow into an exciting new series. I really look forward to the next. Just as an aside, the author, who uses a pseudonym, used to be the manager of one of Ottakar’s bookshops.
Hunting down highwaymen was not the usual preserve of a Bow Street Runner. As the most resourceful of this elite band of investigators, Matthew Hawkwood was surprised to be assigned the case – even if it did involve the murder and mutilation of a naval courier.
From the squalor of St Giles Rookery, London's notorious den of thieves and cutthroats, to the brightly lit salons of the aristocracy and the heart of the British government, Hawkwood relentlessly pursues his quarry.
As the case unfolds and another body is discovered on the banks of the Thames, the true agenda begins to emerge. And only Hawkwood can stop a dastardly plot that will end British mastery of the seas forever.
‘Rumbustious…a darkly attractive hero, terrific period atmosphere and action.’ - The Times
‘Atmospheric and well researched… try it.’ - Daily Mirror
‘“Ratcatcher” has everything: duels and derring-do, London highlife and lowlife, French lechery and treachery – all contained in a fast-moving, cleverly constructed plot with an immaculately detailed historical background. Add a hero who is ruthless, mysterious and sexy, and it's a safe bet that “Ratcatcher” marks the start of a series that will run and run…and run!’ - Reginald Hill
Author
About James McGee
James McGee was born into an army family. He was educated in Gibraltar, Germany and Belfast, giving him a love of travel, which is evident in his meticulous, vivid portraits of diverse people and places. His career has encompassed banking, bookselling and thirteen years in the airline business. He has also presented book reviews for BBC local radio and several independent stations. In addition to the successful Hawkwood series, he has also written several thrillers. He lives in Somerset.
