annieb123
Originally posted on my blog Nonstop Reader.
A Grave for a Thief is the third book in a compelling historical mystery series by Douglas Skelton. Released 8th Feb 2024 by Canelo, it's 320 pages and is available in ebook format. Unclear from publisher info, but it may also be available in other formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout.
This is a very high quality, excellently written and precisely researched historical series set in the very early Georgian period. This is the third book, and while it certainly can be read and understood as a standalone, there are some earlier occurrences referenced which will be spoiled if read out of order. The main protagonist is a complex and intelligent anti-hero who is forced by circumstance into high stakes skullduggery in the service of a spymaster.
The story is woven around a framework of real historical people and events (including Sir Isaac Newton), and is done so skillfully that it's not always apparent where truth becomes fiction. The plotting is quite taut and there are some moderately graphic descriptions included (not egregiously so, and not inserted gratuitously).
In style, it reminds me of C. S. Harris and Andrea Penrose. It's not derivative at all, and it's set in a different time period, but fans of those authors will find a lot to like here.
Four and a half stars. Well written and engaging.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.