Ostler: 1 (The Cambridge Hardiman Mysteries)
Cambridge, 1825. Former soldier Gregory Hardiman carries scars with him from the war against Napoleon—both emotionally and physically. He’s working as an ostler at a Cambridge inn when the inn’s cook is found dead. It quickly becomes clear the death wasn’t accidental, so Hardiman makes a promise to the cook’s widow to discover what happened. As Hardiman’s inquiries lead him to St. Clement’s College, the head of the house grants Hardiman authority to investigate within the small college’s walls, in hopes of avoiding a scandal. Soon, Hardiman’s investigation turns up missing items from the college, some of great value. As more people are questioned, threats begin to nip at Hardiman’s heels. Then the college butler is found dead with a note clutched in his hand, opening the investigation to an even greater conspiracy.
The narrative voice is Hardiman recounting the investigation after the fact, which unfolds events smoothly while also hinting at a broader picture yet to be revealed. It’s subtle, with the occasional aside to the reader, but works quite well to set the stage. The author deftly weaves character moments in naturally within the path of Hardiman’s investigation. For instance, our main character is a fan of words and keeps with him a small notebook to record new ones he learns while speaking with the booksellers, college administrators, and bankers he must question. Hardiman’s intriguing quirk easily drew me into this society and its vernacular (along with a helpful glossary within the end pages). The investigation is a mid-paced jaunt through a vibrant Regency era setting and a long list of suspects. I found this to be an excellent start to a new historical crime series.
