An Experiment in Treason
This ninth novel in Bruce Alexander’s critically acclaimed series featuring Sir John Fielding, a blind-eighteenth-century London judge, and his young assistant deserves a round of applause. Set in the 1770s, the story begins when a packet of letters is stolen from the London residence of a prominent official only to turn up in the colony of Massachusetts–where they threaten to set fire to a tinderbox of feelings running high in the lead-up to the War of Independence. American hero Benjamin Franklin finds himself the prime suspect and must struggle to prove his innocence.
Sir John is a wonderfully written character and his assistant, Jeremy, has a fantastic youthful spirit that kept me interested. Loosely based on the events known as the Affair of the Hutchinson Letters, this story is a combination of period ambiance, vivid characterization and intriguing plotlines. While attempting to solve the crime, readers are privy to the inner workings of the famed Bow Street Runners. Although the plot dragged occasionally and I had to concentrate to keep characters straight, I would still recommend it.
