Reviews

Ratcatcher by James McGee

veronica87's review

4.0

3.75 stars

I went into this book with no expectations. I'd never heard of it but I came across it at a used book store, saw that it was set during the Regency period, and decided to give it a shot. I'm glad I did because I ended up really liking it. It features Matthew Hawkwood, a former rifleman in the British army, who now earns his living as a Bow Street runner. There was some interesting history and a satisfactory ending. I'd like to see future books delve a little deeper into Hawkwood's character.

fbone's review

4.0

A very well written historical mystery taking place in Regency London. Features a Bow Street runner, secret agents, traitors, clock makers and submarines. The descriptions of the London slums were vivid and real. The history of Robert Fulton's submersible was very fascinating and engrossing. An incredible amount of research went into making this book. Many events were based on actual people and events even certain details are accurate according to available historical records. Well done.

ninachachu's review

3.0

Entertaining historical thriller, with a portrayal of the underbelly of Regency London.

lnatal's review

4.0

Just arrived from UK through BM.

This is a historical and mystery novel which is based on the Regency London.

 

The most interesting part of this book is showing the first attempt of the construction of an undersea boat by Robert Fulton, in December of 1799.

 

The idea of this American inventor was to use his weapon by the French government a giant the British Navy after Bonaparte fall.

 

The Nautilus was then built at the Perrier workshop in Rouen and was successfully tested and sailed first in July 1800 on the Seine River.

In the above drawing, the torpedo - P - can also be seen. This device was also invented by Fulton.

 

Jules Verne in his Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea was also inspired by Fulton's Nautilus.

muninnherself's review

4.0

Very unusually, this was lent to me by my father-in-law. He thought I'd like it (not sure what he based that on exactly, we never talk about books, but in fact it was a reasonable guess).

I like the period and Hawkwood is a good protag, I enjoyed it, and read the next one as well.

acesarrows's review

4.0

A super fun historical mystery with a great main character.