Ben Healey (1908–1988)

Taking place in 1815 during Napoleon’s campaign, it is an interesting glimpse into that time.

Jeremy Sturrock, a famous Bow Street Runner (early version of London’s police) finds himself in Brussels on a number of errands: to stop an assassination, to find the whereabouts of two very young ladies trying to elope with two young officers against their families wishes.

No matter what Sturrock is on the trail of , he still runs up against a good number of obstacles. Even with the help of his show more groom, Jagger, and his assistant, Master Maggsy, Sturrock manages to find himself locked in a wine cellar, while a battle is raging outside the house. While waiting for rescue from his groom and assistant, he partakes of the excellent selection stored in the cellar. Needless to say, he awakes a bit later with a pounding in his head that isn’t the war going on outside.

Though there is a fair amount of bumbling, the slyness of Jagger and Master Maggsy help pull Sturrock through and accomplish his errands.

Sturrock is the story teller and it is a busy and entertaining read. show less

The detective is a Bow Street runner calledi n to protect a young girl heiress whose grandfather, an eccentric botanist, has suddenly died.

plot discovered by Bow Street runner