reminded me of borges & co. enjoyable, though not thrilling.

18th century - why was there so much hanging, the way the courts worked, individual cases including, of course, jack sheppard. I read it in one go - a long trawl, but worth it. My dad, however, is "dipping in", so either seems to be a rewarding read. Uncovers/elucidates social injustice and manipulation of the law - so what's new?!

The first time i tried to read this I had to stop halfway through because I knew something awful was going to happen to the character and i couldn't bear it - empathy overload, far more so than with Enduring Love! A year later I finally had to find out... A sad, moving story; protagonist reminded me in a way of Winston Smith.

Yes, its all those things in the tag and very interesting and entertaining. Late 18th century. Includes history of Bedlam and madhouses/treatment of madness compared to mental illness today, something of the zeitgeist of the time, a possible government conspiracy, the story of an individual man and loads more.

A mild mystery, with rather a pompous/self-centred first person narrator (by today's standards). OK for a change, but no teeth!

Difficult style and you may hate the narrator comments, though they give a philosophical feel to the story. A good read in its own right, although you get the feeling it is meant to be some kind of allegory.

Really gripping, especially if you are a mother (don't read during pregnancy or the early, difficult weeks!)A truly unexpected twist that made me gasp aloud, despite being a hardened veteran of "literary" detective novels and thrillers. Don't be put off by Richard & Judy associations!