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First of a series featuring Sir John Fielding, a magistrate who in the 18th Century co-founded London's first police force, the Bow Street Runners. The narrator is Jeremy Proctor, a 13-year-old orphan who serves as Fielding's eyes. Fielding is blind. The series opens with the "suicide" of a lord known for his gambling and extra-marital affairs.Tags
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I'm fortunate to have run across the four books in the Sir John Fielding Mystery series by Bruce Alexander at the library book sale. The series is based on Sir John Fielding, a magistrate in 18th century London and the co-founder of the Bow Street Runners with his half-brother, writer Henry Fielding.
Thirteen-year-old orphan Jeremy Procter arrives in London with no money and no prospects. Gullible about the ways of city people, he is quickly tricked and accused of theft. He is taken before the Bow Street Magistrate Sir John Fielding, who quickly ascertains Procter is innocent and instead of convicting him, takes him home. Procter had been taught the printing trade by his father and Fielding plans to find an apprenticeship for him. show more Before a placement is made, Fielding becomes embroiled in investigating the locked room murder of a titled and well known London citizen. Because he is blind, Jeremy is enlisted as his helpmate and Fielding soon learns Jeremy is well suited for the art of detection. Both characters are charming and Alexander creates a believable setting of 1768 London. The mystery itself is interesting but experienced mystery readers may figure it out. Still, the characters and the setting are so entertaining, the fact that the mystery is a little weak doesn't matter that much.
Curious to see if the author was an historian I discovered that he was a journalist and writer. Before his death he was the book editor of USA Today as well as a senior editor of Newsweek. Among the books he wrote was the biography of Dalton Trumbo that became the 2015 movie. I like this guy and his characters and look forward to the next, Murder in Grub Street. show less
Thirteen-year-old orphan Jeremy Procter arrives in London with no money and no prospects. Gullible about the ways of city people, he is quickly tricked and accused of theft. He is taken before the Bow Street Magistrate Sir John Fielding, who quickly ascertains Procter is innocent and instead of convicting him, takes him home. Procter had been taught the printing trade by his father and Fielding plans to find an apprenticeship for him. show more Before a placement is made, Fielding becomes embroiled in investigating the locked room murder of a titled and well known London citizen. Because he is blind, Jeremy is enlisted as his helpmate and Fielding soon learns Jeremy is well suited for the art of detection. Both characters are charming and Alexander creates a believable setting of 1768 London. The mystery itself is interesting but experienced mystery readers may figure it out. Still, the characters and the setting are so entertaining, the fact that the mystery is a little weak doesn't matter that much.
Curious to see if the author was an historian I discovered that he was a journalist and writer. Before his death he was the book editor of USA Today as well as a senior editor of Newsweek. Among the books he wrote was the biography of Dalton Trumbo that became the 2015 movie. I like this guy and his characters and look forward to the next, Murder in Grub Street. show less
The first book in a historical crime series set in 1768 London featuring Sir John Fielding, a blind magistrate and founder of the Bow Street Runners police force. The narrator is Jeremy Proctor, 13 years old when the story starts and recent orphaned. Jeremy runs to London, where he is quickly tricked and accused of theft by a con artist. He ends up in front of Sir John, who easily figures the truth of the matter and then takes Jeremy under his wing. Jeremy ends up assisting him when Sir John investigates the locked room death of Lord Richard Goodhope. The mystery was sufficiently interesting and difficult to guess the resolution. Jeremy is a very appealing protagonist -- innocent, clever, and eager to please in this book. And Sir John show more is likeable and demands respect. I plan to continue reading this series. show less
I was pleasantly surprised at this one--usually an era I'm not interested in. This was the first volume in a delightful mystery series, with Sir John Fielding, 18th century blind magistrate and founder of the Bow Street Runners, and his "helper", 13-year-old Jeremy Proctor, who narrates the cases. This is a classic "locked room" mystery, with the revelation of the villain revealed in Sir John's gathering all the suspects together in the same room.
Lord Goodhope commits suicide, but Jeremy's notice of the appearance of his hands reveal that it has been a murder--doubly so, first by gunshot; a doctor's autopsy reveals the presence of poison by the lord's discolored tongue. Sir John and Jeremy investigate. Sir John's mind is a steel trap. show more His other senses are highly developed to compensate for his blindness; the man is astute, as well as fair and just.
I liked the faux 18th century language used in the narration; I got a flavor of the way folks might have spoken back then, but it was uncomplicated and not flowery. The chain of motivations leading to the solution did seem implausible at times. I'd like to read other volumes in the series. Highly recommended. show less
Lord Goodhope commits suicide, but Jeremy's notice of the appearance of his hands reveal that it has been a murder--doubly so, first by gunshot; a doctor's autopsy reveals the presence of poison by the lord's discolored tongue. Sir John and Jeremy investigate. Sir John's mind is a steel trap. show more His other senses are highly developed to compensate for his blindness; the man is astute, as well as fair and just.
I liked the faux 18th century language used in the narration; I got a flavor of the way folks might have spoken back then, but it was uncomplicated and not flowery. The chain of motivations leading to the solution did seem implausible at times. I'd like to read other volumes in the series. Highly recommended. show less
Alexander has written a mystery featuring a real historical figure. Sir John Fielding was a celebrated magistrate in 18th century London. Blinded in a navy accident, he presided over the Bow Street Court, and was known for his ability to recognize criminals by the sound of their voices. He was also instrumental in founding London’s first professional police force, the Bow Street Runners.
Alexander’s novel relies on a young narrator. Thirteen-year-old Jeremy Proctor is an orphan who arrives in London and is the victim of scam artist who makes a living “catching thieves.” Sir John sees through the plot and offers to help Jeremy find a suitable position. But a “locked room” murder demands immediate attention, and Jeremy proves show more his worth as an assistant to Sir John.
I loved the characters in this book, and found myself looking up various references to real people to get more back story. Alexander paints a vivid picture of 18th century London and the many injustices that her poor endured. Jeremy is a wonderful narrator – intelligent, studious, dedicated, eager to please, and observant. The supporting cast is top notch, especially: Mr Bailey, one of the constables in the Bow Street Runners; Mrs Gredge, the housekeeper; and Mr Donnelly, an Irish surgeon. There are several suspects and a few twists that keep the reader guessing.
I’ll read more of this series. show less
Alexander’s novel relies on a young narrator. Thirteen-year-old Jeremy Proctor is an orphan who arrives in London and is the victim of scam artist who makes a living “catching thieves.” Sir John sees through the plot and offers to help Jeremy find a suitable position. But a “locked room” murder demands immediate attention, and Jeremy proves show more his worth as an assistant to Sir John.
I loved the characters in this book, and found myself looking up various references to real people to get more back story. Alexander paints a vivid picture of 18th century London and the many injustices that her poor endured. Jeremy is a wonderful narrator – intelligent, studious, dedicated, eager to please, and observant. The supporting cast is top notch, especially: Mr Bailey, one of the constables in the Bow Street Runners; Mrs Gredge, the housekeeper; and Mr Donnelly, an Irish surgeon. There are several suspects and a few twists that keep the reader guessing.
I’ll read more of this series. show less
I breezed through this book - in the good way. The characters were that compelling and that life-like that I thought I was reading a true story, rather than a novel based on a historical figure.
Jeremy Proctor finds himself in the care of Sir John Fielding, a blind magistrate who started the Bow Street Runners with his half-brother. During his stay, he becomes involved in the investigation of Lord Goodhope's murder, and his contributions prove to shine a whole new light on the case.
As a narrator, Proctor is perfect. Though he's only thirteen, he has a perfect combination of intelligence and naivete. We see Sir John in an almost idol-like awe, but it doesn't take away anything from the novel in the least.
The mystery is a good one, with show more many people to suspect and many stories to doubt. I'll admit that I did figure out the end, so it's not impossible, but it's still a very good one.
All in all, I've fallen in love with a new series. It's time to go and buy the rest. show less
Jeremy Proctor finds himself in the care of Sir John Fielding, a blind magistrate who started the Bow Street Runners with his half-brother. During his stay, he becomes involved in the investigation of Lord Goodhope's murder, and his contributions prove to shine a whole new light on the case.
As a narrator, Proctor is perfect. Though he's only thirteen, he has a perfect combination of intelligence and naivete. We see Sir John in an almost idol-like awe, but it doesn't take away anything from the novel in the least.
The mystery is a good one, with show more many people to suspect and many stories to doubt. I'll admit that I did figure out the end, so it's not impossible, but it's still a very good one.
All in all, I've fallen in love with a new series. It's time to go and buy the rest. show less
Quite delighted! This is a great tribute to golden age mysteries and sort of dickensian literature, it's cozy and entertaining and easy to slip into. Definitely a cup of tea and window bench read. I couldn't be happier if I discovered an unread Christie or Marsh.
I felt like I was on the streets of London with young Jeremy. And I never skipped ahead or scanned as I almost always do.
The writing was absorbing and the tale through Jeremy's eyes all the more compelling.
The writing was absorbing and the tale through Jeremy's eyes all the more compelling.
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Gaslamp Mysteries
78 works; 4 members
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- Canonical title
- Blind Justice
- Original title
- Blind Justice
- Original publication date
- 1994-01-01
- People/Characters
- Sir John Fielding; Jeremy Proctor; David Garrick; Lucy Kilbourne; Charles Clairmont; Dick Dillon (show all 10); Samuel Johnson; Mrs. Gredge; Black Jack Bilbo; Benjamin Bailey
- Important places
- London, England, UK; Number 4 Bow Street; Covent Garden; Lichfield, Staffordshire, England, UK
- Important events
- Georgian Era (1714 | 1837)
- Dedication
- For Judith
- First words
- Chapter heading: In which Sir John Fielding proves himself the most just of magistrates.
First sentence: Having often been asked to commit to print these memories of my association with the late Sir John Fiedling, the celebrated magistrate of the Bow Street Court, I now set pen to paper for the first time, deter... (show all)mined not merely to illuminate the feats of detection for which he is so justly renowned, but also to set forth those prodigious qualities of character that enabled him to accomplish them. - Last words
- (Click to show. Warning: May contain spoilers.)Such I have learned, and I am near as old as I write this as Sir John was when he lived it.
- Original language
- English UK
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Statistics
- Members
- 765
- Popularity
- 36,679
- Reviews
- 36
- Rating
- (3.89)
- Languages
- 8 — Danish, Dutch, English, Finnish, French, German, Italian, Spanish
- Media
- Paper, Audiobook
- ISBNs
- 17
- ASINs
- 6
