Smuggler's Moon

I enjoy this series not because the mysteries are closely plotted – in fact, the culprits and motives are readily seen early on. What I enjoy is the depiction of late 18th century English life, the characterizations, and the ambiance. This installment, set in the Kent coastal town of Deal, focuses on the “owling trade” or smuggling, and impressed me with the author's ability to depict a very large “cast” with individuality.

Smuggler's moon is the 8th Sir John Fielding mystery and the first that I have read. Sir John is a blind magistrate living in Bow Street, London,in the 1770's, location of the Bow Street Runners founded by Sir John's brother Henry, the previous magistrate. Sir John is asked to investigate a magistrate in Deal in Kent and complains about his complicity with the smugglers. His wife is away so he takes his wards, Jeremy (the narrator) and Clarissa with him. We meet the magistrate in Deal, his wife, the disagreeable Mr. Eccles, customs officer for Kent, Jim Bilbo and several other memorable characters. In addition to his charge, Sir John has to deal with murder and the audacity of the smugglers.

Starting with this book instead of the first show more was a mistake. There were times I was sure I missed something because I did not know the back story of the main characters. In spite of this, I enjoyed the story and the history behind it. show less

What an absolute fun read. Having a mystery featuring a real-life historical figure as the person solving the mystery was such a nice change. This is the first of series by Mr. Alexander that I have read and I look forward to reading more of his books. I do read many mysteries and must say that I read this in 3 days. I don't usually write a descriptive review of the books I read because you can read that on the jackets of the books or from looking at most of the reviews on Library Thing. I tend to tell people what I liked or didn't like about a book. This was a well written book with characters that I wanted to get to know better. If you are looking for something just a little different - consider this books.

#8 in the Sir John Fielding historical mystery series set in 1790’s London and featuring real-life historical figure, who was known as “the blind Beak of Bow Street.” Though he is blind, Sir John has an uncanny sense of what is going on around him, aided by his assistant Jeremy Proctor, who is in effect his adopted son. It’s Jeremy who tells us these stories and he tells them very well! In this installment, Mrs. Fielding is off to visit her ill mother and immediately Sir John receives a summons from the Lord Chief Justice to go to the town of Deal on the coast to investigate smuggling and to confer with the magistrate there—the magistrate has been accused of not doing his job well and letting the smuggling trade run rampant. show more When the Fielding household arrives—for Sir John takes with him not only Jeremy, but Clarissa, Mrs. Fielding’s young ward, as well as Constable Perkins—they discover that Albert Sarton, the magistrate, though quite young, is actually a competent and seemingly trustworthy fellow and that something is rotten in Deal. Sir John confers with several people and often leaves Jeremy in the dark til the plan comes together in a smashing conclusion—while I had figured out the main bad guy ahead of time, there were a few small side plots that added to the whole and which in no way diminished my enjoyment of the book. Pity there are only three more! show less

This is the 5th installment of Sir John Fielding (an actual magistrate in 1770's London).

Alexanders attention to detail vividly brings this setting to life. He seems to be getting better at his writing as the series progresses.

The details to the criminal investigation with the limitations of the forensics ring true and the characters are engaging. The mysteries themselves are very basic and some characters seem to be added just for effect, but all in all a good addition to the historical mystery field.

Actually, this is #8 in the Sir John Fielding mysteries, and the scene of the action is not in London, but rather in Kent, in Deal. Fielding is sent there by the Lord Chief Justice to check up on Deal's magistrate, Albert Sarton, who may or may not be involved with the local smuggling activities. Once there, Sir John & Jeremy get a first-hand look at the local "owling" or smuggling trade, and get involved in a local mystery or two.

This one was much better than the last one; if I could, I'd give it 3.75 stars; not quite a 4 but close. I'd recommend it if you're continuing the series (but don't start here!), or if you like historical mysteries or are interested in smuggling activities off the British coast in the 18th century.

on to #9!

Reads a bit like a Disney adventure of old.