The Fire Court

James Marwood & Cat Lovett, Book 2

By: Andrew Taylor

Narrated by: Leighton Pugh

From No.1 bestselling author Andrew Taylor comes the sequel to the phenomenally successful The Ashes of London

Over 1 Million Andrew Taylor Novels Sold!

A time of terrible danger…
The Great Fire has ravaged London. Now, guided by the Fire Court, the city is rebuilding, but times are volatile and danger is only ever a heartbeat away.

Two mysterious deaths…
James Marwood, a traitor’s son, is thrust into this treacherous environment when his father discovers a dead woman in the very place where the Fire Court sits. The next day his father is run down. Accident? Or another murder…?

A race to stop a murderer…
Determined to uncover the truth, Marwood turns to the one person he can trust – Cat Lovett, the daughter of a despised regicide. Then comes a third death… and Marwood and Cat are forced to confront a vicious killer who threatens the future of the city itself.

©2018 Andrew Taylor (P)2018 HarperCollins Publishers

Critic reviews

‘Andrew Taylor’s historical crime novels have proved a benchmark for the genre, and The Fire Court is no exception. Cunningly plotted and movingly written, it’s a fascinating portrait of a city, and its people, recovering from trauma’ Mick Herron, bestselling author of Slow Horses

‘This is how historical crime should be written, with rich authenticity underpinning a twisting plot’ The Times

‘Marwood and Lovett’s search for a killer in the sooty streets of 1660s London is an atmospheric pleasure, full of twists and memorable characters’ The Times

‘With a fast-moving, complex plot underpinned by solid but unobtrusive research and plenty of drama and intrigue, Taylor brings the 17th century to life so vividly that one can almost smell it’ Guardian

‘Once again, Taylor combines his detailed research with a deviously twist-laden storyline’ Observer

‘This atmospheric murder mystery by Andrew Taylor is a real treat’ The Times

‘This gripping mystery is even better than its predecessor, The Ashes of London’ Sunday Express S Magazine

‘Taylor remains to my mind at the top of the list of historical novelists writing in English today’ Reviewing the Evidence

‘If it were not a superlative crime novel, Taylor’s evocative picture of the Great Fire of London, The Ashes of London, could be considered a historical novel of the first order. Its sequel, The Fire Court, is equally impressive’ Financial Times

‘In addition to a fascinating portrait of the 17th-century city, Taylor offers a father–son relationship that is as touching as it is convincing’ Literary Review

‘Taylor’s sense of time and place are awe-inspiring, the plot is fiendishly clever and beautifully executed and the language is divine’ Historica Mag

Second time with this series

I am a huge fan of Andrew Taylor's books. I really enjoy the narration by Leighton Pugh. He does a great job at bringing the characters to life and enhancing an fantasticly written story.

I really like the this series, so I thought I would give it a 2nd listen, as a go through my Audible credits very quickly each month.

One thing I am noticing upon this 2nd time listening, is that, unlike most stories I listen to, the main characters in this story are very flawed people. I find that to be an interesting facet to the series, as usually, most main protagonists are somewhat, if not entirely likeable. I find myself becoming irritated with them, as they make certain choices, yet, it does make the story different from most that I listen to. I just thought I would point that out.
I also noticed this in the Lydmouth series, which is a great mystery series set in post WWII England. Another great series if you are into crime solving mysteries.

If you are a fan of historical fiction, Andrew Taylor books along with the Shardlake series by C.J. Sansom, are some of the best I have read.
I like the fact that both authors do not use an obvious and tiresome plot formula, for example, found in the Ken Follet Kingsbridge series. I look forward to enjoying more books from Andrew Taylor, as I have not yet completed listening to all of his works.

Nuanced visions of a history

The aftermath of the Great Fire of London comes alive in this 2nd book of the series in nuanced details.
Definitely held my attention and now I’ll happily progress to the 3rd book. I believe there are 5 total, the first being The Ashes of London.

Well written and engaging

I really enjoy these books but wish the author wouldn’t put in gratuitous violence against animals and unreasonable nastiness to servants and people that are simply trying to help. Otherwise I enjoy the characters and plots

Unlikable characters from top to bottom

No unlikely heroes. No strong resourceful heroines. Just a bunch of scheming politicians (what has changed) and bumbling, irascible protagonists. I couldn't get myself to give a fig about what happened to them. But on the other hand the mystery was dull and plodding so there's that. Not even an excellent narration could save this story.