Thieves' Quarry

Thieftaker Chronicles, Book 2

By: D. B. Jackson

Narrated by: Jonathan Davis

Ethan Kaille isn't the likeliest hero. A former sailor with a troubled past, Ethan is a thieftaker, using conjuring skills to hunt down those who steal from the good citizens of Boston. And while chasing down miscreants in 1768 makes his life a perilous one, the simmering political tensions between loyalists like himself and rabble-rousing revolutionaries like Samuel Adams and others of his ilk are perhaps even more dangerous to his health.

When 100 sailors of King George III's Royal Navy are mysteriously killed on a ship in Boston Harbor, Ethan is thrust into dire peril. For he - and not Boston's premier thieftaker, Sephira Pryce - is asked to find the truth behind their deaths. City Sheriff Edmund Greenleaf suspects conjuring was used in the dastardly crime, and even Pryce knows that Ethan is better equipped to contend with matters of what most of Boston considers dark arts. But even Ethan is daunted by magic powerful enough to fell so many in a single stroke. When he starts to investigate, he realizes that the mass murderer will stop at nothing to evade capture. And making his task more difficult is the British fleet's occupation of the city after the colonials' violent protests after the seizure of John Hancock's ship. Kaille will need all his own magic, street smarts, and a bit of luck to keep this Boston massacre from giving the hotheads of Colonial Boston an excuse for inciting a riot - or worse.

Thieves' Quarry is a stunning second novel in D. B. Jackson's Thieftaker Chronicles.

©2013 D.B. Jackson (P)2013 Audible, Inc.

If Dresden were an Historical read

The British military have landed an occupying force in the colonies and Ethan Kaille, Thieftaker, has been called to a British ship. What he finds there nearly stops his heart. The crew, down to the last man, is dead, not a mark upon them. Kaille confirms that they have died at the hands of a conjurer - and he is the Crown's favorite suspect.

A murder mystery set against the turmoil of pre-revolutionary Boston, Ethan Kaille is once again up against a powerful conjurer and it will be his wits, not his spellwork, that saves him. Meanwhile, his nemesis, Saphira Pryce, has obtained her own conjurer, his family have decided he can be of use, and the conjurers of Boston are keeping Kaille at arms' length. It's one heck of a ride. He and Harry Dresden can most definitely compare injuries.

Another great story

A strong narrator and a well written story equals another 5 star rated book, which is not something I do frequently.

Riviting

The story was compelling with lots of twists and turns. D.B Jackson has produced yet another magnificent tale in the life of thieftaker Ethan Kaille. I highly recommend this book and The Thieftaker Chronicles!

Returning to the streets of Olde Towne

If you could sum up Thieves' Quarry in three words, what would they be?

Historical magical PI

What did you like best about this story?

He is more committed to his lady. He is growing more aware of the things he could do and should not do. He is learning that mouthing the "right" words will not keep him out of the fray. He is growing into the the perils of the city instead of skimming over them.

What about Jonathan Davis’s performance did you like?

He has become the Theiftaker in my ears.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

When he hauls Canice upstairs in front of her clientele to talk to her and gets cheered because they all think he is being amorous. He blushes so nicely. And Canice takes it with amusement.

Any additional comments?

I highly dislike his sister.

Thief Catching and Conspiracy

After thoroughly enjoying the first book, I bought this next installment. The narration by Jonathan Davis was again excellent.

Sephira Pryce, Ethan's competitor, is again a completely unscrupulous and amoral character. I find myself rooting for Ethan to put us out of our misery with regard to her but he is too honorable to do so. Diver and Cannice are their loyal selves; Ethan finds himself in love with Cannice. He always thought he would not be the marrying kind.

The only error I noticed in this otherwise entertaining story is a fairly big one and I took off a star for it. The author states Ethan fought in the Crimean War. As this story is set pre-Revolutionary War 1768, and the Crimean War did not start until October of 1853, this simply is not possible.

Nevertheless, I liked the rest of the book and plan to get the others in the series.

Compelling and Thrilling

The tale of Ethan is a gripping story punctuated by themes of betrayal, trust, friendship, intrigue, and mystery. The story is filled with layers of subplots that immerse you in the world of our forefathers. The brilliance, and historical implications, of the magic system create an exciting element that bolsters the story and tension. A must read/listen.

excellent historical fiction

I really enjoy this series. it has a wonderful blend of fact and fantasy. Ethan always takes such a beating in these stories. it sometimes feels a bit excessive. I think it would also be nice to see him expand more as a conjurer and learn more from someone with more experience. I think it would have been interesting if he had told his sister they could cast in tandem. I would also like to find out more about Uncle Reg. Maybe there will be more in the next book