Jack skirts close to the edge!
The Moorland Murderers (Bloody Mary Mystery #6) by Michael Jecks
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Once again pseudo assassin, card sharp and self proclaimed ladies man, Jack Blackjack finds himself caught in a mire of chance and design. It’s 1556 and the word’s abroad that Lady Elizabeth Tudor’s comptroller Sir Thomas Parry has been taken to the Tower under orders from Queen Mary. Jack’s worried that he might be caught up in the purge as his master and employer John Blount works for Parry.
Jack’s survival, being always front and center of his concerns, has him fleeing to France via a circuitous route. He takes to the road ahead of rumour about his imminent capture by the Queen’s Officers, and we catch up with him at the Green Cock Inn at Okehamptom, Devonshire on the edge of Dartmoor. Of course, things go haywire. (When do they ever not?) Jack ends up being accused of murdering a miner. Not just any miner but Daniell Vowell, leader of a powerful miner’s group. Jack escapes into the wilds of the moors where he comes into contact with the tin miners and an outlaw group, the Gubbingses. Up on the high moor justice comes by way of the Lydford Law. Rough justice metered out by the miners. Jack’s surely first in line!
As always I’m open mouthed at Jack’s belief in his abilities, his self assurance about his good looks, his surety about his worldliness and of course his superiority. He’s a preening cockerel who falls from one dastardly situation into another, and yet always lands on his feet. An on the edge of feral, puss-in-boots character, who’s self importance and vanity just keeps tripping him up. His confirmed assurance that all women see him as desirable not only demonstrates his almost psychotic belief in his own charm and appeal but invariably leads him into trouble.
Despite his horrendous ego, I am exceedingly fond of this reprobate idiot, even if it’s just watching him falling into abysmal situations by his own lack of foresight and flail around in the swampy mess of circumstances. He’s the supreme survivalist. Honestly I’d back him in as the winner in any episode of Survivor. His self interest and survival instincts coupled with pure luck and chance are unparalleled. There’s always some sort of redemptive factor that keeps Jack from death, but the leeway is exceedingly narrow. Maybe I’m addicted to finding out how he’s going to come around—once again! Medieval noir or rapscallion extraordinaire? Whichever, it’s all accidental. Jack is only a hero in his own mind. Although something about him charms enough people that he inevitably comes through tight situations and then proceeds on his merry, unmindful way.
I found Jecks’ informative postscript about the power the miners’ groups had in these times, in particular due to the monies their work brought to the royal purse, fascinating and of course a telling point about the self interest of the monarchy.
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