Thus begins Justice Belstrang’s Year of Astonishment.

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A Dangerous Justice (Justice Belstrang Mysteries #1) by John Pilkington         

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️


1616, King James is on the throne. Times might be more relaxed but men must be vigilant. Plots and counter plots attend an innocent inquiry made by Belstrang’s neighbor in Worcester. He’s been asked by a papist neighbor to journey to London to discover what has happened to his son Thomas.

Reluctant to do so, nevertheless he departs and goes to London. He will make enquires, visit his daughter and son-in-law (a man he has little time for) and return.

That was his thought! By the time he’s halfway through he has discovered plots that throw innocents to the wolves, justice sorely lacking, himself thrown into Debtor’s prison, and so much more.

It’s the ten year anniversary of the gunpowder plot. The population is nervous.

Pilkington’s writing is accessible, describes the times accurately, whilst weaving a deft and accessible mystery

I found myself unable to put down this likeable tale narrated by a righteous skeptic.


A Boldwood Books ARC via NetGalley.                                              

Many thanks to the author and publisher.

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