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There are currently 27 member reviews
for The Devil in the Marshalsea
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Alyce T. (San Antonio, TX)
The Devil in the Marshalsea
On of my father's favorite expressions was "you're driving me to the poor house". Naturally I was drawn to read this book to discover what Antonio Hodgson had to say about a debtor's prison. She portrayed life there so well I felt like I was experiencing the sentence myself. The characters were vivid. The research that went into this historical fiction work was awesome. I had no idea how the class system and life worked in a prison like Marshalsea including politics and religion. It was a page turner in the truest sense. The plot was well developed and moved in and out of situations smoothly. I hope that Antonio Hodgson is working on another historical fiction novel. I loved and hated the people I met in this one.
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Diana C. (Delray Beach, FL)
Intriguing Murder Mystery
I loved this book. It's still a wonder to me how this author can take a subject as unpleasant as debtor's prisons in 18th century Britain and turn it into a fascinating, page turning book. Then, add to the mix a few absorbing murder mysteries to make it even more interesting. Historical fiction is my favorite genre, and this book delivers on all fronts. Just when you think you have the mystery solved, you are thrown in a completely different direction. This book is the true definition of a page turner and I look very forward to future books from this talented author.
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Terri O. (Chapel Hill, NC)
The Devil in the Marshalsea
The Devil in the Marshalsea is a well-written and thoroughly entertaining tale of murder and mayhem in the infamous Marshalsea prison in the early 18th century. Tom Hawkins, a charming rogue whose debts have finally caught up with him, enters the Marshalsea and quickly realizes that his only hope of gaining his freedom is to solve a recent murder at the prison. But the Marshalsea is a dangerous place and any number of its inmates could be murderers.
Peopled with a fascinating cast of characters, The Devil in the Marshalsea is a fast-paced narrative with enough twists and turns to keep the reader guessing. The novel is also imbued with a strong sense of place--Hodgson's gritty descriptions of day-to-day life in the Marshalsea are intriguing and disturbing and are clearly the product of thorough research. And Tom is an appealing protagonist, a good man who has difficulty rising above his baser instincts. Is it too much to hope that The Devil in the Marshalsea is just the first novel in a planned series?
This book would appeal to readers who enjoy historical fiction/mysteries.
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Amy G. (Bowie, MD)
Historical Mystery with an Atmospheric Twist.
1727. Marshalsea, a debtor's goal in London. A gentleman who is imprisoned for outstanding debts. A mystery surrounding a death on the inside. Is it murder or suicide?
In a setting that is both chilling and disturbing, Thomas Hawkins' new life in Mashalsea depends on his ability to solve the mystery of the death of Captain Roberts, a former prisoner. Hawkins is supported in his quest for answers by a cast of characters who are vile, despicable, and as scheming as they are pathetic. Who is innocent and who is guilty?
The Devil in the Marshalsea is mystery that will keep you guessing until the last few pages. Not for the faint of heart, the story will thrill, fascinate, and horrify you – all in one story. If you enjoy mysteries that are enhanced by the environment in which they are told, The Devil in the Marshalsea will be "un-put-down-able!" But be warned, read with the lights on.
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Florence K. (Encino, CA)
Devil in the Marshalsea
A winner! I read, I learned, I thought about this book for many days after I finished reading it. While poverty and cruelty are rampant in literature and in life, the horrific goings-on at Marshalsea Gaol hold a special fascination.
It helps to suspend disbelief that so much could happen in a few short days. The writing, the plot, the strange assortment of flawed characters contribute to a compelling reading experience.
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Doris K. (Angora, MN)
The Devil in the Marshalsea
Although this book takes place mainly in the debtors' prison of Marshalsea it is not as depressing as I thought it might be.
It's interesting to read about the community that built up in the prison.
The author does a good job of keeping the reader's interest by changing the direction of the story. Many characters are not what they appear to be when you first meet them. The ending was a total surprise to me.
This is a good read, it holds your interest and is well written.
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Charlene M. (Murrells Inlet, SC)
Marshalsea Gaol
An infamous gaol in 1727 England; a likeable rogue who can't pay his debts; a friendly warrant officer; a beautiful, mysterious widow; a prison where anything goes even murder - these are all the ingredients and characters Antonia Hodgson has woven in her novel "The Devil in the Marshalsea". Ms Hodgson has given a glimpse of a horrific time in English history where men, women, and children were worth only what they could afford to pay. A terrifically written book. I look forward to her next novel.
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