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There are currently 29 member reviews
for The Last Confession of Thomas Hawkins
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Julia E. (Atlanta, GA)
A Worthy Sequel
Editor in Chief of Little, Brown UK, Antonia Hodgson, follows her award-winning debut mystery novel, The Devil in the Marshalsea, with an equally-enjoyable sequel. The Last Confession of Thomas Hawkins continues the tale of Tom Hawkins, now out of the notorious Marshalsea debtor's prison. Though out from behind bars, Hawkins is not out of trouble, and once again finds himself trying to solve a murder case set in the rough and tumble of early 18th century London. Well searched and skillfully plotted, Hodgson's novel is inspired by actual facts, which she then weaves into a rollicking historical mystery.
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Diana C. (Delray Beach, FL)
Another Georgian Era Mystery
I read, loved, and reviewed for BookBrowse, Antonia Hodgson's first book, The Devil in the Marshalsea. Her latest, The Last Confession of Thomas Hawkins, brings back the main character from her first book, along with several of the same secondary characters. As in her first book, this author has the capacity to grab the reader from the very first, never once letting the reader go. I love how she drops you front and center into early 18th century London, in all its ugliness and splendor. The Hawkins character has a way of always making the worst possible decisions, and the cunning to figure his way out. I am hoping this is going to be a long and successful series of books with Hawkins front and center. I can't wait for book three!
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Terri O. (Chapel Hill, NC)
The Last Confession of Thomas Hawkins
The Last Confession of Thomas Hawkins is a worthy sequel to The Devil in the Marshalsea, the first book in this wonderful Georgian mystery series. The book opens with Tom condemned to hang for a murder he did not commit and hoping for a royal pardon. Over the course of the book, the reader learns how Tom got into this predicament. A lovable rake with a good heart, Tom just can't seem to stay out of trouble. Despite all the lessons he learned while incarcerated in the Marshalsea prison months before, he craves excitement and can't be content running a disreputable print shop with his love, Kitty Sparks. Before he knows what's happened, he becomes involved with a notorious criminal and Queen Caroline, and he's unsure which one is more dangerous.
As in the first book, Hodgson immerses the reader in 18th-century London, from royal residences to the seedy underbelly of the city. Her characters are finely drawn and well developed, and the plot has enough twists and turns to keep any mystery reader guessing. I eagerly await the next book in this highly entertaining series!
This book would appeal to readers who enjoy historical fiction/mysteries.
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Lesley F. (San Diego, CA)
The Last Confession of Thomas Hawkins
Antonia Hodgson has written a really fine mystery around a young man accused of murder and heading to the gallows in the London of 1728. As he is taken by wagon to the hanging place outside the city, he worries about receiving a last minute royal pardon for having kept his silence, knowing that "there is nothing more silent than a hanged man". You can't help cheering for this robust, cheeky man who lives near the edges of society and the edges of the the sinister St. Giles slums. But with the entrepreneurs and the powerful of the day all playing for keeps, it really isn't clear that he will survive at all. There are parallels to modern times that are chilling including that the language is remarkably modern. The history is truly accurate since the author is a historian. One sitting, all chores forgotten, my favourite form of escapism comes through well.
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Barbara E. (Rockville, MD)
A thrill ride through Georgian London
I loved this historical mystery. Antonia Hodgson creates memorable and believable characters, good, bad, and a little bit of both, in this locked room mystery. She provides not only a vivid and compelling plot, but also immerses the reader in the sights, sounds, and smells of Georgian London, from the poorest to the richest sections. I cannot wait for the return of Tom and Kitty and Sam. Highly recommended!
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Mary Ann B. (Louisville, KY)
The Last Confession of Thomas Hawkins
The Last Confession of Thomas Hawkins is historical fiction with mystery and intrigue thrown in with equal measure. This book is the continuation of the misadventures of Mr. Thomas Hawkins, "gentleman". Tom has a knack for getting into dire straights living in 18th century London. A murder has occurred, and Tom's reputation may be the death of him.The story builds slowly, with a big satisfying payoff in the end.
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Susan (Maple Grove, MN)
The Last Confession of Thomas Hawkins
A well researched novel that takes place in early 18th century London. The author gives a good idea of what it was like to live in London at that time (especially for women and the poor) - and tells a good mystery story. The characters are well developed and interesting. If you have read the first novel, The Devil in the Marshalsea, you will enjoy the novel even more. I would recommend this book to my friends and book clubs.
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