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Peggy H. (North East, PA)
Twists and Turns in Old London
OMG! I couldn't put this book down! I loved the twists and turns that I couldn't possibly have guessed and all of the historical research made it feel very real. Will definitely look for this author again!
Sande O. (Rochester, NY)
The Good Old Days of the 18th Century
The author who writes historical fiction chooses the extra burden, because not only must she devise an entertaining and intricate plot, and appealing characters, but also create a detailed and historically authentic world in which they live and die. Antonia Hodgson, the author of "The Last Confession of Thomas Hawkins" brings the early 18th century London to life in a very gritty way. We experience the luxurious apartments King George, his queen and mistress to the filthy, gang ridden streets to the vermin, rat infested gaols we are right there with our anti-hero-hero Thomas and his loyal girlfriend, Kitty. A thoroughly enjoyable adventure. I highly recommend.
Jill S. (Eagle, ID)
The last confession of ThomsHawkins
Readers who like mystery and historical fiction will enjoy this book. This book will keep you guessing who did it through out.
Thomas who was recently released from prison is intent on reforming himself. But things don't quite work out as planned. Eventually, the queen of England requires his services, and his life is changed forever.
With all the twist and turns, everyone becomes a suspect. This is the first book that I've read by this author, and I'm looking forward to the next.
John W. (Saint Louis, MO)
Top Book for 2016? It will be on my short-list!
The Last Confession of Thomas Hawkins is a wonderful historical fiction piece set in London during the Georgian period (18th century). I liked The Devil in the Marshalsea, but totally fell in love with the sequel! Although a sequel, you don't need to have read The Devil in the Marshalsea to enjoy and understand this book, but it does contain some spoilers if you read them out of order. The author's use of imagery enables the reader to experience London's squalor and wealth with all of their senses. Equal to the setting and the imagery is the plot and character development. It is a wonderful tale of secrets, lies, murder and sin. The love between Tom and Kitty is an added bonus. Similar to Dickens' novels there are a fair share of evil characters that commit brutal and violent crimes. As a fan of Dickens this reinforced how I imagined London during this period.
Marci G. (Sicklerville, NJ)
The Last Confession of Thomas Hawkins
Historical fiction is right up my alley (thankfully not located in St. Giles!). Antonia Hodgson recreated the sounds and smells of Georgian England. The almost gentleman Thomas Hawkins, his "Trull " Kitty Sparks, and the gangster in the making Sam come together to solve a murder of a pious neighbor with a less than pious past. Thomas is accused of the murder and finds himself heading to the gallows. No spoilers! Did not read " The Devil in the Marshalsea" although I have since ordered it. Antonia Hodgson, I am looking forward to the next adventure! Write quickly!
Annie P. (Murrells Inlet, SC)
Last Confession of Thomas Hawkins
When I received this book, I wasn't thrilled; novels where the story takes place hundreds of years ago are not my thing. Once I began reading this one, though, I was so wrapped up by the third chapter I even had to stay up nearly all night to finish it! The characters are so meaty, the action so intriguing, and the scenarios so realistic, I was completely swept away – not to return until the last word was read. Now I can hardly wait to dive into Hodgson's first book to get the feel of what came before! My favorites in this book were Sam and Kitty; they were stalwart friends (at least) of Tom Hawkins, and kept their parts interesting all the way through. I can hardly wait for the next book to hit the shelves!
Deb T. (Parkersburg, WV)
Read The Devil in the Marshalsea first....
Then this book will make more sense. They were both wonderful, as far as I am concerned, and I can't wait until the third one (if there is a third one) comes out!
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.