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The Ashes of London: The first book in the brilliant historical crime mystery series from the No. 1 Sunday Times bestselling author (James Marwood & Cat Lovett) (Book 1) Paperback – May 1, 2018

by Andrew Taylor (Author)
4.2 4.2 out of 5 stars 6,812 ratings
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The first book in the No. 1 Times bestselling series

‘This is terrific stuff’ Daily Telegraph

‘A breathtakingly ambitious picture of an era’ Financial Times

‘A masterclass in how to weave a well-researched history into a complex plot’ The Times

Over 1 Million Andrew Taylor Novels Sold!

A CITY IN FLAMES
London, 1666. As the Great Fire consumes everything in its path, the body of a man is found in the ruins of St Paul’s Cathedral – stabbed in the neck, thumbs tied behind his back.

A WOMAN ON THE RUN
The son of a traitor, James Marwood is forced to hunt the killer through the city’s devastated streets. There he encounters a determined young woman, who will stop at nothing to secure her freedom.

A KILLER SEEKING REVENGE
When a second murder victim is discovered in the Fleet Ditch, Marwood is drawn into the political and religious intrigue of Westminster – and across the path of a killer with nothing to lose…

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Previous page
  1. Book 1 of 6
    James Marwood & Cat Lovett
  2. Print length
    496 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Publisher
    HarperCollins
  5. Publication date
    May 1, 2018
  6. Dimensions
    1.3 x 5.1 x 7.7 inches
  7. ISBN-10
    000828248X
  8. ISBN-13
    978-0008282486
  9. See all details
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  1. Vitruvian virtues, namely that a well-made building should be characterized by firmitas, utilitas, venustas – that is, it must be solid, useful, beautiful.
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  2. The currency such people dealt in was not gold and silver: it was promises and dreams.
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Editorial Reviews

Review

‘Ashes of London is terrific’ Sarah Hilary

‘The Ashes of London presents a breathtakingly ambitious picture of an era … the multiple narrative strands are drawn together in a brilliantly orchestrated finale’ Financial Times

‘In this elegant, engrossing novel set during an extraordinary period, Taylor skilfully presents a London in which so many must still pay the price for the Civil War and the murder of King Charles I’ Sunday Express

‘One of the most reliably enjoyable of historical novelists … Taylor demonstrates his usual command of plot and historical background’ The Sunday Times

'A complex weave of history and mystery and the first of a new series from Andrew Taylor' The i

‘The author conveys the confusion and uncertainty of the times in a pacy story of Charles II’s desire for vengeance, the struggle to rebuild a stricken city and the hunt for a murderer’ Daily Mail

‘This is terrific stuff: intelligent, engrossing and, in its evocation of a long-vanished London, wonderfully plausible.’ Toby Clements, Daily Telegraph

'The Ashes of London weaves a pacy story from the framework of true events. A new Shardlake may rise from the ashes' The Times

‘Andrew Taylor provides a masterclass in how to weave a well-researched history into a complex plot.’ The Times, Books of the Year

‘Thrilling… Gripping, fast-moving and credible… It’s a well-constructed political thriller with moments of horror, admirable and enjoyable. Taylor has done his research so thoroughly as to be unobtrusive’ Spectator

‘Finely wrought and solidly researched… The novel’s plot is fiendishly complex’ Sunday Telegraph

Book Description

The first book in the brilliant historical crime mystery series from the No. 1 Sunday Times bestselling author

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ HarperCollins; Reprint edition (May 1, 2018)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 496 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 000828248X
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0008282486
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 12 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 1.3 x 5.1 x 7.7 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.2 4.2 out of 5 stars 6,812 ratings

About the author

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Andrew Taylor

Andrew Taylor

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Andrew Taylor is a bestselling British crime and historical novelist, winner of the CWA Cartier Diamond Dagger (for lifelong excellence in the genre), the HWA Gold Crown for best historical novel of the year, and the triple winner of the CWA Historical Dagger. He has published over 45 books.

They include the international bestseller, The American Boy (a Richard and Judy selection); the Roth Trilogy (filmed for TV as Fallen Angel); the Lydmouth detective series set in the 1950s; and The Anatomy of Ghosts, shortlisted for the Theakston's Old Peculier Crime Novel of the Year.

His most recent books are the Marwood and Lovett Restoration series. The Ashes of London was a Times/Waterstones number one bestseller. The sequels have both all been bestsellers too. The fifth in the series, The Royal Secret, is scheduled for UK publication in April 2021.

For more information: web www.andrew-taylor.co.uk; twitter @andrewjrtaylor

Customer reviews

4.2 out of 5 stars
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Top reviews from the United States

Jan O.
5.0 out of 5 stars Rave review from this reader! A truly superb historical novel, engrossing, beautifully written!
Reviewed in the United States on April 26, 2016
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The Ashes of London tells a gripping story which takes place in the wake of the Great Fire of London. Taylor is particularly adept at the historical novel in that his stories make one feel quite present: one can smell the smells, hear the sounds. It can feel so real as to be startling. (His earlier work, Bleeding Heart Square, was a case in point). As one reads this book one can virtually smell the smoke which overlays London, thick as the political plotting and religious convictions which turned Englishmen against each other. one can taste the stale bits of bread and other fare. The plot intrigues, the characters captivate. The language conveys the sense of the past without putting off the reader: the dialog flows beautifully. The political paranoia of the era comes through loud and clear although in whispers: it reminded this reader of the Watergate era in some respects although certainly the penalties in the mid-seventeenth century period were more deadly. Andrew Taylor is always a fine novelist, but Ashes is among his very best! All in all a fabulous, engrossing novel!
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L. J. Roberts
4.0 out of 5 stars A very good read filled with “ashes and blood,” history, excellent characters, and startling revelations
Reviewed in the United States on October 7, 2017
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First Sentence: The noise was the worst.

A raging fire has destroyed part of London, including St. Paul’s Cathedral. In the remains is found a body. Not a victim of the fire, but someone who has been mutilated and with his thumbs tied together behind his back: a sign of those who committed Regicide by signing the death warrant for Charles I. Richard Marwood, a reluctant government informer and the son of one of those who committed treason, is charged with finding the killer. Cat Lovett, whose missing father was also part of the treasonous group, desires to be an architect but instead is struggling to survive.

The author’s notes at the beginning of the book are not only important to understanding the background of the story, but are also quite fascinating. The story’s opening is evocative, visual and immediately captivating. Into the midst of it all, we are introduced to our first surprise followed by a revelation about one of our two protagonists.

Taylor creates fascinating characters and intermingles them with actual historical figures, yet without ever allowing the fictional characters to be overshadowed. As well as carrying the story, they facilitate the conveying of historical facts about which we may never have heard, such as the group known as the Fifth Monarchists. Still, it is Richard, Cat, Mrs. Alderley, Master Hakesby who play critical roles. Mrs. Alderly, in particular, is an interesting character. There is much more to her than we first believe.

Taylor is very good at giving one the sense that much is going on behind the scenes that neither we, nor our protagonist, is aware. Although the fire is not a major focus of the story, the destruction of whole areas, and the impact on people’s lives, as well as the planning of rebuilding does play, in part, an important role. We are also reminded that some things haven’t really changed in 600 years; women are still held responsible for men’s indiscretions, and that environs of sanctuary are not a new concept.

Taylor is very good at moving between the storylines of Richard and Cat. He brings the two tantalizingly close, then separates them, then a bit closer still. When the two threads do meet, it is tense and very dramatic.

“Ashes of London” is a very good read filled with “ashes and blood,” history, excellent characters, startling revelations and a twist one doesn’t see coming.

ASHES OF LONDON (Hist. Mys-Richard Marwood – London – 1666) - VG
Taylor, Andrew – 1st of trilogy
Harper Collins – Jan 2017
36 people found this helpful
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Galla
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent historical novel
Reviewed in the United States on May 16, 2019
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A highly enjoyable and engrossing novel. The characters are well developed and realistic (with only one or two being one dimensional bad guys) with both positive and negative traits.
The setting and events, Restoration England and the London fire of 1666, make a fascinating backdrop. Recalcitrant Puritans, Charles II and his spymaster, the architect Christopher Wren, and assorted Londoners, rich and poor, make for a rich tapestry.There are two other volumes in the set so that the story of Cat/Jane and Marwood will continue. A must read for those who enjoy the novels of Hilary Mantel and C.J. Sansom.
6 people found this helpful
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Cariola
3.0 out of 5 stars Fairly Entertaining
Reviewed in the United States on July 4, 2020
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First in a series of historical mysteries set in Restoration London, this one begins as the city burns. James Marwood is both helping with the water brigade and overseeing the damage when he sees a young boy break through the barriers and head towards St. Paul's cathedral. He catches the hysterical boy and brings him to his rooms to calm him down. He soon notices that the boy is really a girl, and she runs off, stealing the cloak he had covered her with. Cat Lovett is the niece and ward of her uncle by marriage, Sir Henry Alderley, a wealthy goldsmith on good terms with the king. Cat is facing a marriage to a man she neither loves nor respects; what she really wants to do is draw buildings and plan cities. The situation, and the unwanted attentions of her cousin Edward, lead to Cat running away. She lands a servant position in a boarding house. One of the residents, Master Wakely, is working with Christopher Wren on plans to rebuild the city, and he allows Cat (now known as Jane) to assist with minor tasks. But her mind is on finding her father, a member of a religious sect that supported the execution of Charles I and now believes that his son, Charles II, must be taken down in order for King Jesus to rule the world.

Meanwhile, Marwood's employer brings him into the investigation of two murders: bodies have been found with their thumbs tied together behind their backs. In the course of his discovery, Alderley's second wife, Olivia, asks Marwood to find her niece Cat--and the king, be it known through Mrs. Alderley and the King's confident Chiffinch, want to find Cat's father. The situation is complicated by the fact that Marwood's father was a member of the King Jesus group and spent years in prison upon the restoration of the monarchy. Now, feeble and becoming senile, he is dependent on his son, and James is aware that their loyalty is being closely watched.

I am not a big fan of mysteries of any sort, so other readers might enjoy this one a lot more than I did. It was a plus that I know a good deal about this period of English history, and Taylor does a good job of recreating the customs and appearance of Restoration London and of the unpredictable nature of the king. I needed a fairly light read, and this was a fairly good one, but I probably won't be pursuing the rest of the series.
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Top reviews from other countries

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R. Coane
5.0 out of 5 stars The Ashes of London – holy smokes!!!
Reviewed in Canada on September 14, 2022
Verified Purchase
The Ashes of London is first in a series of five 'somewhat' interrelated novels. While there is a single story line and the characters reappear, they are sufficiently independent to not strictly follow the publishing order. I happened to discover #3, The King's Evil, first and read it first. That did not in any way hamper my understanding or enjoyment of the plot. I can describe them as a series of modern day 'detective stories' involving some of the same characters but not necessarily following linear action. Do try to read in order, though.

That aside, excellent Historical Fiction! And a delight, besides; a veritable descriptive feast. Finely drawn, believable characters. The many descriptions of the fires 'glowing' in the distant darkness and smouldering London are tantalizing, terrifying – 'fuegos fatuos' (fool's fire), a mirage of ghostlike flares that often appear over marshes under stormy conditions due to a combination of combustible gasses in the air which XVII c. folklore attributed to rising spirits of the dead – heat you can feel and smoke you can't breathe. Accurate geographic descriptions of the ruined city and factual account of the times. Gorgeous language beautifully written! Drama action and mystery packed; graphic detail. Candy for everyone's imagination.

Engrossing. Enthusiastically recommended!!!
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R. Coane
5.0 out of 5 stars The Ashes of London – holy smokes!!!
Reviewed in Canada on September 14, 2022
The Ashes of London is first in a series of five 'somewhat' interrelated novels. While there is a single story line and the characters reappear, they are sufficiently independent to not strictly follow the publishing order. I happened to discover #3, The King's Evil, first and read it first. That did not in any way hamper my understanding or enjoyment of the plot. I can describe them as a series of modern day 'detective stories' involving some of the same characters but not necessarily following linear action. Do try to read in order, though.

That aside, excellent Historical Fiction! And a delight, besides; a veritable descriptive feast. Finely drawn, believable characters. The many descriptions of the fires 'glowing' in the distant darkness and smouldering London are tantalizing, terrifying – 'fuegos fatuos' (fool's fire), a mirage of ghostlike flares that often appear over marshes under stormy conditions due to a combination of combustible gasses in the air which XVII c. folklore attributed to rising spirits of the dead – heat you can feel and smoke you can't breathe. Accurate geographic descriptions of the ruined city and factual account of the times. Gorgeous language beautifully written! Drama action and mystery packed; graphic detail. Candy for everyone's imagination.

Engrossing. Enthusiastically recommended!!!
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Andy
4.0 out of 5 stars Tiene in sospeso fino all'ultimo
Reviewed in Italy on April 30, 2019
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Bello, accattivante e istruttivo. Indicato per chi è amante della storia inglese, in particolare qui siamo nel 1666, dopo Cromwell, quando scoppia il grande incendio che distruggerà gran parte di Londra. Si avvicendano storie e personaggi, e il principale, che racconta la storia, suscita molta simpatia. Bel libro.
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Jaja1
5.0 out of 5 stars A great historical page-turner
Reviewed in Australia on September 25, 2020
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Loved this! The story starts as the fire of London get going yet the fire is not central stage. It is integral to the story and is always there affecting what happens but the characters are the stand out participants here. Two major threads run throughout and the sense of social life and politics is very strong. It does remind me of C S Sansom and the Shardlake series (one of my favourites) and yet it is not similar. It is a page turner and I thoroughly enjoyed it and I’m looking forward to reading the next one.
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Helene
5.0 out of 5 stars Atmosphère
Reviewed in France on February 28, 2017
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Comme d'habitude, Andrew Taylor arrive à recréer une époque. Là, Londres après le Grand Incendie de 1666. Ce n'est pas un roman d'action mais plutôt un roman à atmosphère. Les descriptions des lieux, des personnages et de l'époque permettent de s'immerger dans l'histoire. On s'imagine au milieu des personnages, dans ce Londres dévasté. C'est un roman qui demande du temps et de l'attention mais qui nous emmène ailleurs.
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Maria A. Freitas
5.0 out of 5 stars The ases of london
Reviewed in Brazil on February 4, 2016
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Very good! I would like to buy the book! How can i do it?can you helo me? What do i Have to do?
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