‘Deftly plotted, rich in atmosphere and peopled with delightfully engaging characters – here is a masterclass in historical crime fiction.’ R.N. Morris, author of Law of Blood
London, 1891.
It is three years since the notorious Ripper murders, and the last thing London needs is another killer on the streets. But this one targets the strangest of victims: popular Music Hall performers - two in quick succession, outside the famous Tivoli Theatre.
The Music Hall world is one of hard-nosed businessmen, impresarios, and big profits. Inspector Maskell of The Metropolitan Police is desperate for a lead in the case – and soon Sam Vasey, son and manager of Albert Vasey, better known as celebrated illusionist The Great Albertini, is drawn into the mystery.
A vicious campaign of sabotage is waged against the Albertini Company. Things reach a devastating climax at the Star Music Hall in Bermondsey, when Albert’s most spectacular illusion goes badly wrong before a sell-out crowd - resulting in the disappearance and murder of his onstage assistant Mirabel.
With the Albertini show grounded, Sam throws his energy into helping the police investigation. As the mystery deepens, Sam finds his own life in danger.
The hunt takes us from the bright lights of the West End to the gaslit, fogbound streets of London’s darker side – resulting in more than one illusion being shattered.
John Pilkington was born in Preston, into one of the oldest Lancashire families. He writes historical fiction as well as drama which has been adapted for radio, theatre and tv. He is the author of the Thomas the Falconer Mystery series and the Justice Belstrang Mystery series.
Praise for John Pilkington:
'Away from the corruption of London and no longer a Justice, but that doesn’t stop Belstrang uncovering dark deeds in this Jacobean thriller. A joy from mysterious beginnings to a satisfying conclusion by a master storyteller.' Paul Walker, author of The Queen’s Spy
'In The Witching Pool, John Pilkington once again puts us in the amiable company of retired Jacobean Justice, Robert Belstrang, familiar from his earlier historical thriller Legacy. In this adventure, Belstrang forsakes the mean streets of London in the aftermath of the Gunpowder Plot, for the rural byways of Worcestershire nearer home. But instead of treason, he finds himself confronted with murder, witchcraft, unmentionable crimes and a quest for legendary gold. Breath-takingly tense and gripping. Simply impossible to put down.' Peter Tonkin, author of the Tom Musgrave series
'A wonderfully humane, and all-too human, central character.' Roger Morris, author of Fortune’s Hand
‘Pilkington’s third Thomas the Falconer historical offers a real treat… This tale gives an authentic sense of Elizabethan life’s visceral side with all its lawlessness and brutality, including a climactic battle.’ Publishers Weekly
'The story moves at a great pace… it made a welcome change to discover Elizabethan England through the eyes of a lesser mortal.' The Historical Novels Review
‘A spellbinding journey through the stinking slums and glittering palaces of Jacobean England.’ Steven Veerapen, author of the Simon Danforth Mysteries
‘Pilkington introduces an intriguing new hero in the dashing Marbeck.’ Kirkus Reviews
Genre: Mystery
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