Status
Available
Call number
Collection
Publication
München : Goldmann, 1996. Taschenbuch,
348 S.
Description
First of a series featuring Sir John Fielding, a magistrate who in the 18th Century co-founded London's first police force, the Bow Street Runners. The narrator is Jeremy Proctor, a 13-year-old orphan who serves as Fielding's eyes. Fielding is blind. The series opens with the "suicide" of a lord known for his gambling and extra-marital affairs.
User reviews
LibraryThing member wyvernfriend
I didn't realise that Sir John Fielding was a real person before I started. He really was blind and apparently wore a black band on his forehead to remind people that he was blind. He helped found the Bow Street Runners and was the Bow Street Magistrate.
The story is narrated by Jeremy Proctor, a
It's a classic locked room mystery and I had worked out most of the plot before finishing but it was an interesting trip. Sir John was an interesting character and I look forward to reading more in the future.
The story is narrated by Jeremy Proctor, a
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young boy looking for an apprenticeship as a printer now that his father has died at the hands of a mob.It's a classic locked room mystery and I had worked out most of the plot before finishing but it was an interesting trip. Sir John was an interesting character and I look forward to reading more in the future.
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LibraryThing member SlySionnach
I breezed through this book - in the good way. The characters were that compelling and that life-like that I thought I was reading a true story, rather than a novel based on a historical figure.
Jeremy Proctor finds himself in the care of Sir John Fielding, a blind magistrate who started the Bow
As a narrator, Proctor is perfect. Though he's only thirteen, he has a perfect combination of intelligence and naivete. We see Sir John in an almost idol-like awe, but it doesn't take away anything from the novel in the least.
The mystery is a good one, with many people to suspect and many stories to doubt. I'll admit that I did figure out the end, so it's not impossible, but it's still a very good one.
All in all, I've fallen in love with a new series. It's time to go and buy the rest.
Jeremy Proctor finds himself in the care of Sir John Fielding, a blind magistrate who started the Bow
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Street Runners with his half-brother. During his stay, he becomes involved in the investigation of Lord Goodhope's murder, and his contributions prove to shine a whole new light on the case. As a narrator, Proctor is perfect. Though he's only thirteen, he has a perfect combination of intelligence and naivete. We see Sir John in an almost idol-like awe, but it doesn't take away anything from the novel in the least.
The mystery is a good one, with many people to suspect and many stories to doubt. I'll admit that I did figure out the end, so it's not impossible, but it's still a very good one.
All in all, I've fallen in love with a new series. It's time to go and buy the rest.
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LibraryThing member bcquinnsmom
In this series opener, a rather strange case presents itself to the Bow Street magistrate, Sir John Fielding. Set in the 18th century, it seems that one Lord Goodhope is found dead in his library, and it looks like suicide. However, if it had actually been a suicide, we wouldn't have a story now,
Not bad for a series opener; I have to say here that I figured out much of it before the ending but that's okay.
If you like historically-set mysteries, this one will probably appeal to you. It's an easy read, and actually the historical setting is quite interesting in terms of customs of the time.
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would we? As the story unfolds, several suspects come to light, and Fielding, along with young Jeremy Proctor (the 13 year-old boy taken in by Fielding after Jeremy was cleared of trumped-up criminal charges) must slog their way through various motives to get to the heart of the mystery.Not bad for a series opener; I have to say here that I figured out much of it before the ending but that's okay.
If you like historically-set mysteries, this one will probably appeal to you. It's an easy read, and actually the historical setting is quite interesting in terms of customs of the time.
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LibraryThing member lindymc
May, 2008, LB
Enjoyable mystery, liked the characters. Sir John Fielding was a real person, a blind magistrate, founded the Bow Street Runners, a forerunner of a "police force". His half-brother was Henry Fielding, the writer.
Enjoyable mystery, liked the characters. Sir John Fielding was a real person, a blind magistrate, founded the Bow Street Runners, a forerunner of a "police force". His half-brother was Henry Fielding, the writer.
LibraryThing member horacewimsey
Sir John Fielding (1721-1780) was a real person, a blind English magistrate responsible for creating London's first police force. Alexander co-opts this historical figure in writing a series of mysteries, of which this--Blind Justice--is the first.
The story is told by an older fellow looking back
The story is told by an older fellow looking back
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on his younger days as helper to Sir John. In this installment, Sir John, in his capacity as magistrate of the Bow Street Court, is investigating an apparent suicide in a locked room. Show Less
LibraryThing member bmlg
Good fun and a quick read. The period setting was nicely handled, and young Jeremy isn't terribly irritating. There's some sententiousness, as his older self--the narrator--points out his younger self's failings, but that does fit with the time and tone. The solution to the mystery is very suited
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to the time, though it would be completely over the top in a modern setting. One could imagine a broadsheet ballad coming out afterwards, with cheap woodcut headers. Show Less
LibraryThing member Riyale
A very enjoyable read. Historical mystery at it's best. Real characters well interspersed with fictional. This is one of my favorite periods in history and I found it all the more enjoyable for learning more about it (the Bow Street Runners, Sir John Fielding, Henry Fielding, etc.).
LibraryThing member elwyne
I liked this series very much. Good mystery, engaging characters, well-told story. Very enjoyable.
LibraryThing member mysterymax
“There has been a shooting at Lord Goodhope’s residence. He himself is apparently the victim.” Masterfully written, this historical mystery is also a ‘locked room’ mystery. The body is in the library at the London residence of Lord Goodhope. First considered a suicide, it quickly becomes
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evident that it is a case of murder. Then it turns out that the victim was apparently “murdered” twice. First he was poisoned, and then he was shot. Sir John Fielding, founder of London’s first police force, the Bow Street Runners, sorts out this complex and very satisfying case. Show Less
LibraryThing member Ronrose1
This murder mystery is set in London in the 1760's. Life in London at this time could be pretty raw. Crime was rampant and the penalties under the law were very severe. Jeremy Proctor, an orphan newly arrived in London, narrowly avoids a life in prison after being the innocent dupe of a false
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charge of theft. His benefactor is the magistrate, Sir John Fielding who, though he is blind, sees through the plot against Jeremy. Sir John is the founder of the Bow Street Runners, an early police force in London. He is also a very skilled investigator. Jeremy, taken under Sir John's wing, aides in the investigation of a mysterious, locked room murder. The book is quite entertaining. The scenes of eighteenth London are rich in detail and add greatly to the exciting plot. This is the first in a thrilling series of mysteries set in Georgian England Show Less
LibraryThing member thornton37814
Young Jeremy Proctor flees to London after his father is murdered in the village where they run a printing shop. After being falsely accused of theft, he ends up in the court of the blind Sir John Fielding. Fielding takes the boy under his wings until he can find a suitable placement for Jeremy in
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the printing trade. Before long, Fielding is called to conduct an enquiry at the home of Lord Goodhope. A man has been shot in the library which was locked at the time. In spite of his blindness, Fielding is an excellent investigator, and Jeremy proves to be valuable to him as his "eyes." An autopsy reveals that there was another possible cause of death. An excellent historical mystery. I look forward to continuing with this series. Show Less
LibraryThing member auntieknickers
First in a series of historical mysteries set in London in the 1760s. Sir John Fielding is the half-brother of Henry Fielding, author of Tom Jones, and a magistrate at Bow St. even though he is blind. A young boy comes up before him, unjustly accused of theft, and not only is vindicated but becomes
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Sir John's assistant. In this book, they solve what appears at first to be a suicide but turns out to be murder. Excellent setting, plot and characters. I look forward to reading more of these books. Show Less
LibraryThing member AntT
This was far more likeable than I would have expected—or maybe it was because I was trapped on a boat at sea when I read it.
LibraryThing member leslie.98
Alexander's Sir John Fielding series combines two of my favorite genres - mysteries and historical fiction from the Regency era. I enjoyed the first person narrative, reminiscent of Watson's chronicles of Sherlock Holmes. The historical aspects were well researched and the mystery plot was
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skillfully crafted. Show Less
LibraryThing member AntT
This was far more likeable than I would have expected—or maybe it was because I was trapped on a boat at sea when I read it.
LibraryThing member janerawoof
I was pleasantly surprised at this one--usually an era I'm not interested in. This was the first volume in a delightful mystery series, with Sir John Fielding, 18th century blind magistrate and founder of the Bow Street Runners, and his "helper", 13-year-old Jeremy Proctor, who narrates the cases.
Lord Goodhope commits suicide, but Jeremy's notice of the appearance of his hands reveal that it has been a murder--doubly so, first by gunshot; a doctor's autopsy reveals the presence of poison by the lord's discolored tongue. Sir John and Jeremy investigate. Sir John's mind is a steel trap. His other senses are highly developed to compensate for his blindness; the man is astute, as well as fair and just.
I liked the faux 18th century language used in the narration; I got a flavor of the way folks might have spoken back then, but it was uncomplicated and not flowery. The chain of motivations leading to the solution did seem implausible at times. I'd like to read other volumes in the series. Highly recommended.
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This is a classic "locked room" mystery, with the revelation of the villain revealed in Sir John's gathering all the suspects together in the same room. Lord Goodhope commits suicide, but Jeremy's notice of the appearance of his hands reveal that it has been a murder--doubly so, first by gunshot; a doctor's autopsy reveals the presence of poison by the lord's discolored tongue. Sir John and Jeremy investigate. Sir John's mind is a steel trap. His other senses are highly developed to compensate for his blindness; the man is astute, as well as fair and just.
I liked the faux 18th century language used in the narration; I got a flavor of the way folks might have spoken back then, but it was uncomplicated and not flowery. The chain of motivations leading to the solution did seem implausible at times. I'd like to read other volumes in the series. Highly recommended.
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LibraryThing member addunn3
Blind judge, Sir John Fielding, takes a young 13 year old under his wing as he solves a murder of Lord Goodhope. The setting is 1760s England and is the first book in the Fielding series. Good plot and well written, giving you a bit of the flavor of the period.
LibraryThing member SmithfieldJones
6th book in the Sir John Fielding series published by G. P. Putnams Sons NY. Others: Murder in Grub St., Watery Grave, Person or Persons Unknowsn, and Jack, Knave & Fool. This is a pseudonym but I don't know authors real name.
LibraryThing member fbswss
I felt like I was on the streets of London with young Jeremy. And I never skipped ahead or scanned as I almost always do.
The writing was absorbing and the tale through Jeremy's eyes all the more compelling.
The writing was absorbing and the tale through Jeremy's eyes all the more compelling.
LibraryThing member dorie.craig
The first book in a historical crime series set in 1768 London featuring Sir John Fielding, a blind magistrate and founder of the Bow Street Runners police force. The narrator is Jeremy Proctor, 13 years old when the story starts and recent orphaned. Jeremy runs to London, where he is quickly
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tricked and accused of theft by a con artist. He ends up in front of Sir John, who easily figures the truth of the matter and then takes Jeremy under his wing. Jeremy ends up assisting him when Sir John investigates the locked room death of Lord Richard Goodhope. The mystery was sufficiently interesting and difficult to guess the resolution. Jeremy is a very appealing protagonist -- innocent, clever, and eager to please in this book. And Sir John is likeable and demands respect. I plan to continue reading this series. Show Less
LibraryThing member clue
I'm fortunate to have run across the four books in the Sir John Fielding Mystery series by Bruce Alexander at the library book sale. The series is based on Sir John Fielding, a magistrate in 18th century London and the co-founder of the Bow Street Runners with his half-brother, writer Henry
Thirteen-year-old orphan Jeremy Procter arrives in London with no money and no prospects. Gullible about the ways of city people, he is quickly tricked and accused of theft. He is taken before the Bow Street Magistrate Sir John Fielding, who quickly ascertains Procter is innocent and instead of convicting him, takes him home. Procter had been taught the printing trade by his father and Fielding plans to find an apprenticeship for him. Before a placement is made, Fielding becomes embroiled in investigating the locked room murder of a titled and well known London citizen. Because he is blind, Jeremy is enlisted as his helpmate and Fielding soon learns Jeremy is well suited for the art of detection. Both characters are charming and Alexander creates a believable setting of 1768 London. The mystery itself is interesting but experienced mystery readers may figure it out. Still, the characters and the setting are so entertaining, the fact that the mystery is a little weak doesn't matter that much.
Curious to see if the author was an historian I discovered that he was a journalist and writer. Before his death he was the book editor of USA Today as well as a senior editor of Newsweek. Among the books he wrote was the biography of Dalton Trumbo that became the 2015 movie. I like this guy and his characters and look forward to the next, Murder in Grub Street.
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Fielding. Thirteen-year-old orphan Jeremy Procter arrives in London with no money and no prospects. Gullible about the ways of city people, he is quickly tricked and accused of theft. He is taken before the Bow Street Magistrate Sir John Fielding, who quickly ascertains Procter is innocent and instead of convicting him, takes him home. Procter had been taught the printing trade by his father and Fielding plans to find an apprenticeship for him. Before a placement is made, Fielding becomes embroiled in investigating the locked room murder of a titled and well known London citizen. Because he is blind, Jeremy is enlisted as his helpmate and Fielding soon learns Jeremy is well suited for the art of detection. Both characters are charming and Alexander creates a believable setting of 1768 London. The mystery itself is interesting but experienced mystery readers may figure it out. Still, the characters and the setting are so entertaining, the fact that the mystery is a little weak doesn't matter that much.
Curious to see if the author was an historian I discovered that he was a journalist and writer. Before his death he was the book editor of USA Today as well as a senior editor of Newsweek. Among the books he wrote was the biography of Dalton Trumbo that became the 2015 movie. I like this guy and his characters and look forward to the next, Murder in Grub Street.
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LibraryThing member TadAD
This isn't my favorite period for historical mysteries but I enjoyed this quite a bit. I'll continue this series as well as try out the Chico Cervantes one.
LibraryThing member Limelite
18th C. London is a city seething with crime. Alexander Bruce offer a criminologist who seems inadequate on the face of it since he is blind. But behind the sightless eyes resides an insightful mind that, with the help of loyal friends, servants, and proteges, sees through the conspiracies used by
For Sir John Fielding, surviving brother of chief magistrate, playwright, and novelist, Henry Fielding, being himself a magistrate is not enough. He must also be a sleuth. For Jeremy Proctor, aged 13, being an orphan could doom him to a life of scrabbling poverty and beggary, but it his good fortune to all into the hands of the social reformer judge and see his future shine with adventure and possibility. Of course, good fortune can only exist if a boy prevails over bad actors.
Further assisted by the infant Bow Street Runners, London's first municipal police, Sir John, Jeremy, and muscular friends set about cleanng the streets of corruption. Readers who enjoy historical fiction that pays careful homage to an era will enjoy this series featuring fictional doings of historical figures as well as their created companions. In case readers are wondering. . .yes, the real life Sir John Fielding did wear a black scarf tied over his eyes.
Enjoy these novels that are as interesting and colorful as the times of sea-going Jack Aubrey and Stephen Maturin. Only, these take place on land and the enemy is lawbreaking Londoners, not Napoleon and the French.
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criminals to cover their most foul deeds and brings to justice in front of his own court.For Sir John Fielding, surviving brother of chief magistrate, playwright, and novelist, Henry Fielding, being himself a magistrate is not enough. He must also be a sleuth. For Jeremy Proctor, aged 13, being an orphan could doom him to a life of scrabbling poverty and beggary, but it his good fortune to all into the hands of the social reformer judge and see his future shine with adventure and possibility. Of course, good fortune can only exist if a boy prevails over bad actors.
Further assisted by the infant Bow Street Runners, London's first municipal police, Sir John, Jeremy, and muscular friends set about cleanng the streets of corruption. Readers who enjoy historical fiction that pays careful homage to an era will enjoy this series featuring fictional doings of historical figures as well as their created companions. In case readers are wondering. . .yes, the real life Sir John Fielding did wear a black scarf tied over his eyes.
Enjoy these novels that are as interesting and colorful as the times of sea-going Jack Aubrey and Stephen Maturin. Only, these take place on land and the enemy is lawbreaking Londoners, not Napoleon and the French.
Show Less
LibraryThing member BookConcierge
Alexander has written a mystery featuring a real historical figure. Sir John Fielding was a celebrated magistrate in 18th century London. Blinded in a navy accident, he presided over the Bow Street Court, and was known for his ability to recognize criminals by the sound of their voices. He was also
Alexander’s novel relies on a young narrator. Thirteen-year-old Jeremy Proctor is an orphan who arrives in London and is the victim of scam artist who makes a living “catching thieves.” Sir John sees through the plot and offers to help Jeremy find a suitable position. But a “locked room” murder demands immediate attention, and Jeremy proves his worth as an assistant to Sir John.
I loved the characters in this book, and found myself looking up various references to real people to get more back story. Alexander paints a vivid picture of 18th century London and the many injustices that her poor endured. Jeremy is a wonderful narrator – intelligent, studious, dedicated, eager to please, and observant. The supporting cast is top notch, especially: Mr Bailey, one of the constables in the Bow Street Runners; Mrs Gredge, the housekeeper; and Mr Donnelly, an Irish surgeon. There are several suspects and a few twists that keep the reader guessing.
I’ll read more of this series.
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instrumental in founding London’s first professional police force, the Bow Street Runners.Alexander’s novel relies on a young narrator. Thirteen-year-old Jeremy Proctor is an orphan who arrives in London and is the victim of scam artist who makes a living “catching thieves.” Sir John sees through the plot and offers to help Jeremy find a suitable position. But a “locked room” murder demands immediate attention, and Jeremy proves his worth as an assistant to Sir John.
I loved the characters in this book, and found myself looking up various references to real people to get more back story. Alexander paints a vivid picture of 18th century London and the many injustices that her poor endured. Jeremy is a wonderful narrator – intelligent, studious, dedicated, eager to please, and observant. The supporting cast is top notch, especially: Mr Bailey, one of the constables in the Bow Street Runners; Mrs Gredge, the housekeeper; and Mr Donnelly, an Irish surgeon. There are several suspects and a few twists that keep the reader guessing.
I’ll read more of this series.
Show Less
LibraryThing member sandib
Good English mystery, although I did not appreciate the occasional sexual innuendoes and a few incidents of taking the Lord’s name in vain—one particularly bad one.
Language
Original language
English
Original publication date
1994-01-01
Physical description
348 p.; 18.7 cm
ISBN
3442720125 / 9783442720125