Spoiler’s Prey
by Robin Blake

“Blake again demonstrates why he belongs in the first rank of historical mystery novelists” – Publishers Weekly Starred Review of Hungry Death

Summer, 1748. County Coroner Titus Cragg is called to the usually sedate hamlet of Ingolside which is now in turmoil due to the King’s plans for Enclosure. After tensions explode one evening, and a riot sweeps through the town, a body is found on the steps of the village square . . . the body of one John Lavenham, a commissioner from London brought in to implement the unpopular changes to the village.

Titus’ responsibility is simple – carry out an inquest to determine if this was a mere accident or if, as he suspects, a murder has been committed. However, with a less-than-helpful local population, and a near-non-existent law enforcement, Titus must rely on a few loyal associates, including physician and friend of many years Dr Luke Fidelis, as well as his own experience to carry out this unpleasant task with as much decorum and officiality as he can.

With gossip and suspicion rife, and the threat of further violence looming, Titus is stretched to the brink to bring order back to this troubled hamlet.

Reviews

“Fascinating historical details”

Kirkus Reviews

“Blake again demonstrates why he belongs in the first rank of historical mystery novelists”

Publishers Weekly Starred Review of Hungry Death

“Odd 18th-century mores provide a fitting backdrop for a complex puzzle”

Kirkus Reviews on Hungry Death

“A tour de force of medical expertise, religious explication, and courtroom drama”

The Historical Novels Review on Hungry Death

“Gripping . . . Historical fans will be well satisfied”

Publishers Weekly on Secret Mischief

“A startling conclusion. Readers who enjoy historical and legal perspectives will appreciate the careful attention to detail”

Library Journal on Secret Mischief

“An action-packed read with fully realized characters and vivid historical detail”

Booklist on Death and the Chevalier

“Blake effortlessly combines a complex puzzle with some fascinating, little-known historical facts”

Kirkus Reviews on Death and the Chevalier

“Outstanding . . . Clever plotting and enjoyable characterizations make this entry a winner”

Publishers Weekly Starred Review of Rough Music

Robin Blake

Robin Blake is the author of six previous Cragg & Fidelis Mysteries, as well as acclaimed works on the artists Van Dyke and Stubbs. He has written, produced and presented extensively for radio, and is widely published as a critic. He lives in London.

View author page

Editions

Spoiler’s Prey by Robin Blake is available in the following formats

Hardback97814483114534th February 2025144 X 222mm272$29.99
Hardback97814483114534th February 2025144 X 222mm272£21.99
Ebook97814483114604th February 2025N/A288$14.99
Ebook97814483114604th February 2025N/A288£12.99
FormatISBNPublication DateDimensionsPagesPrice