The Dead Don't Wait (Hardcover, Main)

Reviews

"My review" by Breakaway R. - 4 November 2019

16th-century historical fiction Apparently, this is the 4th in the Bloody Mary series. Jack Blackjack is accused of a murder and ends up as part of the investigating team. The context of the time is, to the story as Queen Mary had recently ascended the throne and had halted the Protestant reformation. During the time of Henry VIII many of the priesthood had taken wives and had children. Those who had were now forced to give up their families and revert to a celibate life. The penalties for those who would not do so were severe. Those who fell into line and reverted to Catholicism, many miles away from the area in which they had established themselves. Against this background, a priest has been murdered and his body left in the road. Jack has been accused of the murder by a former servant of his and is visited by the larger than life figure of the Crowner or Coroner. Think of him as a Brian Blessed type of character. The challenge for both Jack and the Coroner is to unravel the mystery to determine who should be tried for the priest’s murder. An added complication is that the priest’s former wife and family have traced him to his new parish and the wife has taken up with the local tavern landlord. Wheels within wheels. The characters are all well portrayed and, in many instances, well developed. Jack Blackjack is a Blackadder clone with all his attendant servant issues. The writing style is a mixture of ancient and modern and there is a welcome injection of humour throughout the plot. It’s therefore very readable but where it falls is in the dearth of clues to assist the reader in working out who did the dirty deed. I did, however, learn a good deal about the period and the whole book has a very authentic feel to it. If you enjoy historical fiction, then you’ll relish this novel. mr zorg Breakaway Reviewers received a copy of the book to read.