Blackstone

The US Bestseller.

Edmund Blackstone, Bow Street Runner, of doubtful parentage and background, the best if far from the most conformist in the force, secretly applauds the robbers he hunts. He is tall, well-built, with a strongly featured face and, despite his elegant and expensive attire, moves with ease among the thieves and cut-throats in the taverns and soup shops, the cockfighting pits and dirty alleys of London. But if Blackstone has a weakness for professional esteem and flattery, for a woman's touch and for good wine, he is also one of the best shots in London, an expert in almost all areas of crime, a ruthless man with a reputation for courage and persistence, and - first and last - a Bow Street Runner.

In this, the first of the series, Sir Richard Birnie, the Bow Street magistrate, has appointed Blackstone to guard the heir to the throne, the young Princess Alexandrina Victoria. Among the Runners this is considered an honour but Blackstone feels that it is all a waste of time, even a punishment. Then Blackstone himself is attacked outside his lodgings - and there's something about his assailant that seems oddly familiar…

Reviews:

"A magnificent novel of suspense and adventure, set in nineteenth century London. At stake - the life of the future Queen Victoria."

The Bookseller

"The story is steeped in the atmosphere of the period, and as Blackstone moves among the thieves, cut throats and pickpockets in the taverns and soup kitchens of London the tension mounts. The author brings the underworld and its unsavoury characters to life - the story might be fiction but it could just as easily have been history."

Cork Examiner

"The Bond of the Bow Street Runners."

Southern Evening Echo

"Hot stuff - this Bond from the 19th century."

Daily Express

“I enjoyed this well-paced mystery.”

Vesper Meikle

“I loved this book, a regency mystery featuring Blackstone, one of the best of the Bow Street Runners. Falkirk writes with sophisticated style and wit, capturing the tone of the time, his descriptions lavish but not overextended. Halfway through the book, I realized (with great glee) that Blackstone is a Regency Sam Spade; hot gin and hot women are his sustenance when not chasing down the bad guys with a vengeance and swagger. Twisting arms to get cooperation, seduction for information, always well-armed and ready to fight his way out of a fix.”

Coffee and Ink

“There are a few misdirects along the way and more than enough action. Blackstone is an interesting character. He presents himself as being confident and self-assured but he is constantly second guessing himself. He’ll chastise himself for bragging about his exploits and he’ll dwell on a negative comment from others. Too many of the modern day protagonists have no real flaws or at least any concern about their own actions. Blackstone is the exception. I had a great time with this one.”

Big Bald Books

"Blackstone is elegantly dressed, with a weakness for women and good wine - and he is a crack shot. He is also ruthless and courageous, but above all things he is a Bow Street Runner. This tale proved to be a bestseller in America."

Southern Evening Echo

“A great story featuring Blackstone, one of the best bow street runners.”

Tracy Stewart - Bookseller

“Well written and the action rolls along, building to the inevitable climax.”

Melisende’s Library

“A magnificent novel of suspense and adventure.”

Reading Nook

“London’s sights, sounds and smells are brought vividly to life in this enjoyable romp, as are the characters and Falkirk succeeds in writing a mystery that oozes with authenticity. Making Edmund Blackstone’s acquaintance again has been a pleasure and I’m delighted he’s back in my life!”

Crime Review