Them without pain

Set in 1800s Leeds, England, Nickson's Simon Westow series (Scream of Sins, 2024) is a real find for historical-mystery fans. Simon is a respected and proficient "thief-taker"; he's hired, usually by a wealthy citizen, to retrieve stolen articles. His latest case sees him hired by Sir Robert Foley to retrieve four silver cups crafted by Arthur Mangey, who was as famous for being hanged for treason as he was for his silversmithing. Foley claims the cups were stolen by his valet, but as Simon tries to find the man, he realizes he's involved in a case that may just defeat even his considerable skills. Simon's former apprentice, Jane, now retired, agrees to help, even though Simon's new helper, Sally, is already nearly as good--and as ruthless--as Jane at tracking and intimidating suspects, protecting Simon, and unearthing clues. Brimming with Nickson's trademark period details, memorable characters, and realistic portrayal of life in nineteenth-century England--but also filled with frightening twists, bloody violence, suspense, and danger--this may just be Nickson's best Simon Westow book yet.

In 1825, Leeds is industrious, unhealthy, and dangerous for rich and poor alike. Although thief-taker Simon Weston has made a good living for his family and the assistants who've become like family, his latest job puts them all in danger. Simon is hired by Sir Robert Foley to recover four valuable silver cups that are especially precious to his family. Shadowed by his newest assistant, Sally, once a feral child, Simon hears that old buildings are to be destroyed to broaden a street. Something is rumored to be hidden in a secret room in one of those buildings once used by silversmith Arthur Mangey, who was hanged for coin clipping over a century ago. Oddly enough, Sir Robert's cups, which were likely stolen by his valet, were made by Mangey. The secret room turns out to contain the murdered body of valet Thomas Kendall, but no cups. Simon's former assistant Jane left Simon after losing a finger in a knife attack, but she can't leave her past behind. Jane agrees to help Simon by looking for clues in a collection of books and papers owned by a Mangey expert named Armistead. Meanwhile, Simon and Sally check out all the usual suspects, with no luck until Armistead is also murdered. Jane and Sally get their own case when a homeless beggar is almost killed by a man who goes on to murder others in a highly disturbing manner. As the sleuths slowly accumulate clues that point to the cups, Simon finds his most dangerous enemy in himself when he loses his confidence and makes mistakes that could kill him. Well-drawn characters, plentiful historical details, and a real feeling for Leeds in all its gritty glory. Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.