The Blood Covenant - (Simon Westow Mystery) by Chris Nickson (Hardcover)

About the Book

Leeds. November, 1823. After hearing about the brutal deaths of two young boys, thief-taker Simon Westow's painful memories of his childhood reawaken. Unable to sleep, he goes for a walk - and stumbles upon a body being pulled from the river. Simon is drawn into investigating the deaths, but the pursuit of the truth takes him down a dangerous path.

Book Synopsis

The brutal deaths of two young boys and a young man connected to a mill in Leeds propel thief-taker Simon Westow into a disturbing, twisty mystery that recalls his own traumatic past.

"Nickson does a superb job using the grim living and working conditions for the city's poor as a backdrop for a memorable and affecting plot. James Ellroy fans will be enthralled" - Publishers Weekly Starred Review

Leeds. November, 1823. When a doctor from the infirmary tells thief-taker Simon Westow about the brutal deaths of two young boys at the hands of a mill overseer, Simon's painful memories of his childhood reawaken. Unable to sleep, he goes for a walk - and stumbles upon the body of a young man being pulled from the river.

Simon and his assistant, Jane, are drawn into investigating the deaths, seeking a measure of justice for the powerless dead. But the pursuit of the truth takes them down a dangerous and deadly path. Can they overcome a powerful enemy who knows he stands above the law in Leeds - and the shadowy figure that stands behind him?

From the Back Cover

CHRIS NICKSON THE BLOOD COVENANT Leeds. November, 1823. When a doctor from the infirmary tells thief-taker Simon Westow about the brutal deaths of two young boys at the hands of a mill overseer, Simon's painful memories of his childhood reawaken. Unable to sleep, he goes for a walk - and stumbles upon the body of a young man being pulled from the river. Simon and his assistant, Jane, are drawn into investigating the deaths, seeking a measure of justice for the powerless dead. But the pursuit of the truth takes them on a dangerous and deadly path. Can they overcome a powerful enemy who knows he stands above the law in Leeds - and the shadowy figure that stands behind him?

Review Quotes

'Nickson does a superb job using the grim living and working conditions for the city's poor as a backdrop for a memorable and affecting plot. James Ellroy fans will be enthralled' - Publishers Weekly Starred Review

'A gritty tale of perseverance, cruelty, rage, and redemption not for the faint of heart' - Kirkus Reviews

'A fine choice for fans of British historical mysteries' - Booklist

'Superior ... The whodunit is enhanced by a grim portrait of life on the streets, embodied in a homeless child whom Jane befriends. Nickson again demonstrates mastery of the historical mystery' - Publishers Weekly Starred Review of To the Dark

'Another cleverly detailed mystery thick with historical atmosphere and nuanced characters'

- Kirkus Reviews on To the Dark

About the Author

Chris Nickson is the author of nine Tom Harper mysteries and seven highly acclaimed novels in the Richard Nottingham series. The Blood Covenant is the fourth title in the Simon Westow series. He is also a well-known music journalist. He lives in his beloved Leeds.