To the Dark - (Simon Westow Mystery) by Chris Nickson (Paperback)

About the Book

Leeds, 1822. The body of Laurence Poole, a petty local thief, emerges from the melting snow by the river at Flay Cross Mill. Could a coded notebook found in his room explain what caused his death? Thief-taker Simon Westow's hunt for the truth pits him against some dangerous, powerful enemies who'll happily kill him in a heartbeat - if they can.

Book Synopsis

Winter is about to take a chilling twist... Thief-taker Simon Westow is drawn into a deadly puzzle when the melting snow reveals a dark secret in this gripping historical mystery, perfect for fans of Anne Perry and Charles Finch. Leeds, 1822. The city is in the grip of winter, but the chill deepens for thief-taker Simon Westow and his young assistant, Jane, when the body of Laurence Poole, a petty local thief, emerges from the melting snow by the river at Flay Crow Mill. A coded notebook found in Laurence's room mentions Charlie Harker, the most notorious fence in Leeds who's now running for his life, and the mysterious words: To the dark. What was Laurence hiding that caused his death? Simon's hunt for the truth pits him against some dangerous, powerful enemies who'll happily kill him in a heartbeat - if they can.

Review Quotes

For readers who appreciate realistic historical atmosphere and details of the sometimes grim life in a 19th-century factory town. Fans of Jeri Westerson's "Crispin Guest" series will appreciate the mystery and ambiance-- "Library Journal"

Another cleverly detailed mystery thick with historical atmosphere and nuanced characters-- "Kirkus Reviews"

Another strong entry in a consistently satisfying series. Fine writing, a carefully crafted story, unexpected plot twists, plenty of human interest, and authentic descriptions of life in nineteenth-century Leeds make this a book with broad appeal for mystery fans-- "Booklist"

Beautifully balanced between suspense and action ... the historical background ... as always, engaging, detailed and authentic-- "Joanne Harris, bestselling author of Chocolat, on The Hocus Girl"

Combines multiple twists, vivid descriptions of life in the early nineteenth century, strong characters, and a surprising ending. A perfect read-alike for David Liss' popular series starring another British thief-taker, Benjamin Weaver-- "Booklist on The Hocus Girl"

Outstanding ... Historical mysteries don't get much better than this-- " Publishers Weekly Starred Review of The Hocus Girl"

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"

This historical tour de force reminds readers who come for the mystery that life hasn't changed for the disenfranchised-- "Kirkus Reviews Starred Review of The Hocus Girl"

About the Author

Chris Nickson is the author of eight Tom Harper mysteries and seven highly acclaimed novels in the Richard Nottingham series. He is also a well-known music journalist. He lives in his beloved Leeds.