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Sir John Fielding #1
Blind Justice
Now in trade paperback, the very first John Fielding historical mystery.
Falsely charged of theft in 1768 London, thirteen-year-old orphaned printer's apprentice Jeremy Proctor finds his only hope in the legendary Sir John Fielding. Fielding, founder of the Bow Street Runners police force, then recruits young Jeremy in his mission to fight London's most wicked crimes.
Falsely charged of theft in 1768 London, thirteen-year-old orphaned printer's apprentice Jeremy Proctor finds his only hope in the legendary Sir John Fielding. Fielding, founder of the Bow Street Runners police force, then recruits young Jeremy in his mission to fight London's most wicked crimes.
323 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published September 15, 1994
About the author
Bruce Alexander
47 books118 followersPseudonym of American journalist and author Bruce Cook.
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Bruce Alexander Cook (1932–2003) was an American journalist and author who wrote under the pseudonym Bruce Alexander, creating historical novels about a blind 18th century Englishman and also a 20th century Mexican-American detective.
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Bruce Alexander Cook (1932–2003) was an American journalist and author who wrote under the pseudonym Bruce Alexander, creating historical novels about a blind 18th century Englishman and also a 20th century Mexican-American detective.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 294 reviews
January 13, 2023
A mystery lover's mystery!
In 1768, a recently orphaned Jeremy Proctor arrives in London and promptly finds himself in the dock facing false charges of theft under the gavel of the blind magistrate, Sir John Fielding. The justice, wisdom and perspicacity of Sir John prevails and Jeremy, cleared of all charges, finds himself, despite his youth, in the enviable position of assisting Sir John in investigating the details of the messy suicide of a member of the House of Lords, Sir Richard Goodhope.
BLIND JUSTICE is a mystery lover's mystery. Anybody who enjoys a classic mystery with that time-honoured formula ending that places all of the characters into a single room for the explosive climactic finish in which the canny sleuth reveals the grim details of the crime to all and sundry will howl with delight at Alexander's debut to what will prove to be an enduring, exciting series. Despite having much in common with the puzzles of Agatha Christie and her calm, gentle approach to their solution, this locked room head-scratcher will also appeal to grittier, more contemporary readers as it takes a peek under the covers of every stratum of Georgian England society - the slums, the prisons, the docks, pubs, the theater, outdoor markets, upstairs, downstairs, the courts, gaming houses, bordellos, the street walkers, the pickpockets, scamps, cut-purses and thieves.
Alexander's brilliant characterizations, his often humorous and always vivid dialogue, and atmospheric descriptions of an astonishingly wide variety of colourful settings bring Georgian England to life in an easy-reading eminently enjoyable historical mystery. Two thumbs up!
Paul Weiss
In 1768, a recently orphaned Jeremy Proctor arrives in London and promptly finds himself in the dock facing false charges of theft under the gavel of the blind magistrate, Sir John Fielding. The justice, wisdom and perspicacity of Sir John prevails and Jeremy, cleared of all charges, finds himself, despite his youth, in the enviable position of assisting Sir John in investigating the details of the messy suicide of a member of the House of Lords, Sir Richard Goodhope.
BLIND JUSTICE is a mystery lover's mystery. Anybody who enjoys a classic mystery with that time-honoured formula ending that places all of the characters into a single room for the explosive climactic finish in which the canny sleuth reveals the grim details of the crime to all and sundry will howl with delight at Alexander's debut to what will prove to be an enduring, exciting series. Despite having much in common with the puzzles of Agatha Christie and her calm, gentle approach to their solution, this locked room head-scratcher will also appeal to grittier, more contemporary readers as it takes a peek under the covers of every stratum of Georgian England society - the slums, the prisons, the docks, pubs, the theater, outdoor markets, upstairs, downstairs, the courts, gaming houses, bordellos, the street walkers, the pickpockets, scamps, cut-purses and thieves.
Alexander's brilliant characterizations, his often humorous and always vivid dialogue, and atmospheric descriptions of an astonishingly wide variety of colourful settings bring Georgian England to life in an easy-reading eminently enjoyable historical mystery. Two thumbs up!
Paul Weiss
November 8, 2017
A delightful historical mystery! The main character, Sir John Fielding was half brother to Henry Fielding who wrote the brilliant The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling and this book is written in a Fielding type style. Old fashioned but still easy to read.
Set in London in 1768 the book is busy with prostitutes, gamblers and street thieves. We visit Newgate Jail and Bow Street Court where Sir John deals out justice on criminals caught by the Bow Street Runners. I love all this historical stuff!
Then of course there is the mystery which is written a bit like an Agatha Christie novel with lots of clues for us to follow, a few red herrings along the way and finally a gathering of all the important parties where the truth is slowly revealed. I was not smart enough to predict the clever twist at the end.
I thoroughly enjoyed this and have already ordered the next book.
Set in London in 1768 the book is busy with prostitutes, gamblers and street thieves. We visit Newgate Jail and Bow Street Court where Sir John deals out justice on criminals caught by the Bow Street Runners. I love all this historical stuff!
Then of course there is the mystery which is written a bit like an Agatha Christie novel with lots of clues for us to follow, a few red herrings along the way and finally a gathering of all the important parties where the truth is slowly revealed. I was not smart enough to predict the clever twist at the end.
I thoroughly enjoyed this and have already ordered the next book.
August 22, 2023
This murder mystery follows along the same line as an Agatha Christie novel, but it takes place in 1768 London.
The two protagonists are a blind magistrate of the London Court system and his 13-year-old charge whom he saved from a false accusation case. The boy also serves as the narrator of the story - a locked room caper.
I really enjoyed this one as it wasn't overloaded with red herrings.
It's the first of a series and worthy of a look at the second installment.
The two protagonists are a blind magistrate of the London Court system and his 13-year-old charge whom he saved from a false accusation case. The boy also serves as the narrator of the story - a locked room caper.
I really enjoyed this one as it wasn't overloaded with red herrings.
It's the first of a series and worthy of a look at the second installment.
September 16, 2012
My daughter and I have read all of the Sir John Fielding novels and were heartbroken when we heard that Bruce Alexander had died. Read all of them, in order, and you will be so happy.
Another series of books that are somewhat similar are the Sebastian St. Cyr novels by C.S. Harris. Again, a series that needs to be read in order.
Still yet another series that you will enjoy of this type are the Lady Julia Grey books (Silent as the Grave) etc. by Deanna Raybourn are fabulous.
Whew! all of these wonderful books have just popped into my mind. You will love them all.
Another series of books that are somewhat similar are the Sebastian St. Cyr novels by C.S. Harris. Again, a series that needs to be read in order.
Still yet another series that you will enjoy of this type are the Lady Julia Grey books (Silent as the Grave) etc. by Deanna Raybourn are fabulous.
Whew! all of these wonderful books have just popped into my mind. You will love them all.
December 18, 2023
Una obra realmente magnífica. Te demuestra las verdaderas cualidades que tiene un juez, a pesar de que sea ciego. Este logra darse cuenta tan solo con el análisis de las palabras y el tono de voz de los involucrados quién es inocente y quién es culpable.
January 3, 2022
Sir John Fielding was a real person. As factually represented in this novel and series, he was blind and the magistrate of Bow Street. He was also the older half-brother of novelist Henry Fielding of The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling fame. Henry Fielding proposed a constabulary for the district, but died before it could be implemented. Sir John carried through with the idea. Obviously, I found this background fascinating to my reading of this novel.
Jeremy Proctor, first person narrator and the other major character, was not a real person. At the age of 13 he was orphaned. Jeremy's father had been a printer and Jeremy was learning the trade. Unusual for the time, he had also been fairly well educated at home. After making his way to London, Jeremy was scammed into delivering a package "for a shilling", and in the process was accused of petty theft. He was brought before Magistrate John Fielding. Fielding found the accusers were lying and Proctor not guilty. Intending it as temporary, he took Jeremy into his own custody, but before he could find a more permanent situation for him, he was drawn into a horrendous crime.
I was drawn into this from the first sentence. The prose is reminiscent of the 18th century, but only reminiscent and not truly 18th Century writing. I thought this enhanced the setting. The first night at Sir John's, Jeremy found himself in the attic with a portion of Henry Fielding's library.
Jeremy Proctor, first person narrator and the other major character, was not a real person. At the age of 13 he was orphaned. Jeremy's father had been a printer and Jeremy was learning the trade. Unusual for the time, he had also been fairly well educated at home. After making his way to London, Jeremy was scammed into delivering a package "for a shilling", and in the process was accused of petty theft. He was brought before Magistrate John Fielding. Fielding found the accusers were lying and Proctor not guilty. Intending it as temporary, he took Jeremy into his own custody, but before he could find a more permanent situation for him, he was drawn into a horrendous crime.
I was drawn into this from the first sentence. The prose is reminiscent of the 18th century, but only reminiscent and not truly 18th Century writing. I thought this enhanced the setting. The first night at Sir John's, Jeremy found himself in the attic with a portion of Henry Fielding's library.
I ran my hands over their spines, twisting my head to and fro to read their titles. They were of all sorts - histories, geographies, personal narratives of distant voyages, romances, books of verse and all manner of science. It might have suggested to me then, had I but known the identify and fame of Sir John's late brother, the extent and interest of his wide-ranging intelligence. A man can be known by his library better than by his house or dress.The characterizations of Sir John Fielding and Jeremy Proctor are excellent. The time period and setting were enhanced not just by the writing style, but also by the named supporting characters. I look forward to continuing this series. Is it worth the 5-stars I'll give it? Obviously I think so, but I'll admit it's probably toward the bottom of that group.
June 9, 2009
Blind Justice(Hist-Jeremy/John Fielding-London-Georgian) - VG
Alexander, Bruce - 1st in series
Putnam, 2005, US Hardcover
I am fascinated by books about the Bow Street Runners and early police procedures in England. Alexander has clearly done his research as his book is rich with detail of life in Georgian England. His characters are wonderful and Jeremy very well drawn. I shall definitely be reading more of this series.
Alexander, Bruce - 1st in series
Putnam, 2005, US Hardcover
I am fascinated by books about the Bow Street Runners and early police procedures in England. Alexander has clearly done his research as his book is rich with detail of life in Georgian England. His characters are wonderful and Jeremy very well drawn. I shall definitely be reading more of this series.
March 22, 2015
I was pleasantly surprised at this one--usually an era I'm not interested in. This was the first volume in an enjoyable mystery series, with Sir John Fielding, 18th century blind magistrate and founder of the Bow Street Runners, and his "helper", 13-year-old Jeremy Proctor, who narrates the cases. This is a classic "locked room" mystery, with the revelation of the villain revealed in Sir John's gathering all the suspects together in the same room.
Lord Goodhope commits suicide, but Jeremy's notice of the appearance of his hands reveal that it has been a murder--doubly so, first by gunshot; a doctor's autopsy suspects the presence of poison by the lord's discolored tongue then the examination of the body itself reveals it. Sir John and Jeremy investigate. Sir John's mind is a steel trap. His other senses are highly developed to compensate for his blindness; the man is astute, as well as fair and just.
I liked the faux 18th century language used in the narration; I got a flavor of the way folks might have spoken back then, but it was uncomplicated and not flowery. The chain of motivations leading to the solution did seem implausible at times. I'd like to read other volumes in the series. Highly recommended.
Lord Goodhope commits suicide, but Jeremy's notice of the appearance of his hands reveal that it has been a murder--doubly so, first by gunshot; a doctor's autopsy suspects the presence of poison by the lord's discolored tongue then the examination of the body itself reveals it. Sir John and Jeremy investigate. Sir John's mind is a steel trap. His other senses are highly developed to compensate for his blindness; the man is astute, as well as fair and just.
I liked the faux 18th century language used in the narration; I got a flavor of the way folks might have spoken back then, but it was uncomplicated and not flowery. The chain of motivations leading to the solution did seem implausible at times. I'd like to read other volumes in the series. Highly recommended.
August 13, 2015
A very good first entry in the Sir John Fielding Mystery Series. Based on the Historical figure who began the forerunner of the London police department, this series alleges to follow some of the trials of this blind London Magistrate. It is a very interesting premise, and this first book sets up Sir John as a kindly, beloved and yet authoritative figure, one who takes the narrator of the series into his home after he was falsely accused of theft. Set in the mid-1700's this is a fascinating period of time and the author has done enough research so that you really get a feeling for the time period. This first case is an enjoyable mystery dealing with the death of a member of the House of Lords. The plot is interesting with enough twists and turns to keep the reader guessing as to how Lord Goodhope met his demise. The narrator at this point of the series is 13-year old Jeremy Proctor and that fact helps enhance the mystery and the plot since young Jeremy had just arrived in London when accused of theft. The case is seen through the eyes of the 13-year old, even though the narrator "writes" these tales as an old gentleman. Well done, and already have the next two in the series. I can already tell that I will wish there were more than 11 books in the series!
February 1, 2020
I started this new-to-me series on the recommendations of several friends, and I really enjoyed it. The basic premise involves a young orphan, newly arrived in London, being brought before the magistrate on what was a scam. However, the magistrate, Sir John Fielding, sees right through the plot and after freeing young Jeremy Proctor, takes him into his home until an apprenticeship can be found for him.
I did not know much about the real Sir John Fielding, but he is so vividly described here in the novel that I found myself researching him after I finished reading the book. The author mentions his role in founding the Bow Street Runners, as well as his blindness resulting from an accident in the Navy. Both of these facts are well-used throughout the story, as Jeremy finds himself essentially being trained to serve as Fielding's observer in an investigation.
Much of the story focuses on Fielding and Jeremy's investigation of what appears at first to be the suicide of a dissolute aristocrat. However, Jeremy's observations soon convince Fielding that this is murder instead of suicide and the two find themselves trying to unravel a most tricky locked room mystery. There are plenty of people who had motive to want the victim gone, but difficult to see how any one of them could have accomplished the deed.
The mystery certainly held my interest. However, much of what I loved about this story came from the narration. The story is told in first person by Jeremy Proctor, some decades after the events took place. His ability to observe small but important details shows through in the story, as does a certain amount of compassion for those he observes. His developing friendship with Fielding and the various members of the household made me enjoy the time I spent in the world of this book, and I know I will visit again.
I did not know much about the real Sir John Fielding, but he is so vividly described here in the novel that I found myself researching him after I finished reading the book. The author mentions his role in founding the Bow Street Runners, as well as his blindness resulting from an accident in the Navy. Both of these facts are well-used throughout the story, as Jeremy finds himself essentially being trained to serve as Fielding's observer in an investigation.
Much of the story focuses on Fielding and Jeremy's investigation of what appears at first to be the suicide of a dissolute aristocrat. However, Jeremy's observations soon convince Fielding that this is murder instead of suicide and the two find themselves trying to unravel a most tricky locked room mystery. There are plenty of people who had motive to want the victim gone, but difficult to see how any one of them could have accomplished the deed.
The mystery certainly held my interest. However, much of what I loved about this story came from the narration. The story is told in first person by Jeremy Proctor, some decades after the events took place. His ability to observe small but important details shows through in the story, as does a certain amount of compassion for those he observes. His developing friendship with Fielding and the various members of the household made me enjoy the time I spent in the world of this book, and I know I will visit again.
August 22, 2019
Actual rating: 3.5 stars
July 28, 2019
Alexander has written a mystery featuring a real historical figure. Sir John Fielding was a celebrated magistrate in 18th century London. Blinded in a navy accident, he presided over the Bow Street Court, and was known for his ability to recognize criminals by the sound of their voices. He was also instrumental in founding London’s first professional police force, the Bow Street Runners.
Alexander’s novel relies on a young narrator. Thirteen-year-old Jeremy Proctor is an orphan who arrives in London and is the victim of scam artist who makes a living “catching thieves.” Sir John sees through the plot and offers to help Jeremy find a suitable position. But a “locked room” murder demands immediate attention, and Jeremy proves his worth as an assistant to Sir John.
I loved the characters in this book, and found myself looking up various references to real people to get more back story. Alexander paints a vivid picture of 18th century London and the many injustices that her poor endured. Jeremy is a wonderful narrator – intelligent, studious, dedicated, eager to please, and observant. The supporting cast is top notch, especially: Mr Bailey, one of the constables in the Bow Street Runners; Mrs Gredge, the housekeeper; and Mr Donnelly, an Irish surgeon. There are several suspects and a few twists that keep the reader guessing.
I’ll read more of this series.
Alexander’s novel relies on a young narrator. Thirteen-year-old Jeremy Proctor is an orphan who arrives in London and is the victim of scam artist who makes a living “catching thieves.” Sir John sees through the plot and offers to help Jeremy find a suitable position. But a “locked room” murder demands immediate attention, and Jeremy proves his worth as an assistant to Sir John.
I loved the characters in this book, and found myself looking up various references to real people to get more back story. Alexander paints a vivid picture of 18th century London and the many injustices that her poor endured. Jeremy is a wonderful narrator – intelligent, studious, dedicated, eager to please, and observant. The supporting cast is top notch, especially: Mr Bailey, one of the constables in the Bow Street Runners; Mrs Gredge, the housekeeper; and Mr Donnelly, an Irish surgeon. There are several suspects and a few twists that keep the reader guessing.
I’ll read more of this series.
March 2, 2010
I would really give this book 3.5 stars. It was an intriguing mystery told from the viewpoint of a character recounting his experience with a blind magistrate, Sir John Fielding. Historically, Fielding is one of the men who started the Bow Street Runners and was the half-brother of Henry Fielding, novelist. At the start Jeremy Proctor, the narrator, is 13 and just come to London after the loss of both parents. He is brought before Sir John on false charges of theft, which Sir John recognizes and quickly frees Jeremy. Having nowhere to go, Sir John puts him up in his attic room and then ends up using him to help with the investigation into the gruesome death of Lord Goodhope. Sir John may be blind, but his other senses are very sharp and his memory is long. It had an fun mix of characters from all over London and the "traditional" solving of the mystery by bringing all the main characters together to reveal the real villain. Reminded of my Nero Wolfe reads. Hard to find the rest of the books, but I will try. I enjoyed the characters and would like to read more of them.
October 20, 2017
4.5 stars. I'll be reading this whole series. I thoroughly enjoy well written historical mysteries, and that fits that niche perfectly!
London, 1768
London, 1768
Want to read
October 9, 2019Synopsis: in 1768, thirteen-year-old Jeremy is falsely charged with theft; he turns to Sir John Fielding and his putative police force.
October 21, 2010
Sir John Fielding was the half brother of British novelist, Henry Fielding. Together they started the first London police force known as the Bow Street Runners. After Henry's death, John took over as the Bow Street Magistrate. His ability to discern truth and learn the facts of crimes was extraordinary given that he was blinded in an accident in the Navy when he was 19. Bruce Alexander wrote 11 fiction novels in which the historical figure of Sir John is the protagonist. Blind Justice is the first volume of the series. I am looking forward to reading the others as well.
The narrator of the story is a 13 year old by the name of Jeremy Proctor who finds himself standing before the famous magistrate after he is accused of a theft he didn't commit. Sir John dismisses the charges against Jeremy but at the same time brings him under the custody of the court. While trying to sort out Jeremy's future Sir John is called to investigate a death. In the course of gathering information the extremely observant Jeremy proves useful as a pair of eyes for Sir John when needed and helps during the rest of the investigation.
The mystery is an interesting puzzle though not tricky or surprising. The plot unfolded in a way that was never boring. The characters are memorable, some for being rather stereotypical of the time period. The two things that made the book a great read for me were the historical integrity of the novel and Jeremy's voice.
Georgian London is represented in all its glory and grit from the upper class to the Covent Garden prostitutes and everything in between. The job the Magistrate and the Bow Street Runners had before them is shown clearly through the eyes of the innocent country boy Jeremy. The historical figures who make appearances in the novel are not trifled with. They remain true to the historical accounts of their lives with no embellishment. This is true of the ones who are merely small players and of Sir John, who is the main protagonist. I found the book to be a clear window on what life in London at the time was like.
Jeremy is a newcomer to London so seeing the world through his eyes allows even those not well versed in London history to gain a clear picture of what it was like. The novel is written very much in the style of the times so it reads like something Henry Fielding himself might have written. Jeremy's story reads genuine as a result. I found this made it easier to get caught up in the time period even more. I also enjoyed Jeremy's observations on the world around him and is innocent obliviousness to many things was amusing.
The narrator of the story is a 13 year old by the name of Jeremy Proctor who finds himself standing before the famous magistrate after he is accused of a theft he didn't commit. Sir John dismisses the charges against Jeremy but at the same time brings him under the custody of the court. While trying to sort out Jeremy's future Sir John is called to investigate a death. In the course of gathering information the extremely observant Jeremy proves useful as a pair of eyes for Sir John when needed and helps during the rest of the investigation.
The mystery is an interesting puzzle though not tricky or surprising. The plot unfolded in a way that was never boring. The characters are memorable, some for being rather stereotypical of the time period. The two things that made the book a great read for me were the historical integrity of the novel and Jeremy's voice.
Georgian London is represented in all its glory and grit from the upper class to the Covent Garden prostitutes and everything in between. The job the Magistrate and the Bow Street Runners had before them is shown clearly through the eyes of the innocent country boy Jeremy. The historical figures who make appearances in the novel are not trifled with. They remain true to the historical accounts of their lives with no embellishment. This is true of the ones who are merely small players and of Sir John, who is the main protagonist. I found the book to be a clear window on what life in London at the time was like.
Jeremy is a newcomer to London so seeing the world through his eyes allows even those not well versed in London history to gain a clear picture of what it was like. The novel is written very much in the style of the times so it reads like something Henry Fielding himself might have written. Jeremy's story reads genuine as a result. I found this made it easier to get caught up in the time period even more. I also enjoyed Jeremy's observations on the world around him and is innocent obliviousness to many things was amusing.
May 24, 2013
Although I missed Bruce Alexander's mystery series first time around, a friend of mine highly recommended it (Thanks Mary!). I was not disappointed; it is certainly one of the better historical mystery series I have read in the past 20 years. The series depicts London of the 1700s in a descriptive manner reminiscent of Dickens; the strong descriptive writing giving us the sights and sounds of 1700 London: the thieves, pickpockets, outdoor markets, the street walkers, people from various classes, gaming houses, bordellos, pubs, the theater, the slums, the prisons, and , of course, the courts. I will be reading more of this series - and soon.
Our central character is Sir John Fielding; while serving in the Royal Navy, he was blinded at the age of 19. Despite this handicap, he became a magistrate of the court and was the founder of London's police force - the Bow Street Runners. Our narrator, on the other hand, is a thirteen-year-old orphan, Jeremy Proctor. Jeremy is falsely arrested shortly after arriving in London by some con men who set him up. He is tried in Sir John's court, Sir John "saw" through the charade as he recognized the voices of those charging Jeremy. He frees the boy and takes Jeremy under his wing, intending to find the boy an apprenticeship in printing such as Jeremy's father was.
"Blind Justice" is the first in Bruce Alexander's mystery series. Here Sir John investigates the death of the wealthy Lord Goodhope. In the vein of the great "locked door" mysteries, Goodhope was discovered behind the locked door of his library, shot through the head with the gun at his feet. At first, it appears that it must be a suicide; however, young Jeremy notices a clue that says otherwise - murder. Although it sounds like the plot may be a bit cliché, near the end of the story, Sir John gathers all together to create a climactic denouement as the shocking solution to the crime is revealed.
If you enjoy historical mysteries, then I strongly recommend "Blind Justice." Alexander's characterizations are exceptional; he creates characters that the reader will actually care about. His ear for dialogue and his descriptive ability makes London street life come alive. I will be returning to London of the 1700's soon by reading the "Murder in Grub Street" - the second in the series.
Our central character is Sir John Fielding; while serving in the Royal Navy, he was blinded at the age of 19. Despite this handicap, he became a magistrate of the court and was the founder of London's police force - the Bow Street Runners. Our narrator, on the other hand, is a thirteen-year-old orphan, Jeremy Proctor. Jeremy is falsely arrested shortly after arriving in London by some con men who set him up. He is tried in Sir John's court, Sir John "saw" through the charade as he recognized the voices of those charging Jeremy. He frees the boy and takes Jeremy under his wing, intending to find the boy an apprenticeship in printing such as Jeremy's father was.
"Blind Justice" is the first in Bruce Alexander's mystery series. Here Sir John investigates the death of the wealthy Lord Goodhope. In the vein of the great "locked door" mysteries, Goodhope was discovered behind the locked door of his library, shot through the head with the gun at his feet. At first, it appears that it must be a suicide; however, young Jeremy notices a clue that says otherwise - murder. Although it sounds like the plot may be a bit cliché, near the end of the story, Sir John gathers all together to create a climactic denouement as the shocking solution to the crime is revealed.
If you enjoy historical mysteries, then I strongly recommend "Blind Justice." Alexander's characterizations are exceptional; he creates characters that the reader will actually care about. His ear for dialogue and his descriptive ability makes London street life come alive. I will be returning to London of the 1700's soon by reading the "Murder in Grub Street" - the second in the series.
March 30, 2018
I truly enjoyed this book. Great characters in Sir John Fielding and young Jeremy. The setting was well established and the historical aspects interesting. The mystery was good. I kinda figured it out but that didn't damper the pleasure of the read. Secondary characters were also interesting and well drawn. My only discomfort with the novel was the treatment of several of the women. Although I am aware that historically women, especially of the underclass, had very little protection from sexual predators-it still pained me to see the male counterparts just tsk tsk such treatment. That said I am looking forward to ordering the next book.
June 16, 2020
2020 reread: I had forgotten how much I enjoy this series! Even though I remembered the plot fairly well, it was still a lot of fun.
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Alexander's Sir John Fielding series combines two of my favorite genres - mysteries and historical fiction from the Regency era. I enjoyed the first person narrative, reminiscent of Watson's chronicles of Sherlock Holmes. The historical aspects were well researched and the mystery plot was skillfully crafted.
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Alexander's Sir John Fielding series combines two of my favorite genres - mysteries and historical fiction from the Regency era. I enjoyed the first person narrative, reminiscent of Watson's chronicles of Sherlock Holmes. The historical aspects were well researched and the mystery plot was skillfully crafted.
December 8, 2016
This is the 3rd time I've read this book, and it just keeps on being one of my all time favorite books (12-7-16)
March 17, 2022
I was already intrigued when I first heard the premise of this book -- that it's a historical mystery featuring a blind magistrate as the detective. I was even more intrigued when, upon finally picking it up, I googled and found that Sir John Fielding was an actual historical person, brother of the novelist Henry Fielding and with him co-creator of the Bow Street Runners.
The language has enough flavor of the era (the book is set in 1768) to feel suitable without so much that it slowed me down reading and enjoying it. I've read CJ Sansom's Tudor mysteries, and I've recently read a number of Regency romances and Victorian and later English historicals. This was my first British-set book of this particular era and it's interesting to see how different it is from the Regency, which was only two generations later.
I found the narrator, young Jeremy Proctor, likeable and engaging. Sir John is clever and wise, dispensing justice tempered with mercy. It was fun to see some actual historical figures take minor parts in the story -- James Boswell, Samuel Johnson, and David Garrick in particular.
The mystery is well constructed, clues are placed fairly before the reader, and the full solution surprised me in multiple respects.
This has been on my TBR for a long time, and I'm glad I finally read it -- I'll definitely be seeking out the next book in the series.
The language has enough flavor of the era (the book is set in 1768) to feel suitable without so much that it slowed me down reading and enjoying it. I've read CJ Sansom's Tudor mysteries, and I've recently read a number of Regency romances and Victorian and later English historicals. This was my first British-set book of this particular era and it's interesting to see how different it is from the Regency, which was only two generations later.
I found the narrator, young Jeremy Proctor, likeable and engaging. Sir John is clever and wise, dispensing justice tempered with mercy. It was fun to see some actual historical figures take minor parts in the story -- James Boswell, Samuel Johnson, and David Garrick in particular.
The mystery is well constructed, clues are placed fairly before the reader, and the full solution surprised me in multiple respects.
This has been on my TBR for a long time, and I'm glad I finally read it -- I'll definitely be seeking out the next book in the series.
June 18, 2020
This was a fine mystery and the characters (some based on historical figures) were interesting, some humorous, others duplicitous. The premise of setting a murder mystery in 18th century London is quite a compelling one. This affords Alexander an opportunity to offer some historical context as well as to weave the dastardly tale. I was able to figure out one part of the mystery and that always gives me pleasure. The tale is layered, though, and in some of them I came up woefully short. This is a quick read and quite entertaining, the vocabulary and dialogue definitely a step up from modern mysteries.
January 7, 2023
Jeremy Proctor is a fictional character to the historic Sir John Fielding, an English blind magistrate of the mid 1700's. Orphan Jeremy is taken in by Sir John after having appeared before him in court. Sir John had correctly discerned that there was no case against 13 year old Jeremy. While attempting to find a proper home for Jeremy to pursue his printing trade, Sir John is called to investigate the apparent suicide of Lord Richard Goodhope. Jeremy is taken along and is able to be Sir John’s eyes in the investigation. The case is recounted by Jeremy in first person years later in memory of Sir John.
I've wanted to read this for a number of years. For Christmas, I was given a paperback copy. Being between books, I started it right away and could hardly put it down. The period writing style took a bit of getting used to but it fits completely with the way the story is told. The case kept me guessing right up to the end. I will definitely go on with the next of the series.
I've wanted to read this for a number of years. For Christmas, I was given a paperback copy. Being between books, I started it right away and could hardly put it down. The period writing style took a bit of getting used to but it fits completely with the way the story is told. The case kept me guessing right up to the end. I will definitely go on with the next of the series.
October 27, 2020
An intricate tale of murder, deception and brutality. Set in the 1800 in England there is no formal police and each local court seems to be its own investigative service. Interesting look at the times.
October 22, 2018
Great storytelling, great characters and a great atmosphere of the era created by the author 👍🏻
Really enjoyed it....I’ll be on to book 2 very soon 👍🏻😁
Really enjoyed it....I’ll be on to book 2 very soon 👍🏻😁
January 6, 2024
I read Tom Jones in 2023 and enjoyed it, so when Cindy mentioned this mystery series featuring Henry Fieldings real life blind half brother, I knew I had to check it out.
April 27, 2017
Thanks Stacie Haden for bringing me back to this series.
April 29, 2018
very fun little murder mystery!
July 27, 2021
Wow! I was guessing who dunit til the end. Great setting in London during the days of the Bow St Runners. I felt like the author lived there. And the plot--was ACE.
December 22, 2016
In 1768, thirteen year old orphan Jeremy Proctor arrives in London, to be immediately framed for theft and hauled up before a legendary magistrate: the blind man, Sir John Fielding, brother of Henry Fielding (author of Tom Jones), and inheritor of the system of policing set up by Henry at Bow Street: the Bow Street Runners. Within a couple of days, Jeremy finds himself a part of Sir John Fielding’s household, and helping the magistrate investigate the gruesome suicide—or is it murder?—of a debauched and hugely in debt nobleman called Lord Goodhope.
I found Blind Justice thoroughly engrossing. Its pace is excellent, and Bruce Alexander’s way of bringing to life London in the late 18th century—the theatre at Drury Lane, the courts at Bow Street, Newgate Prison, Covent Gardens, a gaming hall—is admirable. The occasional actual historical figure—Dr Samuel Johnson, his friend James Boswell, the actor David Garrick, and of course, John Fielding himself—make for interesting ‘wow!’ moments, but as much as these, I liked the little details: the ditties sung by vendors advertising their wares, the food eaten, the social customs, the system of law and order… all make for a good insight into England (and specifically London) in the 1700s.
Besides that, Sir John Fielding makes for a fine detective (and that blindness is an interesting handicap—or not—for a detective to possess); plus, Jeremy Proctor makes for a good adolescent Watson to his Holmes. The mystery is intriguing and Fielding’s solving of it clever (I liked, too, that most of the clues are there in full view, not completely hidden away, so it allows the observant reader to actually try to solve the mystery on their own).
Definitely worth a read if you're at all fond of reading historical detective fiction. I'm looking forward to reading the rest of this series.
I found Blind Justice thoroughly engrossing. Its pace is excellent, and Bruce Alexander’s way of bringing to life London in the late 18th century—the theatre at Drury Lane, the courts at Bow Street, Newgate Prison, Covent Gardens, a gaming hall—is admirable. The occasional actual historical figure—Dr Samuel Johnson, his friend James Boswell, the actor David Garrick, and of course, John Fielding himself—make for interesting ‘wow!’ moments, but as much as these, I liked the little details: the ditties sung by vendors advertising their wares, the food eaten, the social customs, the system of law and order… all make for a good insight into England (and specifically London) in the 1700s.
Besides that, Sir John Fielding makes for a fine detective (and that blindness is an interesting handicap—or not—for a detective to possess); plus, Jeremy Proctor makes for a good adolescent Watson to his Holmes. The mystery is intriguing and Fielding’s solving of it clever (I liked, too, that most of the clues are there in full view, not completely hidden away, so it allows the observant reader to actually try to solve the mystery on their own).
Definitely worth a read if you're at all fond of reading historical detective fiction. I'm looking forward to reading the rest of this series.
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