
'Gallows Thief' by Bernard Cornwell is a historical fiction novel set in 1817 London, post Napoleonic wars. The story follows Captain Rider Sandman, a Waterloo veteran turned investigator, who is hired to prove the innocence of a man sentenced to hang for a murder he did not commit. Sandman delves into the seamy streets of London, uncovering the flaws in the justice system and racing against time to find the real killer before it's too late. combines elements of murder mystery, social commentary, and historical accuracy to create a thrilling narrative that captures the ambiance of early 19th-century London.
With a writing style akin to Cornwell's Sharpe novels, 'Gallows Thief' presents readers with a well-crafted plot, a likeable protagonist in Sandman, and sturdy supporting characters that add depth to the story. offers a departure from Cornwell's usual battle-heavy narratives, focusing instead on the intricacies of the criminal justice system, the social dynamics of the era, and the moral dilemmas faced by the characters. Through vivid descriptions and engaging storytelling, Cornwell brings Regency England to life, weaving together elements of mystery, historical accuracy, and social commentary into a captivating tale of justice and redemption.
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Content warnings include graphic depictions of executions and themes related to capital punishment.
From The Publisher:
The year is 1820. Rider Sandman, a hero of Waterloo, returns to London to wed his fiancée. But instead of settling down to fame and glory, he finds himself penniless in a country where high unemployment and social unrest rage, and where men-innocent or guilty-are hanged for the merest of crimes.
When he's offered a job as private investigator to re-open the case of a painter due to be hanged for a murder he didn't commit, Sandman readily accepts-as much for the money as for a chance to see justice done in a country gone to ruins.
Soon, however, he's mired in a grisly murder plot that keeps thickening. Sandman makes his way through gentlemen's clubs and shady taverns, aristocratic mansions, and fashionable painters' studios determined to rescue the innocent young man from the rope. But someone doesn't want the truth revealed.
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