Absolutely riveting and fascinating in equal measure, the author seamlessly merges a fictional thrilling quest within the history of India and the East India Company during the mid 19th century. It’s a joy to read the interplay between the two main protagonists; Blake is a disenchanted maverick of a man and while the naive Avery initially flounders, he steadily gains credibility. This is an action packed galloping good yarn, yet the author has the wonderful ability to paint a vividly bright picture of the background and times without slowing the stimulating story. Some of the characters in this book actually existed and the historical afterword explaining their background is an interesting read in its own right and adds to the authenticity. Knowing that Blake and Avery are set to return in ‘The Infidel Stain’ is a satisfying consolation when you reach the end, as you’re nowhere near ready to say goodbye to this fabulously captivating duo.
Books in The Blake and Avery Mystery Series:
1. The Strangler Vine
| Primary Genre | Crime and Mystery |
| Other Genres: | |
| Recommendations: |
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Calcutta 1837. The East India Company rules India - or most of it; and its most notorious and celebrated son, Xavier Mountstuart, has gone missing. William Avery, a down-at-heel junior officer in the Company's army, is sent to find him, in the unlikely company of the enigmatic and uncouth Jeremiah Blake. A more mismatched duo couldn't be imagined, but they must bury their differences as they are caught up in a search that turns up too many unanswered questions and seems bound to end in failure. What was it that so captivated Mountstuart about the Thugs, the murderous sect of Kali-worshippers who strangle innocent travellers by the roadside? Who is Jeremiah Blake and can he be trusted? And why is the whole enterprise shrouded in such secrecy? In the dark heart of Company India, Avery will have to fight for his very life, and in defence of a truth he will wish he had never learned.
The Strangler Vine features in the following genres: Crime and Mystery, eBooks of the Month, Historical Fiction, Thriller and Suspense, Fiction, Recommendations
The Strangler Vine is available in Paperback, Hardback
The Strangler Vine was written by M. J. Carter and published by Penguin Books Ltd
The Strangler Vine has 352 pages
Yes it is part of The Blake and Avery Mystery Series series
£15.29
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