"Slavery and the very nature of evil is explored in this superbly plotted and thought-provoking novel."
A tremendously provocative yet entertaining historical crime thriller set in 1728, it’s worth noting that while this takes a journey through some very dark places, a light touch is on hand when needed. Thomas and Kitty find themselves in the happiest of times, until they discover that someone wants Thomas dead. I’ve always loved this series, which began with Crime Writers' Association Historical Dagger award winning The Devil in the Marshalsea, and it has progressed with such vivid intensity. While I recommend starting at the beginning, you can actually read these as standalone novels. Thomas and Kitty definitely deserve double billing, each ensures a balance is maintained and allows the plot to really sing (and occasionally glower and smirk). Antonia Hodgson not only encourages us to see and feel the times, she also shows the difficulties that humankind still fall foul of to this day. We really don’t learn do we! Exploring love, friendship, revenge, and the very nature of evil itself, the ending sliced through my thoughts and stayed with me for some time. You can feel the research behind the story, and I delved into her historical notes at the end. The Silver Collar is a cracking and thought-provoking read, and comes as highly recommended in my Liz Robinson Picks of the Month.
If you enjoyed Andrew Taylor’s James Marwood and Cat Lovett series which started with The Ashes of London set in 1666 and The Jackdaw Mysteries Series by S. W. Perry which began with The Angel's Mark set in 1570 then you should most definitely check out The Thomas Hawkins Series.
| Primary Genre | Historical Fiction |
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Win an Escape Challenge and a copy of The Spy and the Snake by M J Robotham
Closing date: 02/08/2026
Autumn, 1728.
Life is good for Thomas Hawkins and Kitty Sparks in their home above the Cocked Pistol, Kitty's wickedly disreputable bookshop. But when Tom is attacked by a street gang, he discovers there's a price on his head.
Who wants him dead - and why?
For Tom and Kitty, the answer is only the beginning of the nightmare.
Powerful, deeply immersive, The Silver Collar is both a celebration of love and friendship, and a terrifying exploration of evil.
The Silver Collar features in the following genres: Historical Fiction, Thriller and Suspense, Historical crime and mysteries, Fiction, Crime and Mystery, Liz Robinson's Picks of the Month, Recommendations, Narrative theme: Displacement, exile, migration, Narrative theme: Social issues, Narrative theme: Identity / belonging, Fiction: narrative themes
The Silver Collar is available in Paperback, Hardback
The Silver Collar was written by Antonia Hodgson and published by Hodder Paperback an imprint of Hodder & Stoughton
The Silver Collar has 336 pages
Yes it is part of Thomas Hawkins series
£8.99