Scarlet Town

In the historical mystery "The Ballad of Buster Scruggs," Laurence Jago and William Philpott return to Helston, Cornwall, in the middle of a tumultuous election. When one of the electors dies in suspicious circumstances, Laurence is ordered to investigate on behalf of the town's patron, the Duke of Leeds.

Format: Hardback
Length: 320 pages
Publication date: 05 October 2023
Publisher: Profile Books Ltd

In 1796, Laurence Jago and William Philpott, former Foreign Office clerks and journalists, escape America after facing libel charges. They return to Laurence's hometown of Helston, Cornwall, hoping for rest and recuperation. However, they find themselves caught up in a tumultuous election that divides the townspeople. Only two men are allowed to vote in this corrupt borough, and when one of them dies under suspicious circumstances, Laurence is ordered to investigate on behalf of the town's patron, the Duke of Leeds. The task is not easy, as Laurence navigates through the rival political factions and the riotous performances of Toby, the Sapient Hog. Then, the second elector is poisoned, and suspicion falls on the town doctor, Laurence's own cousin, Pythagoras Jago. Laurence is now entangled in generations of bad blood and petty rivalries, with his cousin's fate in his hands.

As Laurence delves deeper into the investigation, he uncovers a web of secrets and lies that spans decades. He must navigate through treacherous relationships, confront his own demons, and unravel the truth behind the murders. Along the way, he encounters a cast of characters, including the enigmatic Mrs. Danvers, the cunning Mr. Bunce, and the mysterious Miss Verity. Each character adds another layer of complexity to the story, and Laurence must use all his skills and wit to outsmart his opponents and solve the mystery.

The book is a perfect blend of historical detail and suspenseful storytelling. Nattrass brings the 18th century to life with vivid descriptions and authentic dialogue. The characters are well-developed, with their motivations and flaws making them relatable and compelling. The plot is intricate, with multiple twists and turns that keep the reader engaged until the very end.

Overall, "The Election" is a must-read for fans of historical mysteries. Nattrass has once again delivered a captivating and intricate story that will leave readers eagerly anticipating his next installment. This book has been longlisted for the CWA Historical Dagger Award, and it is clear that Nattrass is a rising star in the genre.

Weight: 528g
Dimension: 163 x 243 x 32 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781800816961
Edition number: Main