Tories, Whigs, and Jacobites - Oh My!

A Spectacle of Corruption, by David Liss. This is the second book of Liss's that features Jewish thief-taker Benjamin Weaver in 18th century London. Weaver is an ex-pugilist who uses the techniques he learned in the ring along with his intelligence, common sense, and logic to catch criminals. He is a private detective of sorts. Liss's first novel, A Conspiracy of Paper, was a compelling, well-written murder mystery rife with conspiracy. Corruption follows in much the same vein. Weaver is hired by Christopher Ufford, a parish priest who has received a death threat for his perceived meddling in the politics of the dockside porters. In his inquiries to find the man responsible, Weaver becomes accused of murder when a porter is found dead during a brawl in which Weaver is present. Weaver is found guilty for the murder of the porter and sentenced to hang by a judge who is determined to see this miscarriage of justice through. Weaver is then just as mysteriously helped to escape by an agent of an unknown benefactor.

Through the help of his friend Elias, Weaver disguises himself and attempts to discover who wants him dead, and why. He gets involved with important men vying for the Westminster seat in London's first General Election, viewed by many as a referendum on King George and the royalist Tories who wish to maintain and strengthen the monarchy. Opposing them are the Whigs, who may or may not wish to see George off the throne. And there are also highly secretive, highly treasonous Jacobites, who advocate the restoration of the exiled Pretender James II to the throne.

Liss has a talent for immersing the reader in the flavor of the period. With a flair for witty dialogue that feels authentic, Liss shows the reader the London of 1722 - from its gritty back alleys and gin houses to the lavish homes of its prosperous artistocracy. Weaver is physically strong, a skilled fighter, clever, and quick-witted, and he is thrown into yet another murder mystery which reeks of greed, corruption, and political conspiracy. A real triumph from Liss here. I enjoyed it very much and fans of Weaver will love this sequel to A Conspiracy of Paper.