The Scent of Death

The Scent of Death by Andrew Taylor

Summary:  From the No.1 bestselling author of THE AMERICAN BOY comes a new historical thriller set during the American War of Independence. ‘This is the story of a woman and a city. I saw the city first, shimmering from afar like the new Jerusalem in the setting sun. It was Sunday, 2nd August 1778.’ Edward Savill, a London clerk from the American Department, is assigned to New York to investigate the claims of dispossessed loyalists caught on the wrong side of the American War of Independence. Surrounded by its enemies, British Manhattan is a melting pot of soldiers, profiteers, double agents and a swelling tide of refugees seeking justice from the Crown. Savill lodges with the respected Wintour family: the old Judge, his ailing wife and their enigmatic daughter-in-law Arabella. The family lives in limbo, praying for the safe return of Jack Wintour, Arabella's husband, who is missing behind rebel lines. The discovery of a body in the notorious slums of Canvas Town thrusts Savill into a murder inquiry. But in the escalating violence of a desperate city, why does one death matter? Because the secret this killing hides could be the key to power for whoever uncovers it… Angie's Comments: The Scent of Death is a wonderful look at New York City in the late 1770s. I haven’t been to New York City, but now I want to go with this book in hand! The pace is slow, and the mystery takes off more in the second half. As a mystery, the book is good, if slow. As historical fiction, the book is fantastic. The issue of racism and slavery arises at many points in this novel. I recommend this book to historical fiction readers and anyone interested in New York City history. Request this item