Review at a Glance
- Circles of Deceit
- My Rating: 4
- Genre: Historical Fiction, Mystery
- Format: ebook*
- Publication Date: October 20, 2020
- Author: Paul CW Beatty
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Circles of Deceit Book Blurb
Murder, conspiracy, radicalism, poverty, riot, violence, capitalism, technology: everything is up for grabs in the early part of Victoria’s reign. Radical politicians, constitutional activists and trade unionists are being professionally assassinated. When Josiah Ainscough of the Stockport Police thwarts an attempt on the life of the Chartist leader, Feargus O’Connor, he receives public praise, but earns the enmity of the assassin, who vows to kill him. ‘Circles of Deceit’, the second of Paul CW Beatty’s Constable Josiah Ainscough’s historical murder mysteries, gives a superb and electric picture of what it was to live in 1840s England. The novel is set in one of the most turbulent political periods in British history, 1842-1843, when liberties and constitutional change were at the top of the political agenda, pursued using methods fair or foul.
Circles of Deceit REVIEW
As a quick reminder, here is my rating structure:
- 1 star: Did not finish
- 2 Stars: Finished but I do not recommend
- 3 Stars: Liked but could use some improvements
- 4 Stars: Loved this book!
- 5 Stars: Rare. The unput-down-able, binge read obsession.
My star ratings are also based also genre based. I compare all books with books of the same genre. While I would love to believe that my love of books in general transcends all bias, there are genres I prefer over others.
I’m human.
Example: If I read a mystery novel and think it deserves a 5-star rating, then I have compared it to other mystery books, and determined it to be one of my absolute favorites. The unputdownable mystery.
This will hopefully keep me from comparing Outlander, a personal obsession of mine, with the experience of reading The Hate You Give. Both 5 star books for me, but completely and totally different. I couldn’t even try to rate them against each other, so I don’t. Makes my life easier. 🙂
My Thoughts About Circles of Deceit
Circles of Deceit takes place during a particularly interesting time in English history. During the Victorian Era, a lot of change took place in England, especially within the working class and the aristocracy.
It’s actually the perfect setting for a political thriller, so I am surprised that this is my first chance to read one.
I loved the pace of the book and the main character, Josiah Ainscough. Due to his undercover mission, and his budding romantic relationships, we really get to know him.
I genuinely enjoyed going through his investigation with him and was invested in his ability to solve the case.
The politics are an interesting touch to what could have been a run of the mill mystery novel.
not a fan of…
I didn’t give Circles of Deceit 5 stars simply because I wanted more fullness to the book. Seemed a little too focused and thorough at times when it came to research. At these times the story got a little lost in the shuffle.
Recommended For…
Historical fiction lovers will want to jump on this as well as any political thriller fans.
*Special thanks to Paul CW Beatty and Rachel’s Random Resources providing a copy of Circles of Deceit in exchange for an honest review.
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