There are good men keeping the peace of Regency London. There are few who excel at the job of Bow Street “runner” and who survive. There is only one Matthew Hawkwood. Despised by criminals, secretly envied by the rich, desired by women, Hawkwood only wants to do his job and uphold the law, see justice done and survive. However, when the Chief Magistrate puts him forward for a “special assignment”, Hawkwood realises that he is being used as a political tool ... And weapon.
With a shady past of his own, Hawkwood is willing to use all methods and men to complete his assignment. From the stews and menace of the “Liberties” of slum London, lethal duelling and threats - all are fair to use by the Runner. But when he realises there is a time limit to the task he’s been given and that foreign powers have set top agents against him, Hawkwood starts calling in old favours and employing friends who, if the Establishment was aware, could put his neck in a noose several times over!
Ratcatcher is first in the series of novels involving Runner Hawkwood and inspires the reader to read further adventures. Yes, he’s a character that screams out for visual representation - he belongs to the likes of Cornwell’s Sharpe and served during the Gallic wars in “The Chosen Men” - but this shouldn’t take anything away from the thrilling pace and plot that McGee has given us. The protagonist isn’t the sexy, perfect investigator - he has his flaws and unpleasant parts of nature, developed by a credible back story and true-to-life reaction to events. The novel is a hard, involving and - ultimately - enjoyable read!
Ratcatcher by James McGee
Published by Harper Collins, 2006
ISBN: 0-0072-3645-X
Verdict: I can recommend this novel, and
others in the series, highly. They are intelligent,
emotional and well paced.
