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The Reckoning

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What to expect

The 6th historical thriller featuring Matthew Hawkwood, Bow Street Runner and Spy, now hunting a killer on the loose in Regency London.

London, 1813: Bow Street Runner Matthew Hawkwood is summoned to a burial ground and finds the corpse of a young woman, murdered and cast into an open grave.

At first the death is deemed to be of little consequence. But when Chief Magistrate James Read receives a direct order from the Home Office to abandon the case, Hawkwood’s interest is piqued.

His hunt for the killer will lead him from London’s backstreets into the heart of a government determined to protect its secrets at all costs. Only Hawkwood’s contacts within the criminal underworld can now help.

As the truth behind the girl’s murder emerges, setting in motion a deadly chain of events, Hawkwood learns the true meaning of loyalty – and that the enemy is much closer to home than he ever imagined…

Critics Review

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Praise for James McGee:

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‘Irresistible… rambunctious entertainment’ Observer

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‘Rumbustious…a darkly attractive hero, terrific period atmosphere and action’ The Times

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'Atmospheric and well researched… try it’ Daily Mirror’

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‘Ratcatcher is a richly enjoyable and impressively researched novel – also very gripping. James McGee is clearly a rising star in the historical galaxy and I look forward to Hawkwood's return’ Andrew Taylor, author of The Ashes of London

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‘Breakneck pace, brutal action, clever characterisation and twisty plotting …’ Reginald Hill

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‘Balancing moments of poignancy with swashbuckling action, historical interest, powerful suspense and wry wit, McGee delivers all the delights of a classic adventure story’ Publishers Weekly

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‘Hawkwood’s a hero to root for… Captivating action, page upon page, from a Regency era Bond or Bourne’ Kirkus Reviews

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