The Thief Taker

The Thief Taker, Book 1

By: C. S. Quinn

Narrated by: Napoleon Ryan

Length: 11 hrs and 28 mins

Publisher's summary

The year is 1665. Black Death ravages London. A killer stalks the streets in a plague doctor’s hood and mask....

When a girl is gruesomely murdered, thief taker Charlie Tuesday reluctantly agrees to take on the case. But the horrific remains tell him this is no isolated death. The killer’s mad appetites are part of a master plan that could destroy London – and reveal the dark secrets of Charlie’s own past.

Now the thief taker must find this murderous mastermind before the plague obliterates the evidence street by street. This terrifying pursuit will take Charlie deep into the black underbelly of old London, where alchemy, witchcraft and blood-spells collide.

In a city drowned in darkness, death could be the most powerful magic of all.

©2014 C.S. Quinn (P)2014 Brilliance Audio, all rights reserved

Mystery Amidst the Awful Plague

This unusual detective story pulled me in despite the gory setting of England during the time of Plague (1665.) Extremely grusome depictions of torture and suffering endured by victims with the plague made me want to stop reading many times....but I'm glad I didn't. By reading this historical depiction of the life in the time of plague; I have a clear understanding of customes, politics and limited choices of all classes in English society. I'm going to get the sequel.
I thoroughly enjoyed the narrator's engaging voices but decided to give him four stars for mispronouncing a number of common words which was a disappointing distraction because it didn't fit with the characters' voices.

Great beginning, flat ending

Once again I feel tricked by another Audible book deal. This book started out great and was great up until the end. However, in the last 30 minutes of the story it all ended so abruptly and oddly. It's almost like another author wrote the last few chapters. This is not the first time I've had this thought with an audible book deal. Oh well, at least it was cheap!

Excellent! Not predictable!

Great narrator...best effort of man reading a female voice. Good story with unexpected surprise!

Non-stop action and intrigue

If you could sum up The Thief Taker in three words, what would they be?

The book twisted and turned with vast intrigue. I must have the rest of his titles.

Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

Yes definately

What about Napoleon Ryan’s performance did you like?

His voice is sexy, intriguing and he pulls the reader deep into the story

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

The Knotted Key

Any additional comments?

I hope he writes more in this series.

Excellent!

I was a little doubtful when I started this book, but I'm really glad that I followed through. The mystery of this book is complex and leaves the reader wondering what/who/how often. I also enjoy history and found myself researching some of the plot ideas to learn more.

If you are squeamish, this is not the book for you. Descriptions of plague victims are vivid and can be appalling.

If you like a clean read, you will probably not enjoy this either. There is profanity and graphic descriptions of sexual situations. These are less in the erotic category and more in the factual category as far as what is happening in the scene. Definitely not a book to play with children around.

Narration is phenomenal with great voices to match the characters.

Loved it!

I tried desparately to finish the story in one otting while at work. Great from start to finish. A Renaissance Sherlock Holmes and a Renaissance Jack the Ripper. Elements of witchcraft and hysteria. Just an amazing story, well conveyed by a talented voice actor. Hi recommended​!

excellent mystery set in plague time London

Loved the story. It kept me guessing every step of the way. Great depiction of London in the 1660's. if you're a history buff and you like mysteries this is a great story for you! It is a little long but well paced. Great narrator - he kept all the voices distinct and was easy to follow. Will look for more from both this author and narrator.

Enjoyable

What did you love best about The Thief Taker?

I liked the mystery and the romance.

Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

No but it had a steady pace.

Which character – as performed by Napoleon Ryan – was your favorite?

The Thief Taker of course.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No

Any additional comments?

No

Always a Fun Surprise to Find a Hidden Treasured

I picked up this fascinating historical mystery as a recommendation and a steal from Audible/Kindle because I found the premise intriguing. Set in plague-infested England during the 1600s, THE THIEF-TAKER takes readers on a dangerous ride that haves scores of twists and turns that you don't always see coming. Solid writing, enhanced by one of the best narrators I have listened, too, kept me listening every chance I could get! Yes, there is gore and occasions of violent assault against women and others, but the author stops short of exploitation. I will read or listen to the other books in the series!

Riveting historical context

The backstory of Catholic unrest during the Restoration (and a plague!) is engrossing. However, be prepared for some outlandish coincidences as well as romance in improbable circumstances.