Rating: 
Summary: Sir John and Jeremy track a band of vicious robbers.
Review: "The Color of Death," by Bruce Alexander, is a mystery set in 18th Century London. It features Sir John Fielding and his seventeen-year-old assistant, Jeremy Proctor. Since Sir John is injured early on in the book as a result of a gunshot wound, he needs Jeremy more than ever to help him investigate a series of robberies and murders in an upscale section of London. The victims claim that their attackers are a band of ruthless black men. Jeremy, under the direction of his mentor, Sir John, conducts a thorough investigation to uncover who is really behind the sudden crime wave. Sir John, Jeremy and the various characters who populate Bow Street and the surrounding areas of London are pleasant and engaging. Alexander brings 18th Century London alive with authentic period detail, even including a visit with the renowned lexicographer, Samuel Johnson. The ending of the book drags a bit, however, and the story takes a little too long to play out. In addition, the author relies on a series of far-fetched coincidences to tie up the loose ends of the plot. "The Color of Death" is a fairly entertaining novel, but I disagree with those who compare Sir John Fielding to Sherlock Holmes. "The Color of Death" lacks the wit and the flavor of the best Sherlock Holmes mysteries.
Rating:
Summary: Sir John and Jeremy track a band of vicious robbers.
Review: "The Color of Death," by Bruce Alexander, is a mystery set in 18th Century London. It features Sir John Fielding and his seventeen-year-old assistant, Jeremy Proctor. Since Sir John is injured early on in the book as a result of a gunshot wound, he needs Jeremy more than ever to help him investigate a series of robberies and murders in an upscale section of London. The victims claim that their attackers are a band of ruthless black men. Jeremy, under the direction of his mentor, Sir John, conducts a thorough investigation to uncover who is really behind the sudden crime wave. Sir John, Jeremy and the various characters who populate Bow Street and the surrounding areas of London are pleasant and engaging. Alexander brings 18th Century London alive with authentic period detail, even including a visit with the renowned lexicographer, Samuel Johnson. The ending of the book drags a bit, however, and the story takes a little too long to play out. In addition, the author relies on a series of far-fetched coincidences to tie up the loose ends of the plot. "The Color of Death" is a fairly entertaining novel, but I disagree with those who compare Sir John Fielding to Sherlock Holmes. "The Color of Death" lacks the wit and the flavor of the best Sherlock Holmes mysteries.
Rating: 
Summary: The Color of Death
Review: After having read a number of books in this series, I've come to the conclusion that Alexander simply wants to write old-fashioned mysteries, PG-rated, with much of the action set off-stage and the characters never really threatened. As his character Sir John Fielding says, he likes to pull rabbits out of hats. Readers who like this kind of mystery will probably enjoy this book, while those who like their stories more down-and-dirty may not.The Color of Death is better paced, plotted and characterized than some of the other books in the series, though emotional melodramas (Annie and Burnham) seem to come and go rather quickly, leaving not a wrack behind. Robbers, perhaps of African descent or perhaps in blackface, have been cleaning out local rich folks' houses and committing murders, and Jeremy and Sir John, with their associates, must solve the crimes. This gives Alexander an opportunity to bring in themes of racial prejudice, and his characters (at least the good guys) seem to be much less prejudiced than one would expect from persons of their time and place. There are many interesting moments here -- the troubled domestic relationship of Mr. and Mrs. Trezavant is one -- but in general they are not deeply explored. Overall, this is a readable, more or less entertaining, but rather shallow book.
Rating: 
Summary: Youthful narrator plays 1700s Watson to blind judge
Review: An eighteenth century London home invasion by an efficient and murderous gang of black men leads off this seventh in the Sir John Fielding series. Summoned to the St. James Street great house by his Bow Street constabulary, blind magistrate Sir John and his young assistant, the narrator Jeremy Proctor, discover that the departing gang cold-bloodedly executed a servant. On their way home Fielding is ambushed and shot by a black man, presumably one of the gang. While not seriously wounded, Fielding must rely on Jeremy to lead the case, quickly complicated by another robbery and an accusation by the powerful victim, who demands the arrest of a distinguished black teacher. Jeremy's voice, a perfect blend of oversensitive youth and resourceful investigator, animates this well-plotted tale of social and racial distinctions and prejudices and 1700s police procedure. Earnest and likeable, with just the right amount of hot-headed initiative and youthful misapprehensions, Jeremy is clever, humorous and observant. Smart as Jeremy is, though, only Sir John can put together the big picture. Effortless prose, lifelike characters, a fast-paced plot and street scenes teeming with rogues and toffs make this a standout.
Rating:
Summary: The Color of Death
Review: Another brilliant instalment in the Sir John Fielding & Jeremy Proctor mystery series. As usual Bruce Alexander provides us with an intirguing mystery novel with another in depth look at 18th century England and the judicial system of the time. In this latest Sir John Fielding adventure, a highly organised group of rather violent thieves are terrorising the wealthier inhabitants of London. And when a servant is murdered in cold blood, Sir John Fielding and the Bow Street Runners are sent for. During the course of the investigations, it comes to light that the murderous thieves were all black men. This throws Sir John a little as he has hitherto had very little to do with the coloured community of London and so is a little unsure as to how to proceed. However on the way home from this crime, Sir John is shot at by a black man. And because of his wounds is forced to delegate more of the investigation to his able aide, Jeremy Proctor. The next day brings news of another violent theft. However this time doubt is thrown as to whether all the men in the gang are actually black. A witness claims to recognise one of the gang and claims that he is definitely not coloured. However before this lead can be properly investigated, the owner of the latest house to be burgalarised identifies a friend of Jeremy's as the leader of the criminal gang. Sir John and Jeremy will have to work very hard to sift through all the evidence and to discard fact from prejudice, especially as the accused has decided not to cooperate with Sir John on principle. This mystery novel was a riverting read with well developed characters and an ingenious plot. Definitely deserving a five star rating.
Rating: 
Summary: A solid outing for Sir John
Review: THE COLOR OF DEATH is an eminently satisfying mystery. A gang of thieves are ransacking London homes, and the thieves are identified as black men. This throws Sir John into a mystery that has political and social ramifications that only a quick resolution will keep from turning into a major disaster for London's citizens. With an attempt on his life incapacitating him, Sir John turns to his assistant, Jeremy to be the lead investigator on this case. Alexander presents a clever mystery, which portrays a number of this series' regulars in a new light. Even the nature of Sir John and Jeremy's relationship shows some change, allowing Jeremy to show more maturity and giving the reader an intriguing glimpse into what motivates Sir John's gamesmanship. This one is a fine puzzle, which should be enjoyed by any fan of historical mysteries.
Rating:
Summary: Not So Merry England
Review: The investigator in this novel set in the late 1700's is a blind magistrate, Sir John Fielding. His primary source of information is his young assistant, Jeremy Proctor. The story begins with the report of a burglary and robbery in an exclusive part of London not far from Sir John's residence and chambers. On investigation, Jeremy and Sir John find the home has been stripped bare of its valuables, and one of the servants has been killed in the process. The other servants at the house tell Jeremy and his master that the intruders were black men. The novel then consists of a search for the criminals, as several more robberies'evidently by the same crew'occur in the district. Alexander has here written a novel whose leisurely pace matches that of the era he writes about. Its strong point is the picture it draws of London, its streets, markets and customs of that era. For the reader looking for the break-neck speed of the typical novel set in the current age, THE COLOR OF DEATH will be a disappointment. But for anyone more interested in a stroll through a different time and place, this will provide an evening or two of entertainment.
Rating:
Summary: The Color of Death
Review: The investigator in this novel set in the late 1700�s is a blind magistrate, Sir John Fielding. His primary source of information is his young assistant, Jeremy Proctor. The story begins with the report of a burglary and robbery in an exclusive part of London not far from Sir John�s residence and chambers. On investigation, Jeremy and Sir John find the home has been stripped bare of its valuables, and one of the servants has been killed in the process. The other servants at the house tell Jeremy and his master that the intruders were black men. The novel then consists of a search for the criminals, as several more robberies�evidently by the same crew�occur in the district. Alexander has here written a novel whose leisurely pace matches that of the era he writes about. Its strong point is the picture it draws of London, its streets, markets and customs of that era. For the reader looking for the break-neck speed of the typical novel set in the current age, THE COLOR OF DEATH will be a disappointment. But for anyone more interested in a stroll through a different time and place, this will provide an evening or two of entertainment.
Rating:
Summary: More of the Same
Review: The seventh in Bruce Alexander's series about blind 18th century London magistrate Sir John Fielding, who is a real historical character. "The Color of Death" is the story of a series of burglaries apparently committed by a gang of black men. Like the six books that came before, it is a quick and fun weekend read. Not deep, not thoughtful, not even terribly mysterious as far as pop mysteries go. It's straightforward and forgettable. Enjoy it in a hammock.
Rating:
Summary: More of the Same
Review: The seventh in Bruce Alexander's series about blind 18th century London magistrate Sir John Fielding, who is a real historical character. "The Color of Death" is the story of a series of burglaries apparently committed by a gang of black men. Like the six books that came before, it is a quick and fun weekend read. Not deep, not thoughtful, not even terribly mysterious as far as pop mysteries go. It's straightforward and forgettable. Enjoy it in a hammock.
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