THIS is the first story in a historical crime series that relates the exploits of Harry Lytle, who was the clerk at the Tower of London.

Now, in 1664 he receives a letter from his father asking him to investigate the murder of his young cousin, Anne Giles, who, after her marriage, settled in London.

Harry finds the brutal murder is not straight-forward and when a young man he knows to be innocent is hung for the crime, despite the evidence, he realises he must uncover the real murderer at any cost.

He is joined by David Dowling a butcher well-known in the seedier part of London, but their suspicions change when other murders happen. Who is the mastermind behind the evil deeds? As he realises his own life is in danger, Harry can trust no one and yet remains determined not to waiver in his search for justice.

It is refreshing for a historical crime series to be set in Restoration England and Paul Lawrence has done his research well.

It is a fast-paced novel that will have you reading well into the night; you will enjoy the bumpy ride of our hero and I look forward to sharing it again in Hearts of Darkness - which was published on the same day in January.