This book was not my jam and I can tell you it was a me problem and not a book/author problem. This was my 1st book by Robert J. Lloyd but I will certainly give them another read!

#ThePoisonMachine
#NetGalley

Solid historical mystery novel set in 17th C Restoration London. Apparently this is the second book in a series but it read just fine to me as a standalone. Part historical spy thriller, part crime novel, this was an enjoyable read with an engaging cast of characters.

The premise of this one sounded exciting, but after ten or so chapters I lost interest and couldn't finish it. The story goal was nebulous and having not read the first book in the series, I was lost about who was who. More background would have been helpful. Not posting socially because I didn't love it.

#ThePoisonMachine #NetGalley #HighBridgeAudio - This is a historical thriller set in London, 1679. The story revolves around Harry Hunt, who is summoned to Norfolk to investigate the discovery of a skeleton which was then identified to be that of Captain Jeffrey Hudson, a dwarf, who had once had the dubious honor of being presented to the Queen in a pie. The only catch now was that no one knew Captain Hudson was dead because someone else had been masquerading as him. Harry's investigation of this imposter takes him to Paris, where he encounters a flying man, a cross-dressing swordswoman, and a plot to kill the Queen and all the Catholics in her court. The audiobook is well-narrated and engaging, making it a great choice for those who enjoy suspenseful historical novels.

*Many thanks to Robert J. LLoyd, HighBridge Audio, and NetGalley for a free audiobook in exchange for my honest review.*
Historical fiction targeting the second half of the 17th century English history with good plot that kept me interested. The Author fills the story with a number of historic figures and incorporating them into a story together with fictional ones is never an easy task. I enjoyed the historical background behind the investigation, well-presented indeed. I have not read book 1 but it did not prevent me from following the mystery with interest.

This book was so much fun. I hadn't read the first book in the series but it didn't lessen my enjoyment. Great plot twists, adventure and drama.

As the follow up to The Bloodless Boy I was really expecting to enjoy The Poison Machine and I absolutely wasn't disappointed. The perfect historical mystery that has a pace that holds your attention throughout. It is certainly a book that makes you think and I actually feel like I learn something when I read a Robert J Lloyd book. He clearly researches his facts and loves to then share with his readers through his creative writing. He brings his characters to life brilliantly. They are all believable, complex and fabulously thrilling.
The atmospheric feeling that runs through the entire book really draws you in to the seedy underworld of London in contrast to the opulence of the Queens Court.. I loved it. I am a bit of an Historical Novel geek and I lapped up every single word. Harry is a unstoppable force and is determined to get at the truth no matter what.
With intrigue and suspense a plenty I can honesty say if you are a lover of historical novels, ones that are spot on with the characterisations and with a plot line that is thrilling until the last page then Robert J. Lloyd is absolutely the author for you.

3.5 stars

A fun historical mystery set in 1679 London! Harry is hired to solve a murder that happened years ago, but the case quickly complicates with espionage, foreign plots, stolen diamonds, & religious & political tensions. The characters are great, & the story has a touching ending.

[What I liked:]

•I’ve never read a mystery set in this time period, & it was really fun! I enjoyed learning a bit about how the English justice system handled murder inquiries at the time. The setting was also decently written, & the scenes on the water were especially interesting.

•Harry, despite some rash & oblivious behavior, is a sympathetic character & I was rooting for him to succeed.

•The ending is very exciting, the plot keeps getting more complex & twisty, & there is plenty of suspense throughout!


[What I didn’t like as much:]

•Yeah, I’m just not a fan of the villain confessing to everything for no apparent reason. He felt guilty, I guess?

•Harry, despite being smart in a general sense, was completely oblivious to some very important things! Such as the feelings of his girlfriend, & that someone he trusted repeatedly stabbed him in the back. He has a moment of reflection at the end & does manage to learn from things, supposedly, but my goodness he could’ve used some reflection earlier on.

CW: murder, suicide, torture, anti-Catholic bigotry, sexism, ableism, racism

[I received an ARC ebook copy from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. Thank you for the book!]

The story is great. The narrator is difficult to understand sometimes. He speaks quickly and there is little emotion.

Thank you NetGalley for the audio copy in exchange for a honest review. Set in the 17th century Harry Hunt is off to Paris to foil a plot to kill the Queen of England. Full of adventure and drama. Will Harry be able to save the Queen?