An Abiding Fire

An Abiding Fire by M.J. Logue
Murder Mystery in Restoration London
A Thomazine and Major Russell Thriller #1

Intriguing and educational this book set in 1663 mentioned history that I may have forgotten or never known and also had me wondering what it must have truly been to live in that era. I wondered how a king was toppled, others ruled for awhile and then a new king was put on the throne. I wondered what caused Major Thankful Russell’s recurring illness that created fever and tried to kill him – was it malaria or a disease that began with the bite of an insect. I wondered about the names given to people who were “plain” and was glad I did not have some of the names mentioned in this story. I wondered about the wars with the Dutch and the myths created about people not one’s own and I contemplated why people were the way they were and did what they did.

That said...I really enjoyed this book. It is the first book I have read by this author and I am eager to read more. The “voice” of the telling was new and smoothly flowing. I loved the way the characters were presented and the strengths of both Thankful and Thomazine and the close relationship they shared. The aspect of family and friends was strong and warm. The desire to right wrongs was one I could relate to and eagerly followed as the H/h couple worked to find out who had killed his sister and clear his name. The one time that I questioned the wisdom of Thomazine’s action(s) I decided to put it down to her age and lack of social awareness but boy did at least one of those times cause her and Thankful severe difficulties.

I believe that Thankful and Thomazine make a wonderful couple and their future is one that I would like to hear more about as this series continues.

Thank you to NetGalley and Sapere Books for the ARC – This is my honest review.

5 Stars

This books started promisingly, set in 1664 it tell a fascinating tale of intrigue in restoration London. I found the characterisation fabulous but for me the story was a bit long winded and meandering. I felt sometimes I was more admiring the scenery than begin transfixed by the story. So I enjoyed but didn’t love this. However I enjoyed the writers characterisation and would look out for the authors other works.