I was thrilled to read D.W. Bradbridge's second book, A Soldier of Substance, after reading his first book called A Winter's Siege and loving it. He's a superb writer--very intricate, detailed, yet entertaining, as well as vibrant, suspenseful, and of course, the use of wonderful vocabulary always wins points with me. As well he has a way of capturing in pristine fashion a time and place based on historical research mixed with a bit of imagination.
With A Soldier of Substance he completely delivered on all those levels and beyond. I was completely compelled by where the story might be going from very early on. He intricately wove plot points together with surprises and twists that made me smile or sit up straighter, urging me on to read this animated murder mystery that also carried with it an enormous amount of historical intrigue just right for some long nights of reading. I was swept away by his descriptions and immersed in Daniel Cheswis--the main character who is the constable from the first book turned detective, spy, and now possible cheese vendor--and his adventures in a way that made me want to be his right hand woman. I suppose the cheese had something to do with that as well...I mean I am a lover of cheese. *smile*
Speaking of cheese, the setting of Chester, with their Cheshire cheese, was like historical heaven for me! I LOVED the historical tidbits and his particulars of the setting really astounded me and made me a very happy reader. Taking place in the late 1600s I really enjoyed learning about the "row" system in Chester, where the residential houses were lined in front by the merchant shops, as well as each of the various merchant areas such as the Buttershops Row (where the Seaman family comes into play, of whom many Bradbridge fictionalized except William Seaman who was actually the person first recorded to have a shipment of Cheshire cheese), Bakers Row (his details made my mouth water), Mercers' Row, and so on. I really enjoyed how he gave me enough to allow a proper picture in my head. I was captivated by the specifications he meandered me through during dinner parties, those of which he made me jealous I was not in attendance, and yet, he also had amazing characterization and fashion sense of the time. I loved all the supporting characters--they were very well done and Bradbridge did a super job of giving each an air of mysteriousness.
Of course these are just the type of additives that Bradbridge includes surrounding several plots that are intertwined as smooth as spreading cream cheese. There is the intrigue and suspense factor, with the Royalists versus the Parliament sympathizers and their preparation for and subsequent siege of Lathom House, run by Lady Derby. The various spy "tools" and tricks that were strewn through the story were so original and creative that I found myself quite pleased, sometimes more than even when reading my beloved Bond novels. I think Bradbridge utilized some of the most unique spy and mystery methods for clues than I've read in any other historical mystery. I would list some of my favorites he used, but I don't want to give away any of your own reading excitement.
As for the mystery, of which a woman is murdered with a cheese wire, that was also very well done and he certainly kept me guessing up to the end. I was held in suspense as he carried me away to the military tents and maneuvers, which was also excellent in terms of historical and military accuracy as well as details, while dropping clues along the way to entice my mind. It takes quite a bit for my mind not to wander and I have to say it never did in regards to this mystery.
This would make such a fun Masterpiece Theatre mystery movie or mini-series! Living in America, it was interesting to read about these smaller parts of British history and civil war that we don't often hear about here. I really like how Bradbridge, in both of his books, really delves into the history of the region where he lives and brings history to life.
A Soldier of Substance is an entertaining historical mystery that makes for a perfect weekend, coupled with Ye Olde Cheshire cheese, crackers, and a glass of Bordeaux! This novel has excellent and precise writing and impressive period details!
I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
OR
Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.
Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.
Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.
Shop this series
See full series- Kindle Price:$9.97By placing your order, you're purchasing a license to the content and you agree to the Kindle Store Terms of Use.
Shop this series
There are 4 books in this series.
Kindle Price:
$9.97
By placing your order, you're purchasing a license to the content and you agree to the Kindle Store Terms of Use.
About the author
Top reviews from the United States
There was a problem filtering reviews. Please reload the page.
- Reviewed in the United States on January 29, 2015
Top reviews from other countries
- Amazon CustomerReviewed in the United Kingdom on March 23, 2015
this is still a worthy successor and a good read.
- val clarkeReviewed in the United Kingdom on April 26, 2018
Realistic Civil War foction
- NetskyReviewed in the United Kingdom on September 12, 2016
A great and entertaining read
