A Spectacle of Corruption

Benjamin Weaver, Book 2

By: David Liss

Narrated by: Michael Page

Benjamin Weaver, the quick-witted pugilist turned private investigator, who was first introduced in the Edgar Award-winning novel, The Conspiracy of Paper, returns.

While inquiring into some threatening notes sent to a Church of England priest, Weaver is arrested for the murder of a dockworker. After his conviction, engineered by a crooked judge who has blatantly instructed the jury to disregard the truth, Weaver escapes from prison, intent upon proving his innocence.

Meanwhile, Great Britain is reeling from a financial scandal that has sent the economy into a downward spiral; it is also preparing for a general parliamentary election - an event that happens only every seven years. Not generally someone to get caught up in politics, Benjamin Weaver finds himself caught in the crossfire of election trickery as he attempts to clear his name.

The question remains, however: What good is proving his innocence, again, when having done so once only resulted in conviction? Instead, he is determined to work against his enemies and learn their secrets to try to discover why he has been singled out for this prosecution. The most likely engineer of his ruin is Dennis Dogmill, a tobacco importer and the election agent of the Whig candidate for the Westminster Parliamentary seat. Dogmill's opponent, and Weaver's unlikely ally, is Griffin Melbury, the Tory candidate and the husband of his cousin's widow, Miriam, whom Weaver once sought to marry.

To discover the truth about the plot against him, Weaver disguises himself as a newly returned West Indian plantation owner. He must integrate himself with London society and political manipulators in order to learn the truth.

©2004 David Liss (P)2004 Brilliance Audio, Inc.

So-so

An excellent narrator, compelling plot, a interesting depiction of the period, a good mystery - but for all that the story still falls short. Firstly one piece of advice I wish I had known before reading is not to get too distracted by the political backdrop - you will absorb the important points as the plot unfolds.

As to the story itself; the author would have done better to allow the main character (who is supposedly retelling this story many years after the events) a bit of introspection and analysis given that he has the benefit of being far removed from the action. Instead this is more of a straight up re-telling of events which is a pity as the plot lends itself to humor, if only the character had a sense of humor. It also posed many moral questions, but never addressed them - in fact the character merely blunders through the story never questioning his actions or growing in any meaningful way.

It was an interesting plot but a bland retelling. I don't think I'll bother with the rest of the series unless boredom moves me to give it a second chance.

Great intrigue. Love the characters and the history. Fantastic reader too. I read and enjoyed A conspiracy of paper and worried this wouldn’t hold up but it definitely does.

Outstanding period detective murder mystery

David Liss has crafted a delightful period detective murder mystery with the main character falsely convicted. After escaping from prison, Benjamin Weaver decides to go undercover to ferret out the real killer and divine the reasons for the murder in the first place as well as his being framed as a result. Set in early 18th century England with an ongoing Parliamentary election that plays prominently in the action, the similarities with current events is eerie, while the divergent views towards genders and minorities makes for interesting situations. Weaver is that period's version of a private detective as well as a former pugilist; but without the benefit of modern technology, he must rely on his quick wits and fast fists. He also possesses a good friend and confidant who is probably Dr. Watson great-grandfather.

The pacing is excellent with Weaver slipping back and forth between his real and false personae. The complexity of the mystery is apparent from the start and the plot twists are well timed. Of particular note is the descriptions of the societal organization and mannerisms that make this historical period quite accessible and believable. Observing Weaver figure it out is a wonderful delight with a can't turn off quality.

The narration is excellent with a great range of accents that span the socioeconomic spectrum of that time.

Well done

This is a gripping tale rich with historical detail. Perhaps not as good as the first book in the series, which I read in print, the narration makes up for this. Excellent shift between British regional and class accents.

like author

Read next book sample on Kindle. Interested. Llstened to sample. Purchased. Listened to book for an hour. Returned. Like the author. Don't care for the narrator.