The Reckoning

One killer with everything to lose. One man with nothing to fear.

The 6th historical thriller featuring Matthew Hawkwood, Bow Street Runner and Spy, now hunting a killer on the loose in Regency London.

London, 1813: Bow Street Runner Matthew Hawkwood is summoned to a burial ground and finds the corpse of a young woman, murdered and cast into an open grave.

At first the death is deemed to be of little consequence. But when Chief Magistrate James Read receives a direct order from the Home Office to abandon the case, Hawkwood’s interest is piqued.

His hunt for the killer will lead him from London’s backstreets into the heart of a government determined to protect its secrets at all costs. Only Hawkwood’s contacts within the criminal underworld can now help.

As the truth behind the girl’s murder emerges, setting in motion a deadly chain of events, Hawkwood learns the true meaning of loyalty – and that the enemy is much closer to home than he ever imagined…

Reviews

Praise for James McGee:

‘Irresistible… rambunctious entertainment’ Observer

‘Rumbustious…a darkly attractive hero, terrific period atmosphere and action’ The Times

'Atmospheric and well researched… try it’ Daily Mirror’

‘Ratcatcher is a richly enjoyable and impressively researched novel – also very gripping. James McGee is clearly a rising star in the historical galaxy and I look forward to Hawkwood's return’ Andrew Taylor, author of The Ashes of London

‘Breakneck pace, brutal action, clever characterisation and twisty plotting …’ Reginald Hill

‘Balancing moments of poignancy with swashbuckling action, historical interest, powerful suspense and wry wit, McGee delivers all the delights of a classic adventure story’ Publishers Weekly

‘Hawkwood’s a hero to root for… Captivating action, page upon page, from a Regency era Bond or Bourne’ Kirkus Reviews

About the author

James McGee has worked in banking, sales, newspapers, the airline industry and bookselling. His interest in the Napoleonic period dates back to his first reading of C.S. Forester’s The Gun. This is the sixth in a series of books featuring Matthew Hawkwood.