- Paperback: 352 pages
- Publisher: Corsair (1 Mar. 2018)
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 147215245X
- ISBN-13: 978-1472152459
- Product Dimensions: 13 x 2.2 x 19.8 cm
Synopsis
York, 1799.
In August, an artist is found murdered in his home – stabbed with a pair of scissors. Matthew Harvey’s death is much discussed in the city. The scissors are among the tools of his trade – for Harvey is a renowned cutter and painter of shades, or silhouettes, the latest fashion in portraiture. It soon becomes clear that the murderer must be one of the artist’s last sitters, and the people depicted in the final six shades made by him become the key suspects. But who are they? And where are they to be found?
Later, in November, a clever but impoverished young gentleman called Fletcher Rigge languishes in the debtor’s prison, until a letter arrives containing a bizarre proposition from the son of the murdered man. Rigge is to be released for one month, but in that time, he must find the killer. If he fails, he will be incarcerated again, possibly for life.
And so, with everything at stake, and equipped only with copies of the distinctive silhouettes, Fletcher Rigge begins his search across the snow-covered city, and enters a world of shadows…
Review
Soot is a historical and literary thriller set in eighteenth century York. Matthew Harvey is a painter and cutter of silhouettes, also known as shades, is found murdered at home, stabbed with a pair of his own cutting sicissors. With no suspect, the murdered man’s son Captain Harvey employs Fletcher Rigg to find his fathers killer. Rigg is a strange choice, languishing in a debtors prison after his father gambled away their lands, Captain Harvey offers to clear his debts if he is successful. With his chance of freedom at stake, and only one month in which to do so, Rigg starts with the last silhouettes the artist made, and finds himself chasing shadows against the snow of York.
Soot is an origional and fascinating read, with a huge nod to the great eighteenth century novel. What really stands out reading this book is the way Andrew Martin has written the book. There are many voices telling the story, from the Mr Erskine an attorney, to Rigg himself and Esther, who lives with Captain Harvey. These voices are heard through letters, diary enteries and interviews, so like Rigg, you see the investigation unfold and are privy to the evidence, making the reader part of the investigation. I absolutley loved this as a literary device, it kept my mind active and made Soot fascinating and compelling. The plot itself sees Fletcher Rigg chasing shadows, in relation to finding out who the silhouettes are of. The written record has been stolen, but each silhouette has a stand out feature, something that gives a clue to their identity. As a murder mystery there are so many suspects, any of whom had the opportunity to murder him. This is all set against the dark, cold and snow covered York, which mirrors the plot; the darkness of the deeds, but like the white of the snow there are lighter interventions. The theatre, minster, narrow streets and public houses are the perfect settings for Rigg’s investigations.
The cast of characters in Soot would be at home in a Dickens novel, memorable is an understatement, quirky and unique a perfect description. Fletcher Rigg is a character that I felt sympathy for, he is in a debtors prison after his father sold his lands and has no chance of getting out in the forseeable future until this offer comes along. He cared a lot about his childhood home, the land and those who worked it and the houses they lived in that he was responsible for. He also lost the woman he hoped to marry, Lucy Spink, whom he reaquaints himself with once out of the prison. Rigg says he is a man who has no time for dandies or fashion, yet he takes care in his appearance, and can dance. His employer Captain Harvey is a very dubious character, a touch of the illicit and debauched about his living arrangements , and certainly no gentleman and not anyone in polite society would want to associate with. Add to this a pompous author with a huge nose, a dapper and rakish actor and a woman whose daughters are out of control and you certainly have a unique and motley set of characters.
Soot is a cleverly constructed and compelling historical crime thriller, with murder, illicit relationships, corruption and plenty of secrets. The unique writing style, the chapter layout, attention to detail and the dry wit add to the enjoyment of reading this book. The cast of fascinating and unforgettable characters, are larger than life and wonderfully drawn. I found this a thrilling and intelligent read and loved the fact that it payed homage to the wonderful books of the eighteeth century. Highly recommended for those who like a literary touch to there historical crime; an amazing book.
