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The Body on the Doorstep
The Body on the Doorstep: A dark and compelling historical murder mystery | AJ MacKenzie
4 posts | 4 read | 3 to read
Murder and smuggling, conspiracy and treason - Can Reverend Hardcastle catch a killer? For fans of Antonia Hodgson's, The Devil in the Marshalsea, and M.J. Carter's, The Strangler Vine, The Body on the Doorstep is the first Romney Marsh Mystery by A. J. MacKenzie Kent, 1796. Shocked to discover a dying man on his doorstep - and lucky to avoid a bullet himself - Reverend Hardcastle finds himself entrusted with the victim's cryptic last words. With smuggling rife on England's south-east coast, the obvious conclusion is that this was a falling out among thieves. But why is the leader of the local Customs service so reluctant to investigate? Ably assisted by the ingenious Mrs Chaytor, Hardcastle sets out to solve the mystery for himself. But smugglers are not the only ones to lurk off the Kent coast, and the more he discovers, the more he realises he might have bitten off more than he can chew.
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review
jenniferw88
The Body on the Doorstep | A. J. MacKenzie
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Pickpick

I really got a sense of place and time in this book, but it was only when I read the author's note at the end that I realised some of the characters were based on real people!

Tagging @RaeLovesToRead for #pop24 #abookwheresomeonediesinthefirstchapter !

review
rockpools
The Body on the Doorstep | A. J. MacKenzie
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Pickpick

I really do like this series!

Historical crime, set on Romney Marsh in 1797, with smugglers, Customs, and the possibility of French invasion. When Rev. Hardcastle opens the rectory door one night, to find a man has just been shot, and is warned off from investigating by The Church, he (of course) needs to know more.

It‘s atmospheric, well-researched and full of smart, capable women. And smugglers. Plus a touch of economic history.? Loads of fun!

rockpools You‘re welcome.

Oh, and this is the first in the series. I read a ReadersFirst copy of book 3, Body in the Boat, a few years back and was equally happy!
13mo
TrishB Sounds fun 👍🏻 13mo
julesG Interesting. Will have to add it to the endless TBR 13mo
44 likes2 stack adds3 comments
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jenniferw88
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rockpools I read book 4 (?maybe) in this series and loved it. I‘d forgotten the authors‘ writing name though. So stacking in the Hope I remember next time! 3y
49 likes1 stack add1 comment