The Ashes of London (James Marwood & Cat Lovett, Book 1)

The first book in the No. 1 Times bestselling series

‘This is terrific stuff’ Daily Telegraph

‘A breathtakingly ambitious picture of an era’ Financial Times

‘A masterclass in how to weave a well-researched history into a complex plot’ The Times

A city destroyed.

A killer exposed.

London,1666. The Great Fire rages through the city, consuming everything in its path. Even the impregnable cathedral of St. Paul’s is engulfed in flames and reduced to ruins. Among the crowds watching its destruction is James Marwood, son of a traitor, and reluctant government informer.

In the aftermath of the fire, the body of a man is discovered in the ashes of St.Paul’s. But he is not a victim of the blaze- there is a stab wound to his neck and his thumbs have been tied behind his back. Acting on orders, Marwood hunts the killer though London’s devastated streets- where before too long a second murder is uncovered.

At a time of dangerous internal dissent, Marwood’s investigation will lead him into treacherous waters- and across the path of a determined and vengeful young woman.

•2016 will mark the 350th anniversary of The Great Fire of London, which will serve as a strong publicity platform for the Ashes of London

•Ashes of London is the first of a brilliantly realised new historical thriller series featuring the government investigator, James Marwood.

•Taylor is an acclaimed historical fiction writer who has won the CWA Historical Dagger three times (the only author ever to do so)

•The American Boy was a No.1 bestseller and sold over 260,000 copies in paperback. It was also a Richard and Judy Book Club pick.

•The Ashes of London was selected in the Summer Reading sections in both The Times and Sunday Times.