A gruesome murder in a sleepy 14th-century English village sets the stage for a taut drama laced with witchcraft, depravity, and long-buried secrets in Andrew Gaddes' debut.
Full of interesting characters and makes you want to know what happens to them even after the last page has been turned. I was fully engrossed in the story, wanting to know what would transpire in this small village and wondering if the Inquisition would be dragging people out of their homes and accusing them of witchcraft ... hit the right balance, letting the supernatural feel very real, but also served as a reminder that some things in life can’t be explained or are outside of the human imagination ... If you are looking for a new read, love mysteries, and like a bit of the supernatural mixed in, Those Who Go By Nights is a good pick. It’s a fast read that will fully absorb you in the story.
The setting is immersive in all aspects. The sights and sounds are so vividly portrayed that it felt like stepping into a 14th-century English village. The characters are multilayered with unique personalities, making it easier to keep straight the various church fathers, monks, and friars. I enjoyed the dialogue, except for a few times when the message about a woman’s role in society became a bit preachy (being stated by various female characters in similar ways but with a slightly modern outlook). However, this is but a minor gripe. The pacing of the mystery is great, and the ending packs a couple of surprises. There are many secrets to uncover, and Gaddes does a nice job slowly revealing just enough to keep readers turning the pages. The door’s left open for more, thus I look forward to seeing what’s coming for Thomas Lester and his companions. A well-crafted historical mystery.
Excellent ... Despite some graphic violence and the occasional jarring use of a modern word like 'uptight', fans of historical mysteries will find this a highly satisfying page-turner.
