David Liss, ganador del prestigioso premio Edgar, sorprende con una magnífica novela, protagonizada por un peculiar investigador que debe desentrañar un complot en torno al comercio de la seda con las colonias británicas de ultramar... Londres, 1722. En la época de apogeo del mercado de importación de seda y especias, Benjamin Weaver, judío de extracción humilde, ex boxeador y cazarrecompensas, se ve acorralado por el excéntrico y misterioso millonario Cobb para que investigue en su provecho. Muy pronto Weaver se ve sumergido en una maraña de corrupción, espionaje y competencia desleal cuyo trasfondo son los más oscuros intereses económicos y comerciales

The setting is fantastic, the story not. ( )

I don't typically read mysteries or fiction that takes place in previous centuries (I'm generally a CIA and techno-thriller fiction reader), but I really enjoyed this book! David Liss has an incredible grasp of language that really sells the idea that the story takes place in the early 1720s in England (the first person narrative helps). (I also read a LOT about the American Revolution so I feel like I have some authority on the language here given the way in which our Founders wrote.)

Benjamin Weaver is sort of an 18th century private investigator/bounty hunter. He finds folks others are looking for. A mysterious rich gentleman forces Weaver to search for someone associated with the East India Company. If Weaver doesn't do as bid, his friends will go to debtor's prison.

The story has some nice twists and turns, but gets a bit convoluted near the end. Nevertheless, as this is the third book in the Weaver series—unbeknownst to me upon starting it—I'm quite encouraged to go back and read the other two. ( )

Lots of cloak and dagger intrigue, strong plot, great characters, excellent timing and settings. Ben Weaver is a wonderfully clever, caring and strong hero.

Enjoyable read. ( )

The continuing exploits of Benjamin Weaver. The story takes place in the London of 1722 and trade is dominated by the powerful East India Company. Weaver is skillfully drawn into a plot from which he is unable to escape which involves corruption of the worst sort.
I will not attempt to tell the story,which no doubt has been done many times already,but will only urge you to read it,for if you do,it will be well worth the effort. On my part,I can state that it is one of the most interesting and thrilling reads this year. ( )