Experiment in Treason (Sir John Fielding Mysteries (Hardcover))

Rating:
Summary: Skillful Blend of Fact and Fiction
Review: Like most other reviewers of "An Experiment in Treason," I have also read all of the earlier books in this series. I too found this one to be one of the best in the series. Bruce Alexander (who are you, anyway?) is an excellent writer, who combines well-crafted mysteries with an evocative feel for eighteenth-century London. It has been interesting to see how the relationship between Sir John Fielding and Jeremy Proctor has evolved. I especially enjoyed this volume in the series because of the introduction of Benjamin Franklin. Earlier this year I visited Philadelphia and I bought the first in a series of mysteries featuring Benjamin Franklin as the detective ("Benjamin Franklin Takes the Case," by Robert Lee Hall). That book reminded me of Bruce Alexander's series because Franklin has a young assistant, Nick Handy, who plays a similar role to that of Jeremy Proctor. So in this book, it was fun seeing Franklin as the subject of an investigation, rather than the instigator of one. I highly recommend all of the books in this series, with "An Experiment in Treason" near the top of my list for favorites.

Rating:
Summary: Engaging and enjoyable
Review: This is a wonderful book in the Sir John Fielding series that beings with Blind Justice. The writing is wonderful, the story engaging and the portrayal of Ben Franklin is interesting. Perhaps the greatest achievement of this series is the flavor of 18th century England that is presented. A truely enjoyable experience.

Rating:
Summary: Nice Entry
Review: This is the ninth entry in the Sir John Fielding mystery series and will be the penultimate as the author passed away earlier this year. There is a tenth, and last, book available.
In the book, Fielding and his apprentice Jeremy Proctor are investigating the theft of some letters from the residence of a high-ranking official in London, an official that is dealing with the American colonies. The time period being pre-Revolutionary War means that the letters are related to the Americans creating problems. Benjamin Franklin appears and plays quite a major role in the book and I like the way the author fleshed out his character, showing both his genius and his faults (mainly his womanizing).
While there is not a lot of action in this book, the period descriptions make up for that. As well, the furthering of Jeremy's personal relationships makes this one of the better and more interesting books in the series and that is saying a lot considering most of the series has been excellent.