Rating: 
Summary: Not up to par for this excellent series.
Review: AN EXPERIMENT IN TREASON is a rather weak addition to this fine series. Basing the case on actual historical events involving Franklin and some rather interesting letters that became available for public consumption in the states; Alexander had a good idea, but the execution is lacking. Franklin comes off as a caracature of himself, a bit of an old lech, (which he may have been but I believe he may have been a bit more circumspect in an unfamiliar environment like Sir John's home.)who was rather lacking in the wit or the intellect that is so celebrated in many of his biographies. Even the tales involving Sir John's household were particularly weak, involving an unfortunate return of Lady Fielding's son from the navy. While I appear to be in the minority on this one; I feel this book is lacking the quality of mystery and character development that is the norm for Alexander's generally excellent historical mysteries.
Rating: 
Summary: Outstanding historical series
Review: He may be blind but Sir John Fielding is regarded as one of the most intelligent magistrates in 1793 London. He presides as a judge in court and leads investigations on matters that are sensitive to England's interests. Lord Hillsborough, the Secretary of State for the American Colonies, is robbed and one of the footmen is dead. He tells Sir John that he has no idea what the burglars were after but the magistrate doesn't believe him.After he reports to his superior, Sir John is ordered to once again visit Lord Hillsborough who promises to be forthcoming. He says a packet of letters were stolen but he won't say how many or what was in them. Sir John's assistant, Jeremy traces the purloined letters to Ben Franklin and his confederate Arthur Lee. The latter is seen boarding a ship heading to the colonies and Jeremy presumes the letters are on board. Sir John is really not interested in the politics but he is interested in justice and will do all in his power to see the killer go to jail no matter who it is. It is fascinating to read about the English perspective on the troublesome English colonies and how far radicals will go in support of their solution. Bruce Alexander is a fine storyteller and the historical detail he brings to the plot only enhances the quality of AN EXPERIMENT IN TREASON. Readers will continue to read the Sir John Fielding mysteries because they are excellent period pieces. Harriet Klausner
Rating:
Summary: excellent period piece
Review: He may be blind but Sir John Fielding is regarded as one of the most intelligent magistrates in 1793 London. He presides as a judge in court and leads investigations on matters that are sensitive to England's interests. Lord Hillsborough, the Secretary of State for the American Colonies, is robbed and one of the footmen is dead. He tells Sir John that he has no idea what the burglars were after but the magistrate doesn't believe him. After he reports to his superior, Sir John is ordered to once again visit Lord Hillsborough who promises to be forthcoming. He says a packet of letters were stolen but he won't say how many or what was in them. Sir John's assistant, Jeremy traces the purloined letters to Ben Franklin and his confederate Arthur Lee. The latter is seen boarding a ship heading to the colonies and Jeremy presumes the letters are on board. Sir John is really not interested in the politics but he is interested in justice and will do all in his power to see the killer go to jail no matter who it is. It is fascinating to read about the English perspective on the troublesome English colonies and how far radicals will go in support of their solution. Bruce Alexander is a fine storyteller and the historical detail he brings to the plot only enhances the quality of AN EXPERIMENT IN TREASON. Readers will continue to read the Sir John Fielding mysteries because they are excellent period pieces. Harriet Klausner
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: 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: Outstanding historical series
Review: Most series go into a decline long before they reach the ninth installment. Not so with Bruce Alexander's wonderful creation. This latest volume is my personal favorite thus far. The characters and richness of period detail would be enough to make the books worth reading, even without the mystery plots. The characters have become like old friends. The books have an appeal much like Sherlock Holmes, which make you want to visit just for the atmosphere and interaction among the characters. Jeremy is back, but alas, he has outgrown his green coat. Sir John is as formidable and perceptive as always. Bruce Alexander has the ability to include actual historical figures (Ben Franklin in this case) without seeming contrived. Since the plot has already been summarized, I will only add that these books are worth buying--in hardback--because you will want to re-read them and pass them to friends. I hope this series continues, because I am hooked!
Rating:
Summary: Skillful Blend of Fact and Fiction
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: 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.
Rating:
Summary: At The Top Of His Game
Review: This series has replaced Anne Perry's series as my choice for the best historical detective fiction around. The mysteries are always tightly plotted and believable and the characters, from the stars to the supporting players, are intricately drawn and unforgettable. These books are just a tremendous reading experience.
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