The Strangler Vine: The Blake and Avery Mystery Series (Book 1) - Hardcover

Carter, M. J.

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0241146224 ISBN 13: 9780241146224

Publisher: Fig Tree, 2014

Synopsis

LONGLISTED FOR THE BAILEYS WOMEN'S PRIZE FOR FICTION 2014

'The Strangler Vine is a splendid novel with an enthralling story, a wonderfully drawn atmosphere, and an exotic mystery that captivated me' Bernard Cornwell

'The Strangler Vine is fresh and original with many surprises in store . . . Avery is the guileless Watson of the partnership, and Blake the opaque Sherlock' Evening Standard

Calcutta 1837. The East India Company rules India - or most of it; and its most notorious and celebrated son, Xavier Mountstuart, has gone missing.

William Avery, a down-at-heel junior officer in the Company's army, is sent to find him, in the unlikely company of the enigmatic and uncouth Jeremiah Blake. A more mismatched duo couldn't be imagined, but they must bury their differences as they are caught up in a search that turns up too many unanswered questions and seems bound to end in failure.

What was it that so captivated Mountstuart about the Thugs, the murderous sect of Kali-worshippers who strangle innocent travellers by the roadside? Who is Jeremiah Blake and can he be trusted? And why is the whole enterprise shrouded in such secrecy?

'A rattling good yarn . . . I do not remember when I enjoyed a novel more than this. Finishing it would have been unbearable had it not been for the reassuring promise at the end that Blake and Avery will return for more adventures' Financial Times

'The Strangler Vine is a considerable achievement, which left me waiting impatiently for a promised sequel' The Times

'Intelligent, extensively researched and packed with period detail, The Strangler Vine evokes both the attitudes of the British colonials and the India of the period . . . with its ingredients including murder, gambling, opium wars and crime, it's an imaginative read' Metro

'M.J. Carter has cooked up a spicy dish: a pinch of Moonstone, a dash of Sherlock and a soupçon of Fu Manchu added to a rich stew of John Masters. A splendid romp and just the job for a cold winter's evening in front of a blazing fire' William Dalrymple

About this title

Review:

The Strangler Vine is a splendid novel with an enthralling story, a wonderfully drawn atmosphere, and an exotic mystery that captivated me (Bernard Cornwell)

The Strangler Vine is fresh and original with many surprises in store . . . Avery is the guileless Watson of the partnership, and Blake the opaque Sherlock . . . it is a relief to know that the two will be reunited in a sequel (Frances Wilson Evening Standard)

A rattling good yarn . . . I do not remember when I enjoyed a novel more than this. Finishing it would have been unbearable had it not been for the reassuring promise at the end that Blake and Avery will return for more adventures. (A. N. Wilson Financial Times)

The Strangler Vine is a considerable achievement, which left me waiting impatiently for a promised sequel (The Times)

Intelligent, extensively researched and packed with period detail, The Strangler Vine evokes both the attitudes of the British colonials and the India of the period . . . with its ingredients including murder, gambling, opium wars and crime, it's an imaginative read (Metro)

M.J. Carter has cooked up a spicy dish: a pinch of Moonstone, a dash of Sherlock and a soupçon of Fu Manchu added to a rich stew of John Masters. A splendid romp and just the job for a cold winter's evening in front of a blazing fire (William Dalrymple)

This is a gripping story of conspiracy and betrayal set in an early Victorian India that is rendered with complete conviction. And as a historian, the author offers a thought-provoking re-interpretation of the Thuggee story (Charles Palliser)

A great read, white tigers and all (Independent)

Tigers, a murderous sect and all manner of deadly double-dealing . . . compelling (Daily Mail)

A great new double act for a super new series of adventures (Sunday Sport)

About the Author:

M. J. Carter is a former journalist and the author of the Blake and Avery series: The Strangler Vine, The Printer's Coffin (formerly published as The Infidel Stain) and The Devil's Feast, and two acclaimed works of non-fiction: Anthony Blunt: His Lives and The Three Emperors: Three Cousins, Three Empires and the Road to World War One. M. J. Carter is married with two sons and lives in London.

About this edition

• Publisher: Fig Tree
• Publication date: 2014
• ISBN 10: 0241146224
• ISBN 13: 9780241146224
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 352