Author Michael Ward contacted me and requested an honest review of his novel, Rags of Time. As a lover of historical fiction and murder mysteries, I was delighted to do so as this novel offers the best of both worlds. I hope you all enjoy my review, and I thank Michael Ward for the opportunity.

1639. London. Tensions are high. Demands for religious freedom and Parliamentary independence set a troublesome stage for a civil war under the reign of King Charles I. In the midst of this chaos, Thomas Tallant, a young spice merchant, is fighting a war of his own when he becomes the prime suspect in the brutal murder of the successful and wealthy Sir Joseph Venell. Thomas falls under even more suspicion after two additional and equally brutal murders occur. Desperate to clear his name, Thomas finds himself entangled in a secret, dangerous world in which he is forced to take unimaginable risks. He enlists the help of mysterious Elizabeth Seymour – a unique, intelligent woman obsessed with astronomy, mathematics, and gambling. As suspicions against Thomas mount and his world begins to implode, he and Elizabeth work tirelessly to clear his name before it’s too late.

Wow, what a ride! This book wastes no time – opening with a savage murder followed by an aggressive manhunt. This is the central story line, but the novel offers so many additional dimensions and layers. I loved Ward’s ability to insert a backdrop of important historical context and smoothly connect that into the plot. These seamlessly woven details add substance to the story line rather than distract from it, and they transport the reader right into the vintage setting and the uneasy atmosphere of that time period. The struggles between Parliament and King Charles I, the tensions over church reform and the riots that ensued provide depth and set the climate for this vivid historical murder mystery. In addition to London’s history, I also was moved by Thomas’s complex personal history that shaped him and his familial relationships – including a horrible family tragedy and his secret involvement in the tulip mania (and collapse) of the 1600’s. Everything comes together brilliantly!

Ward provides a wide array of characters who remind us that regardless of the era, people have always been complicated. I could relate to Thomas’s family dynamics and the balance between his critical father (Sir Ralph) and gentler mother (Lady Beatrix). Both parents had endured unthinkable loss, yet both remained strong and committed. Each of them supported Thomas in their own way, and despite any strife between Thomas and his father, Sir Ralph’s loyalties to his son remained secure. I was also intrigued by Elizabeth’s peculiar character. She was such a rarity of that time period; bold, passionate, and so far ahead of her time. She was unconventional but not in an annoying “rebel without a cause” sort of way. Instead, she was a deeply textured, highly intelligent woman who was unafraid to swim against the tide when necessary. And flawed, yes flawed –  her addictive personality served her well at times, but was a downfall at others. Indeed, Elizabeth was complex and intense. I enjoyed her imperfections, her strength, and perseverance. Thomas was a courageous character who seems to find, through no fault of his own, bad luck everywhere he turned. His determination to face his fate head on instead of running away from it make him a likeable and respected protagonist.

This is a gripping novel from start to finish with a major shocker at the end (and no, I never saw that one coming!). I highly recommend Rags of Time to readers who enjoy historical fiction and murder mystery enthusiasts. Ward clearly researched this time in history and wrote a well-developed, well-crafted and powerful novel. Bravo!

To purchase your own copy of Rags of Time, click here: Amazon. Please note that this is an Amazon affiliate link, which only means that when you click the link and make a purchase, I receive a tiny commission at no additional cost to you. My opinions remain my own.