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The Crown Agent

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The Crown Agent

By: Stephen O'Rourke
Narrated by: David Rintoul
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About this listen

In 1829, disillusioned young doctor Mungo Lyon is recruited by the Crown to investigate a mysterious murder and shipwreck off the coast of Scotland. His adventures lead him on a pursuit across the Scottish countryside, to kidnap and treason, an unwanted trip to the West Indies, an insurrection and love.

©2019 Stephen O'Rourke (P)2019 Audible, Ltd Fiction Historical Fiction

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This is a tale of Dr Mungo Lyon, Edinburgh surgeon tainted by the scandal of Burke and Hare, who is offered a position aiding the Attorney General investigating the murder of CUstoms Official nr Greenock.

There follows a tale of pursuit, intrigue, skullduggery on the high seas from West Coast of Scotland to pirate port of Port Royal, Jamaica.

Dr Lyon is intriguing character, sometimes a bit stupid, sometimes easily distracted but its these flaws that make him endearing.

I hate to compare writers/books and the blurb on this book does compare Stephen O'Rourke to John Buchan. But think not of 39 Steps but Buchan's Prester John. Stephen O'Rourke has the language, register and details of thiscera down to a T.

This Audible version was narrated by the top Scottish Actor David Rintoul and it was an absolute joy to listen to.

I only hope that there is another Dr Lyon book in the works and that David Rintoul is signed up for narration.

Rip-roaring Historical Adventure - a total joy.

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A beautiful book by a wonderful human being, this reminded me vividly of the best of RLS and tales of adventures on the High Seas. The hero is delightfully personable, and routinely employs an under-used but vital strategy for survival: running away. He's a terrific role model for all of us, blending courage, loyalty, caution, common sense and determination in equal parts. And it's so refreshing to have a romance without all those annoying love scenes and lurid descriptions of body parts.
The story, like the author's life, was over far, far too soon.

Austen meets RLS

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Stephen O'Rourke's Mungo Lyon shoulders his way in between Robert Louis Stephenson's David Balfour and John Buchan's Richard Hannay and stands comparison. Not at all like Walter Scott - which is a good thing.

I look forward to the next 'Crown Agent' novel

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I rarely write reviews, but this new author and book have certainly earned one!
As historical novels go, this one rates among the best I have read / listend to in several years.
I must also say David Rintoul has given an excellent performance as always!
Damn, and I'm not getting paid for this review! Honest!

Exceptionally well paced!

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Loved this book with so many twists and an un expected co hero. I hope there is a second soon.

Gripping

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