"The Countess of Avebury, once an opera dancer, was killed while having her portrait painted. The artist was convicted of her murder and is due to hang. But influences in high places brought Rider Sandman on the scene as an investigator for the government.
Rider Sandman, late Captain of the 52nd Regiment, hero of Waterloo, was a very capable soldier, but he finds that coping with the opposition ranged against his investigations requires allies and skills of a very different kind.
In 'Gallows Thief', Bernard Cornwall presents a wonderful cast of characters, including some remarkable women, and a fascinating picture of the London society and underworld of the 1800's."

I read this ages ago, on loan from the library, and really enjoyed it, so when I found this copy in a charity shop, I snapped it up. I've re-read it, re-enjoyed it and am handing onto another BXer, who I know love's Bernard Cornwell's 'Sharpe' novels.

Had this thrust at me along with the comment "you love the Sharpe books, I'm sure you'll like this too!"

And I probably will once work calms down enough that I actually get a lunch break...

I didn't find this as enthralling as the Sharpe books, but it's a good read and the ending is not as predictable as I thought it was going to be.

WILD RELEASE NOTES:

Left outside the doors