The White Rider (A Tom Marlowe Adventure, Book 2) by Chris Priestley

Author: Chris Priestley
ISBN # 055255474X
Publisher: Corgi Books
First Published: 2004
247 pages

It is London, 1716. The streets are full of spies and buzzing with intrigue. Jacobite rebels are being rounded up and hanged at Tower Hill, and on the outskirts of London the roads are haunted by a mysterious Highwayman known only as The White Rider; a robber so fierce that he kills his victims simply by pointing at them! Tom Marlowe, caught in the fascinating heart of events, is resolved to get to the bottom of them. With the help of his mentor, Dr Harker, Tom is determined to discover who is behind the White Rider's gruesome mask. But Dr Harker seems to be keeping secrets of his own. Who is the mysterious stranger with the Scottish accent seen at Harker's house? And why does the Doctor lie when questioned about him? Highly atmospheric, with a gripping plot this historical adventure will fascinate and engage readers.

Chris Priestley has taken the characters he introduced in Death and the Arrow and developed them, so that the reader grows with Tom and is introduced to another round of murder and intrigue. Priestly never condescends to the reader and instead encourages deductive skills and complex thinking while never once losing the plot. The perfect sequel with equal parts excitement, adventure and fun!

Rating: 8