A Killing Too Far (The Gin Lane Trilogy, Book 2) Kindle Edition

This novel is set in England a generation after 'Bonnie Prince Charlie' and early in the Industrial Revolution, when pottery kilns were demanding more coal, distilled spirits were frowned upon and an emerging class of manufacturers was rising in Society. I purchased the complete trilogy and found every part of the series to be evenly and engagingly written. 'Twas a time when the Crown and Parliament could not maintain local order throughout the Kingdom for lack of funding. The key to the plot is a system of allowing the nefarious to 'police themselves.' This was done by each locality selecting an 'Upright Man' whose judgement on local criminal affairs was accepted and enforced as necessary. The hero of this series is the Enforcer for his Uncle Abe: the 'Upright Man.' Backed by his uncle and his own sure pistol work and a picked group of 'heavies,' he is rising in the world. Early in his work, he demonstrates sensitivity and fine judgement in handling affairs. There are difficulties to be overcome and plenty of action is necessary to do the job. His deft business decisions in distilling and mining and developing track railways to haul coal to markets provides a parallel insight into the economics and technology of the era. Throughout the novel, women play a major role, not only as 'civilizing' influences but also as independent and wise thinkers. Who will inherit the 'patch' by the end of these tales?

I'm truly enjoying this series of the making of a criminal empire in late 18th century England. This is even more interesting in that it's a plot based on the rise of a country gentleman and his many business interests and dealings in the community.I never would have imagined country towns and villages being controlled by such a criminal element and with such violence. Young Sam and his Uncle Abe work hard at building and maintaining this control through underhanded deals, threats, favors and violence.Readers of historical fiction might like this series. I recommend it very highly. Looking forward to the next book in this series.

Another solid effort from Wareham. I did not like this book as much as most of the author's works, so "only" 4 stars. It was very well written with the usual colorful characters. I just did not like the main character and enjoy the plot as much as I usually do in Wareham books. Still, the ending left me intrigued and I am eager to read the conclusion of the trilogy.

Let's see - a trilogy, and you killed the main character at the end of the 2nd book. I don't feel encouraged to read the third book.

If you like extremely well written historical fiction then start reading Wareham's novels. Any one of them. Just be sure to start with the first in each series. The Gin Lane3 Trilogy is no exception. They are all page burners and this one is no exception.

This was a pretty good book, but Book 1 was better.

Another great story by Andrew Wareham. This series has an unexpected twist at the end of book two so I can’t wait for book three.

very interesting view in to everyday life in those times. and ends with a 'cliff hanger' ending! just a great stiry.

Read book 1 and you will be looking for book 2 in all the right places . Good plot with believable characters but what a surprise at the end . Roll on book 3.

Book 1 was good and engaging but this one lacks real interest other than a plot twist which I wasn’t expecting. I will say no more.

While the writing and historical detail in the book were as usual for this author, I found that the book jumped forward in time too quickly for my tastes. Large parts of the protagonist's life were glossed over, and I was not able to continue the connections the first book provided with the characters.

Brilliant