The Scent of Death

The Scent of Death transports readers to British-occupied New York City in 1778 during the American Revolution. Edward Savill, a London clerk, arrives to investigate property claims by loyalist citizens who have lost homes and land in the rebellion. Savill becomes entangled in a murder mystery when he discovers a body in the notorious Canvas Town refugee camp. His investigation leads him through the complex social and political landscape of colonial New York, where loyalties shift and danger lurks in both elegant townhouses and squalid alleyways. The harsh realities of war, occupation, and survival permeate every aspect of life in the divided city. As Savill pursues answers, he encounters British soldiers, American rebels, wealthy merchants, and desperate refugees - each harboring their own secrets and motives. The novel explores themes of loyalty, deception, and moral compromise against the backdrop of a pivotal moment in American history. Through its forensic examination of colonial society, the story raises questions about power, justice, and the human cost of political upheaval.

Readers describe the book as a slow-paced historical mystery that focuses on atmosphere and character development over action. Reviews note Taylor's detailed recreation of 1778 New York City and attention to historical accuracy. Readers appreciated: - Rich period details and immersive setting - Complex character relationships - Authentic portrayal of colonial-era politics - Elegant prose style Common criticisms: - Plot moves too slowly in first half - Too many minor characters to track - Some found the ending unsatisfying - Romance subplot feels forced Ratings: Goodreads: 3.7/5 (1,200+ ratings) Amazon UK: 4.2/5 (400+ ratings) Amazon US: 3.9/5 (200+ ratings) Multiple readers compared it favorably to C.J. Sansom's historical mysteries. Several reviewers mentioned struggling through the first 100 pages but finding the second half more engaging. One frequent comment was that the atmospheric details of 18th century New York outshone the actual mystery elements.

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🗣️ Author Andrew Taylor extensively researched 18th-century New York by studying maps, diaries, and contemporary accounts to create the novel's authentic historical atmosphere. 🏛️ The book is set in 1778 Manhattan during the American Revolutionary War, when the city was under British control and served as a refuge for loyalists fleeing other colonies. 🏆 The Scent of Death won the 2013 Ellis Peters Historical Dagger Award, a prestigious prize for historical crime fiction. 🎭 The character Edward Savill, the protagonist, is based on the real-life roles of British Treasury officials who were sent to America to process compensation claims from loyalists. 🔍 The novel's title refers not only to the literal death and decay in wartime Manhattan but also to the metaphorical death of British colonial rule in America during this pivotal period.