The Devil's Company

The Devil's Company is a historical thriller set in 1722 London, following Benjamin Weaver - a Jewish ex-boxer turned private investigator who becomes entangled in the shadowy world of the East India Company. Through blackmail and coercion, Weaver must infiltrate this powerful organization while trying to protect his family and uncover the truth behind his manipulation. The novel presents a vivid portrait of 18th century London's economic and political landscape, with particular focus on the East India Company's growing influence over British commerce and empire. International espionage, trade wars, and the complex relationships between merchants, criminals, and spies drive the intricate plot. The story features a rich array of historical and fictional characters, including Company directors, guild masters, foreign agents, and London's criminal underworld. Weaver must navigate this dangerous terrain while confronting questions about loyalty, power, and the human cost of colonial commerce. This third installment in David Liss's Benjamin Weaver series examines themes of corporate power, individual agency, and the moral compromises required to survive in a world where business and politics intersect with devastating consequences.

Readers describe The Devil's Company as a complex historical mystery that requires attention to follow the various plots and schemes. The historical details about the British East India Company and 18th century London create an immersive backdrop. Readers appreciated: - Deep research into economic history and trade - Clever mysteries within mysteries - Character development of protagonist Benjamin Weaver - Period-appropriate dialogue and atmosphere Common criticisms: - Too many subplots make the story hard to follow - Slower pacing than previous books in the series - Complex financial schemes can be confusing Ratings: Goodreads: 3.9/5 (2,800+ ratings) Amazon: 4.2/5 (120+ ratings) Multiple reviewers noted it works as a standalone novel but benefits from reading the earlier books first. Several readers mentioned the ending felt rushed compared to the detailed setup. One frequent comment was that the book requires more concentration than typical historical fiction due to its intricate plotting.

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🔸 The East India Company, featured prominently in the book, became so powerful it had its own private army of 260,000 soldiers by the 1800s—twice the size of Britain's standing army. 🔸 David Liss worked as a technical writer and paralegal before becoming a novelist, and his legal background often influences the intricate plots of his historical thrillers. 🔸 Georgian London (1714-1830) saw the birth of modern banking practices, including the widespread use of paper money and credit—themes that appear throughout the Benjamin Weaver series. 🔸 Professional boxing in 18th-century London, the protagonist's former career, was known as "pugilism" and was often patronized by aristocrats who would bet enormous sums on matches. 🔸 The novel's setting coincides with the period when coffee houses became London's centers of business and news-sharing, with specific houses serving as informal headquarters for different trades and professions.