Review: The Devil's Company by David Liss

The Devil's Company by David Liss

Historical Mystery/Suspense

Random House (July 7th 2009)

ISBN: 978-1400064199

384 pages

From DavidLiss.com:

The year is 1722. Thief-taker, ex-boxer, “ruffian for hire,” and master of disguise, Weaver finds himself caught in a deadly game of cat and mouse, pitted against Jerome Cobb, a wealthy and mysterious schemer who needs Weaver’s strength and guile for his own dark purposes.

Weaver is blackmailed into stealing documents from England’s most heavily guarded estate, the headquarters of the ruthless British East India Company, but the theft of corporate secrets is only the first move in a daring conspiracy within the 18th century’s most powerful corporation. To save his friends and family from Cobb’s reach, Weaver must infiltrate the Company, navigate its warring factions, and uncover a secret plot of corporate rivals, foreign spies and government operatives. With millions of pounds and the security of the nation in the balance, Weaver will find himself in a labyrinth of hidden agendas, daring enemies and unexpected allies.

With the explosive action and scrupulous period research that are David Liss’s trademarks, The Devil’s Company depicts the birth of the modern corporation, and is the most impressive achievement yet from an author who continues to set ever higher standards for historical suspense.

I absolutely hate picking up a novel from the middle of a series. That said, it didn't really matter so much with The Devil's Company. This is the third novel by Liss featuring Benjamin Weaver and his 18th century world. I'm no expert but, thanks to his thorough research, the setting and story came across pretty realistic to me. Weaver is a well-drawn, multi-layered hero surrounded by a cast of characters that feel right, and not too much like period caricatures.

Liss has blended politics, religion, history, and business to construct a complex and entertaining thriller. As far as being a thriller, however, I wasn't utterly engrossed. That may be because of the historical focus or the simple fact that I haven't read the previous Benjamin Weaver stories. That said, it was still very enjoyable and I'd recommend it to anyone interested in mysteries or British history. After reading this one, I plan to go pick up the preceeding books.

Grade: B+

Visit David Liss' site

Read an excerpt from The Devil's Company