The Angel's Mark: Jackdaw Mysteries Book 1
Book: The Angel's Mark is the first Jackdaw Mysteries novel, a historical crime thriller set in Elizabethan London in 1590. Physician Nicholas Shelby investigates a series of murders alongside Bianca, a tavern keeper drawn into a dangerous conspiracy.
At a glance
- First book in The Jackdaw Mysteries series.
- Set in London in 1590, amid religious tensions and foreign intrigue.
- Follows physician Nicholas Shelby and tavern keeper Bianca as they investigate murders.
Reference price: £10.99
Price checked: 12 Nov 2026
View offerAhead of Black FridayExplore the selectionOften bought together
The Serpent's Mark: The compulsive mystery of treason and lies from the bestselling historical crime series, perfect for fans of S J Parris and Shardlake: 2 (The Jackdaw Mysteries, 2)
£10.29
The Saracen's Mark: The spellbinding novel of intrigue and betrayal from the bestselling historical crime series, perfect for fans of S J Parris and Shardlake (The Jackdaw Mysteries, 3)
£8.39
Pros and cons
Pros
- A defined historical setting and murder investigation suit readers who enjoy crime fiction grounded in a specific period.
- The 448-page length offers a substantial first instalment in the series.
Technical specifications
9 specifications| Publisher | Corvus |
|---|---|
| Publication date | 2 May 2019 |
| Edition | Main |
| Language | English |
| Print length | 448 pages |
| ISBN-10 | 1786494949 |
| ISBN-13 | 978-1786494948 |
| Weight listed | 309 g |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 12.9 x 2.7 x 19.8 cm |
Who is it for?
A good fit for
- Readers of Elizabethan historical crime and mystery novels.
- Readers looking for the first book in a continuing historical series.
- Fans of plots involving murder, conspiracy and period settings.
Less suited to
- Readers seeking a contemporary setting or a short read.
Customer reviews on Amazon
- 5 stars
55% 55% - 4 stars
34% 34% - 3 stars
9% 9% - 2 stars
1% 1% - 1 star
1% 1%
Customer feedback describes an engaging, fast-moving story, with readers highlighting the characters, writing style, research and Elizabethan historical detail. This fits the book's stated period setting and crime plot, but the favourable reactions do not guarantee that every reader will enjoy its style or pacing. Aggregate ratings are broadly positive, while a smaller share of ratings are less favourable.
Positive themes
- Readers are reported to praise the engaging storyline and its pace.
- Feedback highlights believable characters and elegant writing.
- Readers appreciate the research and Elizabethan historical detail.
Frequently asked questions
What is The Angel's Mark about?
Set in London in 1590, it follows physician Nicholas Shelby as he investigates murders with Bianca, a tavern keeper, and uncovers a sinister plot.
Is this the first book in a series?
Yes. The listing identifies it as the first book in The Jackdaw Mysteries.
How long is the book?
The listing gives a print length of 448 pages.
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