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The Crown Agent

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The Crown Agent

By: Stephen O'Rourke
Narrated by: David Rintoul
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About this listen

In 1829, disillusioned young doctor Mungo Lyon is recruited by the Crown to investigate a mysterious murder and shipwreck off the coast of Scotland. His adventures lead him on a pursuit across the Scottish countryside, to kidnap and treason, an unwanted trip to the West Indies, an insurrection and love.

©2019 Stephen O'Rourke (P)2019 Audible, Ltd Fiction Historical Fiction

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Stephen O'Rourke's Mungo Lyon shoulders his way in between Robert Louis Stephenson's David Balfour and John Buchan's Richard Hannay and stands comparison. Not at all like Walter Scott - which is a good thing.

I look forward to the next 'Crown Agent' novel

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I rarely write reviews, but this new author and book have certainly earned one!
As historical novels go, this one rates among the best I have read / listend to in several years.
I must also say David Rintoul has given an excellent performance as always!
Damn, and I'm not getting paid for this review! Honest!

Exceptionally well paced!

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The Crown Agent is a fast paced and gripping adventure which should appeal to anyone who loved Kidnapped and Catriona. The story twists and turns through the towns of the lower Clyde rendered exotic by the distance of history. A time when recent rebellions are raw in the memory and battles are still fought with powder and ball. An unlikely hero and even unlikelier sidekick with a cast of rich characters and lots of action. This is a very satisfying read, I hope to see more of Dr. Lyon. David Rintoul's performance was excellent, I sat with my eyes closed and saw everything vividly.

Worthy of Stevenson

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This is a tale of Dr Mungo Lyon, Edinburgh surgeon tainted by the scandal of Burke and Hare, who is offered a position aiding the Attorney General investigating the murder of CUstoms Official nr Greenock.

There follows a tale of pursuit, intrigue, skullduggery on the high seas from West Coast of Scotland to pirate port of Port Royal, Jamaica.

Dr Lyon is intriguing character, sometimes a bit stupid, sometimes easily distracted but its these flaws that make him endearing.

I hate to compare writers/books and the blurb on this book does compare Stephen O'Rourke to John Buchan. But think not of 39 Steps but Buchan's Prester John. Stephen O'Rourke has the language, register and details of thiscera down to a T.

This Audible version was narrated by the top Scottish Actor David Rintoul and it was an absolute joy to listen to.

I only hope that there is another Dr Lyon book in the works and that David Rintoul is signed up for narration.

Rip-roaring Historical Adventure - a total joy.

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Narrator, David Rintoul as excellent as ever - really brought the story to life. Greenock was my childhood, my mother was at one time ‘in service’ to the Shaw Stewarts and Machrihanish & Campbeltown formed some of my adult life, so I really enjoyed the historical trip down memory lane, and I believe it is historically accurate. It was also interesting to find out how one would travel from Edinburgh to Glasgow in the years before the railway or proper roads, it had never occurred to me it would be via Falkirk. Probably makes good reading as an actual book, but I can highly recommend it as an Audible book, especially when narrated by David Rintoul.

Easy listen and interesting historical background

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A beautiful book by a wonderful human being, this reminded me vividly of the best of RLS and tales of adventures on the High Seas. The hero is delightfully personable, and routinely employs an under-used but vital strategy for survival: running away. He's a terrific role model for all of us, blending courage, loyalty, caution, common sense and determination in equal parts. And it's so refreshing to have a romance without all those annoying love scenes and lurid descriptions of body parts.
The story, like the author's life, was over far, far too soon.

Austen meets RLS

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What a page turner. the narrator told the story so beautifully. And what a story it was! I enjoyed this a lot

Gripping story well told

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Loved this book with so many twists and an un expected co hero. I hope there is a second soon.

Gripping

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Not particularly brilliant story. I am afraid I will return before bothering to finish it..

Will return.

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An interesting story. Reminds me of Buchan's classic, The 39 steps.

Some slightly unbelievable character traits and actions. Would you trust someone in prison for murder to the point you invite him to perform surgery on you?
A bit too much melodrama at times but I made it to the end so not the worst book I have encountered on Audible.

Above average

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