I liked this way more than I want to admit. The story itself is preposterous but the characters, as always, are great. You will never forget the Spitalfields Murderer Rakehell Lizzie, Vice-Admiral Samson Lash, Dr. Lazarus Firebaugh, Cardinal Black himself as well as the usual cast: Greathouse, Corbett, Professor Fell, oh and my favorite the professional “bad man” Julian Devane, the ultimate ends justify any means. He has a profound effect on Corbett that will change him forever. The villains are not without some humanity and often sympathy, frequently having tragic backgrounds that explains their nature but still doesn’t excuse their evil deeds.

I don’t usually revise or add to reviews except to correct grammar and spelling (no I don’t use grammarly, I learned to read and write), but after cogitating on this for a few days and wondering why it had a greater effect on me than I thought it should I thought I needed to add a few notes.

McCammon is trying to impart a subtle, or maybe not so subtle, message about moral, especially futile, moral gestures and acts that possibly lead to (very) tragic consequences. He also comments, through narrative and character development, on immoral means in the pursuit of “moral” ends. He cleverly does this through the thoughts and actions of Corbett and Devane. Is Devane the so-called “bad man” Corbett has been told? What sculpted Devane’s character? While Corbett has all sorts of sympathy for the “bad” Rakehell Lizzie, he never asks or wonders the same about Devane. Corbett kind of gets this subconsciously in the end, but not really. He remains somewhat clueless, while the reader should not. McCammon ultimately doesn’t answer this question, fortunately, because this is part of the human condition.

Oh, and if you don’t see, McCannon’s character names are Dickensian appropriate.

The first two volumes are still the best, [b:Speaks the Nightbird|1525997|Speaks the Nightbird (Matthew Corbett, #1)|Robert R. McCammon|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1442931227l/1525997._SY75_.jpg|16692325] and [b:The Queen of Bedlam|437627|The Queen of Bedlam (Matthew Corbett, #2)|Robert R. McCammon|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1390530867l/437627._SY75_.jpg|16695860]. They don’t quite require the same suspension of disbelief. ( )

Best since Mr. Slaughter

Best since Mr. Slaughter. Only Robert McCammon could draw me into this type series. I'm not one for period pieces. But, this series is really well done and well thought out. The very first one called "Sings the Night Bird" right on up to Cardinal Black is entertaining and puts you in the period and feel of old New York, the early Northeast and jolly old England. You won't be disappointed. I have read Robert McCammon since his day's as a "horror writer." His refusal to be labeled and retirement to prove his point was the mark of one who cares about his craft. He has now proven to be a writer no matter the label or genre. I also listened to the audio book while doing my morning walks. Both versions are excellent. ( )