The Burning Zone: Book 1 of the Apothecary Greene Trilogy (The Apothecary Greene Trilogy, historical mysteries set in 18th century Lichfield)

I read the second book in the series, 'The Bishop's Grimoire,' first and absolutely loved it so just had to read this first book. It did not disappoint one iota. The descriptions of life in 18th-century Lichfield are engrossing but it is the people that Anson brings to life within the pages that make this such an interesting and entertaining book. The plot is Gothic but if this isn't a genre you normally read, don't worry, read the book anyway. Read it for the beautiful language, the engaging characters and the brilliant dialogue. I can't recommend this book enough to anyone who enjoys a good read and appreciates excellent writing.

From the very beginning this book drew me into the old city of Lichfield and it’s wonderful period drama! Not a book it takes chapters to get into, you are there very quickly. Anson’s use of the English language is beautiful, so very wordy and descriptive ! You get to know the characters very well . A real page turner indeed! Only regret was it ended far too early for me, I just wanted to read more and more of this authors art! Will just have to await the next in the series.

Michael Anson is so good that you can't believe this is his first published novel ... and there are two more Richard Greene 'procedures' written and waiting for us to devour.The book is beautifully designed and Anson's Georgian Lichfield is fully realised, the reader being helped through the 'procedure' with the aid of a contemporary map and chapter heading inserts which introduce us to the apothecary's antiquarian passion. and museum exhibits.The plot winds from the political and religious turmoil the early seventeenth century to the prosperous post-American Revolutionary year of 1787 with Staffordshire beginning to experience the influence of the Enlightenment and Industrial Revolution. In investigating the murder of a friend, Greene discovers a trail of victims tainted and cruelly dispatched by family connection. The climax involves Greene personally in a way he could never have imagined.

This book kept me riveted from beginning to end. The detail of the language, the stuff of everyday life and the overall historical context made me feel I was living and breathing in Lichfield in the 18th century. Knowing that Richard Greene was a real apothecary in the city who had founded his amazing museum of artefacts, gave even more depth to the main character. One can really believe that a man with such a curious, intelligent mind would get drawn into solving such a complex mystery. Highly recommended. Can’t wait for the next two volumes of the trilogy!

Leaving aside the fascination with Lichfield my main complaint is the overuse of adjectives and adverbs. Barely a paragraph can be read without 20 to 30 completely unnecessary modifications. Even floor boards get a 3 word descriptor . Any sense of character or plot is lost in a plethora of meaningless descriptors of irrelevant objects. Just get on with the story and remove the false literary adornments.