Step into the gritty, plague-ridden streets of 1660s London with the Thief Taker series by C.S. Quinn, where danger lurks around every corner and mysteries unravel with heart-pounding suspense. This historical mystery thriller saga follows Charlie Tuesday, a sharp-witted thief taker, as he navigates a city teeming with political intrigue, supernatural whispers, and the ever-present shadow of the Black Death. Perfect for fans of historical fiction with a thrilling twist, Thief Taker hooks you from the first page and doesn’t let go!
With its vivid portrayal of Restoration-era London and a hero who’s equal parts detective and rogue, the series blends meticulous historical detail with fast-paced storytelling. Ready to dive into a world where alchemy, court conspiracies, and gruesome murders collide? Let’s explore the Thief Taker’s captivating journey.
How Thief Taker Began
C.S. Quinn, a travel and lifestyle journalist for outlets like The Times and The Guardian, drew on her background in historical research to craft the Thief Taker series. Her passion for the 1660s—a time of plague, political upheaval, and the Restoration of King Charles II—sparked the idea for a thriller that would immerse readers in London’s dark underbelly. Quinn’s academic credentials, including prestigious funding from the British Art Council, fueled her ability to weave authentic period details into a gripping narrative, making the series a standout in historical fiction.
Quinn’s vision was to create a hero in Charlie Tuesday, a thief taker who recovers stolen goods for a fee, but whose adventures uncover far deeper mysteries. Inspired by the era’s real-life thief takers—early private detectives of sorts—she crafted a series that’s as much about survival in a chaotic world as it is about solving crimes. The result? A saga that’s both a love letter to history and a pulse-pounding thrill ride.
The Heart of Thief Taker
The series kicks off with The Thief Taker (2014), where Charlie Tuesday is hired to solve a gruesome murder tied to a serial killer masquerading as a plague doctor. As he races through London’s disease-ravaged streets, he uncovers a plot that threatens the city’s very foundations—and his own shadowy past. The sequel, Fire Catcher (2015), sees Charlie tackling murders amidst the Great Fire of 1666, with ancient alchemical secrets at stake. Dark Stars (2016) deepens the intrigue, blending astrological predictions and smuggling rings, while Death Magic (2015), a novella, offers a side adventure with Charlie and his ally Anna-Maria.
Themes of survival, betrayal, and hidden truths pulse through the series, set against a vividly realized 1660s London where plague victims clog the Thames and court politics simmer with danger. Quinn’s style is immersive, with lush descriptions of everything from rotting streets to royal intrigues, balanced by Charlie’s quick wit and moral compass. Supernatural elements, like witchcraft and blood-spells, add a chilling edge, making the series a unique blend of historical accuracy and eerie suspense.
Charlie himself is the series’ beating heart—a foundling with a mysterious key tied to his origins, his journey is as much about self-discovery as it is about catching killers. His partnerships, especially with the fierce Anna-Maria and later Lily Boswell, bring romance and tension, grounding the high-stakes plots in human connection.
Why Thief Taker Resonates
The Thief Taker series has carved a niche among historical thriller fans for its ability to transport readers to a vividly chaotic era while keeping them on the edge of their seats. Its blend of meticulous research and unapologetically far-fetched twists—like zombie-like plague victims and royal conspiracies—has earned praise for being both educational and wildly entertaining. Fans on platforms like Goodreads laud Charlie’s charm and the series’ unpredictable plots, with many calling it a “page-turner” that rivals the likes of C.J. Sansom or S.J. Parris.
Quinn’s knack for making history accessible yet thrilling ensures the series’ lasting appeal, especially for readers craving a fresh take on the historical mystery genre. Its exploration of class divides, religious tensions, and the resilience of ordinary people in extraordinary times feels timeless, resonating with modern audiences. With translations in over 15 countries, Thief Taker’s global reach underscores its universal draw.
- Publication Years: 2014–2016
- Number of Books: 3 novels, 1 novella
- Setting: 1660s London
- Genre: Historical Mystery Thriller
Grab The Thief Taker today and plunge into Charlie Tuesday’s world of danger, deception, and dark secrets. Whether you’re a history buff or a thriller enthusiast, this series promises an unforgettable adventure!