The new Dan Foster Mystery…

Principal Officer Dan Foster of the Bow Street Runners is sent to collect smuggler Watcyn Jones from Beaumaris Gaol on Anglesey, and bring him back to London for trial at the Old Bailey. As if having to travel to the wilds of North Wales isn’t bad enough, Dan is saddled with an inexperienced constable as his interpreter and assistant. At least it’s a routine assignment and shouldn’t take more than a few days.

But when the prison escort is ambushed and Watcyn Jones escapes, a straightforward transfer turns into a desperate manhunt. And as Jones’s enemies start to die, the chase becomes more urgent than ever. Dan’s search for the killer brings him up against a ruthless smuggling gang – and his chances of getting off the island alive begin to look far from promising.

The Contraband Killings is the fourth Dan Foster Mystery. Bloodie Bones, the first  in the series, was joint winner of the Historical Novel Society Indie Award 2016.

 “Dan Foster is totally captivating—from his willingness to face his own weaknesses, to his devotion to right and justice, but most compelling, his sense of honor and decency.”  Awesome Indies

“What a fantastic, well-written, mind-blowing and completely engrossing historical mystery! I absolutely loved every bit of this story. Though a fourth book in the series, I had no trouble following the character development as the readers are given a gist of Dan’s past.”

Book Decoder

“The Contraband Killings has been well researched.  I found the historical details interesting and felt they were well written within the story. The characters are well developed too and I felt for Dan with his inexperienced support…I will look out for the rest of this series.”

Jera’s Jamboree

“Lucienne Boyce certainly surprised me with the quality of her writing. Her characters are interesting and I found myself rooting for Dan quicker than I thought I would. This is due to the skill of the author. She writes about history without making it heavy and a hard slog. I personally was in my absolute element from beginning to end…A historical mystery novel that makes me want to go back and read from the beginning.”

Sharon Beyond the Books

“The author has certainly found her niche with this sort of historical adventure as each story seems to just get stronger and stronger and The Contraband Killings is no exception. Running alongside a strong sense of history comes the added excitement of intrigue and mystery and with several twists and turns I didn’t see coming I can safely say that, for me, this is Dan Foster’s most exciting challenge yet.”

Jaffa Reads Too

“The plot is a real page-turner; I stayed up well past my normal bedtime to finish the book and was genuinely sorry when I reached the last page.”

Broad Thoughts From a Home

“The Contraband Killings is superbly written. Lucienne has one of those easy going writing styles that is easy to get used to and easy to get along with. Lucienne certainly knows how to grab the reader’s attention and draw them into what proves to be one hell of a story…I love the way in which Lucienne makes the reader feel as though they are part of the story and at the heart of the action.”

Ginger Book Geek

“The historical research here was clearly extensive, but this is woven really well into the story so that you are getting a gripping, historical tale and a history lesson at the same time.”

It Takes a Woman

“Using so effectively the landscape of Anglesey and the harsh nature of the times the author has really convincingly taken the reader back more than 200 years. A great story with a fabulous twist I didn’t see coming.”

Lynda’s Book Reviews

“I wasn’t expecting such a suspenseful, intriguing and exciting story but it was superbly written, plotted and executed and I’m disappointed I’ve been missing out on this series. I will be correcting that very soon and look forward to reading more of the captivating and dedicated Dan Foster and his mysteries.”

MiriamSmith45

“Boyce possesses a sharp visual descriptive power which evokes strong emotions of landscape, the Welsh people, poverty, filth, starvation, and copper mining. Is it possible to feel wet and cold during a fictional storm or to feel flustered at the coaching depot departure stand? Apparently so, thanks to evocative writing! Foster’s unusual family dynamics add to his likeability. The frustrations of an investigation where no one is willing to talk is well-thought-out, and evokes understanding of what the police face every day. An interesting read, which gives the mystical isle of Ynys Môn a new dimension.”

The Historical Novels Review

Before he was even sure the man was there, the figure darted into the alley, leaving behind only the impression of the tilt of a hat, the flick of a hem, the lift of a heel. A shadow skittering into the shadows.

Two women at opposite ends of the social scale, both brutally murdered.

Principal Officer Dan Foster of the Bow Street Runners is surprised when his old rival John Townsend requests his help to investigate the murder of Louise Parmeter, a beautiful writer who once shared the bed of the Prince of Wales. Her jewellery is missing, savagely torn from her body. Her memoirs, which threaten to expose the indiscretions of the great and the good, are also missing.

Frustrated by the chief magistrate’s demand that he drop his investigation into the death of the unknown beggar woman found savagely raped and beaten and left to die in the outhouse of a Holborn tavern, Dan is determined to get to the bottom of both murders. But as his enquiries take him into both the richest and the foulest places in London, and Townsend’s real reason for requesting his help gradually becomes clear, Dan is forced to face a shocking new reality when the people he loves are targeted by a shadowy and merciless adversary.

The investigation has suddenly got personal.

Death Makes No Distinction is the third Dan Foster Mystery. Bloodie Bones, the first in the series, was joint winner of the Historical Novel Society Indie Award 2016. The Butcher’s Block (which was awarded an IndieBrag Medallion in 2017) is second in the series. The books can be read as stand-alone stories.

“Lucienne Boyce takes us confidently into both halves of London; the magnificent houses and the slums around Covent Garden. A very good read indeed.”

Discovering Diamonds Reviews

BRAG Medallion Honoree

Death Makes No Distinction is a BRAG Medallion Honoree, which means that it has been through an assessment process based on elements such as plot, characters and writing. You can find out more about the IndieBRAG award here.

Death Makes No Distinction is joint DD Revs Book of the Month

Death Makes No Distinction was selected as joint Book of the Month by Discovering Diamonds in September 2019. “The characters are well-drawn, the plot is tight and highlights the difficulties of an ordinary ‘policeman’ trying to make headway in the days when only the intuition, talents and determination of men like Dan Foster could hope to succeed. A very good read indeed.” Read the full review at Discovering Diamonds.

Death Makes No Distinction awarded Chill With a Book Premier Readers’ Award

A Chill With a Book Premier Readers’ Award is given to books that receive exceptionally high evaluations from Chill Readers, with books being assessed for characterisation, quality of writing, and plot. Find out more about the award here.

Death Makes No Distinction has also won Chill With a Book’s Cover of the Month Award for October 2019. The credit for that must go to the lovely design team at SilverWood Books.

“Following Dan Foster as he goes about his role as one of the Bow Street Runners, attempting to keep law and order on the streets of London, always makes for an exciting historical adventure…Beautifully written and intricately plotted Death Makes No Distinction continues this exciting historical series with another compelling murder mystery.”

Read the full review at Jaffa Reads Too.

“Lucienne Boyce’s late 18^th-century Dan Foster mysteries move from strength to strength. In this third adventure, our hero – child street-thief turned pugilist turned Bow Street Runner – is confronted by two brutal murders of women…There will be no simple solution to either investigation as he follows clues and suspects from the mansions of Mayfair and the new suburbs of Bloomsbury to the world of the destitute poor in the slums around St. Giles and Covent Garden and the river wharves…Lucienne Boyce skilfully and tangibly evokes Georgian London with her evocative and, at times, visceral, description.”

Read the full review at Historical Novel Society Reviews

“This is an ideal book for those who love historical crime fiction. It’s gritty with a very realistic feel to it and I enjoyed reading it.”

Read the full review at Short Book and Scribes.

“Death Makes No Distinction is a really great mystery/historical fiction. I absolutely love how realistic it is…The pacing is great and I didn’t want to put the book down until it was finished.”

Read the full review at Jessica Belmont.

“An absorbing walk on the dark side of Georgian London, with a likeable detective and heinous crimes.”

Read the full review at Jane Hunt Writer.

“The plot is quite complex but with perfect pace so I could find out gradually more facts and secrets and it kept me intrigued through all the book.”

Read the full review at Behind the Sentence.

Death Makes No Distinction is a superb historical murder mystery with a down to earth and realistic protagonist.”

Read the full review at The Book Magnet.

“A skilfully crafted historical mystery.”

Read the full review at ChezMaximka.

“Lucienne does an amazing job at bringing her characters to life.”

Read the full review at Four Moon Reviews.

“The world of the day is cast into glorious spotlight, bringing the sights, sounds and smells to life. It is a definite page-turner.”

Read the full review at Historical Fiction With Spirit.

“Lucienne has not only written a superb story but the amount of painstaking research she has done stand out and it adds to the story.”

Read the full review at Bertyboy123

“[Dan Foster] is an intriguing character…you can’t help but warm to him.”

Read the full review at Caramerrollovesbooks.

“Death Makes No Distinction is an assured historical crime mystery with a wealth of period detail that is sure to entertain fans of the genre…Engaging, atmospheric, mystery.”

Read the full review at What Cathy Read Next.

“Death Makes No Distinction is a clever, well-written mystery!”

Read the full review at Devilishly Delicious Book Reviews.

“There are plenty of puzzles and mystery to keep the reader intrigued and I was very invested in the outcome of the case. If you enjoy or are looking for a riveting historical crime read then this is is just perfect.”

Read the full review at Books and Emma– The Twist and Turn Book Blog.

“The story was well written and I was engaged throughout. I was impressed with the atmosphere the description created and I’m sure a lot of research has gone into this book which I really appreciated.”

Read the full review at What Rebecca’s Read.

“As a fan of historical crime novels I would say that this is certainly a very good example of a skillfully constructed and well  researched book. Dan is a very engaging character and I would be very interested to read the other books in which he features. I recommend this book as a thoroughly engaging historical novel with many elements to enjoy.”

Read the full review at Northern Reader.

“This is a well-written story, beautifully told in glorious detail. A great murder-mystery, or rather, two for the price of one featuring both sides of the track.”

Read the full review at Just 4 My Books.

“Death Makes No Distinction is a gripping mystery, full of authentic detail of the time, and I found myself immersed in the story and setting.”

Read the full review at Cathie Dunn writes.

“It was a dangerous and radical time, but most people only really hear about the wealthy and gentry classes. It’s great to see the gritty reality of the times brought so vividly to life. If you like historical mysteries, I recommend this novel.”

Read the full review at RosieWrites…

“This is the first Dan Foster book I have read, although it will not the be the last.”

Read the full review at The Divine Write.

“An officer’s been murdered. Murdered and cut up for sale to the anatomy schools. It was a professional quartering. I want to know who has the skill to do that.”

During a routine patrol, police arrest two men in possession of human body parts which are intended for sale to the dissecting rooms of a London teaching hospital. Bow Street Runner and amateur pugilist Dan Foster makes the grisly discovery that they are the remains of fellow-officer George Kean. The arrested men are charged with Kean’s murder, but Dan is not convinced that they are the killers. In pursuit of the real murderer, he investigates the unhallowed activities of the resurrection men – body snatchers.

The body-snatching racket soon leads Dan to something bigger and much more dangerous. In a treacherous underworld of vicious pugilists, ruthless murderers, British spy masters and French agents, Dan must tread carefully – or meet the same terrible fate as Kean.

The Butcher’s Block is the second Dan Foster Mystery. Bloodie Bones, the first in the series, was joint winner of the Historical Novel Society Indie Award 2016.

The Butcher’s Block is an Indie BRAG Medallion Honoree

The Butcher’s Block has been awarded an Indie BRAG Medallion and is now listed on the Indie BRAG website.

This means that it is one of the 20-25% of books submitted for the award which have passed through a rigorous selection process and been judged against a list of relevant literary criteria.

The Butcher’s Block shortlisted for Discovering Diamonds Book of the Month November 2017

“Ms Boyce makes her characters three dimensional, even those who will have appeared in previous volumes, the plot is tight and there are no loose ends left at the end. Although part of a series, the novel can easily be read as a stand-alone. It will appeal to those who love this period when ‘policing’ was done mostly on observation and contacts…I cannot recommend this highly enough, a superb read.”

Read the full Discovering Diamonds Review here.

The Butcher’s Block has won a Chill With a Book Readers’ Award!

This means that the novel has been read by a panel of readers and assessed on the following critiera: whether or not it has strong and engaging characters; if it is well written; has a page-turning plot; has a satisfying ending; and whether readers would recommend it to their friends. Find out more at the Chill With a Book Awards website.

In addition, thanks to those lovely designers at SilverWood Books, the cover of The Butcher’s Block was awarded Chill With a Book’s Book Cover of the Month for December 2017.

“A quick wit and a quicker left hook”

“Lucienne Boyce has delivered another action-packed adventure with twists and turns aplenty…Dan is a tough-as-nails “Bow Street Runner” with a quick wit and a quicker left hook. The story is a historical fiction, set in the late 18th century, London, in which thieves and murderers and bodysnatchers litter darkened alleyways. Special mention must be made to the author’s attention to detail. Fans of historical works will feel right at home here, and the author has even mercifully included an appendix of terminology to help those who are not as well-versed in that particular era. Boyce also has a talent for describing the grotesque, and the violence in the book is beautifully gruesome without being over-the-top…If you’re looking for suspense and action through the lens of 18th century England, you can’t do better than The Butcher’s Block. 5 Stars.”

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“An engaging adventure story”

The Historical Novel Society describes The Butcher’s Block as “a thoroughly engaging adventure story. Recommended.”

Incidentally, the reviewer also notes that I’ve misspelt the title of Mary Wollstonecraft’s A Vindication of the Rights of Woman which I’ve given as A Vindication of the Rights of Women. Quite right too. I studied the book for my MA and knew that – I must have been having one of those “Where’s my brain?” moments! The title is “A Vindication of the Rights of Woman”. Here’s hoping I can remember it next time.

Read the full HNS review here.

“A great book to read and get lost in!”

WordsAPlenty, the website for readers and writers, says:  “The plot is full unexpected developments…While there are historical references, they are subtle, intriguing and keep the plot moving.  This book is part 2 in a series but can be read as a stand-alone.  A great book to read and get lost in!  Highly recommend it.”

Read the full WordsAPlenty review here.

Now available in paperback.

In the winter of 1794 Bow Street Runner and amateur pugilist, Dan Foster, is assigned to guard a Royal Mail coach. The mission ends in tragedy when a young constable is shot dead by a highwayman calling himself Colonel Pepper. Dan is determined to bring the killer to justice, but the trail runs cold.

Then Dan is sent to Staffordshire to recover a recently-excavated hoard of Roman gold which has gone missing. Here he unexpectedly encounters Colonel Pepper again. The hunt is back on – and this time Dan will risk his life to bring down Pepper and his gang.

The Fatal Coin is a prequel to Bloodie Bones, the first Dan Foster Mystery.

Available in paperback (cover image is paperback edition), and as an ebook published by SBooks.

The Fatal Coin is a Discovered Diamond! A “superb tale…The whole story, indeed the entire series, is like delving into a rich, satisfying and gloriously indulgent box of hand-made luxury chocolates…Whether Fatal Coin is your first encounter with Dan Foster, or a venture into discovering more about him, this is a most excellent read, highly enjoyable and most highly recommended.”

Read the Discovering Diamonds Review here.

 

The cover of The Fatal Coin was also given an honourable mention in the Discovering Diamonds’s Book of the Month award in July 2017.

“I had not read any of the other Dan Foster mysteries and was meeting the character for the first time. I’m happy to say that this appears to be a series where a reader can jump in at any point and quickly catch up to what’s going on. The protagonist is a likable, if rough-around-the-edges, detective who gives as much guff as he gets…The author has a gift for painting beautiful set pieces that jump to life in the reader’s  imagination…The world which Dan inhabits complements him perfectly, and it’s easy to imagine him emerging from the fog, ready to engage in fisticuffs with whomever opposes him…I give The Fatal Coin 5 stars.”

Read the full Awesome Indies review here.

“If you haven’t already come across the wonderful Dan Foster, the Bow Street Runner, pugilist, and detective with a difference, this is a great way to get to know him in this stand-alone quick-read novella…As with all Boyce’s novels, the cast of characters is an interesting and well-developed mix, and the historical context and setting brought vividly to life without the reader ever feeling like they’re having a history lesson. Boyce’s gift for creating a sense of place shines as ever…Looking forward to his next adventure already.”

Debbie Young, Author. Read the full review on Amazon.

“A novella to whet the appetite before Lucienne Boyce treats us to another full length Dan Foster crime mystery, this is a great read. Just the right length, the plotting is tight, the characterisation terrific and the outcome satisfying.”

Suzie Grogan, Writer and Researcher. Read the review on Good Reads.

“A great read. I was gripped by it!”

Alison Morton, Author, Roma Nova Series

“Lucienne Boyce has once again managed to bring to life a period in history that is opened up to the reader with rich language and beautiful descriptions. Her knowledge of this time period is evident but is interwoven so beautifully into the story that the book flows along, never once feeling boring or overloading the reader with historical facts…A fantastic read from Lucienne Boyce and up there with my recommended reads.”

Brook Cottage Books. Read the full review.

“Foster has a talent for getting himself out of very sticky situations and I was swept along by his actions. He’s quite a hero really.  I think the harsh situations in the late 18th century make it a very interesting time to read about – hard to imagine when you think of our current day luxuries and yet Lucienne Boyce brings it to life so vividly.

 

I really enjoyed this short look at Dan Foster and his work which is apparently a prequel to Boyce’s book, Bloodie Bones. Highly recommended if you enjoy historical crime.”

Short Book and Scribes. Read the full review.

“I warmed to Dan, his character felt firm but fair, a diamond but a bit rough round the edges, Dan is a well rounded and blended character who you can’t help but believe in…For a short piece of written work Lucienne manages to bring the book to life, no over indulgence of history, descriptions of historical features, the prison, the vicarage and surrounding rural Staffordshire everything felt tangible, I had a real sense of being part of the story, as if I was there, feeling it, seeing it.”

Sweet Little Book Blog. Read the full review.

In 1789 hack writer Ben Dearlove sets out to trace the anonymous author of a best-selling book about a voyage to the Great Southern Continent. Everyone thinks the book is fiction: Captain Cook proved there was no Southern Continent. But others are interested in the author’s secrets, and the quest proves more dangerous than Ben had anticipated. Before he can discover the shocking truth, Ben has to get out of prison, catch a thief, and bring a murderer to justice.

“A gripping, thrilling mystery…the plot is complex, exciting, and has a high degree of suspense maintained right to the end.”

Historical Novel Society Reviews

Writing To The Fair Land

Find out about the history behind To The Fair Land in this short (ten minute) Powerpoint presentation. Watch ‘Writing To The Fair Land’ on YouTube .

Abraham Ortelius, 1527-1598, Brabantian cartographer, ‘Terra Australis nondum cognita’, 1589 (British Library on Flickr, No Known Copyright Restrictions)

To The Fair Land is Awesome Indies approved

 

To The Fair Land has been awarded a place on the Awesome Indies list of quality independent fiction.

Discovering Diamonds Book of the Month and Cover of the Month, April 2021

“It’s well written, the descriptions are graphic and engaging, the writing is tight and well done, and the story is a page turner. Boyce brings the period to life with excellent dialogue and fast paced action. An excellent read and an author I’ll be watching out for.”

Discovering Diamonds

“Every scene is painted with vivid detail and the characters seem to jump off the page…an expertly crafted tale you won’t want to put down!”

Rev Rebecca Writes: Read, Write, Pray

“A detailed and well written story that transports the reader to the 18th century. The plot is realistic and keeps you wanting to turn the pages to find out more…The characters are interesting and realistic making them easy to sympathise with.”

Quirky Book Reads

“A sharp, daring, original story of forbidden love, good and evil, betrayal and murder. It dazzles with vigour, holding the suspence from the beginning to the last pages.”

Chez Maximka

“An engrossing and well-written mystery…one of the most interesting and original pieces of historical fiction I have read in a long time.”

Ceri’s Lil Blog

“To The Fair Land is an intriguing mystery, rich in period detail.”

What Cathy Read Next

“Manages to maintain suspense to the end, as well as surprising the reader with some unexpected twists…full of historical mysteries, fascinating characters and peril.”

Northern Reader

“It’s an intriguing story that feels part fantasy, part history and part inspiration that is just so enjoyable and relaxing.”

Proud Book Reviews

“This is, essentially an exploratory mystery – and it’s done with oodles of class…a fully immersive 18th century rollercoaster – complete with villains, heroes, infamy, scandal, and the true story of The Fair Land.”

Jane Turner, 33 South TextWorks

“A page turner, with mystery that really made me want to read more, and with an intriguing plot.”

Jess Bookish Life

“Transported me straight back into an epic land of romance, adventure, and historical fiction all in an epic mysterious search for a reclusive writer.”

The Story Scribbler

“I was hooked straight away with how vivid and rich the the story is – I felt immediately immersed in the world that it is set in…heroes and villains, mystery and scandal, and a twist that I didn’t see coming.”

BookWormsina

“The story was gripping and definitely a page turner. Especially pleasing to me was the fact that I did not guess the plot twists and turns…Highly recommended.”

Riva Shaw

“Boyce completely had me with the twist. I did not see that coming. Not only am I impressed by the way the mystery is hidden and then revealed, but I am also impressed by the nature of the mystery. It’s a brave one but one that works very well…The book has romance, adventure, mystery and, at its centre, an exciting voyage across the world, through history and through the human mind.”

Literary Nerd

“This enthralling story never loses its momentum and combines the best of historical fiction writing with a lively adventure story. I thoroughly enjoyed it.”

Jo at Jaffareadstoo

The Great Southern Continent

For centuries after Pythagoras invented the notion, men believed in the existence of a continent in the southern hemisphere, balancing the land masses of the north. Marco Polo, Amerigo Vespucci and Magellan all thought they had found parts of this land. Medieval maps such as Gerard Mercator’s in 1541 showed the outline of a massive Terra Australis. At the end of the seventeenth century, William Dampier sailed in search of it. Admiral Byron thought he glimpsed it in 1765. In 1766 Samuel Wallis left England and Comte Louis Antoine de Bougainville left France to look for the continent. On both his first and second voyages Captain Cook was instructed to search for this “continent of great extent never yet explored”.

It was Captain Cook who demonstrated, once and for all, that there was no Great Southern Continent. But in 1772 Cook’s second voyage had only just begun, and it was still possible to believe that the Continent existed. Thus it is at this unique point in history that I have placed my story of a voyage to the Great Southern Continent – To The Fair Land.