The Chronicler Recommends: Death and the Harlot
Welcome Readers!
It’s time for another Chronicler book recommendation. This month, we’re looking at a book for Divinity’s Reach most eccentric noble.
From being the host of Tyria’s Fanciest Cat Competition, to a loincloth-wearing survivor of the Pact fleet’s crash in the Maguuma forest by way of spending some time in Scarlet’s boiling pot during Divinity’s Reach Queen Jubilee—everyone knows him, some people like him—of course, we’re talking about Lord Faren.
Whether Faren is an old friend of your Commander as the two of you spent some time together as young nobles in Divinity’s Reach or you met Lord Faren as his curious life decisions made him cross path with us as the years went by, he is undeniably one of the most well-known characters in the franchise. Faren is often depicted as an overzealous and eccentric noble who overestimates his own abilities which often lands him in trouble from which the Commander inextricably needs to save him from. From being kidnapped by Scarlet when attempting to save an illusion of Queen Jennah from harm, heading into battle to defeat Mordremoth with the Pact then finding himself stranded in the depths of Maguuma, and getting severely wounded during the battle of Gandara—Faren is never properly equipped for the dangers surrounding him.
However, after all these misadventures, Lord Faren has finally decided to take a step back in the last few years. Now mainly acting as an advisor to the various races, he assists in coordinating various missions and alliances throughout Tyria. Staying behind the frontline has allowed him to find other activities to occupy him such as being a patron of the infamous Snargle Goldclaw’s scandalous literature. This new venture in his vast career is why we are recommending today’s novel—Death and the Harlot by Georgina Clarke—a book which explores detective fiction through the eyes of a prostitute. We’re sure this subject would be as scandalous in Divinity’s Reach as anything penned by Goldclaw himself.
Death and the Harlot by Georgina Clarke
Surviving as a prostitute in Mrs Farley’s brothel is Lizzie Hardwicke’s lot in life.
The grime & crime of 18th century London—the backdrop of her tale.
As Lizze’s latest customer is found dead in the courtyard of a nearby tavern—the White Horse—she finds herself caught in a web of murders, accusations, lies and blackmail.
Davenport, an assistant to the Magistrate of Bow Street, investigates the case and takes Lizzie under his wing. Her unique position in society allows her to go unnoticed or speak to those who would ignore an officer of the law, but her own secrets may be a detriment preventing her from accomplishing her goal.
“As I passed St Martin’s, I wondered whether God the Father, whose blessed son loved prostitutes, would welcome her to a better home. Or perhaps, as my own father would have said, he would send her to everlasting damnation”
- Death and the Harlot by Georgina Clarke
Clarke’s approach to detective fiction is innovative and blunt. Solving crimes and working for the betterment of society is no longer an activity reserved for the gentry. One does not need to be an old and rich spinster living in a pastoral village or a Belgian police officer to be able to uncover a crime. Having streets smarts and living on the edge of society is enough to build Lizzie as a trustworthy and capable detective figure.
All in all, I believe this would be the perfect book for Lord Faren to bring to a book club.
A murder, blackmail, a strong-willed detective of scandalous social standings—a perfect recipe to have the nobility of Divinity’s Reach clutching at their pearls as Lord Faren grins at their absurd reaction.
Thank you for reading our latest recommendations.
If you want to read this books, make sure to get them from your local bookstore or library.
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