THE PLAGUE DOCTOR MURDERS Samuel Pepys, Book 2

Charles Johnston deftly presents the horrors of London's Great Fire and plague. Listeners meet two inquisitors, prominent Jacob Standish and Abby Harcourt, Samuel Pepys's housemaid. Together, they're hot on the trail of a murderous plague doctor. Johnston's Abby is assertive despite her lower status, and Jacob commands respect even though he's clumsy and impetuous. They're a formidable team. Descriptions of bleak lives of grinding poverty are mitigated by musical interludes. As the plague doctor hides behind a long, black coat and hideous huge-beaked bird mask, no one knows whom to trust, and terror mounts. Effectively performed highlights include threats to Jacob by the plague doctor and the growing affection between Jacob and Abby. Audio illuminates the widespread grief and fear surrounding these grim historical events. S.G.B. © AudioFile 2025, Portland, Maine [Published: APRIL 2025]