Book Review - The Covent Garden Enigma by Peter Baggott

The Covent Garden Enigma

By Peter Baggott

Publication Date: 28th September 2021

Publisher: Michael Terence Publishing

Page Length: 428 Pages

Genre: Historical Fiction

James Bentley was born and raised in a brothel as the son of a spurned courtesan. Now established as a conman of the highest quality, entrepreneur and respected businessman, he harbours a dark side, a penchant for abducting and abusing virgins to work in his brothels. Cold and heartless he is indifferent to the chaos and ruin he leaves in his wake, including his son, Malachi.

By chance, James is introduced to alcoholic, womanising Patrick Curtis with the opportunity to acquire premises on The Strand for a high-class brothel and further funding for his fictitious projects. In so doing he meets Patrick's domestically abused wife Lilly. The pair are instantly drawn to each other and after James' disclosures of his past, the relationship is cemented. They have a problem, Patrick.

Malachi coming of age at sixteen is told of his origins and whilst offered the position of clerk to the Bow Street Magistrate he exposes secrets of those he loves and those he will come to love.

Will Lilly and James enjoy life together or will the spectre's of his past come back to haunt him and with what consequences?

Despite a difficult upbringing, James Bentley has become a successful and respected businessman. However, beneath his exterior act of a businessman hides a conman, with a dark secret. Driven by his lust for virgins, he destroys lives and coerces young girls into working in his brothels.

However, when James meets Lily Curtis, everything he had once known is turned upon its head. He feels an instant connection to her, and longs to protect her from her abusive husband. As it stands, James begins to formulate a plan for Patrick Cutis, and getting Lily all to himself quickly becomes his main objective. But can he truly leave his past behind and move on to live a normal life after all that he has done?

The Covent Garden Enigma by Peter Baggott is an intricately woven novel of lives intertwined, and how the actions of one affect more than just those immediately involved.

James Bentley is both the novel’s protagonist and its antagonist, an anti-hero of sorts. James is presented as utterly repugnant, making it difficult for readers to sympathise with him due to the harm he inflicts. He takes what he wants, and walks away, not caring what damage he leaves behind. But meeting Lily changes James, certainly for the better, and the change happens so subtly that the reader almost doesn’t notice it happening. The author masterfully depicts James’s journey, showcasing significant character development that evokes empathy and a protective instinct in the reader. The author’s subtle manipulation of the reader’s sympathy is truly impressive.

James’ love story is not a conventional one, for the woman that he finds himself falling for is already married. Her husband, however, is an alcoholic, who spends too much time in brothels and gambling dens to care much for his wife and daughter. James has to fight for his love, and as secrets and lies begin to pile up, how long can he truly continue before he can take Lily as his own? James’ encounter with Lily marks a pivotal moment in the novel, prompting him to reassess his life and goals. She truly is a saving grace for him, and the effect she has on him is astounding to watch unfold. 

This novel encompasses the lives of many characters, all of whom are involved in James’ life in one way or another. The inclusion of so many different characters spread across a wide area gives a well-rounded perspective of the opinions held by the many, as well as the thoughts of the few. The narrative is taken over by different characters at times, allowing the reader to understand in detail what events in each person’s life lead them to where they find themselves. James owns several brothels and has come into contact with many of the people inside them. How his actions affect, not only the courtesans but also the women employed within the buildings, is shown to the reader, creating a sense of realism within the story—this is not just a story of James’ life, but the story of many lives, all of whom are affected by the actions of one man.

The novel’s tone shifts as time elapses and the story transitions from James to his unknown son, Malachi. Working at the Bow Street Magistrate’s office, he looks up old files at the revelation of the circumstances of his birth, and begins to piece together the truth surrounding his birth, and his mother’s death. As he starts to dig deeper, it begins to become apparent just how many others have suffered at the hands of James Bentley. Malachi is certainly a favourite character in this novel. He has the same start to life as James did, born in a brothel and starting out with nothing, but he grows into a kind and respectable young man. The contrast between James and Malachi is incredibly clear, and Malachi shows that it is not the circumstances of birth that make a person who they are.

Set against the backdrop of Georgian England, this novel encompasses the lives of those both higher up and lower in society. This novel’s setting is incredibly vivid, and the author’s masterful depiction of London streets and slums provides a realistic backdrop for the characters. The novel is brought to life by the interwoven lives of its diverse characters, creating both tension and joy through their interactions. This is certainly a captivating novel, making it almost impossible to put down.

In Peter Baggott’s enthralling novel, The Covent Garden Enigma, truth and lies become intricately intertwined. This novel masterfully portrays a complex web of relationships through multiple perspectives, showcasing the author’s skill in weaving together a compelling narrative. Featuring a love story, thrilling police investigation, and long-buried secrets, this novel recounts lives lived and lost. It is truly a wonderful read and one that comes highly recommend.

Review by Ellie Yarde
Yarde Reviews & Book Promotion

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Peter Baggott

Peter Baggott is an author with a deep interest in history particularly Roman. He has served in three uniformed employments and is very familiar with Roman tactics which are still used in everyday life.

Peter chose for his writing this Roman historical genre because of his innate interest in the subject and having been born in the Roman city of Lindvm, modern-day Lincoln.

In his teens, on a daily basis, while delivering newspapers, Peter traversed the exposed Roman remains from The Steep to the Newport Arch, the only full Roman archway in Great Britain.​

Peter has also visited numerous Roman sites, both in the UK and in Europe and has used original Roman historical sources of Tacitus, Suetonius and Dio, Google Maps for distancing and location, Wikipedia and several archaeological online sources. Thus, he tries to keep abreast with new finds upgrading his work accordingly.

His new Crime-based project is centred around Covent Garden at the turn of the 17/18th centuries prior to the establishment of the Bow Street Runners. He chose period crime writing rather than write about his own Police experiences. He has an interest in the origins of the Police and what led up to its establishment.

The period chosen reflects many of the same problems we face and suffer today.

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