I really enjoyed this murder mystery set in eighteenth century London. I enjoyed the characters of Sir John Fielding and his charge Jeremy Proctor.

The customs and flavor of London during the times were well depicted with horrid smells and all. The characters were well developed and realistic. The mystery was a good one and I was surprised at the big reveal at the end.

It was an easy read with good tension and I enjoyed the narration in the fictional account of Master Jeremy's memoir.

It reminded me a bit of Kate Ross' Julian Kestrel Mysteries which I really enjoyed as well.

The narrator of the story is fictional, but Sir John Fielding is not. "The Blind Beak of Bow Street" was a very real magistrate in the rough and tumble London of Samuel Johnson and this series is a delightful time machine back to a colorful era.

The younger brother of the novelist who wrote "Tom Jones", Sir John Fielding was the creator of the Bow Street Runners, a forerunner of the modern urban police force. He presided over one of the poorest, rowdiest, toughest sections of London. He was completely blind and famous for being able to identify persons brought to his court from hearing their voices. He is a fascinating character; we see him through the fictional eyes of an engaging and enterprising young orphan who becomes his ward and whose growth and development form a continuing link throughout this excellent series. Well written, strongly plotted and highly recommended.

The world of 18th-century London comes to life through the eyes of 13-year-old Jeremy Proctor. This light and enjoyable murder mystery introduces the compassionate, brilliant blind magistrate Sir John Fielding. The mystery itself, moderately easy to unravel before the end, is not as compelling as the fascinating cast of characters.

How could anyone give this (Blind Justice) book less than 5 stars? It's so well written, the words are like magic poured onto the page. The relationship that grows between Sir John and Jeremy is magical. Both charactors are strangly blessed to have one another, especially evident towards the end of the story. To not have the ability to envision how desperate Jeremy must have been (at such a young age as well), dragged before the Magestrate for a very serious sentence, and Sir John to have 'seen' right through the accusers story was one of wonder! I'll re-read this book at least 2-3 more times. Arthur Connon Doyle has nothing on this one!!! BUY IT!!!

This is the first book in an unusual historically based mystery/detective series. Based in the middle to late eighteenth century, contemporary to the times of Washington and Jefferson, we follow the beginning of the first municipal police department (Bow Street Runners who will become the London Metropolitan Police) as they search for ways to protect the innocent. At this time in London, anyone could act like a 'bounty hunter' and bring crooks and felons in front of the court. Testimony could easily be perjury and innocent people incarcerated for the bounty paid for capturing felons.

Sir John Fielding had set-up the "Runners" as a way of insuring that those criminals who were brought before his court were actually criminals. For the first time, Sir John demanded that there be some forensic evidence that proved guilt above and beyond hearsay. These books are narrated (starting at age 13) by a young man who will become one of the first true detective working for a court. As the series moves on and the young man ages, we see how the determination of evidence also changes to make the system more even handed.