Description

1763. Northeast England. A murder to solve and a girl’s heart to win.

Shortlisted for the Historical Novel Society’s 2015 Indie Prize. The James Blakiston Series, of which this is Book 1, is not about dukes and the women who seek to win them in marriage. It’s about the people at the bottom of the heap: the poor, farm laborers, miners, servants, those dispossessed by the rich through enclosures. They love and hate, yearn and sometimes win, just like their “betters”. You can see more about this in my Nobs or Nobodies video here.

It is 1763. James Blakiston wants to solve the mystery of old Reuben Cooper’s murder. He wants to forget what his father’s foolish speculation has cost him. Most of all, he wants to ignore his yearning for the beautiful and spirited Kate Greener. It takes time, but he finds the murderer. He comes to terms with the loss of fortune and position. But his love for the woman he longs for and can’t have grows…and grows…and grows.

Here are some things readers have said about it:

Terrific read – I could visualize life in the 1760s
A Just and Upright Man is a compelling exploration of humanity, morality, and the fine line between justice and personal ambition. Set against a richly crafted backdrop, Lynch creates a world that feels both authentic and immersive, drawing readers into a gripping narrative filled with mystery, deep character development, and ethical dilemmas. Lynch masterfully peels back layers of his characters throughout the novel, allowing readers to connect with their struggles and triumphs. A thought-provoking and thoroughly engaging read.

Historical fiction is my genre and I enjoy a good mystery… throw in a little romance…
“A Just and Upright Man” kept me occupied during the long flight from London to Toronto. Historical Fiction is my genre and I enjoy a good mystery … throw in a little romance and you have the perfect combination.
The mystery element is where this book shines for me. I am generally quite good at seeing how a book will twist and turn and I must say this one caught me by surprise. I was actually rolling my eyes near the end for the predictable ending I thought I was being led into, but found myself chuckling out loud when Lynch revealed the true ending. For me, that was very well done.
Overall a good read. 4 stars for me.

This next review was by Francine Howarth and appeared in Romance Reviews Magazine

A thoroughly enjoyable read
It’s the North of England (1763) and the Enclosures Act has yet to be passed by Parliament (1773). Even so, small plots and common land are enclosed without application to Parliament, which occurred right through from the time of Charles II’s restoration. And this is where the author’s hero, James Blakiston, rides forth and affords insight to his position as overseer (land agent/steward). He is the very man who mediates in disputes and or negotiates terms between a landowner and his tenant cottagers, smallholders and farmers. Subsequently, Blakiston comes to know of the shady secrets of all the parishioners, the rector, and his lusty bible spouting curate.
As if Blakiston doesn’t have enough to contend with in his duties to his master, (his lordship), a rape and murder occurs in one of his lordship’s villages, which James must initially investigate as part of his working remit. But rumor abounds of hidden treasure spirited away, and what at first seems a simple case of murderous revenge becomes a far more complicated puzzle to solve. Undaunted, Blakiston sets out to unravel the mystery of a man everyone despised: including the deceased’s own children. Such is no mean task for Blakiston hails from the lesser landed gentry, being a squire’s son. While subjected to sideways mistrusting glances from many, others benefit from his fair-minded policies. One young lady, below his rank, sees him for what he is, a lonely young man at heart. Little does Kate Greener know that Blakiston has a past he’s ashamed of, and although she stirs lust from within, he is what he has made of himself: A Just and Upright Man.
Blakiston treats Kate with respect, and while beating his heart into retreat, she too knows her place in the overall scheme of what is socially acceptable. But can social divide keep them apart, or can love overcome all obstacles set by society? RJ Lynch has brought to life the country folk from up north, and the era in which they exist. This novel is on a par with Thomas Hardy’s meaty offerings of country life and the hardships of the less well off: those beholden to the super-rich of their day. The men who could make or break a family with one word: eviction. Although there’s a large cast of characters, the author introduces each with clarity through the eyes of Blakiston. A Just And Upright Man is a very enjoyable and worthwhile read. As this is Book 1 of a series, I can honestly say I’m looking forward to reading book 2.