Bernard Cornwell is best known for several trilogies and the Richard Sharpe series; with the historical plots typically centered on famous/infamous battles.That is why Gallow's Thief is particularly interesting, since it is a mystery set within an historical framework. Do not think for one moment that you will budget small amounts of time to get through the book.Cornwell draws you into solving a killing through the main character, Capt. Sandman - a veteran from the Battle of Waterloo - and his band of "merry person's," including a woman whose brother is Robin Hood.The writing is concise and poignant to issues confronted in society today. History does repeat itself, especially when it comes to the wealthy manipulating the legal system.