A Conspiracy of Paper (Hardcover)

I am glad that I did, however, because although this is clearly a "first," Liss tells a richly textured and, for the most part, well-researched tale. His background in both history and economics allows him to give an interesting spin to mysteries as a genre, and to this book in particular. Despite some unnecessary phrases like the one mentioned above, he vividly conveys the atmosphere of the place and the society he describes; namely, that of 18th century London with its lawless underbelly, corrupt judges, dark alleys, ginhouses, whores and, in particular, 'Change Alley and its coffeehouses and the prejudice against "stock-jobbing" Jews. The book's narrator, ex-boxer Benjamin Weaver (born Benjamin Lienzo and formerly professionally known as "The Lion of Judah") is a compellingly drawn character. And as a comment on the volatility of the stock market and its dangers for the uninitiated, the book couldn't be more timely; even if its story ends before the actual burst of the so-called "South Sea Bubble."

Unfortunately, Liss has forsaken historical accuracy in a major way in the portrayal of Miriam, Weaver's almost-love-interest (the relationship between the two strikes me as somewhat contrived anyway) -- and he has done so against better knowledge, as he admits in the interview with fellow author Sheri Holman reproduced at the end of the book's American edition. Here, and in his representation of other women (a literate laundry lass?!) the book loses a good part of its credibility. Not only would Miriam not have had the liberty to move about in society as she does, or to freely interact with Weaver in the way that Liss portrays (not even if Weaver had unequivocally declared to his uncle his intention to marry her, which he hadn't); she also would neither legally nor socially have been able to engage in any stock transactions. Weaver's friend Elias, with his penchant to sink money into disastrous "get-rich-quick-schemes," would have been a more credible victim to the fraud perpetrated there (although arguably that inclination of Elias's is not easily reconcilable with the insightful lessons which, on the other hand, he teaches Weaver about the stock market and the "new economy"). Unfortunately, this is not just a minor and ultimately negligible aspect of the story but a key element and hence, a major detractor.

Generally speaking, though, this is a promising start, and I am looking forward to reading Liss's next book. He is clearly able to draw the reader into his story, and in a mystery, this is one of the things I am looking for the most. Given his background, I just hope next time he'll get rid of the unnecessary bywork and stay true to what he has researched and knows historical facts to be, particularly where it comes to the core elements of the story.

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Although the son of a wealthy Jewish stock trader, Weaver's past and his abandoning of his faith has left him estranged from his family until he asked to investigate his father's suspicious and sudden death.

Thus he descends into the world of English stock jobbers, coffee houses and Exchange Alley [a contemporary ballad summed up the 'change as a place to 'see and hear the Jews and Gentiles squabble' Here he witnesses the murky financial dealings that lead to the disastrous 'South Sea Bubble' To a man of Portuguese Jewish ancestry these encounters serve to reinforce his status as an outsider, highlighting strict divisions of class and caste. The more Weaver uncovers, the darker his world becomes, not unlike Philip Marlowe, he walks alone.

This is a painstaking evocation of a London peopled with 'rogues, prigs, Mohocks and whores who practice baser street deceptions as the 'buttock and twang' Moreover, to add to authenticity Liss introduces historical characters such Jonathan Wild -the model for Peachum in Gay's Beggars Opera

Overall, Conspiracy of Paper is both a historical thriller and a scholarly introduction to eighteenth century English society where financial and criminal systems often seem interchangeable. It is never 'dry' in its explanation of finance and never wanders down in to that world of 'cod' language so often used by historical thriller writers. A highly recommended debut novel.

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