It’s a Detective Thriller, and the beginning is very reminiscent of a Raymond Chandler novel, with the hero setting himself up as a Private Detective in a cheap office at the top of a building in London. This is to be his new career after service and imprisonment in the Second World War, whilst he adjusts to injuries he sustained during that time. Being an ex-serviceman, much of what he says is reminiscent of some views expressed here on ARRSE.
The references to rationing and life in drab London at that time are well-researched and atmospheric. The story is interesting, with reference to his service in SOE as well as a series of bloody murders happening in the background. The characters are well-drawn and I liked the rather bleak writing style, which is very easy to read. Sometimes it's hard to believe just how easy it was to find a uniformed policeman when you needed one, but maybe in 1940s London that was the case.
The story threads easily between Chelsea, Soho and the suburbs, with each being well-described alongside the action in the plot.
I thought I had predicted the twist in the tail as well as the perpetrator of the crimes, but Mr. Ferris had a few additional twists, and the denouement was unlike any I’ve read before.
The Daily Mail Reviewer calls Gordon Ferris the new Ian Rankin. I like both authors and think that insults both of them, as their books, plots, styles and characters are very different.
This is a thoroughly enjoyable book and I’d give it three Mushroom Heads – recommended to all ARRSERS.
Boldnotold
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