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kathydavie's review against another edition
4.0
First in the Scotland Yard's Murder Squad forensic historical mystery series starting in 1889 and revolving around the new inspector, Walter Day.
My Take
Grecian uses a third person global subjective point-of-view which allows the reader to hear and feel what any character is experiencing in this introduction to the series. Yep, Grecian is laying the foundation for The Yard's evolution and establishing the background of the series characters.
There's plenty of action, even if it can be confusing, and Grecian sets the scene and the time period quite well. The simplistic writing was a bit of a turn-off, but the lure of forensic history and The Yard sucked me into this "breaking-in" of The Yard's new Murder Squad and all these new ideas for policemen and in forensics: pensions, focussing only on murder, fingerprints, using height and other physical characteristics, officially hiring a forensics examiner…to the theory that Jack the Ripper broadened people's minds, encouraging those serial killer desires.
It's a reasonable theory, and Grecian tickles the brain with the hideous train of thought in the mind of the primary criminal in The Yard. Scarily, it has quite the modern touch, feeling as though I'm hearing the thoughts of a contemporary serial killer. Ewww.
I'm always fascinated by history and forensics and getting this bird's eye view of one author's idea of how forensics developed at The Yard and why the Murder Squad was set up was intriguing. Okay, so it was a little too easy for Sir Edward to set them up, but I can always use a book that doesn't terrify me *grin*. Sir Edward is definitely not the typical "novel" boss, as he prefers to err on the side of good. It may not be as inciting, but it certainly is a treat. Now, that Tiffany, his attitude about crime or women was not acceptable, even though I know he is a product of his times.
I do like Hammersmith. He's a practical young man with a compassionate heart. As for Day, our hero, I'd like him better if he weren't so obsessed with not being good enough. I suppose that will be his character arc, gaining confidence in himself and his wife. She's one I'm liking. That Claire is willing to swim against the cultural tide and knows what's important. She reminds me a bit of Charlotte Pitt in Anne Perry's Charlotte and Thomas Pitt series.
Some of my niggles circle around those bits Grecian wasn't clear on, from the odd dream Hammersmith has about the Ripper's victims: Annie Chapman, Elizabeth Stride, Elizabeth Jackson, Catherine Eddowes, Mary Kelly, Mary Ann Nichols, and little Johnny Gill. The whole Shaw incident from why the doctor appears to be in cahoots with the sweep, what's happening in his marriage, and why his wife seems to be a nutjob has me curious. Dr Kingsley sending his daughter off as he does, sure the doctor is unusual for his time period, but his daughter playing nursemaid doesn't feel right.
Hmm, there's bit about the Bryant and May matchstick factory. I wonder if that's where Fowler got the name for his series?
It is an interesting set of struggles in The Yard with some of the inspectors interested in "important" victims while other coppers think every death is a problem. It'll be interesting to see how matters progress with the Murder Squad in The Black Country.
The Story
Scotland Yard failed to catch Jack the Ripper, and all of London is filled with contempt. It's obvious that the Yard must change, and that twelve-man Murder Squad with inspectors devoted to murder, and only murder, is a necessity.
When one of their own is murdered, it falls to the new man, an unknown up from Devon, with his first murder case, his first case ever as an inspector. The pressure is on and Day, fortunately, teams up inadvertently with Dr. Kingsley and his radical ideas.
The Characters
Detective Inspector Walter Day, the son of a valet, is new on the job, fresh in from Devon and wondering if he's the right man — even if he was recommended by "the legendary Inspector Adrian March". Claire Carlyle is his wife whose parents bought them their house in Kentish Town. Mrs Phillipa Dick is the bitchy housekeeper who comes by during the day.
Dr Bernard Kingsley has pushed himself onto the Yard as a forensic examiner, and although he isn't officially part of the Yard, he is highly respected for his expertise. Fiona is his artistic daughter who draws the bodies and wounds for him. His wife, Catherine, died; another daughter, Beatrice, is away at school. Even if he doesn't like him, Kingsley can appreciate the strides Alphonse Bertillon is making in the scientific identification of the criminal class. Henry Faulds, a missionary newly returned from the Orient, has this idea about fingerprints.
Scotland Yard is but a part of…
…the Metropolitan Police Force. Inspector Christian Little wasn't missed until he was found. Colonel Sir Edward Bradford is the new commissioner of the Force. Michael Blacker, Patrick Gilchrist seems to be a ghost, Oliver Boring, Tom Wiggins, Crockett O'Donnell, Jimmy Tiffany, Alan Whiteside, Waldo George, Waverly Brown, and Ellery Cox were all handpicked for the Murder Squad.
Sergeant Kett is one of the middlemen in the police force, liaising between constables and inspectors. Inspector Gerard wasn't tapped for the Murder Squad, but he is good. Inspector Bentley doesn't exist, as threatening as he is. The bobbies are constables who deal with the day-to-day offenses and walk a beat. The fastidious Colin Pringle and Nevil Hammersmith, are roommates with Mrs Flanders as their landlady. Maggie is the young lady with whom Pringle is walking out. Jonny walks a beat near Dr Shaw's home.
From a large family, Nevil was five years old when he started working the ventilating shafts at the coal mine; the six-year-old Alice, a friend, was moving up. His uncle George ran off to the navy. The Widow Little has it hard. Gregory is the son who must look after her mentally handicapped Anthony.
Dr Brindle is at St Thomas' Hospital, caring for Nevil's father. Dr Herbert Entwhistle is the man Mrs Dick prefers. Blackleg is a thief, an area diver who breaks into homes through below-ground-level quarters. The dancing man is actually Henry Mayhew; he and his brother, Frank, used to work at the Charing Cross morgue until the kind Henry went mad.
Dr Charles and Penelope Shaw and their son Bradley were on a short vacation. Elizabeth is a maid? governess? Sam Pizer is the chimney sweep.
Fennimore "Fenn" Hubbard is seven years old and was reported as missing. Mattie is his mother; Harriet Smith and Robert Harrison are two of the children who live on Fenn's block.
Geoffrey Cinderhouse is the official tailor for the Met's uniforms. He prefers the old traditional ways, unless he decides a modern idea is better, like indoor plumbing. Thomas is one of Kingsley's "patients". Liza and Esme, who narrowly escaped being a victim of the Ripper, are whores. French Upholstery and Fine Furniture is owned by Frederick French. Big Pete owns a tavern and puts his family to work. John Robinson had his beard shaved off. Percy Erwood is the man Claire was supposed to have married. Mr Rex Sanders is pretending to be a stable hand. Hobgate is one of the worst workhouses, one step up from the asylum.
The Cover and Title
The cover is predominantly blue-gray and black, a tall dark figure in overcoat and top hat is walking through the tall black iron gates into a weedy yard. In the upper left are elaborate stone towers with ravens taking wing, all viewed through a hazy fog. A black banner angles up from left to right through the middle of the cover with the title in white and outlined in gold with a gold picot-style trim just inside the borders. A testimonial is at the top with the author's name at the bottom left and both are in white.
The title is the focus, for The Yard is changing with the times.
My Take
Grecian uses a third person global subjective point-of-view which allows the reader to hear and feel what any character is experiencing in this introduction to the series. Yep, Grecian is laying the foundation for The Yard's evolution and establishing the background of the series characters.
There's plenty of action, even if it can be confusing, and Grecian sets the scene and the time period quite well. The simplistic writing was a bit of a turn-off, but the lure of forensic history and The Yard sucked me into this "breaking-in" of The Yard's new Murder Squad and all these new ideas for policemen and in forensics: pensions, focussing only on murder, fingerprints, using height and other physical characteristics, officially hiring a forensics examiner…to the theory that Jack the Ripper broadened people's minds, encouraging those serial killer desires.
It's a reasonable theory, and Grecian tickles the brain with the hideous train of thought in the mind of the primary criminal in The Yard. Scarily, it has quite the modern touch, feeling as though I'm hearing the thoughts of a contemporary serial killer. Ewww.
I'm always fascinated by history and forensics and getting this bird's eye view of one author's idea of how forensics developed at The Yard and why the Murder Squad was set up was intriguing. Okay, so it was a little too easy for Sir Edward to set them up, but I can always use a book that doesn't terrify me *grin*. Sir Edward is definitely not the typical "novel" boss, as he prefers to err on the side of good. It may not be as inciting, but it certainly is a treat. Now, that Tiffany, his attitude about crime or women was not acceptable, even though I know he is a product of his times.
I do like Hammersmith. He's a practical young man with a compassionate heart. As for Day, our hero, I'd like him better if he weren't so obsessed with not being good enough. I suppose that will be his character arc, gaining confidence in himself and his wife. She's one I'm liking. That Claire is willing to swim against the cultural tide and knows what's important. She reminds me a bit of Charlotte Pitt in Anne Perry's Charlotte and Thomas Pitt series.
Some of my niggles circle around those bits Grecian wasn't clear on, from the odd dream Hammersmith has about the Ripper's victims: Annie Chapman, Elizabeth Stride, Elizabeth Jackson, Catherine Eddowes, Mary Kelly, Mary Ann Nichols, and little Johnny Gill. The whole Shaw incident from why the doctor appears to be in cahoots with the sweep, what's happening in his marriage, and why his wife seems to be a nutjob has me curious. Dr Kingsley sending his daughter off as he does, sure the doctor is unusual for his time period, but his daughter playing nursemaid doesn't feel right.
Hmm, there's bit about the Bryant and May matchstick factory. I wonder if that's where Fowler got the name for his series?
It is an interesting set of struggles in The Yard with some of the inspectors interested in "important" victims while other coppers think every death is a problem. It'll be interesting to see how matters progress with the Murder Squad in The Black Country.
The Story
Scotland Yard failed to catch Jack the Ripper, and all of London is filled with contempt. It's obvious that the Yard must change, and that twelve-man Murder Squad with inspectors devoted to murder, and only murder, is a necessity.
When one of their own is murdered, it falls to the new man, an unknown up from Devon, with his first murder case, his first case ever as an inspector. The pressure is on and Day, fortunately, teams up inadvertently with Dr. Kingsley and his radical ideas.
The Characters
Detective Inspector Walter Day, the son of a valet, is new on the job, fresh in from Devon and wondering if he's the right man — even if he was recommended by "the legendary Inspector Adrian March". Claire Carlyle is his wife whose parents bought them their house in Kentish Town. Mrs Phillipa Dick is the bitchy housekeeper who comes by during the day.
Dr Bernard Kingsley has pushed himself onto the Yard as a forensic examiner, and although he isn't officially part of the Yard, he is highly respected for his expertise. Fiona is his artistic daughter who draws the bodies and wounds for him. His wife, Catherine, died; another daughter, Beatrice, is away at school. Even if he doesn't like him, Kingsley can appreciate the strides Alphonse Bertillon is making in the scientific identification of the criminal class. Henry Faulds, a missionary newly returned from the Orient, has this idea about fingerprints.
Scotland Yard is but a part of…
…the Metropolitan Police Force. Inspector Christian Little wasn't missed until he was found. Colonel Sir Edward Bradford is the new commissioner of the Force. Michael Blacker, Patrick Gilchrist seems to be a ghost, Oliver Boring, Tom Wiggins, Crockett O'Donnell, Jimmy Tiffany, Alan Whiteside, Waldo George, Waverly Brown, and Ellery Cox were all handpicked for the Murder Squad.
Sergeant Kett is one of the middlemen in the police force, liaising between constables and inspectors. Inspector Gerard wasn't tapped for the Murder Squad, but he is good. Inspector Bentley doesn't exist, as threatening as he is. The bobbies are constables who deal with the day-to-day offenses and walk a beat. The fastidious Colin Pringle and Nevil Hammersmith, are roommates with Mrs Flanders as their landlady. Maggie is the young lady with whom Pringle is walking out. Jonny walks a beat near Dr Shaw's home.
From a large family, Nevil was five years old when he started working the ventilating shafts at the coal mine; the six-year-old Alice, a friend, was moving up. His uncle George ran off to the navy. The Widow Little has it hard. Gregory is the son who must look after her mentally handicapped Anthony.
Dr Brindle is at St Thomas' Hospital, caring for Nevil's father. Dr Herbert Entwhistle is the man Mrs Dick prefers. Blackleg is a thief, an area diver who breaks into homes through below-ground-level quarters. The dancing man is actually Henry Mayhew; he and his brother, Frank, used to work at the Charing Cross morgue until the kind Henry went mad.
Dr Charles and Penelope Shaw and their son Bradley were on a short vacation. Elizabeth is a maid? governess? Sam Pizer is the chimney sweep.
Fennimore "Fenn" Hubbard is seven years old and was reported as missing. Mattie is his mother; Harriet Smith and Robert Harrison are two of the children who live on Fenn's block.
Geoffrey Cinderhouse is the official tailor for the Met's uniforms. He prefers the old traditional ways, unless he decides a modern idea is better, like indoor plumbing. Thomas is one of Kingsley's "patients". Liza and Esme, who narrowly escaped being a victim of the Ripper, are whores. French Upholstery and Fine Furniture is owned by Frederick French. Big Pete owns a tavern and puts his family to work. John Robinson had his beard shaved off. Percy Erwood is the man Claire was supposed to have married. Mr Rex Sanders is pretending to be a stable hand. Hobgate is one of the worst workhouses, one step up from the asylum.
The Cover and Title
The cover is predominantly blue-gray and black, a tall dark figure in overcoat and top hat is walking through the tall black iron gates into a weedy yard. In the upper left are elaborate stone towers with ravens taking wing, all viewed through a hazy fog. A black banner angles up from left to right through the middle of the cover with the title in white and outlined in gold with a gold picot-style trim just inside the borders. A testimonial is at the top with the author's name at the bottom left and both are in white.
The title is the focus, for The Yard is changing with the times.
ladyphoenixqueen's review against another edition
5.0
This is the first book by this author that I have read and I loved it! I will definitely continue reading this series and any other books by him.
I love books that switch around between the perspectives of different characters and when multiple storylines converge. So good!!
I love books that switch around between the perspectives of different characters and when multiple storylines converge. So good!!
carodaniels72's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
jrmarr's review against another edition
2.0
I read this on holiday, so I wasn't looking for anything particularly highbrow, but this left me with a distinct feeling of 'meh'. I'm a fan of historical crime fiction, but this wasn't executed particularly well. Pretty pedestrian characterisation and plotting. If this is the first in a series, I will not be seeking the others out.
annashiv's review
2.0
I really wanted to like this book. I was going to give it at least 3 stars until the last 50 to 60 pages. It just wasn't satisfying. It felt messy and somehow I stopped caring about the characters. He set up a lot of good points with lots of potential for a good ending, but it just fell flat. It felt like the plot was driving the characters instead of the other way around. Also, the dialogue was almost random and poorly done, which I was willing to ignore until the end. The one thing I just couldn't believe was the forensics part. I am aware that some of these things are setting up things for the next books, but so much felt unnecessary or poorly added, the forensics being the biggest one. I was amazing by how little the author knew about what realistic expectations there are when it comes to fingerprints, the main point of frustration for me was how many clear prints they could get on a pair of scissors. No mention of smudges or overlap or anything. It was so flawed as to take off a whole star in itself.
I think the real reason it all just fell apart at the end was the killer's motivation for killing. For the first book, I expected something really interesting or a twist or something to really give it something special, but there wasn't anything like that. There was just nothing that made it different from a generic mystery murder adventure novel. Nothing interesting. There were many threads, but none of them really panned out to a really exciting ending.
I did want to like it though. I love Victorian mysteries, but this just wasn't done well unfortunately. However, if you like mysteries that don't need to make sense but have lots of action, intrigue and character, then feel free to read this, just don't expect any sense of realism.
I think the real reason it all just fell apart at the end was the killer's motivation for killing. For the first book, I expected something really interesting or a twist or something to really give it something special, but there wasn't anything like that. There was just nothing that made it different from a generic mystery murder adventure novel. Nothing interesting. There were many threads, but none of them really panned out to a really exciting ending.
I did want to like it though. I love Victorian mysteries, but this just wasn't done well unfortunately. However, if you like mysteries that don't need to make sense but have lots of action, intrigue and character, then feel free to read this, just don't expect any sense of realism.
k_katterhenry's review against another edition
4.0
Could feel myself telling characters to watch out. liked how the plot lines wove together. overall pretty enjoyable.
retired_to_alternate_universe's review against another edition
5.0
Very well written period detective novel. Well worth reading.
vintageowl's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
cutenanya's review against another edition
4.0
I give this book a 3.5 star because it's an enjoyable read, though there are many problems that plague this book:
1) Obviously, the style of the language is inaccurate, considering people might not use certain terms in that era.
2) We know who the killer is early on and there is not enough element of mystery to keep people guessing what's going to happen next.
3) The forensic aspect of the book played too little a role, we don't really think it's crucial to catching the killer.
Still, the characters are likable and the pace is alright, which is why it will be an okay read when one has nothing else to do on a rainy afternoon.
1) Obviously, the style of the language is inaccurate, considering people might not use certain terms in that era.
2) We know who the killer is early on and there is not enough element of mystery to keep people guessing what's going to happen next.
3) The forensic aspect of the book played too little a role, we don't really think it's crucial to catching the killer.
Still, the characters are likable and the pace is alright, which is why it will be an okay read when one has nothing else to do on a rainy afternoon.
ageekybibliophile's review against another edition
3.0
This book had a few too many characters for my reading pleasure. I found myself drawn more to the side stories than the main case. I also felt like the main case went on forever and then just ended. I liked the character of Hammersmith and will get round to reading it's sequel at some point but until then I'll say it was an okay read just a bit long winded for my liking.