The two protaganists, Helen West and Geoffrey Bailey are the best features of this mystery set in London's East End. West is a prosecuting solictor for the Crown who is in a relationship with Geoffrey Bailey, a Detective Chief Superintendent. She smells a rat in reviewing a case file and DCS Bailey respects her judgment. The ex-wife of one of his troubled officers found the body, bringing him into the case if only tangentially. Deep Sleep won the Crime Writers' Association Silver Dagger for 1991, a runner up to the Gold, which went to Barbara Vine (aka Ruth Rendell) for King Solomon's Carpet. My main carp is that I was annoyed with Fyfield for having Helen report to an incompetent idiot. Crime is unpleasant enough without that occupational hazard.
Was this a mystery? We knew who the killer/insane person was right in the beginning! Reading a couple reviews first as usual, I decided to write down who characters were, thinking there would be too many to remember and keep track of. No need. There were only a few: Helen West, girlfriend of Bailey (Detective Chief Superintendent), who wants to solve this "murder mystery." Duncan Perry, always drunk Detective Constable, ex of Kimberly Perry, and son Tom, deprived of attention. There were a few other people who didn't matter. This story wasn't confusing, just drawn out, boring, and very English.
What do You think about Deep Sleep (1992)?
Sometimes crime novels are hard to read. I don't always do well with the graphic side of things. Fyfield seems to always keep me reading and turning pages. This one was a quick but good read. It is the 3rd book in the series and I love the title. Helen is a great character and I love that she fought so hard for justice in this one when everyone was ok with the she died in her sleep line. Of course I love Helen and Bailey's relationship. It makes these mysteries that much more interesting. Fyfield does a great job with this series. A good read for crime lovers.
—Twin Opinions
