In the Victorian era, Edinburgh prostitutes are being murdered by a particularly vicious killer. Inspector James McLevy has seen something similar before, but can the trail really be leading to a nationally-prominent figure?I read a lot of crime books, and being Scottish, I particularly enjoy those set in my homeland. I also enjoy anything set in the Victorian era, so this book was a real treat. The central character, James McLevy is very much his own man, doesn't suffer fools glady and relishes making his superiors uncomfortable. The seedy background of the port of Leith is vividly drawn and the book's characters range from the highest in the land to those trapped in a life of poverty and violence. The plot keeps you guessing as the hints at the identity of the killer point to a historical figure that the reader cannot really believe is guilty, yet all the evidence points that way. The novel's denouement is exciting, clever and satisfying.I look forward to reading the next novels in the series.
This is the first James McLevy mystery, set in Leith, 1880. The murder of a prostitute, killed by an axe, brings back to McLevy's mind another, similar, murder thirty years ago. His superior officer, Lieutenant Roach, suspects McLevy of always looking for suspects among men of high standing. However, even McLevy cannot quite believe events, when his investigation leads him to become embroiled in national politics and the election between Mr Gladstone and Mr Disraeli.I have never read any of these novels before, but they are very atmospheric, with a good cast of supporting characters for McLevy and some nice cameo appearances between real historical characters (the scenes with Queen Victoria and Disraeli were especially well done). This is a very promising beginning to the series and sure to be enjoyed by anyone who likes intelligent, well written historical mysteries.
What do You think about Shadow Of The Serpent (2011)?
The first in a series of books set in Victorian Scotland, this book introduces Inspector McLevy, a down-to-earth detective who's not above beating a confession out of someone if he thinks it's deserved.In Shadow of the Serpent, however, things get a little silly as what initially starts out as a Jack the Ripper style serial killing case suddenly involves an individual called The Serpent who is part of a secret society determined to keep the hands of the upper classes cleaner than clean. It doesn
—Paula
As much as you might want to think of a politician as an axe-murderer in his spare time, you pretty much think you "know" that he wasn't. Inspector McLevy defies his superior (of course) to solve the murders of some prostitutes. Along the way, Ashton peels away the gilt from the reputations of William Gladstone and Benjamin Disraeli (and Victoria Regina). The villain is rather silly in skill and madness. I don't think I know of anyone who can "transform" his or her self without the aid of make-u
—Marfita
