Nevertheless, this is book about some brutal crimes and some depraved individuals. We think of "grooming" in connection to the internet, but there were earlier methods of grooming young people before sexual abuse. Then, as now, those responsible for the abuse are often from areas of life we assume to be respectable.
When Clark and Collins become involved with the murder of a young girl, the investigation appears to be stymied by someone higher up; just how high up is the question. Is the pressure coming from the government itself?
Our intrepid protagonists are not going to give up that easily, but a heavy sense of darkness overhangs elements of the investigation. Nor do Clark and Collins adhere to legality once the people they love are threatened.
(I've read many mysteries and crime novels set in the UK, but I believe this is the first I've read actually set in Birmingham, and I realized I knew very little about it other than familiarity with the name of the city. A little research revealed a long and interesting history. Both W.H. Auden and J.R.R. Tolkien were brought up in Birmingham and the Pre-Raphaelite and Arts and Crafts movements are also associated with the city.)
McGrath has created some memorable characters and a fascinating book that reveals that in spite of all of the changes that have occurred in the last 50+ years, many things remain the same. I look forward to more from Jim McGrath.
Read in April; blog review scheduled for May 4.
NetGalley/Troubador Publ.
Crime/Police Procedural. April 25, 2016. Print length: 274 pages.
Clark and Collins sound interesting and I always like reading about characters of different traits and/or personality paired up for their investigation works. They usually make the story so much more interesting aside from the plot. I'll be checking this out. :-)
ReplyDeleteI really liked the characters in this one, and the book prompted an interest in the Midlands area of England. There was also a character who had worked at Bletchley Park during the war and that always catches my attention. :)
DeleteThis sounds dark and fascinating. I am definitely intrigued. Great review, Jen!
ReplyDeleteI liked this one for several reasons, including a mention of Bletchley Park and a throw-away comment about Ian. Knowing that Ian Fleming worked in Naval Intelligence during the war, that comment made me smile.
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