DEAD END an utterly captivating historical murder mystery novel set in Victorian London (The Inspector Best Mysteries Book 2)
£0.90
She’s surrounded by white roses.
Detective Best is called from London to the grey and blustery north to investigate.
After finding out the girl was involved with local spiritualists, he meets a Dead End.
Everyone seems to have a reason for killing the girl – from her maid to her fiancé who happens to be the long-lost brother to the department store owner.
But she’s not the only girl who is missing.
Will Detective Best be able to face his own painful past in order to solve the case?
‘Dead End’ is a gripping historical murder mystery story from acclaimed author Joan Lock.
Praise for author Joan Lock:
“Gripping Victorian mystery” – Publishers Weekly on Dead Born
“Multilayered, ingeniously plotted, atmospheric and suspenseful, with an appealing hero… Lock’s latest Inspector Best novel makes outstanding reading for historical mystery buffs” – Booklist on Dead Letters
Joan Lock’s first book, ‘Lady Policeman’, described her six years as a policewoman in London’s West End during the 1950s. The next, ‘Reluctant Nightingale’, focused on her previous training as a nurse in the Northeast. Nine non-fiction, police/crime books followed including three on Scotland Yard’s First Detectives and the first history of the British Women Police, a subject on which she became an authority. This led to her writing extensively in the Police Press in support of women police when they were having a difficult time during integration and to acting as advisor and participant in the BBC4 TV documentary, A Fair Cop: One Hundred Years Of Women Police, screened in March 2015.
Joan has also written short stories, radio plays (some historical) and radio documentaries. Her crime fiction includes one modern novel, Death In Perspective, and seven Victorian mysteries featuring the charismatic Scotland Yard Detective Ernest Best.
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Additional information
| Publisher | Lume Books Murder Mystery Crime Fiction (22 Aug. 2023) |
|---|---|
| Language | English |
| File size | 999 KB |
| Text-to-Speech | Enabled |
| Screen Reader | Supported |
| Enhanced typesetting | Enabled |
| X-Ray | Not Enabled |
| Word Wise | Enabled |
| Sticky notes | On Kindle Scribe |
| Print length | 245 pages |
by ND
DEAD END, the second book in The Inspector Best Mysteries series, takes you on a gripping journey through the sinister streets of Victorian London. As a fan of historical murder mysteries, I couldn’t resist delving into this captivating novel.
The author’s vivid descriptions transported me back in time, making me feel like a silent observer in the smog-filled alleys and dimly lit taverns of 19th-century London. Inspector Best is a compelling character whose dedication to solving the mystery is admirable. His interactions with the various intriguing characters added depth to the story.
The plot is well-crafted, with plenty of twists and turns to keep you guessing. I found myself eagerly turning the pages, eager to uncover the truth behind the baffling murders. The pacing was spot-on, with a perfect blend of suspense and historical atmosphere.
My only reason for withholding a fifth star is a personal preference for a touch more character development in some supporting roles. Nevertheless, this book is a definite page-turner for anyone who enjoys historical murder mysteries. I’m eagerly anticipating the next installment in Inspector Best’s adventures.
In summary, DEAD END is a captivating and atmospheric read that will transport you to the dark underbelly of Victorian London. Highly recommended for fans of historical mysteries!
by LEONARD BLISSETT
Good
by ROCA
Well researched whodunnet which keeps you guessing until the end
by Amazon Customer
Excellent story by a good author.
by Hawkeye
Excellent
by Judith Jacks
The cover of this novel, a stretch of Newcastle-upon-Tyne dockside in the 19th century, sets the scene. Joan Lock, an ex-police officer, has written a series around the exploits of Inspector Ernest Best, a Metropolitan policeman in the 1880s. Unusually, this one has a Tyneside connection. It features Bainbridge’s, probably the first department store in the UK (now taken over by John Lewis), white slave trafficking and fraudulent mediums. But it’s her affection and admiration for the northern industrial city which comes over most strongly, particularly a walk she has Best take down the steep downhill sweep of The Side. She describes the gigantic bridge which skims the top of the buildings, making it feel almost as if he is stepping on stage as he jogs briskly down. When he reaches the bottom a steam train puffs its way over the bridge, producing a shower of sparks and soot. It is wonderfully atmospheric.
by Salmon
I would have given a 5 but unfortunately I started very confused. This is marked as book 2 when it should be book 1, I therefore struggled with the beginning of 2. I did enjoy reading the books and would read any future publications. The story kept me reading to find out who the bad guy was.