A Bespoke Murder
Edward Marston is best known for his popular railway detective series, and here he is branching out into a new murder mystery series set at the outbreak of World War I. A Bespoke Murder introduces us to Detective Inspector Harvey Marmion, Sergeant Joe Keedy, and their working world. As usual, Marston’s historical research is sound, his details telling, giving readers a real feeling of Britain in 1915.
A Bespoke Murder deals with the anti-German feeling brought on by the zeppelin bombs and the sinking of the Lusitania. During an anti-German mob raid on Jacob Stein’s bespoke tailoring shop, his safe is raided, he is killed, and his daughter, Ruth, rushing out to get help, is raped. Inspector Marmion finds he is not simply dealing with a mob that got out of hand, but with something much nastier. He is determined, despite strong official opposition, to unravel the mysteries and get justice for Ruth.
A strong plot, plenty of action and solid writing make the novel a good read for lovers of historical mysteries. The characters are fleshed out with details of their homes and families, giving readers interesting glimpses into ordinary life. This is a novel men will enjoy and might well get the reluctant young male reader interested in history.
