To The Dark (A Simon Westow Mystery 3)
This is the first book by this author I’ve read, but it works well as a standalone historical mystery, as the author provides enough backstory to help the reader join the dots. Nickson’s protagonist, Simon Westow, a thief-taker (a new word for me) based in early 19th-century Leeds, and his assistant, Jane, are drawn into resolving the strange death of Laurence Poole, a local thief, in response to an equally strange request for assistance by his archenemy, the chief constable. More puzzles are created through Westow’s discovery of a coded notebook in Poole’s room containing the words ‘To the Dark,’ which are left unexplained.
Westow works with three formidable women: Jane, who has no surname, is the expert on street life in Leeds, and isn’t afraid to use her knife if required; his resourceful and compassionate wife, Rosie; and a young street girl, Martha. Resolving the mystery requires Westow to deal with the machinations of the men in power: politicians, policemen, and some army officers. Death is never far away for the main characters.
Nickson creates a believable and compelling narrative about Leeds in 1822, with his graphic descriptions of its air polluted by mills and factories and the streets filled with all manner of criminals. The depiction of the female characters, who are strong and resourceful but operating within the constraints of their time, much like the women in Anne Perry’s books, is also eminently believable.
The plot is tight, with many different tales interwoven without detracting from the main tale. The end seems a bit abrupt, but there is some closure for all the chief personae. Overall, a good read which will keep readers turning the pages to find out whodunnit.
