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Brock & Kolla #6
Babel
In Babel, Kathy Kolla and David Brock, Scotland Yard’s brilliant and unconventional crime-solving team, take on an unsettling new mystery that touches many sensitive issues: Arab fundamentalism, genetic engineering, and murder.
Following her ordeal in the stakeout at the Silvermeadow supermall, Detective Sergeant Kathy Kolla is on leave, so haunted by past events that she is tempted to quit the force for good. Hearing about this puzzling new case makes her realize that nothing can keep her out of the game for too long. Professor Max Springer, a distinguished if controversial academic, has been brutally murdered on the steps of a London university. Springer was known for his stand against Islamic extremism, but was that motive enough to kill him?
While Kolla and Brock start looking for answers in London’s Arab community, rivalries within the university point in another direction, and Springer’s colleague, a professor of medical genetics, becomes involved. Is he as troubling a figure as he seems? Meanwhile, why would somebody leak information about this critical investigation to the media, risking an explosion in the streets? In this taut and satisfying mystery, Barry Maitland proves once again that he is one of the masters of police procedural writing today.
Following her ordeal in the stakeout at the Silvermeadow supermall, Detective Sergeant Kathy Kolla is on leave, so haunted by past events that she is tempted to quit the force for good. Hearing about this puzzling new case makes her realize that nothing can keep her out of the game for too long. Professor Max Springer, a distinguished if controversial academic, has been brutally murdered on the steps of a London university. Springer was known for his stand against Islamic extremism, but was that motive enough to kill him?
While Kolla and Brock start looking for answers in London’s Arab community, rivalries within the university point in another direction, and Springer’s colleague, a professor of medical genetics, becomes involved. Is he as troubling a figure as he seems? Meanwhile, why would somebody leak information about this critical investigation to the media, risking an explosion in the streets? In this taut and satisfying mystery, Barry Maitland proves once again that he is one of the masters of police procedural writing today.
Kindle Edition
First published May 2, 2003
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About the author
Barry Maitland
44 books185 followersBarry Maitland is the author of the acclaimed Brock and Kolla series of crime mystery novels, which are set in London, where Barry grew up after his family moved there.
His books have been described as whydunits as much as whodunits, concerned with the devious histories and motivations of their characters. Barry's background in architecture drew him to the structured character of the mystery novel, and his books are notable for their ingenious plots as well as for their atmospheric settings, each in a different intriguing corner of London.
Barry studied architecture at Cambridge University, and went on to work as an architect in the UK, then took a PhD in urban design at the University of Sheffield, where he also taught and wrote a number of books on architecture and urban design. In 1984 he moved to Australia to head the architecture school at the University of Newcastle in New South Wales, and held that position until 2000. He now writes fiction full time, and lives in the Hunter Valley, Australia.
His books have been described as whydunits as much as whodunits, concerned with the devious histories and motivations of their characters. Barry's background in architecture drew him to the structured character of the mystery novel, and his books are notable for their ingenious plots as well as for their atmospheric settings, each in a different intriguing corner of London.
Barry studied architecture at Cambridge University, and went on to work as an architect in the UK, then took a PhD in urban design at the University of Sheffield, where he also taught and wrote a number of books on architecture and urban design. In 1984 he moved to Australia to head the architecture school at the University of Newcastle in New South Wales, and held that position until 2000. He now writes fiction full time, and lives in the Hunter Valley, Australia.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
April 4, 2023
Babel is the 6th book in Barry Maitland's DS Kolla and DCI Brock police procedural series. It's set three weeks after the traumatic ending of the previous book, Silvermeadow, and Kathy Kolla is still trying to deal with the experience. I would recommend reading Silvermeadow before tackling Babel in order to understand what Kathy went through and to make sense of the flashback sequences that she now suffers.
Brock and Kolla work in Scotland Yard's Serious Crimes Branch and the case that the team has been assigned to involves the public shooting murder of a philosophy professor on the university steps as he was heading in to give a lecture. Professor Max Springer was a man nearing retirement, a former Oxford professor who was finishing his career at a quieter pace at the University of Central London East. In his day he was a greatly respected and admired teacher producing a vast amount of published work that marked him as a profound thinker.
There is an obvious question that is raised by his death. Why would a seemingly harmless old man be murdered and why would it be done in such a public place?
Fortunately, Brock and his team are given a bit of a kick-start on the case thanks to the CCTV cameras that have captured the slaying. Not so lucky is that the killer was wearing a hood and could not be properly identified. All they can make out is that he was dark complected and seemed to have said "Allah-u-Akbar" or "God is most great", which is the traditional call to prayer and also the battle cry of the religious martyrs, suggesting that the killer is a Moslem.
Upon investigating Springer, it becomes apparent that he only really made one group of enemies when he became vocally opposed to another department at the university. The CAB-Tech department was conducting research into the human genome and Max Springer made his feelings well-known to all. The fact that the majority of scientists who make up the department are Moslems leads Brock and the team to believe that Springer's killer must have come from this group. If only cases were ever that easy.
Babel continues the extremely enjoyable Brock and Kolla series that is as rewarding for its intricate plotting as it is for the ongoing character interactions. Kathy Kolla has become an indispensable part of Brock's team, highlighted here by her absence at the beginning of the case and fears over the prospect that she is considering quitting the force. The easy alliance enjoyed by Kolla and Brock makes them a formidable team and ensures that the investigation progresses at a steady rate. Another regular member of the team is Leon Desai, forensic technician and former lover of Kathy. Their relationship continues to remain troubled and it's interesting to see how this affects the case with Leon's role proving to be ever expanding.
As seems to be increasingly prevalent in thrillers these days, there is a certain level of xenophobia generated when it becomes apparent that Muslims may be involved. Thoughts invariably turn to fatwehs and members of the Islamic Jihad planning to carry out terrible acts of violence as part of their holy war, stereotypes that have become all too familiar in our post-911 world. Maitland makes a good fist of demonstrating that the vast majority of Muslims are peaceful and deeply religious people. However, there is a definite underlying tension filled with suspicion and mistrust running through the story as cultures clash and the police struggle to come to terms with the traditions of the people they are investigating.
Starting out as a simple murder case, complexity is added by the Muslim killer aspect and the question of how the police should handle the situation becomes a tricky sticking point. A number of small sub-plots shoot out from the case that, on the surface appear unrelated until the entire case begins falling into place with surprising rapidity. What part has been good detective work and what part has been clever manipulation remains unclear right to the very last.
Babel is an interesting story that combines controversial issues, such as genome research, with controversial people, such as the Muslim scientists carrying out the research and then turns the whole thing on its head. Add to this the upheaval within Brock's team, the possibility that Kathy may quit the force, and you have a power charged police procedural that is completely satisfying.
Oh, by the way, I want to add a cautionary note. As with many books, Babel opens with a prologue that relates a tragic story that seems to have nothing to do with the novel that follows. As happens too many times, I completely forgot about the prologue until it was too late. Just remember, the prologue has been included for a reason. Keep it in mind while reading Babel.
Brock and Kolla work in Scotland Yard's Serious Crimes Branch and the case that the team has been assigned to involves the public shooting murder of a philosophy professor on the university steps as he was heading in to give a lecture. Professor Max Springer was a man nearing retirement, a former Oxford professor who was finishing his career at a quieter pace at the University of Central London East. In his day he was a greatly respected and admired teacher producing a vast amount of published work that marked him as a profound thinker.
There is an obvious question that is raised by his death. Why would a seemingly harmless old man be murdered and why would it be done in such a public place?
Fortunately, Brock and his team are given a bit of a kick-start on the case thanks to the CCTV cameras that have captured the slaying. Not so lucky is that the killer was wearing a hood and could not be properly identified. All they can make out is that he was dark complected and seemed to have said "Allah-u-Akbar" or "God is most great", which is the traditional call to prayer and also the battle cry of the religious martyrs, suggesting that the killer is a Moslem.
Upon investigating Springer, it becomes apparent that he only really made one group of enemies when he became vocally opposed to another department at the university. The CAB-Tech department was conducting research into the human genome and Max Springer made his feelings well-known to all. The fact that the majority of scientists who make up the department are Moslems leads Brock and the team to believe that Springer's killer must have come from this group. If only cases were ever that easy.
Babel continues the extremely enjoyable Brock and Kolla series that is as rewarding for its intricate plotting as it is for the ongoing character interactions. Kathy Kolla has become an indispensable part of Brock's team, highlighted here by her absence at the beginning of the case and fears over the prospect that she is considering quitting the force. The easy alliance enjoyed by Kolla and Brock makes them a formidable team and ensures that the investigation progresses at a steady rate. Another regular member of the team is Leon Desai, forensic technician and former lover of Kathy. Their relationship continues to remain troubled and it's interesting to see how this affects the case with Leon's role proving to be ever expanding.
As seems to be increasingly prevalent in thrillers these days, there is a certain level of xenophobia generated when it becomes apparent that Muslims may be involved. Thoughts invariably turn to fatwehs and members of the Islamic Jihad planning to carry out terrible acts of violence as part of their holy war, stereotypes that have become all too familiar in our post-911 world. Maitland makes a good fist of demonstrating that the vast majority of Muslims are peaceful and deeply religious people. However, there is a definite underlying tension filled with suspicion and mistrust running through the story as cultures clash and the police struggle to come to terms with the traditions of the people they are investigating.
Starting out as a simple murder case, complexity is added by the Muslim killer aspect and the question of how the police should handle the situation becomes a tricky sticking point. A number of small sub-plots shoot out from the case that, on the surface appear unrelated until the entire case begins falling into place with surprising rapidity. What part has been good detective work and what part has been clever manipulation remains unclear right to the very last.
Babel is an interesting story that combines controversial issues, such as genome research, with controversial people, such as the Muslim scientists carrying out the research and then turns the whole thing on its head. Add to this the upheaval within Brock's team, the possibility that Kathy may quit the force, and you have a power charged police procedural that is completely satisfying.
Oh, by the way, I want to add a cautionary note. As with many books, Babel opens with a prologue that relates a tragic story that seems to have nothing to do with the novel that follows. As happens too many times, I completely forgot about the prologue until it was too late. Just remember, the prologue has been included for a reason. Keep it in mind while reading Babel.
June 20, 2010
Babel was the last Brock and Kolla novel I had in my TBR stash. I was quite sad about this, as Maitland writes fantastic British crime novels from the perspective of detectives David Brock and Kathy Kolla. I’ve read the majority now (completely out of order) and I can confidently say that they are the best British police crime series I’ve read. The characters are believable, the crimes interesting (yet plausible) and I haven’t been able to guess the killer 100 pages in.
In summary, this book takes place shortly after Silvermeadow (but you don’t need to have read this for the novel to make sense). Kathy has been attacked personally and is thinking of leaving the police. Brock has just been put on a new case- the murder of a university lecturer on his way to a lecture. The initial evidence points to a fundamentalist religious group, yet not is all it seems at the university.
Written pre-September 11, 2001, I felt this book dealt sensitively with the Muslim faith. There are no stereotypes or messages pressed on the reader and I felt I learned more about the faith.
Babel is slightly different to the other Maitlands I’ve read in which a lot of time is spent trying to figure out the motive for murder after the murderer has been discovered. This is unusual but no less gripping. The plot twists and turns and just as you think it’s finished, there’s a twist which is plausible given the previous events.
I’m not usually a big crime fan but I highly recommend the Brock/Kolla series. They’re a bit like The Bill before it got entangled in the character’s lives (and the shaky camerawork). You do hear a bit about Brock and Kolla’s personal lives, but I think this would be less than a chapter in the whole book. The focus is on the crime and the police’s role.
http://samstillreading.wordpress.com
In summary, this book takes place shortly after Silvermeadow (but you don’t need to have read this for the novel to make sense). Kathy has been attacked personally and is thinking of leaving the police. Brock has just been put on a new case- the murder of a university lecturer on his way to a lecture. The initial evidence points to a fundamentalist religious group, yet not is all it seems at the university.
Written pre-September 11, 2001, I felt this book dealt sensitively with the Muslim faith. There are no stereotypes or messages pressed on the reader and I felt I learned more about the faith.
Babel is slightly different to the other Maitlands I’ve read in which a lot of time is spent trying to figure out the motive for murder after the murderer has been discovered. This is unusual but no less gripping. The plot twists and turns and just as you think it’s finished, there’s a twist which is plausible given the previous events.
I’m not usually a big crime fan but I highly recommend the Brock/Kolla series. They’re a bit like The Bill before it got entangled in the character’s lives (and the shaky camerawork). You do hear a bit about Brock and Kolla’s personal lives, but I think this would be less than a chapter in the whole book. The focus is on the crime and the police’s role.
http://samstillreading.wordpress.com
April 7, 2012
I love Barry Maitland and this series. Very thoughtful.
He does have a note that this was written before 9/11.
He gives full portrayals of the Muslims in the book.
He had me fooled. I didn't figure it out until after Brock did. Although at that point it seemed like this was almost the only solution left. And, yet, he still had a few twists and turns to puzzle me.
I'd started The Verge Practice but was having trouble getting into it. Why? Because I had missed the book following Silvermeadow, Babel. I did have a little trouble remembering what had happened to Kathy in the last book, it having been a number of years since I read it; and this is a major storyline here, at least in the beginning. She thinks about leaving Brock and the team.
I'd forgotten how much I was missing Barry Maitland and his stories. Good thing I have several more of his to go through.
I've always thought that The Marx Sisters was the best; but this was very good, too. And it is on kindle now.
He does have a note that this was written before 9/11.
He gives full portrayals of the Muslims in the book.
He had me fooled. I didn't figure it out until after Brock did. Although at that point it seemed like this was almost the only solution left. And, yet, he still had a few twists and turns to puzzle me.
I'd started The Verge Practice but was having trouble getting into it. Why? Because I had missed the book following Silvermeadow, Babel. I did have a little trouble remembering what had happened to Kathy in the last book, it having been a number of years since I read it; and this is a major storyline here, at least in the beginning. She thinks about leaving Brock and the team.
I'd forgotten how much I was missing Barry Maitland and his stories. Good thing I have several more of his to go through.
I've always thought that The Marx Sisters was the best; but this was very good, too. And it is on kindle now.
August 10, 2013
In Babel, Barry Maitland's sixth entry in the Kathy and Brock mystery series, Sergeant Kathy Kolla's suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder incurred during the horrific ending to the previous book, Silvermeadow. Indeed, Kathy's state of mind remains so fragile that she's contemplating giving up her police career.
Amidst her angst, a masked gunman fatally shoots an academic at the fictional University of Central London East as he's on his way to deliver what was promised to be a controversial lecture. Why was philosophy professor Max Springer killed in broad daylight? Does the murder have anything to do with Islamic terrorism, as some have hinted? Or with a secretive gene-research lab on campus that Springer had been reviling? Or does the cause of Springer's death lay in yet another quarter?
As with all of his books, Maitland sets a fast pace for Babel and loads the novel with surprises. I never saw the end coming nor even once suspected the true culprit. Babel makes for a great read for all, although those familiarized with the cause of Kathy's trauma from having read Silvermeadow will enjoy the novel much, much more.
Again, special thanks to my Goodreads friend, Magda, from Down Under who pointed me to Aussie writer Barry Maitland.
Amidst her angst, a masked gunman fatally shoots an academic at the fictional University of Central London East as he's on his way to deliver what was promised to be a controversial lecture. Why was philosophy professor Max Springer killed in broad daylight? Does the murder have anything to do with Islamic terrorism, as some have hinted? Or with a secretive gene-research lab on campus that Springer had been reviling? Or does the cause of Springer's death lay in yet another quarter?
As with all of his books, Maitland sets a fast pace for Babel and loads the novel with surprises. I never saw the end coming nor even once suspected the true culprit. Babel makes for a great read for all, although those familiarized with the cause of Kathy's trauma from having read Silvermeadow will enjoy the novel much, much more.
Again, special thanks to my Goodreads friend, Magda, from Down Under who pointed me to Aussie writer Barry Maitland.
December 7, 2010
My enthusiasm for this series is waning a little. I've got a bit fed up with the way that DS Kathy Kolla throws herself into danger at the end of every book, it's in character but it's over the top. In this book Kathy is still recovering from the events of the end of the last book so she's a bit less sure of herself and it's actually DCI David Brock who walks into a stupid situation near the end. I'd say that he has more logical reasons to do so than Kathy usually does but it still needles me and the high drama that results is all a bit silly.
There's a lot of good and interesting stuff in this book, mostly to do with the plot that concerns itself with religious fundamentalists, there are some good relationships portrayed, Kathy's love life actually seems realistic for once, but there were more than enough bits of the book that had me rolling my eyes as people acted in not quite believable ways. On the whole I did enjoy reading it but I'm not sure that it's going to stick with me and it won't be a favourite.
January 28, 2019
Barry Maitland's Brock & Kolla series is up there with the very best of crime fiction.
Babel has an interesting plot that will keep you guessing all the way through the book.
Maitland is very skilful in the way he draws his characters. The only minor criticism I would have is . Other than that, all the other characters are interesting and well developed.
Like a lot of series; I feel it's best to read them in order. It helps you develop a better understanding of the key characters.
This IS a good read and is highly recommended.
Regards,
Peter
Babel has an interesting plot that will keep you guessing all the way through the book.
Maitland is very skilful in the way he draws his characters. The only minor criticism I would have is . Other than that, all the other characters are interesting and well developed.
Like a lot of series; I feel it's best to read them in order. It helps you develop a better understanding of the key characters.
This IS a good read and is highly recommended.
Regards,
Peter
November 23, 2019
I am glad that Kolla's relationship with Leon is getting better. I always held out hope for that one.
This story involves muslim extremist rhetoric and involvement in attacks of its citizens, but more importantly the police's reaction to anything related. The UK police are totally hands-off on this issue even if it involves killing, maiming with acid attacks, etc. What a terrible stance. They even prosecute officers that may give a "hint" of muslim involvement in their reports. This is the way the UK has turned and it is truly scary.
The killing is intricate and involved with several factions, for instance, Suni and Shiite muslims in London, honor killing or retribution? Brock and Kolla are on it.
This story involves muslim extremist rhetoric and involvement in attacks of its citizens, but more importantly the police's reaction to anything related. The UK police are totally hands-off on this issue even if it involves killing, maiming with acid attacks, etc. What a terrible stance. They even prosecute officers that may give a "hint" of muslim involvement in their reports. This is the way the UK has turned and it is truly scary.
The killing is intricate and involved with several factions, for instance, Suni and Shiite muslims in London, honor killing or retribution? Brock and Kolla are on it.
October 17, 2024
A philosophy professor is publicly murdered on the grounds of his university. Initial signs seem to indicate that the unknown culprit was a religious fanatic, but it may not be that simple. Scotland Yard detective Brock is called on to investigate. Meanwhile, his sidekick, Kathy Kolla, is on leave, attempting to recover from a harrowing encounter during her last case. She's not sure she'll return to service.
This has a nice twisty plot with several suspects with plausible motivations, making for an interesting whodunit.
This has a nice twisty plot with several suspects with plausible motivations, making for an interesting whodunit.
August 9, 2023
Pretty good mystery, but I didn't enjoy the relationship and past trauma issues much: Kathy Kolla still recovering from her ordeal with a killer, and unable to resolve her broken relationship with Leon Desai; Brock tip toeing around Kolla because of her trauma; Brock's friend Suzanne with her grandkids who don't like Brock. I prefer sticking to the whodunit and leave the personal issues for romance novelists.
April 5, 2019
So I have had to skip over #5 for now as I am waiting for it to be delivered. It sounds as if it was a fairly gruesome instalment, and what happened between Kathy and Leon??
This one was perhaps my least favourite so far. The solution was too far-fetched for even me to really believe it. It was written before 9/11 as it says in the preface and holds up pretty well.
This one was perhaps my least favourite so far. The solution was too far-fetched for even me to really believe it. It was written before 9/11 as it says in the preface and holds up pretty well.
November 9, 2025
A good, solid police procedural. I like the team of Kathy and Brock. Maitland did a good job of showing how an officer recovers from on the job trauma.
Maybe there's hope for Kathy and Leon.
"Babel" did not merit five stars for me because the scenario behind the main incident was too far-fetched.
Maybe there's hope for Kathy and Leon.
"Babel" did not merit five stars for me because the scenario behind the main incident was too far-fetched.
March 7, 2018
Enjoyed the first 5 Brock & Kolla books better than this one. This didn't have the energy of the others and the supporting characters weren't as well drawn, but still an interesting plot and outcome.
November 18, 2020
I listened to this as a Bolinda Audiobook, read by Gary Files who was a great narrator.
This is a fabulous series. Barry Maitland writes a cracking good mystery, but doesn't let the narrative stop his thoughtful approach to sensitive issues.
Fabulous stuff - highly recommended!
This is a fabulous series. Barry Maitland writes a cracking good mystery, but doesn't let the narrative stop his thoughtful approach to sensitive issues.
Fabulous stuff - highly recommended!
August 1, 2023
It's been a while since I read the previous one of this series. I liked that personal issues that were present in this one, it made it more interesting. The mystery seemed pertinent to themes of the day and was complicated. Satisfying.
May 13, 2018
An interesting book, but one must consider it was written before September 11!
December 15, 2020
Enjoyed the journey but the end was disappointing.
January 16, 2021
Another good read from this author.
October 22, 2022
Some of the genetics was a bit "off," but I liked the book overall.
February 14, 2023
The Brock & Kolla series started off interestingly enough, but by book 6, it was getting tired.
January 28, 2025
I put this book down for a day or two while in the throes of teaching, and I was worried about one of the characters while I was away. That's some good writing.
September 30, 2025
This one was a bit stiff. Did not enjoy as much as the other Brock & Kolla mysteries that I have read.
May 18, 2025
Good straight-forward crime. Started a bit slow, but really picked up in the second half. A pleasing number of plot twists.
March 7, 2016
The fact that this book was written a couple of years before the attacks of 9/11 is noteworthy. The principal themes of cultural conflict and religious fundamentalism are even more timely today than they were fifteen years ago. The other themes in the book, genetic engineering and the commercialization of university departments and studies are equally timely. That said, I found it an interesting read rather than a particularly engaging one.
A curmudgeonly philosophy professor at a mid tier university is gunned down as he is walking into a lecture. He has been railing against the university's shift from liberal studies to genetic research funded by commercial interests, many from the middle east. He has been equally scathing in his criticism of religious fundamentalism and scientific arrogance, so there are many potential suspects. Brock is leading the team investigating, Kolla is still on leave considering whether she want to return to the job. He misses her observational skills and her dogged persistence in sifting through evidence and she comes to realize that she doesn't want to give up policing.
I found the denouement a bit of a stretch and not entirely convincing.
A curmudgeonly philosophy professor at a mid tier university is gunned down as he is walking into a lecture. He has been railing against the university's shift from liberal studies to genetic research funded by commercial interests, many from the middle east. He has been equally scathing in his criticism of religious fundamentalism and scientific arrogance, so there are many potential suspects. Brock is leading the team investigating, Kolla is still on leave considering whether she want to return to the job. He misses her observational skills and her dogged persistence in sifting through evidence and she comes to realize that she doesn't want to give up policing.
I found the denouement a bit of a stretch and not entirely convincing.
Read
August 23, 2011An author's note says that this fifth book in the Kathy and Brock series of London police procedurals was written before 9/11/2001. Otherwise, one would assume that Maitland intended to build on the interest in Islam generated by that day's events. Actually, several trendy issues are explored here, not only the fears associated with Muslim immigration but also genetic research and the state of Britain's new universities as they have increasingly adopted a business model. The first victim is a philosophy professor whose department has been all but abolished. Various twists ensure that the plot is not predictable, as Maitland continues to develop the character of Sergeant Kathy Kolla in interesting ways. Anyone who has not read the previous book, Silvermeadow, should still have enough information to understand the crisis Kathy is experiencing at the beginning of this one. I was glad not to remember the exact details, which almost put me off the series. (Hmm. Now on Goodreads, I see that this title is supposed to be #6. Confusing.)
December 27, 2018
I wasn't sure what I expected with this novel, but it was great!! It kept my attention; I couldn't put it down until I finished it. First of all the racial tension and international feel of London was clearly portrayed in the novel. There were different types of Muslims (Shia & Sunni) from different countries (Pakistan, Lebanon, etc.)involved in the tale. The author tackled the idea of honor-killing and racism. On the other side, the mystery involved philosophy vs. genetic science. At one point in the novel, it seems to be that the suspects are Muslim and then at another point, professors and a center for genetic research. Very well crafted together for a surprise ending. I really like the police work of Brock and Kolla as well. It is nice to see how their minds work, but also how they struggle with events that have happened in their lives. It makes them more realistic. I will definitely read more by this author!
April 19, 2014
As always, I enjoyed Maitland's work. One of my favorite things about his books is that they each enter pretty fully into an aspect of life I wouldn't know about...art, religion, mall security, etc. I enjoyed this book more for its focus on academics than radical Muslims, but it kept my interest all the same.
I do have a qualm that I think is mentioned in other reviews. Leon Desai shows up again and everything Kathy says, and his thought that "if he had been stronger they would have been very happy together" suggests that the author has completely forgotten that Leon is gay. The guy came out and left Kathy for a guy, which is fine (if sad) for me, but we can't act like that didn't happen, Maitland! So why are they discussing getting back together only as friends? Why is Kathy blaming her missing their date for the end of their relationship? I will not be happy if this is not resolved in a reasonable, continuous to the storyline way.
I do have a qualm that I think is mentioned in other reviews. Leon Desai shows up again and everything Kathy says, and his thought that "if he had been stronger they would have been very happy together" suggests that the author has completely forgotten that Leon is gay. The guy came out and left Kathy for a guy, which is fine (if sad) for me, but we can't act like that didn't happen, Maitland! So why are they discussing getting back together only as friends? Why is Kathy blaming her missing their date for the end of their relationship? I will not be happy if this is not resolved in a reasonable, continuous to the storyline way.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 7, 2013
Another fine, multi-faceted, multi-threaded outing with Brock and Kolla from Mr. Maitland. This time the threads involve some very contemporary subjects like the West (particularly a ratings-mad press) seeing terrorism around every corner when the actual event may be rooted in traditions and customs older than mere "terrorism".
Throw in some academia-based jealousies, the changing emphasis of large 'business-oriented' universities, cutting edge genetics, and the effect of a flat world in general for good measure. Superimpose it all on Kathy's wavering indecision about her future after the last terrifying outing and place it in the colorful setting of London's Docklands, and 'that side' of the river in general, and you are in for a real page-turning, mind-straining treat!
Throw in some academia-based jealousies, the changing emphasis of large 'business-oriented' universities, cutting edge genetics, and the effect of a flat world in general for good measure. Superimpose it all on Kathy's wavering indecision about her future after the last terrifying outing and place it in the colorful setting of London's Docklands, and 'that side' of the river in general, and you are in for a real page-turning, mind-straining treat!
October 23, 2013
It's been a while since I've read a Kathy and Brock mystery - and this is an older one --- but was not as caught up in the story as I have been in some of the others. Having said that, the story line showing the old differences between Asian immigrants to England - both those who have been there for generations but because they keep with old traditions, are seen as not integrated; and those who have just come to England and run into the wall of prejudice -- were quite up to date in its focus. The relationship between Kathy and Brock has always been rather vague to me, and this particular story didn't clear that up any for me. Not a bad read - just not as good as I've read of the author's.
December 13, 2011
Got this on loan, free to Amazon Prime members, for my Kindle.
As is typical of Maitland's mysteries, this is a thoughtful and thought-provoking whodunit that is--if anything--more relevant in 2011 than it was in 2003. The victim is a distinguished philosophy professor whose writings on the Holocaust, the Palestinian cause, and fundamentalism have made him very controversial. Was he killed for his beliefs or for something entirely different? As Britons generally and the police force in particular try to come to grips with the role of Muslims in British society, this book also takes a look at the ethics of genetic research. Worth rereading!
As is typical of Maitland's mysteries, this is a thoughtful and thought-provoking whodunit that is--if anything--more relevant in 2011 than it was in 2003. The victim is a distinguished philosophy professor whose writings on the Holocaust, the Palestinian cause, and fundamentalism have made him very controversial. Was he killed for his beliefs or for something entirely different? As Britons generally and the police force in particular try to come to grips with the role of Muslims in British society, this book also takes a look at the ethics of genetic research. Worth rereading!
January 24, 2011
This is my favorite in the series thus far. Now that I've gotten to know the characters, the decisions they make about their private and their work lives are more meaningful than they were earlier in the series. The plot was solid--exciting and tricky, though not unbelievable (for the realm of a mystery/thriller, which of course has to be a bit unbelievable or it wouldn't be any good at all) and I just love Maitland's use of the prologue. I have a literary crush on the prologue; he uses in them in all (I think...) of these books, but this one was especially effective. Highly recommended.
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