Deadly Vices

by Michael Allen

London, 1867: a place where the cream of society live outwardly respectable lives, but in private often have much to hide.

Algernon Swinburne (a portrait drawn from real life) is a famous and successful poet – and he’s also about to become a detective! When one of his former school friends is stabbed to death, Algernon is determined to bring the murderer to justice.

Algernon’s investigation involves him with both the Society for the Suppression of Vice and a member of the royal family: a most unhappy mixture. He also uncovers a record of blackmail, murder and sin in high places.

339 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 19, 2013

About the author

Michael Allen is best known for writing popular mainstream fiction, and he's been doing it successfully for more years than he cares to remember. His first novel was published in 1963.

Extract from bio on Amazon UK

Reviews

[Selena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Algernon Swinburne is thrust into the role of being a detective when a former schoolmate is murdered in a dark backstreet. He believes he knows who the murderer is, it takes him a while to set a trap for her. Ms. Addams has a great moneymaker going. She is the bookseller making money selling illegal pornographic materials to wealthy men for their secret libraries. When the gentleman passes away Ms. Addams goes to the widow and makes her a deal- give me your husband's library and no one will find out about the secret library and embarrass you or tarnish your husband or your name. Somehow her "deal" is ruined so she takes revenge... now to prove it!

I enjoyed the book and will be looking for more from Michael Allen!