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DI Tom Harper #1
Gods of Gold
Introducing Detective Inspector Tom Harper in a brand-new historical mystery series.
June 1890. Leeds is close to breaking point. The gas workers are on strike. Supplies are dangerously low. Factories and businesses are closing; the lamps are going unlit at night.
Detective Inspector Tom Harper has more urgent matters on his mind. The beat constable claims eight-year-old Martha Parkinson has disappeared. Her father insists she’s visiting an aunt in Halifax – but Harper doesn’t believe him. When Col Parkinson is found dead the following morning, the case takes on an increasing desperation.
But then Harper’s search for Martha is interrupted by the murder of a replacement gas worker, stabbed to death outside the Town Hall while surrounded by a hostile mob. Pushed to find a quick solution, Harper discovers that there’s more to this killing than meets the eye – and that there may be a connection to Martha’s disappearance.
June 1890. Leeds is close to breaking point. The gas workers are on strike. Supplies are dangerously low. Factories and businesses are closing; the lamps are going unlit at night.
Detective Inspector Tom Harper has more urgent matters on his mind. The beat constable claims eight-year-old Martha Parkinson has disappeared. Her father insists she’s visiting an aunt in Halifax – but Harper doesn’t believe him. When Col Parkinson is found dead the following morning, the case takes on an increasing desperation.
But then Harper’s search for Martha is interrupted by the murder of a replacement gas worker, stabbed to death outside the Town Hall while surrounded by a hostile mob. Pushed to find a quick solution, Harper discovers that there’s more to this killing than meets the eye – and that there may be a connection to Martha’s disappearance.
277 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 1, 2014
34 people are currently reading
418 people want to read
About the author
Chris Nickson
69 books183 followersI'm a novelist and music journalist, the author of many books set between the 1730s and 1950s in Leeds, as well as others in medieval Chesterfield and 1980s Seattle.
Above all, though, its Leeds I love, the people, the sense of the place changing with time. Yes, I write mysteries, but ultmiateoly they're books about people and their relationships, and the crime becomes a moral framework for the story.
Above all, though, its Leeds I love, the people, the sense of the place changing with time. Yes, I write mysteries, but ultmiateoly they're books about people and their relationships, and the crime becomes a moral framework for the story.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
January 26, 2021
"He thinks in pounds and pennies. He has gods of gold. Life's a balance sheet to him. You know the type?"
And some things never do seem to change......money being the root of all evil and greed its soul mate.
Leeds in 1890 is bracing itself for a strike by the gas workers and with it comes the reality of businesses closing and homes without gaslights. Vast crowds of these men gather to force the owners to slide a few extra coins in pay across their palms. The owners have totally different ideas in the form of "blacklegs" who tempt to cross the picket lines to take their places.
Detective Inspector Tom Harper knows that this is just the right combination for hostile tempers to flare and unruly crowds to take to violence to settle their scores. But his deduction hits right on the mark with a man stabbed to death and no one has a clue as to how that happened. As Tom further investigates, witnesses describe the same two burly men who seem to appear as more trouble breaks out.
And trouble visits Tom Harper on a different doorstep this time. A young eight year old girl, Martha Parkinson, is missing. Her mother is in jail and her deadbeat father was found murdered in their apartment. Who would have taken the girl and why?
Chris Nickson introduces us to his first book in the Tom Harper Mystery Series. His character of Tom Harper reflects the real world of police procedures of the time, the limited numbers of trained officers, and the frustrations of trying to make inroads into the city's pockets of heavy crime. We also see a softer side of Tom as he prepares to wed the lively Annabelle who reveals the first stirrings of a woman who will pursue the rights of females.....and, in particular, this feisty female.
The characters are sharpened with quick-witted dialogue from the lofty in social standings to the very poor of the streets. My only concern was that the storyline of the missing Martha seemed to be overshadowed by the heavier thread of the strikers. Perhaps this was the intention of Nickson as he tied up loose strings at the end and left the door open to the possibility of more dastardly characters from a higher realm in the next book. Not quite a cliffhanger, but more of a moment of pause.
I enjoyed the Afterword in which Nickson reveals his research into the real gas strike that occured in Leeds in 1890. The character of Annabelle was based on a distant relative of his who actually owned bakeries and businesses in Leeds like the fictional Annabelle. Quite the good read, Chris Nickson......indeed.
And some things never do seem to change......money being the root of all evil and greed its soul mate.
Leeds in 1890 is bracing itself for a strike by the gas workers and with it comes the reality of businesses closing and homes without gaslights. Vast crowds of these men gather to force the owners to slide a few extra coins in pay across their palms. The owners have totally different ideas in the form of "blacklegs" who tempt to cross the picket lines to take their places.
Detective Inspector Tom Harper knows that this is just the right combination for hostile tempers to flare and unruly crowds to take to violence to settle their scores. But his deduction hits right on the mark with a man stabbed to death and no one has a clue as to how that happened. As Tom further investigates, witnesses describe the same two burly men who seem to appear as more trouble breaks out.
And trouble visits Tom Harper on a different doorstep this time. A young eight year old girl, Martha Parkinson, is missing. Her mother is in jail and her deadbeat father was found murdered in their apartment. Who would have taken the girl and why?
Chris Nickson introduces us to his first book in the Tom Harper Mystery Series. His character of Tom Harper reflects the real world of police procedures of the time, the limited numbers of trained officers, and the frustrations of trying to make inroads into the city's pockets of heavy crime. We also see a softer side of Tom as he prepares to wed the lively Annabelle who reveals the first stirrings of a woman who will pursue the rights of females.....and, in particular, this feisty female.
The characters are sharpened with quick-witted dialogue from the lofty in social standings to the very poor of the streets. My only concern was that the storyline of the missing Martha seemed to be overshadowed by the heavier thread of the strikers. Perhaps this was the intention of Nickson as he tied up loose strings at the end and left the door open to the possibility of more dastardly characters from a higher realm in the next book. Not quite a cliffhanger, but more of a moment of pause.
I enjoyed the Afterword in which Nickson reveals his research into the real gas strike that occured in Leeds in 1890. The character of Annabelle was based on a distant relative of his who actually owned bakeries and businesses in Leeds like the fictional Annabelle. Quite the good read, Chris Nickson......indeed.
September 30, 2022
This book was a catch-up for me. I've read most of the titles in this series when they first came out, but missed this one.
A very satisfying mystery that's interesting as a puzzle and in terms of character development. I would suggest reading the titles in publication order—you'll get more out of them that way.
A very satisfying mystery that's interesting as a puzzle and in terms of character development. I would suggest reading the titles in publication order—you'll get more out of them that way.
December 20, 2016
One of my favourite fictional characters is Commander Vimes of the Nights Watch in Pratchetts' Discworld series. He's a copper that knows every inch of his city beat, every street; every pub. He can tell where he is by the feel of the cobbles under his boots. For me Detective Inspector Tom Harper. Every little bit of 1890's Leeds is lovingly created.
It's my heritage too; my family as well as myself having grown up in many of the areas described. For me it adds that special extra touch to know exactly where I am as the police walk the streets. The detail is so vivid it's easy to visualise how they were back in the day.
This is the first Tom Harper book but the second I've read having accidentally started with book 3 and it's been nice to revisit the characters and see them start the journeys I've seen them reach and discover them from the beginning.
I hate modern CSI policing. I like gumshoes, walking the beta solving crimes through detection and brain power. PC Plodding...Being set in 1890 I get to have that and all the running around and catching omnibuses gives me that but also allows Leeds to become an extra character in the book.
The human characters are also well formed and only get better as the series continues. The book is fast paced and a quick read. I think it's turning into one of my favourite detective series. A must read
It's my heritage too; my family as well as myself having grown up in many of the areas described. For me it adds that special extra touch to know exactly where I am as the police walk the streets. The detail is so vivid it's easy to visualise how they were back in the day.
This is the first Tom Harper book but the second I've read having accidentally started with book 3 and it's been nice to revisit the characters and see them start the journeys I've seen them reach and discover them from the beginning.
I hate modern CSI policing. I like gumshoes, walking the beta solving crimes through detection and brain power. PC Plodding...Being set in 1890 I get to have that and all the running around and catching omnibuses gives me that but also allows Leeds to become an extra character in the book.
The human characters are also well formed and only get better as the series continues. The book is fast paced and a quick read. I think it's turning into one of my favourite detective series. A must read
January 8, 2018
RATING: 4 STARS
(Review Not on Blog)
Listened to on Audio
A really good historical mystery, that shows promise. I love the relationship between Tom and his fiancé (who owns businesses which is unheard of at that time - 1890s). The gas workers are on strikes and this is causing the city to go crazy as the lights are not lit at night, workers are going hungry and businesses are shutting down. That is just the beginning. First, a small girl has gone missing. Her father claims she is visiting an aunt but no one believes it. The next morning Col. Parkinson is found murdered. As Tom is trying to find the missing girl and solve a murder, the gas workers are being replaced by other workers. The causes rage and violence and ends in a stabbing. Tom must quickly solve all this before things get further out of control.
(Review Not on Blog)
Listened to on Audio
A really good historical mystery, that shows promise. I love the relationship between Tom and his fiancé (who owns businesses which is unheard of at that time - 1890s). The gas workers are on strikes and this is causing the city to go crazy as the lights are not lit at night, workers are going hungry and businesses are shutting down. That is just the beginning. First, a small girl has gone missing. Her father claims she is visiting an aunt but no one believes it. The next morning Col. Parkinson is found murdered. As Tom is trying to find the missing girl and solve a murder, the gas workers are being replaced by other workers. The causes rage and violence and ends in a stabbing. Tom must quickly solve all this before things get further out of control.
September 24, 2014
This is the first book in a new series and very good it is too. Set in Leeds in 1890 during a strike of gas workers, it features Detective Inspector Tom Harper and his DS Billy Reed. A young girl from the slums of the city is missing from what used to be Harper's beat when he was a young constable. He knows the parents and the girl, Martha. Her father says she is staying with his sister but Harper knows he doesn't have a sister.
Unfortunately the gas workers strike and stopping violence breaking out in the city is considered more important than looking for one missing girl but maybe Harper and Reed can do both. Workers have been brought in from elsewhere to man the gasworks but one of them is stabbed to death on the steps of the town hall. Harper and Reed are told to investigate the crime and forget about anything else for the moment.
This is an excellent start to the series and I shall be watching out for future books. I enjoyed the portrait of Leeds - a city of contrasts between the very rich and the very poor. Harper himself is an interesting character who is about to be married to Annabelle, a young widow, who owns a pub and several bakeries and who doesn't believe in sitting around and letting a man keep her.
Can Harper and Reed solve both crimes together with the increasing number of murders which keep happening of people connected with both of the cases they are investigating? Will they be allowed to investigate if it seems that powerful men are involved? Fortunately their superior wants to solve crime whether or not he manages to keep in with the right people.
I recommend this book to anyone who likes historical crime series. The author has also written another crime series set in Leeds this time in the eighteenth century and featuring Richard Nottingham. I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley for review purposes.
Unfortunately the gas workers strike and stopping violence breaking out in the city is considered more important than looking for one missing girl but maybe Harper and Reed can do both. Workers have been brought in from elsewhere to man the gasworks but one of them is stabbed to death on the steps of the town hall. Harper and Reed are told to investigate the crime and forget about anything else for the moment.
This is an excellent start to the series and I shall be watching out for future books. I enjoyed the portrait of Leeds - a city of contrasts between the very rich and the very poor. Harper himself is an interesting character who is about to be married to Annabelle, a young widow, who owns a pub and several bakeries and who doesn't believe in sitting around and letting a man keep her.
Can Harper and Reed solve both crimes together with the increasing number of murders which keep happening of people connected with both of the cases they are investigating? Will they be allowed to investigate if it seems that powerful men are involved? Fortunately their superior wants to solve crime whether or not he manages to keep in with the right people.
I recommend this book to anyone who likes historical crime series. The author has also written another crime series set in Leeds this time in the eighteenth century and featuring Richard Nottingham. I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley for review purposes.
August 29, 2014
Find this and other reviews at: http://flashlightcommentary.blogspot....
By all appearances, Chris Nickson's Gods of Gold looked to be a slam dunk. Gorgeous cover art aside, the jacket description gave me the sort of thrill I get watching Ripper Street and that's never a bad thing in my book. Unfortunately, reality failed to meet expectation and I can't say I was particularly impressed with the title.
For the record I liked the story. Martha's disappearance paired with Leeds' 1890 gas strike made an interesting combination of subject matter and drama. Of the cast, I found Annabelle Atkinson most amusing, but the novel's lead, Detective Inspector Tom Harper, was far too straight-laced and virtuous for my taste.
Most of my difficulties, however, stem from the writing style and an overall lack of depth. The characters are too straightforward, the plot elementary and the dialogue wooden. I liked the idea and what Nickson was attempting to do with the story, but the telling simply didn't work for me.
Not a complete wash, but Gods of Gold is definitely a title I'd be hard-pressed to recommend.
By all appearances, Chris Nickson's Gods of Gold looked to be a slam dunk. Gorgeous cover art aside, the jacket description gave me the sort of thrill I get watching Ripper Street and that's never a bad thing in my book. Unfortunately, reality failed to meet expectation and I can't say I was particularly impressed with the title.
For the record I liked the story. Martha's disappearance paired with Leeds' 1890 gas strike made an interesting combination of subject matter and drama. Of the cast, I found Annabelle Atkinson most amusing, but the novel's lead, Detective Inspector Tom Harper, was far too straight-laced and virtuous for my taste.
Most of my difficulties, however, stem from the writing style and an overall lack of depth. The characters are too straightforward, the plot elementary and the dialogue wooden. I liked the idea and what Nickson was attempting to do with the story, but the telling simply didn't work for me.
Not a complete wash, but Gods of Gold is definitely a title I'd be hard-pressed to recommend.
November 20, 2025
I must say that I was enticed with the idea of a historical mystery set in Leeds, England in 1890. When I began reading Gods of Gold, I was sold. I found Tom Harper the young inspector detective who is so earnest and always wanted to be a policeman a respectable lead and his disturbed middle-aged sidekick, Billy Reed to be a great addition to the story.
I quite liked the background setting of a workers strike with strike-busters or "black-legs" brought in, with an underlying story of a missing child.
I found the writing to be engaging as this bit which explains the title will demonstrate:
"A venal little man... and nowhere near as clever as he believes he is. He thinks he’s a man people should follow. The only trouble is that he couldn’t lead his way out of a paper bag. But a criminal?’ He pursed his lips and mused. ‘He doesn’t have the imagination. He thinks in pounds and pennies. He has gods of gold. Life’s a balance sheet to him. You know the type?’"
A trigger warning
Overall, I thought it was a good start to a series and expect to continue with it.
I quite liked the background setting of a workers strike with strike-busters or "black-legs" brought in, with an underlying story of a missing child.
I found the writing to be engaging as this bit which explains the title will demonstrate:
"A venal little man... and nowhere near as clever as he believes he is. He thinks he’s a man people should follow. The only trouble is that he couldn’t lead his way out of a paper bag. But a criminal?’ He pursed his lips and mused. ‘He doesn’t have the imagination. He thinks in pounds and pennies. He has gods of gold. Life’s a balance sheet to him. You know the type?’"
A trigger warning
Overall, I thought it was a good start to a series and expect to continue with it.
December 17, 2020
An excellent picture of Leeds and police procedures in the 1890s, when a gas workers strike is looming, a child disappears, and men commit suicide or are murdered all within a matter of days. The council authorities are panicking, the well to do Leeds citizens are complaining, and no one can spare the time to look for a little girl from the slums. The political pressure, union action, blacklegs are all well drawn, and the police who are under these pressures are exhausted and resentful of their political masters' priorities.
May 15, 2023
Another excellent read from Chris Nickson. So far I have not read a poor novel by him. Being a Yorkshire Lass and having lived in the Leeds area most of my life, it's great to read about the earlier history of the City. To read about crime in this era, shows that the problems of today, like child sex trafficking, striking workers, murder etc., were also rife in that era too. This is first Inspector Harper novel I have read, but I can't wait to read the others now.
October 13, 2019
Gods of Gold instantly transports the reader to 19th century Leeds, with its atmosphere of grittiness and extremes of power and powerlessness. Detective Inspector Tom Harper makes his debut, as a champion of law and justice, however difficult such a task may be in the last decade in the 1900s.
Chris Nickson builds his novel by retelling his father's story of the proprietress of the Victoria in Sheepscar, a distant relative of theirs. Annabelle, who rose from maid to mistress is Tom Harper's fiancé in Nickson's tale.
In June 1890 Leeds is in crisis, with strikers and strikebreakers and the ever present criminal that preys on the misfortunes of others. A young girl, Martha is reported as missing by the beat officer but her mother is in prison and her petty criminal father first lies and later is found dead.
Harper and his assistant,older veteran Billy Reed, are told that the polarizing strike is the only focus of the entire police force. Determined to find Martha, the two begin to realize that all the crises have common perpetrators, protected by the city's powerful.
Superb historical detail and depictions of time and place make this an irresistible choice of a historical police procedural. I recommend this book for anyone who likes a good mystery,historical or not. Be ready to read,the preorder links are posted.
Chris Nickson builds his novel by retelling his father's story of the proprietress of the Victoria in Sheepscar, a distant relative of theirs. Annabelle, who rose from maid to mistress is Tom Harper's fiancé in Nickson's tale.
In June 1890 Leeds is in crisis, with strikers and strikebreakers and the ever present criminal that preys on the misfortunes of others. A young girl, Martha is reported as missing by the beat officer but her mother is in prison and her petty criminal father first lies and later is found dead.
Harper and his assistant,older veteran Billy Reed, are told that the polarizing strike is the only focus of the entire police force. Determined to find Martha, the two begin to realize that all the crises have common perpetrators, protected by the city's powerful.
Superb historical detail and depictions of time and place make this an irresistible choice of a historical police procedural. I recommend this book for anyone who likes a good mystery,historical or not. Be ready to read,the preorder links are posted.
August 24, 2016
This was an excellently plotted historical mystery.
I would have loved a map. As it was, I googled Leeds, and gasometers to see what this city looked like in 1890. It was a much larger place than I imagined.
In essence, it is a police procedural, which I like a lot. Tom Harper is devoted to his profession, having received the call while still a young boy. He has learned to work in the system and get results. There are some very likeable characters here. Since poverty is rampant, there are many crimes about, but this also allows for snitches and informants.
The Gods of Gold have a deep responsibility for the action which ensues.
There is no swearing or graphic violence. There is a lot of misery on all sides, but pleasures as well.
I borrowed a copy of this mystery from the public library.
I would have loved a map. As it was, I googled Leeds, and gasometers to see what this city looked like in 1890. It was a much larger place than I imagined.
In essence, it is a police procedural, which I like a lot. Tom Harper is devoted to his profession, having received the call while still a young boy. He has learned to work in the system and get results. There are some very likeable characters here. Since poverty is rampant, there are many crimes about, but this also allows for snitches and informants.
The Gods of Gold have a deep responsibility for the action which ensues.
There is no swearing or graphic violence. There is a lot of misery on all sides, but pleasures as well.
I borrowed a copy of this mystery from the public library.
September 18, 2015
After reading the Richard Nottingham series by this author - and thoroughly enjoying it - I had to try this one as well. Since Gods of Gold is first in the Tom Harper series, this promises to be equally entertaining. The main plot in this book is not an easy one to deal with since it involves the disappearance of a young child. Then we have the effects of a gas worker's strike to compound the issue. Harper starts to wonder if the two could be related somehow. The characters are well developed, the town of Leeds is described in such a way that one can picture being there and the mystery is excellent. Highly recommend this series and this author.
October 6, 2016
I really enjoyed this novel, yet another book and author discovered as a result of the Read Harder Challenge.
Loved the characters and all their flaws. The plot made sense and the ending was not a disappointment, though mildly disturbing!
I look forward to reading the next books in the series as I sense that there will be some ongoing plots and characters.
Loved the characters and all their flaws. The plot made sense and the ending was not a disappointment, though mildly disturbing!
I look forward to reading the next books in the series as I sense that there will be some ongoing plots and characters.
October 3, 2014
Can Chris Nickson write a book I don't like? Apparently not.
February 1, 2025
Insp. Tom Harper #1. Set in 1890 in Leeds at the time of a gas workers' strike. A young girl goes missing, and Tom wants to prioritise that, but political pressure comes from above. Persons of interest start dying or committing suicide. The police face difficulties in all aspects of the investigation, but plod on as best they can. We see that police procedures were not as refined as today, and beating suspects to obtain confessions was not unknown. Sgt. Reed has pretty severe personal problems and violence is often his answer.
Private lives of the characters intrude a little - Tom is about to get married. Will he find the time?
The subject matter of this story is rather grim, but is dealt with in a not too heavy handed way.
A result is obtained, but will certain powerful people escape justice? The ending is far from cut and dried.
It's not a bad book, and the historical setting seems well done. I'm not sure about the dialogue, though, I'd have expected a bit of slang and common expressions of the time, given that some characters are of the criminal classes.
I decided to tip this over the line to four stars with a rating of 3.7.
Private lives of the characters intrude a little - Tom is about to get married. Will he find the time?
The subject matter of this story is rather grim, but is dealt with in a not too heavy handed way.
A result is obtained, but will certain powerful people escape justice? The ending is far from cut and dried.
It's not a bad book, and the historical setting seems well done. I'm not sure about the dialogue, though, I'd have expected a bit of slang and common expressions of the time, given that some characters are of the criminal classes.
I decided to tip this over the line to four stars with a rating of 3.7.
April 2, 2022
Enjoyed this first book of the Tom Harper series. Unlike a lot of historical mysteries set in England, this one takes place in 1890 Leeds, not London, so it while it is a city, it has a bit of a small town feel to it.
The author does a good job introducing us to the main characters: Tom, Reed, Annabelle and the folks at the police station. The story is heavily character driven, which I like. The mystery of a missing child is carried out against a gas workers strike, so we get a glimpse into how people of that time got by without the "mod cons" they had gotten used to (no gas lights, heat, etc...). At times it didn't seem so different from today when our electricity goes out.
I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
The author does a good job introducing us to the main characters: Tom, Reed, Annabelle and the folks at the police station. The story is heavily character driven, which I like. The mystery of a missing child is carried out against a gas workers strike, so we get a glimpse into how people of that time got by without the "mod cons" they had gotten used to (no gas lights, heat, etc...). At times it didn't seem so different from today when our electricity goes out.
I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
June 2, 2024
I am torn. I am reading this for research and on that basis it works very well. The sounds, the smells, the grit of a mid-sized industrial town in England is perfectly expressed. The people ring true as well. The problem is it READS like true life, without any of the surprise, suspense and excitement that only a creator of suspense can bring to life. Everything is very workaday, very simple, very real. It reminds me of what a critiquer once said to a writer: "Just because it happened to you doesn't make it interesting." I read happily, because it was providing what I wanted, an accurate picture of town life in the 19th century, but if I hadn't been doing research I would have gently but firmly set it aside.
February 6, 2023
This book is a treat as an 1890 police procedural. Unlike so many crime writers, Mr. Nickson makes a point of having his detectives taking notes and writing reports. It does not get in the way of the story, and it provides a realistic touch. The Woodbines, not so much. This is not a mystery as such, and Mr. Nickson leads us through Leeds with a sure hand to an interesting denouement. Well done.
August 2, 2020
I am confused on how to rate this. Was this my favorite book ever no but did I enjoy it enough to read the second one yes. I want to know what happens to the characters I found them like able. I also like history so that filled that itch with out the romance crap the gets put in historical fiction.
This was a Libby recommendation
Prompt 2020 gold silver or bronze in the title.
This was a Libby recommendation
Prompt 2020 gold silver or bronze in the title.
January 21, 2021
A good read. Likeable characters, despicable villains, clear setting. My only issue is the number of flawed characters. Everyone has issues, but this book made us aware of all of them. Sometimes hard to tell Harper was the main character. The story made it worth it. I will read the rest of it. A solid mystery.
August 15, 2021
Victorian era written well
I enjoyed this book. I actively look for books set in this time and area. The plot was good, the characters well defined, and all in all I enjoyed it. However it certainly was not a page-turner, at least for me. The storyline and characters kept me reading, but this was not a quick read.
I enjoyed this book. I actively look for books set in this time and area. The plot was good, the characters well defined, and all in all I enjoyed it. However it certainly was not a page-turner, at least for me. The storyline and characters kept me reading, but this was not a quick read.
September 10, 2023
Seems I've unwittingly bought the next in the series
This was ok, full of detail and coincidences, and who am I to question Victorian policing methods? My main criticism is that instead of the final page I was taken straight to the list of the next books in the series, and it seems I've bought Book 2. I'll read it, but avoid the last page in future.
This was ok, full of detail and coincidences, and who am I to question Victorian policing methods? My main criticism is that instead of the final page I was taken straight to the list of the next books in the series, and it seems I've bought Book 2. I'll read it, but avoid the last page in future.
August 12, 2020
An interesting look at life in Leeds during a real life event. I always like reading books set somewhere I live or know well. Not sure I believe that poor and hungry labourers would chuck sandwich crusts on the floor though!
December 3, 2021
He paints vivid pictures of the time, and the stories are interesting and well crafted. I like the main characters.
But.
He needs to learn to develop tension. Everything rolls along at a pretty even keel, even when there are bodies.
Even so, I will likely read more.
But.
He needs to learn to develop tension. Everything rolls along at a pretty even keel, even when there are bodies.
Even so, I will likely read more.
October 2, 2022
Tom Harper is a detective in Leeds around the 1890s and this is a police procedural. The story revolves around a missing 9-year-old girl, a labor strike of gas workers, and how the story fits together. This is a first in a series and I want to read more.
July 26, 2025
It was ok- very good description of old leeds. Plot and pacing stilted but maybe the series gets better. I hate child sex trafficking as the crime at the end - i actually wouldnt have read it if id known that.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 16, 2021
Keeps your interest from word one to the very last. On to the next.
July 20, 2021
Gods of hold
Excellent crime novel. Found the characters and storyline well thought out and believable. Had to finish the book in one evening.
Excellent crime novel. Found the characters and storyline well thought out and believable. Had to finish the book in one evening.
July 31, 2021
A great start to a series. Love the time and place and can't wait to follow the characters. A good book.
February 6, 2023
Good first in a series. Good mystery that was about horrible things and people, but the author didn't take it to a dark place which I appreciated. Good characters!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews