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Breen and Tozer #2
A House of Knives
The decade is drawing its last breath. In Marylebone CID, suspects are beaten in the cells and the only woman has resigned. Detective Sergeant Breen has a death threat in his in tray and two burned bodies on his hands. One is an unidentified, unmourned vagrant; the other the wayward son of a rising politician. One case suffers the apathy of a depleted police force; the other obstructed by a PR-conscious father with the ear of the Home Office.
But they can’t stop him talking to Robert ‘Groovy Bob’ Fraser – whose glamourous Pop Art parties mask a spreading heroin addiction among London’s young and beautiful – nor to a hippy squat that risks exposing it. Then the potential perpetrator of his death threats is murdered and Breen becomes a suspect. Out in the cold, banished from a corrupt and mercilessly changing system, Breen is finally forced to fight fire with fire.
William Shaw paints the real portrait of London’s swinging sixties. Authentic, powerful and poignant, it reveals the shadow beyond the spotlight and the crimes committed in the name of liberation.
But they can’t stop him talking to Robert ‘Groovy Bob’ Fraser – whose glamourous Pop Art parties mask a spreading heroin addiction among London’s young and beautiful – nor to a hippy squat that risks exposing it. Then the potential perpetrator of his death threats is murdered and Breen becomes a suspect. Out in the cold, banished from a corrupt and mercilessly changing system, Breen is finally forced to fight fire with fire.
William Shaw paints the real portrait of London’s swinging sixties. Authentic, powerful and poignant, it reveals the shadow beyond the spotlight and the crimes committed in the name of liberation.
474 pages, Paperback
First published May 29, 2014
92 people are currently reading
925 people want to read
About the author
William Shaw
20 books532 followersI'm a crime writer and write the Eden Driscoll series set in South Devon, the Alex Cupidi series set in Dungeness, Kent and the Breen & Tozer series set in London in 1968-9. The Red Shore – first in the Eden Driscoll series – is published on July 3 2025.
My most recent book is The Wild Swimmers,, the fifth in the Alex Cupid series - if you don't count The Birdwatcher .
In July 2025 I'm publishing the first in a new series set in South Devon, The Red Shore.
My non-fiction books include Westsiders , an account of several young would-be rappers struggling to establish themselves against a backdrop of poverty and violence in South Central Los Angeles, Superhero For Hire , a compilation and of the Small Ads columns I wrote for the Observer Magazine, and Spying In Guru Land , in which I joined several British religious cults to write about them.
A Song From Dead Lips was the first in a trilogy of books set in London in 1968, featuring DS Cathal Breen and WPC Helen Tozer. It was followed by A House of Knives and A Book of Scars .
I live in Brighton and play music with Brighton Ceilidh Collective. I also run an online book event called
My most recent book is The Wild Swimmers,, the fifth in the Alex Cupid series - if you don't count The Birdwatcher .
In July 2025 I'm publishing the first in a new series set in South Devon, The Red Shore.
My non-fiction books include Westsiders , an account of several young would-be rappers struggling to establish themselves against a backdrop of poverty and violence in South Central Los Angeles, Superhero For Hire , a compilation and of the Small Ads columns I wrote for the Observer Magazine, and Spying In Guru Land , in which I joined several British religious cults to write about them.
A Song From Dead Lips was the first in a trilogy of books set in London in 1968, featuring DS Cathal Breen and WPC Helen Tozer. It was followed by A House of Knives and A Book of Scars .
I live in Brighton and play music with Brighton Ceilidh Collective. I also run an online book event called
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 139 reviews
November 25, 2020
Another William Shaw book that I enjoyed! The story is fine, not exceptional, but I've looked forward to every minute that I had to read and I would have loved to be able to finish it in one session. I don't have that very often, but I seem to with all WS's books. Again I liked the historical explanation at the back.
There's only one thing I don't understand: why do the Breen & Tozer books have two titles? It's confusing.
There's only one thing I don't understand: why do the Breen & Tozer books have two titles? It's confusing.
June 10, 2023
THE KINGS OF LONDON was originally published in the U.K. under the title “The House of Knives “. Generally, I dislike the changes that American publishers make to titles of U.K. books, but in this case, I think the American publisher got it right. Both titles are taken directly from comments made by characters in the book. “The House of Knives” refers to a place where a crime took place; “The Kings of London” refers to what some members of the police force called themselves. The storyline in this book focuses more on the interactions among members of that police force (the “kings of London”) than on the criminal activities taking place in the “house of knives”.
THE KINGS OF LONDON is the second entry in author William Shaw’s odyssey through the latter end of the 1960s—in total, a series of four books. Each book is centred around a different crime, so to a certain extent, each can be read as a standalone. But I felt disadvantaged by the fact that I haven’t yet been able to read the first book in the series. (I just received word that my public library will be ordering it as per my request.)
The central character is DS Cathal ‘Paddy’ Breen. On the day his father dies (after a long decline), Breen is assigned a case that involves a man whose body has been burned so badly that no one can identify him; after a period of time, he is told to forget about the case, but he cannot. There is a time break in the story that isn’t explained. Suddenly, Sergeant Prosser has resigned from the police, with no explanation being given. ”Good riddance to bad rubbish, as far as Breen was concerned.” But Prosser has a crippled child to support and no apparent means of earning enough money to do this.
Breen’s personal life is complicated. He is attracted to Helen Tozer, a WPC officer, but she isn’t interested in him as a full-time lover. Plus she will be leaving the police force and London soon because she needs to return to her parents’ farm; her father is not well. The office secretary, Marilyn, has an obvious crush on Breen, even though she has a live-in boyfriend, but Breen isn’t interested in dating her. Breen’s closest friend in the Met, Carmichael, has moved up, and is now part of the Drug Squad.
Then, there is another house fire and another burned body, but this one is easily identified; he’s the son of a prominent Labour Party politician. His body was horrifically mutilated after his death, but the mutilation did not take place in the house where the body was found. Breen is swiftly thrust into (1) a search for the place where the body was mutilated, and (2) the politics of the situation, given that the dead man was ‘a disappointment’ to his father. (The father came from a Welsh working-class environment, but his son, having grown up in London, had never worked.)
The Labour Party was full of self-made men. Trade unionists and Party men who had been born into working-class families, who had made the most of what the war had offered them. Breen wondered what it had been like to be the child of one of these high achievers, men who had crossed the English class lines.
As Breen carries out his investigations, we follow him through London in the late 1960s—to a hippie squat, an avant-garde art gallery, and a “happening” at the Royal Albert Hall where John Lennon and Yoko Ono hold a public “lie-in”. These settings comfortably pull us back into the 60s time frame.
A thirty-two-year-old man at a pop concert. Or ‘happening’. or whatever they were calling it. Ridiculous.
As we follow Breen through his duties at the Met, we see the casual sexism and racism of the time, as well as the ease with which the police use brutality to carry out their duties.
‘everyone knows we rough people up a bit. It’s only to be expected…’
It is a story about police corruption, the beginning of the drug epidemic, misguided hippies, crooked politicians, financial skimming from government-financed projects, and the disconnect between fathers and sons.
And everyone, everywhere, is smoking cigarettes.
Shaw’s writing is smooth and his emphasis on characterization makes the complicated plot easy to follow. The only qualm I have with this novel is that, after the story begins, there is a time section omitted, and we don’t get the whole picture of what happened with Prosser until late in the narrative. Because of that, the story wanders a bit during the first third of the book; some of it doesn’t make sense, although later on, everything becomes clear. So, 4.5 stars, moved down.
THE KINGS OF LONDON is the second entry in author William Shaw’s odyssey through the latter end of the 1960s—in total, a series of four books. Each book is centred around a different crime, so to a certain extent, each can be read as a standalone. But I felt disadvantaged by the fact that I haven’t yet been able to read the first book in the series. (I just received word that my public library will be ordering it as per my request.)
The central character is DS Cathal ‘Paddy’ Breen. On the day his father dies (after a long decline), Breen is assigned a case that involves a man whose body has been burned so badly that no one can identify him; after a period of time, he is told to forget about the case, but he cannot. There is a time break in the story that isn’t explained. Suddenly, Sergeant Prosser has resigned from the police, with no explanation being given. ”Good riddance to bad rubbish, as far as Breen was concerned.” But Prosser has a crippled child to support and no apparent means of earning enough money to do this.
Breen’s personal life is complicated. He is attracted to Helen Tozer, a WPC officer, but she isn’t interested in him as a full-time lover. Plus she will be leaving the police force and London soon because she needs to return to her parents’ farm; her father is not well. The office secretary, Marilyn, has an obvious crush on Breen, even though she has a live-in boyfriend, but Breen isn’t interested in dating her. Breen’s closest friend in the Met, Carmichael, has moved up, and is now part of the Drug Squad.
Then, there is another house fire and another burned body, but this one is easily identified; he’s the son of a prominent Labour Party politician. His body was horrifically mutilated after his death, but the mutilation did not take place in the house where the body was found. Breen is swiftly thrust into (1) a search for the place where the body was mutilated, and (2) the politics of the situation, given that the dead man was ‘a disappointment’ to his father. (The father came from a Welsh working-class environment, but his son, having grown up in London, had never worked.)
The Labour Party was full of self-made men. Trade unionists and Party men who had been born into working-class families, who had made the most of what the war had offered them. Breen wondered what it had been like to be the child of one of these high achievers, men who had crossed the English class lines.
As Breen carries out his investigations, we follow him through London in the late 1960s—to a hippie squat, an avant-garde art gallery, and a “happening” at the Royal Albert Hall where John Lennon and Yoko Ono hold a public “lie-in”. These settings comfortably pull us back into the 60s time frame.
A thirty-two-year-old man at a pop concert. Or ‘happening’. or whatever they were calling it. Ridiculous.
As we follow Breen through his duties at the Met, we see the casual sexism and racism of the time, as well as the ease with which the police use brutality to carry out their duties.
‘everyone knows we rough people up a bit. It’s only to be expected…’
It is a story about police corruption, the beginning of the drug epidemic, misguided hippies, crooked politicians, financial skimming from government-financed projects, and the disconnect between fathers and sons.
And everyone, everywhere, is smoking cigarettes.
Shaw’s writing is smooth and his emphasis on characterization makes the complicated plot easy to follow. The only qualm I have with this novel is that, after the story begins, there is a time section omitted, and we don’t get the whole picture of what happened with Prosser until late in the narrative. Because of that, the story wanders a bit during the first third of the book; some of it doesn’t make sense, although later on, everything becomes clear. So, 4.5 stars, moved down.
July 21, 2019
Cathal Breen is an interesting character. He’s grieving, lonely, introspective. He’s in his 30’s and feels old as the rock ‘n roll and drug scenes are changing the times.
Shaw showed me that I’m old now, too. I was a naive innocent 17 during this book’s time period. Reading about the early drug culture in London made me wonder what the hell everyone was thinking back then. Crazy times that I was never really a part of.
I’m enjoying the series and the third book will read soon.
Shaw showed me that I’m old now, too. I was a naive innocent 17 during this book’s time period. Reading about the early drug culture in London made me wonder what the hell everyone was thinking back then. Crazy times that I was never really a part of.
I’m enjoying the series and the third book will read soon.
October 28, 2022
I have slightly mixed views about this. It wasn't a bad read but for me it wasn't as good as the first book in the series. I found it rather slow for maybe the first half and it took a little effort to keep going. The 2nd half was much better and the pace/storyline was better and clearer. Breen and Tozer are definitely OK characters. The standout aspect for me is the feel of the era - it really does seem an authentic '60 vibe. I will certainly read the next one however the Cupidi series really is better to me. 3.5/5
March 5, 2014
Following on from “A Song From Dead Lips” (also published under the title, “She’s Leaving Home”), this is the second book featuring Detective Sergeant Cathal Breen and Temporary Detective Constable Helen Tozer. The novel begins on the night when Breen is called out to a body in a burned out house on the same night that his father dies. Although Breen has spent much of his time caring for his father, he feels guilty that he was not there when the end came, and it troubles him that he cannot discover the identity of the man found that night. Then a gas explosion reveals another body – a young man whose body has been violently cut and mutilated. Worse, he is the son of the Under-Secretary of State; meaning that Breen is hampered in his investigation by the unwillingness of the politician for negative publicity. Making things even more complicated is the fact that he is receiving anonymous threats – which he doesn’t take as seriously as perhaps he should...
It is 1968 and the young man who has been found dead was certainly a part of Swinging London, but the author cleverly shows with what unease this decade was viewed by many at the time. Hippes are not the peaceful, loving purveyors of flowers, but seemingly as sexist and controlling as most of the other men shown in this book. We go from ‘happenings’ policed by the Hells Angels, to the art gallery of ‘Groovy’ Bob Fraser (friend of the Beatles and the Stones) and see the ugly side of the Sixties – as the hopeful dreams of love and peace begin to crash and fold. A time when sexism and racism was casual and accepted, when the police routinely dealt out their own form of justice and closed ranks when under threat, and when drugs were on the streets and their use was becoming more widespread.
In the first book in this series, the subject of police corruption was touched on, with Breen confronting a fellow officer, Sgt Prosser about his activities. Although this is an entirely different investigation, there are characters from the first book involved in the storyline, so it is certainly preferable to read the first novel before this one. The author has created a really interesting cast of characters, which give depth to Breen and to Tozer, as well as painting a great picture of the era in which the books are set. This is a London rife with fraud and corruption, where almost everyone is on the take or willing to turn a blind eye out of a code of loyalty. Breen fights against this, resisting the sense of power his badge can give him, even has he unwillingly exults in it. Tozer, meanwhile, is constantly side-lined because of her gender – even if she is certainly more intelligent than just about everyone else she is working with. Her caustic wit, and understanding of the world that Breen simply feels too old for, gives a different point of view to events.
Although I really enjoyed “A Song From Dead Lips,” I feel this is an even better novel. Breen is a truly likeable and rounded character – a decent man in a corrupt world, which threatens him every bit as much as the hate filled notes left on his desk; while Tozer is a woman torn between her family and her career. I really hope that there are more books in this series, which is rapidly becoming one of my favourites. I just hope that Breen – who is really quite clueless about the ways of the opposite sex – manages to discover happiness somewhere along the way and that Tozer gets some recognition of her talents. However, this is by no means a bleak novel. It is set in a fascinating era and I particularly enjoyed the cameo of Robert Fraser, who was a really central character in Sixties London. Lastly, thanks to the author and publisher for this copy of the book, which I received for review purposes.
It is 1968 and the young man who has been found dead was certainly a part of Swinging London, but the author cleverly shows with what unease this decade was viewed by many at the time. Hippes are not the peaceful, loving purveyors of flowers, but seemingly as sexist and controlling as most of the other men shown in this book. We go from ‘happenings’ policed by the Hells Angels, to the art gallery of ‘Groovy’ Bob Fraser (friend of the Beatles and the Stones) and see the ugly side of the Sixties – as the hopeful dreams of love and peace begin to crash and fold. A time when sexism and racism was casual and accepted, when the police routinely dealt out their own form of justice and closed ranks when under threat, and when drugs were on the streets and their use was becoming more widespread.
In the first book in this series, the subject of police corruption was touched on, with Breen confronting a fellow officer, Sgt Prosser about his activities. Although this is an entirely different investigation, there are characters from the first book involved in the storyline, so it is certainly preferable to read the first novel before this one. The author has created a really interesting cast of characters, which give depth to Breen and to Tozer, as well as painting a great picture of the era in which the books are set. This is a London rife with fraud and corruption, where almost everyone is on the take or willing to turn a blind eye out of a code of loyalty. Breen fights against this, resisting the sense of power his badge can give him, even has he unwillingly exults in it. Tozer, meanwhile, is constantly side-lined because of her gender – even if she is certainly more intelligent than just about everyone else she is working with. Her caustic wit, and understanding of the world that Breen simply feels too old for, gives a different point of view to events.
Although I really enjoyed “A Song From Dead Lips,” I feel this is an even better novel. Breen is a truly likeable and rounded character – a decent man in a corrupt world, which threatens him every bit as much as the hate filled notes left on his desk; while Tozer is a woman torn between her family and her career. I really hope that there are more books in this series, which is rapidly becoming one of my favourites. I just hope that Breen – who is really quite clueless about the ways of the opposite sex – manages to discover happiness somewhere along the way and that Tozer gets some recognition of her talents. However, this is by no means a bleak novel. It is set in a fascinating era and I particularly enjoyed the cameo of Robert Fraser, who was a really central character in Sixties London. Lastly, thanks to the author and publisher for this copy of the book, which I received for review purposes.
June 9, 2015
The Kings of London is Shaw’s second Breen and Tozer mystery, and this one once more takes Breen into a realm of experience he’s unfamiliar with. When a mutilated body is found in a burned house, Breen is charged to investigate only to find his efforts hampered by the victim’s political father. It certainly wouldn’t be good press if it was discovered that Francis Pugh was a heroin addict when his minister father campaigns against it.
Assisting Breen once again is Helen Tozer who’s on her last days with the police. Soon Tozer will be returning to her family’s farm to help out, but not before Breen convinces her to help in his not exactly officially sanctioned investigations.
What shines in The Kings of London is the fact that Breen continues to be delightfully out of touch with pop culture:
The woman in the cotton skirt said, “My old man says when they get enough money they’re going to build a giant computer when all this information is held so anyone can get it at any time.”
“Wow,” said Breen. “A giant computer.”
“Wow?” said Tozer. “Did you say that?”
“I don’t know,” said Breen. “It just came out.”
“Are you a cop?” said the woman, looking Breen up and down.
“Yes,” said Breen.
“Is she?”
“Yes,” said Tozer.
The girl started untying the thread. “I can’t believe I was going to give the fuzz one of my bracelets,” she said.
“Are you going to say ‘Cool’ next?” she asked Breen, when the girl in the long skirt had scurried off down the curving corridor.
“I’m sorry,” said Breen (p. 223-224).
Cathal Breen is not your average lead detective. The fact that Breen does feel out of touch with pop culture and makes expected and human errors works to make him an appealing character. Super sleuth he’s not, but Breen gives readers a human character that they can route for.
The mystery element to The Kings of London was less interesting than the first book, She’s Leaving Home; however, there is an overarching theme of police corruption that I think we’ll see wrap-up in the final book in the trilogy. The Kings of London shows the less than scrupulous actions of the London police force and the question becomes whether or not Breen will avoid that corruption or if his capitulation is inevitable. Readers are not giving an answer in The Kings of London, but Breen gets some first hand experience of how that corruption can be both good and bad for him in particular.
My one little gripe with The Kings of London and the trilogy so far is that it is referred to as a DS Breen and WPC Tozer mystery. So you would think that Tozer would get some more screen time. For the most part, the novel is related in Breen's perspective. I would love for readers to actually get some of Tozer's perspective. Because Tozer is younger I would assume that she has a different reaction to the very things that confuse Breen; I would dearly like to "see" her side of things. At this point, I feel like there's a piece of the story missing, so here's hoping that this might change in the final book.
The Kings of London offers readers refreshingly human characters in a time characterized by it’s rampant change. While fans of strict procedurals may not appreciate the style and setting of The Kings of London, those that like their mysteries with interesting characters and an examination of cultural era will appreciate the detail that can be found in The Kings of London. This is a mystery that I highly recommend.
Originally reviewed at The Book Adventures.
Assisting Breen once again is Helen Tozer who’s on her last days with the police. Soon Tozer will be returning to her family’s farm to help out, but not before Breen convinces her to help in his not exactly officially sanctioned investigations.
What shines in The Kings of London is the fact that Breen continues to be delightfully out of touch with pop culture:
The woman in the cotton skirt said, “My old man says when they get enough money they’re going to build a giant computer when all this information is held so anyone can get it at any time.”
“Wow,” said Breen. “A giant computer.”
“Wow?” said Tozer. “Did you say that?”
“I don’t know,” said Breen. “It just came out.”
“Are you a cop?” said the woman, looking Breen up and down.
“Yes,” said Breen.
“Is she?”
“Yes,” said Tozer.
The girl started untying the thread. “I can’t believe I was going to give the fuzz one of my bracelets,” she said.
“Are you going to say ‘Cool’ next?” she asked Breen, when the girl in the long skirt had scurried off down the curving corridor.
“I’m sorry,” said Breen (p. 223-224).
Cathal Breen is not your average lead detective. The fact that Breen does feel out of touch with pop culture and makes expected and human errors works to make him an appealing character. Super sleuth he’s not, but Breen gives readers a human character that they can route for.
The mystery element to The Kings of London was less interesting than the first book, She’s Leaving Home; however, there is an overarching theme of police corruption that I think we’ll see wrap-up in the final book in the trilogy. The Kings of London shows the less than scrupulous actions of the London police force and the question becomes whether or not Breen will avoid that corruption or if his capitulation is inevitable. Readers are not giving an answer in The Kings of London, but Breen gets some first hand experience of how that corruption can be both good and bad for him in particular.
My one little gripe with The Kings of London and the trilogy so far is that it is referred to as a DS Breen and WPC Tozer mystery. So you would think that Tozer would get some more screen time. For the most part, the novel is related in Breen's perspective. I would love for readers to actually get some of Tozer's perspective. Because Tozer is younger I would assume that she has a different reaction to the very things that confuse Breen; I would dearly like to "see" her side of things. At this point, I feel like there's a piece of the story missing, so here's hoping that this might change in the final book.
The Kings of London offers readers refreshingly human characters in a time characterized by it’s rampant change. While fans of strict procedurals may not appreciate the style and setting of The Kings of London, those that like their mysteries with interesting characters and an examination of cultural era will appreciate the detail that can be found in The Kings of London. This is a mystery that I highly recommend.
Originally reviewed at The Book Adventures.
July 17, 2015
Set in London in 1968-1969, this crime novel is also a satisfying work of historical fiction. The second book in the series is as good as the first, with realistically drawn, nuanced characters and believable (but not predictable) storylines.
I have a bit of a crush on the protagonist, police officer Cathal "Paddy" Breen, whose sensitive intelligence and "underdog" appeal makes him easy to connect with. His sassy early-feminist partner Helen Tozer is a gem, the perfect complement to Breen. This is not a romance novel by any means (a genre I dislike), but their chemistry on the page is palpable. If you're like me and like your romantic relationships subtle and realistic (less is more), it really works here. When I find myself hoping they "hook up" I know I've been pulled in, because that is not usually me. :-)
Like the first novel, the social issues of the time are enmeshed with the crimes that Breen and Tozer are trying to solve. Once again, Shaw shines a light on the late 1960s that is hardly nostalgic. Breen and Tozer are caught between the ignorances and cruelties of the working classes and the counter-culture movement alike. Both "sides" have their own self-serving institutions (modern art, drug enforcement) and childish behaviors.
A good plot, great characters, and lots to think about in between.
I have a bit of a crush on the protagonist, police officer Cathal "Paddy" Breen, whose sensitive intelligence and "underdog" appeal makes him easy to connect with. His sassy early-feminist partner Helen Tozer is a gem, the perfect complement to Breen. This is not a romance novel by any means (a genre I dislike), but their chemistry on the page is palpable. If you're like me and like your romantic relationships subtle and realistic (less is more), it really works here. When I find myself hoping they "hook up" I know I've been pulled in, because that is not usually me. :-)
Like the first novel, the social issues of the time are enmeshed with the crimes that Breen and Tozer are trying to solve. Once again, Shaw shines a light on the late 1960s that is hardly nostalgic. Breen and Tozer are caught between the ignorances and cruelties of the working classes and the counter-culture movement alike. Both "sides" have their own self-serving institutions (modern art, drug enforcement) and childish behaviors.
A good plot, great characters, and lots to think about in between.
August 7, 2023
Second in the series. I am enjoying how the characters of Breen and Tozer are developing. Struggle with the racism and sexism prevalent in the 1960s. Makes it an uncomfortable read at times.
June 6, 2014
A House of Knives sees the more than welcome return of DS Cathal ‘Paddy’ Breen, and his amiable sidekick TDC Helen Tozer in this London based thriller at the latter end of the Swinging Sixties. The first book from William Shaw, A Song From Dead Lips was one of favourite reads last year, so how does this new one shape up?
A House of Knives sees both our main protagonists in a time of enforced transition. Tozer is on the cusp of leaving the police force, in part due to the events at the close of the last book, and also by familial demands back home in Devon. Breen is thrust into a sinister murder case, but in the light of the recent death of his father, and the iminent decampment of Tozer, with their unresolved personal attatchment, has emotional issues of his own. This is where Shaw excels, in both this and the previous book, with his depiction of the both the personal and professional relationships of Breen and Tozer. He perfectly spotlights not only the natural bandiage and joshing of the two with their police colleagues, but also, and in one storyline in particular, highlights the petty jealousies and blatent sexism and racism that was inherent in the police force at this time. As Tozer deals extremely calmly with the sexist observations of her colleagues, Breen is dealing with his part in the enforced resignation of a bent colleague, spiked jibes on his Irish ancestry, nasty articles being left in his work desk and then a real dice with death. Add into the mix, a very misjudged romantic entanglement, and a murder investigation reaching up into the highest echelons of British society and it is all- as we say in common parlance- kicking off for Cathal.
Shaw’s easy and fluid style of writing keeps every thread and nuance of these interweaving storylines and character development, flowing harmoniously as the central murder investigation becomes ever more complicated and threatening for our intrepid duo, yet with no reduction in either this plot or the little vignettes of the character’s personal lives that we are given a window into. Recently, the crime genre has been criticised by a certain quarter for lacking ‘heart’ in its protagonists, but I see no evidence of that here, as the reader cannot fail to become emotionally involved with both Breen and Tozer, whether through their humour, stoicism, bravery or sheer bloody-mindedness, counterbalanced by the more introspective and caring sides of both their characters. Taken in tandem with a wonderfully sordid storyline involving drugs, spoilt rich boys, dodgy art dealers, misguided hippies, and crooked politicians, I found this a thoroughly entertaining read, imbued with the spirit of the sixties with all its highs and lows. Groovy.
A House of Knives sees both our main protagonists in a time of enforced transition. Tozer is on the cusp of leaving the police force, in part due to the events at the close of the last book, and also by familial demands back home in Devon. Breen is thrust into a sinister murder case, but in the light of the recent death of his father, and the iminent decampment of Tozer, with their unresolved personal attatchment, has emotional issues of his own. This is where Shaw excels, in both this and the previous book, with his depiction of the both the personal and professional relationships of Breen and Tozer. He perfectly spotlights not only the natural bandiage and joshing of the two with their police colleagues, but also, and in one storyline in particular, highlights the petty jealousies and blatent sexism and racism that was inherent in the police force at this time. As Tozer deals extremely calmly with the sexist observations of her colleagues, Breen is dealing with his part in the enforced resignation of a bent colleague, spiked jibes on his Irish ancestry, nasty articles being left in his work desk and then a real dice with death. Add into the mix, a very misjudged romantic entanglement, and a murder investigation reaching up into the highest echelons of British society and it is all- as we say in common parlance- kicking off for Cathal.
Shaw’s easy and fluid style of writing keeps every thread and nuance of these interweaving storylines and character development, flowing harmoniously as the central murder investigation becomes ever more complicated and threatening for our intrepid duo, yet with no reduction in either this plot or the little vignettes of the character’s personal lives that we are given a window into. Recently, the crime genre has been criticised by a certain quarter for lacking ‘heart’ in its protagonists, but I see no evidence of that here, as the reader cannot fail to become emotionally involved with both Breen and Tozer, whether through their humour, stoicism, bravery or sheer bloody-mindedness, counterbalanced by the more introspective and caring sides of both their characters. Taken in tandem with a wonderfully sordid storyline involving drugs, spoilt rich boys, dodgy art dealers, misguided hippies, and crooked politicians, I found this a thoroughly entertaining read, imbued with the spirit of the sixties with all its highs and lows. Groovy.
June 3, 2014
You can see this and loads more reviews on my blog: http://bookaddictshaun.blogspot.co.uk/
Having only recently read A Song From Dead Lips, book one in this trilogy I was very excited to see that book two was out soon after I'd finished reading! I received this book for free in return for my review so a massive thanks to Quercus and William Shaw for that.
As a prolific reader of crime fiction I love it when a book comes along which is different than the rest. This book is set in 1960s London and so definitely fits that bill. I loved the first book so had high expectations for this one. After finishing I would say that the storyline in the first book was more enjoyable and gripped me more than the one in this book. What stood out for me more in this book though was the character development of Breen and Tozer. Both are brilliant characters. I'm just a bit disappointed this is a trilogy and not a series as I would love to follow these characters for a few more books at least.
William Shaw is a brilliant writer, but he's that good I really had to take my time with this one and take in everything I was reading. His writing style for me took a bit of getting used to. That, along with the plot of the book meant it was 80 or so pages before I was comfortable with the book but after that I was gripped and so I am glad I persevered. But he is incredibly descriptive with everything he is writing about, even the small things. For me this is 'clever' crime fiction as opposed to the throwaway kind you often find where you read, forget it and move on.
After a burned out body is found and established to be that of probably a homeless drunk Breen is the only person who seems to care. Another burned out body is found and this time the victim is the son of a very high profile MP who of course expects answers. Francis Pugh is the victim but his father Rhodri seems more concerned about protecting his image than finding out what happened.
While this is all going on Breen is receiving threatening notes and then something quite shocking happens to him which finally makes him sit up and take notice. Beforehand he was a bit blasé about the notes. Working alongside Tozer he sets out to find out the truth about what happened to Francis by retracing his steps, checking his bank accounts and talking to the people he was involved with. One such person being Robert Fraser who I am led to believe is real and had to Google to find out more although I'm sure those familiar with the era won't need to. My knowledge of Sixties London is mostly about the Krays and other gangland figures.
For me the story surrounding Breen's threatening notes and his friendship/relationship with Tozer was the story I enjoyed the most. Tozer especially as she faces much discrimination from her colleagues and superiors and as I read a lot of crime fiction where the top brass are sometimes women it's interesting to read a book where they are treated like dirt basically by the men.
The setting of the book is wonderful. Sixties London is completely brought to life by the author and the images in my head were so vivid. Everything from the dialogue to the scene setting just feels so authentic. Of course anyone can look up a list of dates and reel off events that happened at the time their book was set but for me Shaw has really added authenticity to the events and the whole book just feels so much more realistic and enjoyable because of it. The difference in policing back then is especially interesting to read. It's a book I would definitely recommend to crime fiction fans and one I thoroughly enjoyed reading. Roll on book three!
Having only recently read A Song From Dead Lips, book one in this trilogy I was very excited to see that book two was out soon after I'd finished reading! I received this book for free in return for my review so a massive thanks to Quercus and William Shaw for that.
As a prolific reader of crime fiction I love it when a book comes along which is different than the rest. This book is set in 1960s London and so definitely fits that bill. I loved the first book so had high expectations for this one. After finishing I would say that the storyline in the first book was more enjoyable and gripped me more than the one in this book. What stood out for me more in this book though was the character development of Breen and Tozer. Both are brilliant characters. I'm just a bit disappointed this is a trilogy and not a series as I would love to follow these characters for a few more books at least.
William Shaw is a brilliant writer, but he's that good I really had to take my time with this one and take in everything I was reading. His writing style for me took a bit of getting used to. That, along with the plot of the book meant it was 80 or so pages before I was comfortable with the book but after that I was gripped and so I am glad I persevered. But he is incredibly descriptive with everything he is writing about, even the small things. For me this is 'clever' crime fiction as opposed to the throwaway kind you often find where you read, forget it and move on.
After a burned out body is found and established to be that of probably a homeless drunk Breen is the only person who seems to care. Another burned out body is found and this time the victim is the son of a very high profile MP who of course expects answers. Francis Pugh is the victim but his father Rhodri seems more concerned about protecting his image than finding out what happened.
While this is all going on Breen is receiving threatening notes and then something quite shocking happens to him which finally makes him sit up and take notice. Beforehand he was a bit blasé about the notes. Working alongside Tozer he sets out to find out the truth about what happened to Francis by retracing his steps, checking his bank accounts and talking to the people he was involved with. One such person being Robert Fraser who I am led to believe is real and had to Google to find out more although I'm sure those familiar with the era won't need to. My knowledge of Sixties London is mostly about the Krays and other gangland figures.
For me the story surrounding Breen's threatening notes and his friendship/relationship with Tozer was the story I enjoyed the most. Tozer especially as she faces much discrimination from her colleagues and superiors and as I read a lot of crime fiction where the top brass are sometimes women it's interesting to read a book where they are treated like dirt basically by the men.
The setting of the book is wonderful. Sixties London is completely brought to life by the author and the images in my head were so vivid. Everything from the dialogue to the scene setting just feels so authentic. Of course anyone can look up a list of dates and reel off events that happened at the time their book was set but for me Shaw has really added authenticity to the events and the whole book just feels so much more realistic and enjoyable because of it. The difference in policing back then is especially interesting to read. It's a book I would definitely recommend to crime fiction fans and one I thoroughly enjoyed reading. Roll on book three!
December 17, 2014
I’ve grown so fond of Breen and Tozer, the pair of British Detectives at the heart of this trilogy set in late 60s London. Helen Tozer is especially well-drawn—for those who are grateful that Galbraith’s Robin is a refreshing foil for a curmudgeonly detective, Tozer is truly next level: a brash, rude, callow girl, a total product of her era, who asks all the right questions about the place of women both in the police force and in the supposed counter-culture. I adore her, and I can’t wait for Book 3.
September 18, 2019
Well-written police procedural mystery set in 1968 London.
April 13, 2017
DS Cathal Breen finds himself suspended from duty when he is in the middle of what is definitely a politically sensitive case. The son of a prominent politician is found dead in a house fire but his injuries are not consistent with a fire. Breen is convinced something is being hidden. Do the members of a squat nearby have information which could shed light on the mystery? Breen is still battling with his feelings for his father who has recently died and he looks like losing a friend when DC Helen Tozer decides to leave the force and return to her family's farm in Devon.
The book is well written and shines a searchlight on the corruption of the political system and of the police in the 1960s. Casual racism, sexism and total absence of care for others is all too common - both inside the police and in the wider community. A complex plot with many strands is played out against a background of the music of the Beatles and the Rolling Stones along with drugs and transcendental meditation.
This is the second book in the Breen and Tozer series and really needs to be read after you have read the first book - A Song From Dead Lips - as several plot strands from that book are picked up in this one. I found this book a compulsive read. Some aspects of it totally repelled me but I still found I had to read on to find out what happened and of course I wanted Breen and Tozer to succeed against the corruption and the attempts at a cover up. I shall definitely be reading the next book in the series and I recommend this series to anyone who enjoys well written crime novels.
The book is well written and shines a searchlight on the corruption of the political system and of the police in the 1960s. Casual racism, sexism and total absence of care for others is all too common - both inside the police and in the wider community. A complex plot with many strands is played out against a background of the music of the Beatles and the Rolling Stones along with drugs and transcendental meditation.
This is the second book in the Breen and Tozer series and really needs to be read after you have read the first book - A Song From Dead Lips - as several plot strands from that book are picked up in this one. I found this book a compulsive read. Some aspects of it totally repelled me but I still found I had to read on to find out what happened and of course I wanted Breen and Tozer to succeed against the corruption and the attempts at a cover up. I shall definitely be reading the next book in the series and I recommend this series to anyone who enjoys well written crime novels.
June 27, 2019
Great series, with the two main characters clashing in style and attitude - Cathal Breen, a sensitive, thoughtful man who still retains many of the attitudes of his father’s generation, and Helen Tozer, feminist protagonist in the London police force, with a forthright, no-holds-barred attitude meant to reflect the propulsive excitement and changing society of London in the late 1960’s, but also a nice contrast to Breen’s more cautious approach to life and policing. (I say that with the caveat that Breen has his moments where he clearly steps outside his own comfort zone, breaking rules to get at the larger truth). We get to see quite a bit of Breen’s personal struggles in this book, as he deals with the death of his father and the fact that his care for him as he aged limited Breen’s opportunity for personal relationships. I had a lot of empathy for Tozer in the first book, She's Leaving Home, but loved how relatable and engaging a character Breen was in this second novel.
The mystery is interesting to piece together, and tension builds throughout with a suspenseful climax, but the characterizations and relationships are a standout in this series. The treatment of women police officers and women working administrative jobs in the station in the late 60’s (exemplified here by Tozer and Marilyn) is a fascinating comparison with that of women in these roles just a few decades later (think Jane Tennison, who was as frustrated with her colleagues’ attitudes as Tozer is in this novel). Shaw portrays the institutionalized sexism in these situations very well.
A great read and a series where I look forward to the next installment, A Song for the Brokenhearted.
The mystery is interesting to piece together, and tension builds throughout with a suspenseful climax, but the characterizations and relationships are a standout in this series. The treatment of women police officers and women working administrative jobs in the station in the late 60’s (exemplified here by Tozer and Marilyn) is a fascinating comparison with that of women in these roles just a few decades later (think Jane Tennison, who was as frustrated with her colleagues’ attitudes as Tozer is in this novel). Shaw portrays the institutionalized sexism in these situations very well.
A great read and a series where I look forward to the next installment, A Song for the Brokenhearted.
February 22, 2021
Am a bit obsessed with this author! It might have something to do with being set in the late sixties. I love his ability to set the scene around 60’s London. Hippies, drugs, communities, music, fashion. The young versus the old, hip versus square. The sexism and racism that was a normal part of life. Not quite the Utopia that’s sometimes portrayed!
So much has changed since my childhood. Thank goodness!
Now to start the next William Shaw novel.
So much has changed since my childhood. Thank goodness!
Now to start the next William Shaw novel.
Read
July 22, 2017I loved it, although in the States it has a different title. (Maybe Goodreads could list both?)
January 12, 2015
A year ago I read Mr. Shaw's first mystery and in my review I pleaded that he hurry up and write a sequel. And he did, quite quickly, and it's just as good as the first one. The plot is twisty but believable, Breen is as clever and broody as before, and Tozer might be my favorite female character in mysteries today, so smart and prickly and stubborn. My new wish is that he hurry up and write a couple more AND that British TV turns the books into a series. Starring, oh, let's say Eddie Redmayne and whoever the British Ellen Page is.
January 13, 2018
This is the second in what is, so far, a trilogy. (I'm writing this review in January, 2018.) I read the first and then the third and, now, having finished the second, I can say that all three books make one large story with all parts fitting properly.
The Breen and Tozer series is set in Swinging London, for the most part, with excursions to Devon. William Shaw captures the contrasts between London and the rest of Britain very well. As an American who has been in Britain twice, but only for less than a week each time, I think I can say the geography seems accurate. It is believable. I was there in the nineties and saw the Brutalist architecture in full fruition. It is in its infancy in THE KINGS OF LONDON.
Post-Austerity Britain is also more familiar to an American reader than Britain from almost any other time. Having read ROLLING STONE since my teens, I see that the cultural touchstones shared by Britain and the US were many. It is probably less true today. But when John and Yoko figure in a chapter involving a Happening, my antennae are receptive. After all, they helped shape the New York I know.
Serious fans of the era will know the name Robert Fraser. "Gallery" almost seems to be his surname, so often does one, in reading about pop culture, run across the words "Robert Fraser Gallery." Fraser is a prominent character in this novel. Shaw doesn't simply mention him. He makes Fraser an interesting, complex figure.
Shaw's pacing is even. If there is anything of Arthur Conan Doyle's legacy here (and there is, of course, in the teaming of a mid-20th-century Holmes and Watson) it is in its oddly comforting descriptions of home life and of routine. Breen lives in a little flat where he has taken care of his father, whose death coincides with the action which starts this novel, and when Breen is spending a restless Sunday or two patching the walls or putting coins in the slot to get the heat going, a sense of domesticity prevails. Whenever he goes to Joe's to get bagels, the world seems right.
The Breen and Tozer series also shows how Neanderthal the attitude toward women was in the 1960s. That idealized era looks harsh by today's standards. I don't think William Shaw is trying to say we should congratulate ourselves, though. In fact, Helen Tozer, assertive police officer that she is, often displays backward attitudes herself. She doesn't hide from her partner, the son of an Irish immigrant, her inability to understand Irish accents. An American reader may marvel at the idea of a police department filled with people who resent the Irish. The American stereotype of the Irish cop is entrenched. (I imagine the term "Paddy Wagon" has its origins in the US.) Breen is always addressed by other police officers as "Paddy." He corrects them one or two times. "My name is Cathal." When they see the name spelled they pronounce it with a "th."
Above all, this series shows how bigotry shapes us. The world only seems more enlightened now. The forces of ignorance and fear are ever-changing.
The Breen and Tozer series is set in Swinging London, for the most part, with excursions to Devon. William Shaw captures the contrasts between London and the rest of Britain very well. As an American who has been in Britain twice, but only for less than a week each time, I think I can say the geography seems accurate. It is believable. I was there in the nineties and saw the Brutalist architecture in full fruition. It is in its infancy in THE KINGS OF LONDON.
Post-Austerity Britain is also more familiar to an American reader than Britain from almost any other time. Having read ROLLING STONE since my teens, I see that the cultural touchstones shared by Britain and the US were many. It is probably less true today. But when John and Yoko figure in a chapter involving a Happening, my antennae are receptive. After all, they helped shape the New York I know.
Serious fans of the era will know the name Robert Fraser. "Gallery" almost seems to be his surname, so often does one, in reading about pop culture, run across the words "Robert Fraser Gallery." Fraser is a prominent character in this novel. Shaw doesn't simply mention him. He makes Fraser an interesting, complex figure.
Shaw's pacing is even. If there is anything of Arthur Conan Doyle's legacy here (and there is, of course, in the teaming of a mid-20th-century Holmes and Watson) it is in its oddly comforting descriptions of home life and of routine. Breen lives in a little flat where he has taken care of his father, whose death coincides with the action which starts this novel, and when Breen is spending a restless Sunday or two patching the walls or putting coins in the slot to get the heat going, a sense of domesticity prevails. Whenever he goes to Joe's to get bagels, the world seems right.
The Breen and Tozer series also shows how Neanderthal the attitude toward women was in the 1960s. That idealized era looks harsh by today's standards. I don't think William Shaw is trying to say we should congratulate ourselves, though. In fact, Helen Tozer, assertive police officer that she is, often displays backward attitudes herself. She doesn't hide from her partner, the son of an Irish immigrant, her inability to understand Irish accents. An American reader may marvel at the idea of a police department filled with people who resent the Irish. The American stereotype of the Irish cop is entrenched. (I imagine the term "Paddy Wagon" has its origins in the US.) Breen is always addressed by other police officers as "Paddy." He corrects them one or two times. "My name is Cathal." When they see the name spelled they pronounce it with a "th."
Above all, this series shows how bigotry shapes us. The world only seems more enlightened now. The forces of ignorance and fear are ever-changing.
December 1, 2023
This was my first introduction to these characters, as why would you start a series on book 1?!!
Breen goes through quite a lot in this book. Firstly, there is a dead body found burned out, with all the skin removed from the arms of the body, and no one seems to want to investigate it. Breen however cant let it go, and keeps puzzling over the pictures. Then his father dies, but Breen handles it badly. As the deaths pile up, a lot happens to keep Breen busy.
This is set in a time when women werent allowed to do the normal jobs of the police, as they are now. They were allowed to be part of the force, but only to deal with certain issues. I loved reading how Tozer handles this, and both her and Marilyn were brilliant characters. All the women in this were incredible actually.
Breen, although coming across as quite grumpy and short tempered, actually has a big heart. Despite his dad, there wasnt any on the usual procedural bingo checklist of alcohol or marriage problems etc.
I loved the era it was set in, the late 60s, with free love, cults, the emergence of the Beatles etc. So interesting to read.
The ending of this was really high tension, written in really short sentences, you can feel yourself racing through it, and your heart going ten to the dozen. The conclusion was so clever as well.
I will definitely be reading the rest of these books and I already cant wait.
Breen goes through quite a lot in this book. Firstly, there is a dead body found burned out, with all the skin removed from the arms of the body, and no one seems to want to investigate it. Breen however cant let it go, and keeps puzzling over the pictures. Then his father dies, but Breen handles it badly. As the deaths pile up, a lot happens to keep Breen busy.
This is set in a time when women werent allowed to do the normal jobs of the police, as they are now. They were allowed to be part of the force, but only to deal with certain issues. I loved reading how Tozer handles this, and both her and Marilyn were brilliant characters. All the women in this were incredible actually.
Breen, although coming across as quite grumpy and short tempered, actually has a big heart. Despite his dad, there wasnt any on the usual procedural bingo checklist of alcohol or marriage problems etc.
I loved the era it was set in, the late 60s, with free love, cults, the emergence of the Beatles etc. So interesting to read.
The ending of this was really high tension, written in really short sentences, you can feel yourself racing through it, and your heart going ten to the dozen. The conclusion was so clever as well.
I will definitely be reading the rest of these books and I already cant wait.
February 4, 2019
Having read A Song From Dead Lips, I was very excited to start this book. Set in 1960s London the full description of events and places definately helps the reader to understand more of what it would be like to have been living then. I loved the first book so had high expectations for this one. The stand out in this book was the character development of Breen and Tozer. Both are brilliant characters. I am waiting on book 3 to come into my local library to read now!
William Shaw is a brilliant writer, I was gripped from the very first scene at the fire and managed to work on my own theories by mid way through the book - which turned out to be correct! William is incredibly descriptive with everything he is writing about, even the small things. For me this is 'clever' crime fiction as opposed to the throwaway kind you often find where you read, forget it and move on. I really like how he explains the feature characters (Robert Fraser) at the end of the book and how the laws affected the changes to drug use in England... the art, swinging sixties and free love!
As a prolific reader of crime fiction I love it when a book comes along which is different than the rest. I enjoyed the story around WPC Tozer especially, as she faces discrimination from her colleagues and superiors showing that women were treated like dirt by the men. As an ex-WPC myself, I understand the character and feel so strongly about her role in the books and can't wait to read the next one. This is a book I would definitely recommend to crime fiction fans and one I thoroughly enjoyed reading. Hope the library calls soon to tell me book 3 is there.
William Shaw is a brilliant writer, I was gripped from the very first scene at the fire and managed to work on my own theories by mid way through the book - which turned out to be correct! William is incredibly descriptive with everything he is writing about, even the small things. For me this is 'clever' crime fiction as opposed to the throwaway kind you often find where you read, forget it and move on. I really like how he explains the feature characters (Robert Fraser) at the end of the book and how the laws affected the changes to drug use in England... the art, swinging sixties and free love!
As a prolific reader of crime fiction I love it when a book comes along which is different than the rest. I enjoyed the story around WPC Tozer especially, as she faces discrimination from her colleagues and superiors showing that women were treated like dirt by the men. As an ex-WPC myself, I understand the character and feel so strongly about her role in the books and can't wait to read the next one. This is a book I would definitely recommend to crime fiction fans and one I thoroughly enjoyed reading. Hope the library calls soon to tell me book 3 is there.
June 14, 2022
I liked it! This was the second of the Breen and Tozer series, set in London. The date is 1969 and many things are rampant in the city, like drugs, sex, and rock and roll! Also racism, sexism, alcoholism, and a host of many other societal ills. But Shaw does a great job of weaving several plots together, as he mixes in true events and real people from the time period (like The Beatles, Keith Richards, Mick Jagger). These are definitely gritty mysteries, nothing cozy about them. They are very well written though and I recommend them. Breen is a great detective, sensitive and thoughtful and he puts up with a lot from his crasser and less civilized colleagues. But he hangs in there and solves what seem to be unsolvable crimes.
June 1, 2017
might have a new author to read.
September 3, 2018
Another great mystery!
July 30, 2017
The 2nd of the Breen and Tozer books, set in the 60's. I love the fact that the book is not only a real good crime story but also tells us facts about the 60's culture and prejudices. I love the chemistry between the two protagonists and felt the book was really well written. Unfortunately I have read the books in the wrong order but it doesn't really matter as they can be read as 'stand alone' novels.
February 18, 2018
OK book even though story line and characters's characteristics were confusing at certain time.
Story was compelling but it lacked any real excitement. will be looking forward to more in next book.
Story was compelling but it lacked any real excitement. will be looking forward to more in next book.
February 3, 2025
A standard 3*. Reminded me of an Inspector Morse type of story. Gentle, old fashioned, nothing crazy. A nice listen. Ending was a bit blah.
August 29, 2018
Gets better and better
Set in Decembet 1968 and January 1969 in London, mainly. Police women are not allowed an opinion and face sexism every day. Racism, prejudice against the disabled and police brutality are common place. Breen and Tozer are different from the other coppers. 'The man from upstairs watching from the window' made me laugh out loud. This is all the background of another fantastic story. Straight onto Book 3.
Set in Decembet 1968 and January 1969 in London, mainly. Police women are not allowed an opinion and face sexism every day. Racism, prejudice against the disabled and police brutality are common place. Breen and Tozer are different from the other coppers. 'The man from upstairs watching from the window' made me laugh out loud. This is all the background of another fantastic story. Straight onto Book 3.
May 11, 2019
Loved this. 2nd of the Breen/Tozer series. These two make a surprisingly great pair, notwithstanding their disparate personalities and backgrounds. I am a William Shaw fan for sure now and after the Birdwatcher, Salt Lane, and the first in this series (She's leaving home) I look forward to more from him.
February 27, 2022
I struggled to get started with this book (started & stopped several times). The initial murder put me off. However, knowing William Shaw’s books, I forced myself to give it a final try.
Once I got past the initial details, I enjoyed the second in his Breen and Tozer instalment. The period details were vivid and thoughtful. The pain of Breen’s family issues was ever-present and the reader could sense his loneliness. I also enjoyed the mysteries themselves, with just the right amount of twists and turns.
Once I got past the initial details, I enjoyed the second in his Breen and Tozer instalment. The period details were vivid and thoughtful. The pain of Breen’s family issues was ever-present and the reader could sense his loneliness. I also enjoyed the mysteries themselves, with just the right amount of twists and turns.
October 28, 2019
Second Breen and Tozer mystery set in 1960's London.
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