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Ingo Finch #1
No Ordinary Killing
December 1899, South Africa.
Global superpower Great Britain is mired in an unexpectedly brutal conflict with the upstart Boers.
Captain Ingo Finch of the Royal Army Medical Corps pieces together casualties from the battle for Kimberley.
On leave in Cape Town, the slaughter proves inescapable for Finch.
Awoken at his lodgings by local police, he is informed that a British officer has been murdered in a city backstreet. An RAMC signature is required to expedite a post mortem.
Shocked by the identity of the victim, the bizarre nature of the crime and what appears a too-convenient resolution, Finch seeks answers before returning to the Front.
Though the sleuth soon turns fugitive, thrust into a perilous scramble through a maze of intrigue and espionage — with feisty Australian nurse, Annie Jones, as his accidental accomplice.
Way to the north, Mbutu Kefaleze, a diamond mine runner, leads a band of tribal refugees on a trek across the vast Karoo.
Their discovery of a white woman and her daughter wandering in the desert fuels their fear — that a lethal supernatural force has been unleashed upon the wilderness.
All have stumbled upon a deadly secret, the revelation of which would shake the Empire to its core…
"An intriguing mix of John Buchan style adventuring and well researched period detail … Dawson has produced a strong thriller… full of superstition, mistrust and political intrigue… A very strong debut." - Sarah Ward
“Combines deft storytelling with a flair for historical detail” – Richard Foreman
Jeff Dawson is a journalist, author and screenwriter. He has been the US Editor of Empire magazine and a long-time feature writer for The Sunday Times’ Culture section. His non-fiction books include an approved biography of Quentin Tarantino; the football history Back Home (“Truly outstanding” — The Times), and WW2 shipwreck tale, Dead Reckoning, nominated for the Mountbatten Maritime Prize. No Ordinary Killing is his first novel.
Global superpower Great Britain is mired in an unexpectedly brutal conflict with the upstart Boers.
Captain Ingo Finch of the Royal Army Medical Corps pieces together casualties from the battle for Kimberley.
On leave in Cape Town, the slaughter proves inescapable for Finch.
Awoken at his lodgings by local police, he is informed that a British officer has been murdered in a city backstreet. An RAMC signature is required to expedite a post mortem.
Shocked by the identity of the victim, the bizarre nature of the crime and what appears a too-convenient resolution, Finch seeks answers before returning to the Front.
Though the sleuth soon turns fugitive, thrust into a perilous scramble through a maze of intrigue and espionage — with feisty Australian nurse, Annie Jones, as his accidental accomplice.
Way to the north, Mbutu Kefaleze, a diamond mine runner, leads a band of tribal refugees on a trek across the vast Karoo.
Their discovery of a white woman and her daughter wandering in the desert fuels their fear — that a lethal supernatural force has been unleashed upon the wilderness.
All have stumbled upon a deadly secret, the revelation of which would shake the Empire to its core…
"An intriguing mix of John Buchan style adventuring and well researched period detail … Dawson has produced a strong thriller… full of superstition, mistrust and political intrigue… A very strong debut." - Sarah Ward
“Combines deft storytelling with a flair for historical detail” – Richard Foreman
Jeff Dawson is a journalist, author and screenwriter. He has been the US Editor of Empire magazine and a long-time feature writer for The Sunday Times’ Culture section. His non-fiction books include an approved biography of Quentin Tarantino; the football history Back Home (“Truly outstanding” — The Times), and WW2 shipwreck tale, Dead Reckoning, nominated for the Mountbatten Maritime Prize. No Ordinary Killing is his first novel.
481 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 19, 2017
124 people are currently reading
180 people want to read
About the author
Jeff Dawson
7 books20 followersJeff Dawson is a journalist, author and scriptwriter. Amongst other things, he pens Real Dictators, the award-winning historical podcast (200m downloads) that goes out on Spotify, Apple, BBC Sounds and elsewhere.
He was, for many years, a feature writer for The Sunday Times' Culture section (interviewees including Robert De Niro, George Clooney, Dustin Hoffman, Hugh Grant, Angelina Jolie, Jerry Seinfeld and Nicole Kidman). Before that he was the US Editor of Empire magazine.
Jeff is the author of three non-fiction books — Tarantino/Quentin Tarantino: The Cinema of Cool (Cassell/Applause, 1995), Back Home: England And The 1970 World Cup (Orion, 2001), which The Times rated "Truly outstanding", and Dead Reckoning: The Dunedin Star Disaster (Weidenfeld & Nicolson, 2005), the latter nominated for the Mountbatten Maritime Prize.
Historical thriller No Ordinary Killing (2017), an Amazon/Kindle bestseller, was his debut novel. The follow-ups, The Cold North Sea (2018) and Hell Gate (2020), continue the adventures of Captain Ingo Finch.
He was, for many years, a feature writer for The Sunday Times' Culture section (interviewees including Robert De Niro, George Clooney, Dustin Hoffman, Hugh Grant, Angelina Jolie, Jerry Seinfeld and Nicole Kidman). Before that he was the US Editor of Empire magazine.
Jeff is the author of three non-fiction books — Tarantino/Quentin Tarantino: The Cinema of Cool (Cassell/Applause, 1995), Back Home: England And The 1970 World Cup (Orion, 2001), which The Times rated "Truly outstanding", and Dead Reckoning: The Dunedin Star Disaster (Weidenfeld & Nicolson, 2005), the latter nominated for the Mountbatten Maritime Prize.
Historical thriller No Ordinary Killing (2017), an Amazon/Kindle bestseller, was his debut novel. The follow-ups, The Cold North Sea (2018) and Hell Gate (2020), continue the adventures of Captain Ingo Finch.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
June 22, 2022
An extremely detailed mystery/thriller set during The Boer War (1899 - 1902) which saw the might of the British Empire battle guerilla fighters - mostly farmers - from the independent republics of the Transvaal and the Orange Free State in South Africa.
On leave in Cape Town, Captain Ingo Finch of the Royal Army Medical Corps is called in by the city's police after a British officer, Major Cox, is found murdered. Recognising the victim, Finch decides to investigate his colleague's death, before returning to the battlefront.
Meanwhile, a South African native, Mbutu Kefaleze, travels with a band of tribal refugees on a trek across the South African veldt, when they discover a mute white woman and her young daughter wandering in the desert. From them and other natives, Mbutu learns that a nearby settlement was attacked by "devil soldiers" - men whose heads were covered by canvas sacks with large glass eyes and rubber tubing.
Back in the city, Finch, aided by a strong-willed Australian nurse, Annie Jones, tries to discover the reason for Cox's death.
During the desert trek, Mbutu finds one of the devil soldier's headgear and - very slowly - the truth about a village massacre which not only resulted in civilian deaths, but also those of soldiers brought to the killing site in chains, is revealed.
The atmosphere of Britain's African Empire during the war against the upstart Boers comes across vividly as the action unfolds and throughout the story there are a dozen twists and turns as Finch and Annie discover a bid to conceal some horrible deaths caused by a terrible new weapon of war. I felt this tale could have done with some substantial editing, but it's an enjoyable read.
On leave in Cape Town, Captain Ingo Finch of the Royal Army Medical Corps is called in by the city's police after a British officer, Major Cox, is found murdered. Recognising the victim, Finch decides to investigate his colleague's death, before returning to the battlefront.
Meanwhile, a South African native, Mbutu Kefaleze, travels with a band of tribal refugees on a trek across the South African veldt, when they discover a mute white woman and her young daughter wandering in the desert. From them and other natives, Mbutu learns that a nearby settlement was attacked by "devil soldiers" - men whose heads were covered by canvas sacks with large glass eyes and rubber tubing.
Back in the city, Finch, aided by a strong-willed Australian nurse, Annie Jones, tries to discover the reason for Cox's death.
During the desert trek, Mbutu finds one of the devil soldier's headgear and - very slowly - the truth about a village massacre which not only resulted in civilian deaths, but also those of soldiers brought to the killing site in chains, is revealed.
The atmosphere of Britain's African Empire during the war against the upstart Boers comes across vividly as the action unfolds and throughout the story there are a dozen twists and turns as Finch and Annie discover a bid to conceal some horrible deaths caused by a terrible new weapon of war. I felt this tale could have done with some substantial editing, but it's an enjoyable read.
March 8, 2017
This is an impressive debut with a convincing period setting and a strong narrative full of twists and turns as the plot unfolds against the background of the Boer War. The “no ordinary killing” of the title refers to the death of an army colleague of the protagonist, Captain Ingo Finch. The story is told both from his point of view and from the point of view of Mbutu Kefaleze, a native runner (and to a lesser extent, Annie Jones, a volunteer nurse). I found the story line involving Mbutu was particularly well-told and engaging. Although she plays an important part in events in the latter half of the book, I felt the character of Annie Jones could have been developed further with the reader given more from her own point of view.
The different strands of the story run in parallel with the reader left to guess at the connection between them until the point the author chooses to reveal it. The mystery is sustained well right to the end of the book with plenty of action, intrigue, red herrings, secrets, murder, lies and “who can you really trust?” moments along the way. The plot zips along helped by the alternating points of view and relatively short chapters usually ending with an element of suspense. I particularly liked the walk-on part for the creator of a famous detective. This is a very enjoyable historical mystery with an interesting period setting.
I received an advance reader copy courtesy of Endeavour Press in return for an honest review.
The different strands of the story run in parallel with the reader left to guess at the connection between them until the point the author chooses to reveal it. The mystery is sustained well right to the end of the book with plenty of action, intrigue, red herrings, secrets, murder, lies and “who can you really trust?” moments along the way. The plot zips along helped by the alternating points of view and relatively short chapters usually ending with an element of suspense. I particularly liked the walk-on part for the creator of a famous detective. This is a very enjoyable historical mystery with an interesting period setting.
I received an advance reader copy courtesy of Endeavour Press in return for an honest review.
July 2, 2018
I read a lot of crime fiction but have a particular love for historical crime so No Ordinary Killing immediately appealed to me. Set during the Second Boer War - a period I'm not that familiar with - I was soon completely engrossed in this complex tale. The beginning sees Captain Ingo Finch engaged in a dangerous mission to save an injured man and at first the book seemed to be rather more a war story than a crime novel. I wasn't complaining though, the vivid descriptions brought the awful, visceral conditions in a field hospital to bloody life and I couldn't tear myself away from the page. Finch is entitled to a much needed break in Cape Town following his heroic efforts to save lives at the Battle of Magersfontein but his rest is brought to a sudden end when he is called upon to identify the body of a British officer who has been murdered. He is shocked to discover he knows the victim and though the Cape Town police are instructedo hand the case over to the MFP - Military Foot Police - he can't help but conduct his own investigation when details don't quite add up.
Meanwhile, a former diamond miner, Mbutu whose natural ability to run fast has earned him the nickname Johnny Fleetfoot and a role delivering messages for the British army, is given a task he has no choice but to accept but when his life is threatened he is forced to flee. His troubles have only just begun and as he learns of a horrific crime, he has to take desperate steps to save himself and others who depend on him. Far from home, Mbutu doesn't know if he will ever be reunited with his wife and son. Australian nurse, Annie is even further from home; she knows she is embarking on a trip into the unknown but mortally wounded soldiers and the inevitable diseases that come from people living in such close contact in unsanitary conditions eventually become the least of her worries as she too is thrust into a deadly mystery that becomes a race for the truth.
There's such a lot going on in No Ordinary Killing that it's hard to know quite where to begin when reviewing it. In many ways it reminded me of a John Buchan novel; the reluctant protagonist who unwittingly finds himself in mortal danger and must doggedly fight for justice and the truth in the face of despicable treachery. There is also a clear Holmesian connection with a few mentions of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and his detective stories - some more significant than others. The three narrative strands of the story are told separately for some of the book and I did need to concentrate to fully appreciate what was happening, this is one of those books that drew me in gradually, the intricacies of the plot proving to be a puzzle which doesn't fall finally into place until the latter stages of the story. The richly descriptive characterisation and magnificent scene setting - Cape Town is brought to life as is Camp Eureka - is matched by the gripping action particularly when the tension builds almost unbearably towards the end of the book. Though most definitely a murder mystery, No Ordinary Killing is also a political thriller and Finch discovers he can't trust anybody as it becomes clear that there is far more at stake here than the death of one man. Though there are some wry smiles raised at the pomposity of the British (and their maps), it's painfully obvious that this is a society split along racial and class divides meaning some lives are considered more disposable than others.
I know I'm reading a superb historical novel when I find myself researching more about the period after reading little fascinating snippets of information contained within the story. No Ordinary Killing enthralled me; the intense descriptions of the Boer War itself; the fascinating history of the indigenous people of the area, especially the Nama; the terrible sense of foreboding at what we know is to come - apartheid, a war ravaged Europe, concentration camps, genocide...
No Ordinary Killing is a thoroughly exciting, perplexing and intelligent mystery which never shies away from the realities of the atrocities of war and imperialism or the resulting moral and emotional impact on people. I loved this outstanding debut thriller from Jeff Dawson and look forward to reading more from him in the future. Highly recommended.
Meanwhile, a former diamond miner, Mbutu whose natural ability to run fast has earned him the nickname Johnny Fleetfoot and a role delivering messages for the British army, is given a task he has no choice but to accept but when his life is threatened he is forced to flee. His troubles have only just begun and as he learns of a horrific crime, he has to take desperate steps to save himself and others who depend on him. Far from home, Mbutu doesn't know if he will ever be reunited with his wife and son. Australian nurse, Annie is even further from home; she knows she is embarking on a trip into the unknown but mortally wounded soldiers and the inevitable diseases that come from people living in such close contact in unsanitary conditions eventually become the least of her worries as she too is thrust into a deadly mystery that becomes a race for the truth.
There's such a lot going on in No Ordinary Killing that it's hard to know quite where to begin when reviewing it. In many ways it reminded me of a John Buchan novel; the reluctant protagonist who unwittingly finds himself in mortal danger and must doggedly fight for justice and the truth in the face of despicable treachery. There is also a clear Holmesian connection with a few mentions of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and his detective stories - some more significant than others. The three narrative strands of the story are told separately for some of the book and I did need to concentrate to fully appreciate what was happening, this is one of those books that drew me in gradually, the intricacies of the plot proving to be a puzzle which doesn't fall finally into place until the latter stages of the story. The richly descriptive characterisation and magnificent scene setting - Cape Town is brought to life as is Camp Eureka - is matched by the gripping action particularly when the tension builds almost unbearably towards the end of the book. Though most definitely a murder mystery, No Ordinary Killing is also a political thriller and Finch discovers he can't trust anybody as it becomes clear that there is far more at stake here than the death of one man. Though there are some wry smiles raised at the pomposity of the British (and their maps), it's painfully obvious that this is a society split along racial and class divides meaning some lives are considered more disposable than others.
I know I'm reading a superb historical novel when I find myself researching more about the period after reading little fascinating snippets of information contained within the story. No Ordinary Killing enthralled me; the intense descriptions of the Boer War itself; the fascinating history of the indigenous people of the area, especially the Nama; the terrible sense of foreboding at what we know is to come - apartheid, a war ravaged Europe, concentration camps, genocide...
No Ordinary Killing is a thoroughly exciting, perplexing and intelligent mystery which never shies away from the realities of the atrocities of war and imperialism or the resulting moral and emotional impact on people. I loved this outstanding debut thriller from Jeff Dawson and look forward to reading more from him in the future. Highly recommended.
September 4, 2021
Interesting historical backdrop of the Boer War. Murder is almost by the way as a lot of time is devoted to the setting and people. Fairly graphic violence. Readable but not really my cup of tea at the moment.
April 17, 2017
I love mysteries set in the past so I get the best of two favorite genres. This one had the added delight of a new to me author and a setting I haven't read much about- Europian Colonial/Boer Wars at the turn of the twentieth century.
Like many murder mysteries this one starts out by introducing some curious characters and plot threads that seemingly have little to do with each other. But I am no rookie mystery reader so I was not deceived. And sure enough, it all found its way together and made perfect chilling sense when all the pieces were assembled in the puzzle.
The main story thread follows Captain Ingo Finch of the Royal Army Medical Corps as he does his sometimes gruesome work patching up soldiers and adjusting to life in the hell of battle. His need for a break from the blood bath is what lands him in the middle of things. Ingo Finch is a great character and I enjoyed being along as he worked to make sense of the murder and the mystery. He was once a General Practitioner in Britain and is figuring investigation work all out as he goes. Part of his investigation is set in Cape Town away from the battle, but he is never far from the action. This reads like a thriller much of the time and gets quite intense.
Other strong characters are Mbutu, a native African, who finds himself on the run for his life after being in the wrong place at the wrong time and Annie, the Aussie nurse, who comes to South Africa for her own reasons and gets caught up in the deadly circumstances with Ingo.
I know a very little about South Africa or the Boer Wars, but I felt the historical details and description of time and places were authentic. I will have to do some research to get a better picture of the larger state of affairs going on at the time. The author did a great job of instilling a human element all around and from various strata of people involved in the conflict or living near the war zone. It was fascinating to see fictional characters brush shoulders with real historical figures.
But mostly, I loved the strong twisting mystery and action plot that kept me guessing until near the end. I had a pretty good idea a few times and I was right to a certain extent, but I didn't have the whole solution. The Epilogue tied off some loose strings, but it was also somewhat abrupt so my only little niggle was that I would have wished it to have been expanded and given more details about each of the parties in the end.
All in all, this was a fantastic murder mystery against an intense historical setting. I would definitely recommend it to historical thriller and historical mystery fans.
Like many murder mysteries this one starts out by introducing some curious characters and plot threads that seemingly have little to do with each other. But I am no rookie mystery reader so I was not deceived. And sure enough, it all found its way together and made perfect chilling sense when all the pieces were assembled in the puzzle.
The main story thread follows Captain Ingo Finch of the Royal Army Medical Corps as he does his sometimes gruesome work patching up soldiers and adjusting to life in the hell of battle. His need for a break from the blood bath is what lands him in the middle of things. Ingo Finch is a great character and I enjoyed being along as he worked to make sense of the murder and the mystery. He was once a General Practitioner in Britain and is figuring investigation work all out as he goes. Part of his investigation is set in Cape Town away from the battle, but he is never far from the action. This reads like a thriller much of the time and gets quite intense.
Other strong characters are Mbutu, a native African, who finds himself on the run for his life after being in the wrong place at the wrong time and Annie, the Aussie nurse, who comes to South Africa for her own reasons and gets caught up in the deadly circumstances with Ingo.
I know a very little about South Africa or the Boer Wars, but I felt the historical details and description of time and places were authentic. I will have to do some research to get a better picture of the larger state of affairs going on at the time. The author did a great job of instilling a human element all around and from various strata of people involved in the conflict or living near the war zone. It was fascinating to see fictional characters brush shoulders with real historical figures.
But mostly, I loved the strong twisting mystery and action plot that kept me guessing until near the end. I had a pretty good idea a few times and I was right to a certain extent, but I didn't have the whole solution. The Epilogue tied off some loose strings, but it was also somewhat abrupt so my only little niggle was that I would have wished it to have been expanded and given more details about each of the parties in the end.
All in all, this was a fantastic murder mystery against an intense historical setting. I would definitely recommend it to historical thriller and historical mystery fans.
June 23, 2018
When Captain Ingo Finch of the Royal Army Medical Corps discovers that his friend and Command Officer, Major Cox, passed away for mysterious cases, he knows that this is not an ordinary killing and that there's something more... Let me say that he is not wrong, this will be the most dangerous case he will ever face, he will have to risk his life if he wants to discover the truth, but at the same time he is brave and is determined to try to solve the mystery, no matter what. Finch will not be alone in this investigation, he will have the help of an Australian nurse, Annie; she is not easy to scare and her principles are really high and not easy to ignore. She will be the perfect female character, but never underestimated. There is another character very important on the plot, the native African Mbutu Kefaleze, who has discovered a very dangerous secret that everyone that knows it dies...
I know it seems that all the characters feel disconnected, but that is the interesting part of the book, like a puzzle, all the pieces start falling together as the story progresses. But, as a fast paced story, sometimes it feels like the secret would be too big to be revealed and that the killers will leave without punishment.
I missed a little background of the main characters; the past, what they move to be where they are... It felt like there would be another case with the Captain Ingo Finch involved, answering all these little questions that haven't been solved on the case and that keep popping after reading the book.
This had been an interesting read, let me say that I am not used to read historical mysteries, but this one was highly detailed making the reader feel the oppressive situation that was living during the Boer War; human, real and dark.
If you are searching for an historical twisted mystery, this one is for you, but be prepared for not an easy read. Ready to discover which is the dangerous secret that everyone is ready to kill?
I know it seems that all the characters feel disconnected, but that is the interesting part of the book, like a puzzle, all the pieces start falling together as the story progresses. But, as a fast paced story, sometimes it feels like the secret would be too big to be revealed and that the killers will leave without punishment.
I missed a little background of the main characters; the past, what they move to be where they are... It felt like there would be another case with the Captain Ingo Finch involved, answering all these little questions that haven't been solved on the case and that keep popping after reading the book.
This had been an interesting read, let me say that I am not used to read historical mysteries, but this one was highly detailed making the reader feel the oppressive situation that was living during the Boer War; human, real and dark.
If you are searching for an historical twisted mystery, this one is for you, but be prepared for not an easy read. Ready to discover which is the dangerous secret that everyone is ready to kill?
February 25, 2017
1899 South Africa Captain Ingo Finch of the Royal Army Medical Corps (RAMC) is on leave in Cape Town when his Commanding Officer is find dead and a RAMC signature is required to start a post mortem. Disturbed by the crime, and the quick result he decides to investigate.
But what are the connections with Mbutu, and the Suttons. And who is Moriarty?
I was pulled into this very enjoyable story, a well written tale, with some good rounded characters.
But what are the connections with Mbutu, and the Suttons. And who is Moriarty?
I was pulled into this very enjoyable story, a well written tale, with some good rounded characters.
June 8, 2019
No Ordinary Killing is an entertaining detective story set in South Africa during the Boer War. The main character is a doctor with the RAMC and there's some potential love interest for future novels when an Australian nurse gets mixed up in the derring-do.
How much of the background to the plot is based on fact I couldn't say but nothing would surprise me given the disgraceful way in which Great Britain ruled its empire.
The action sequences are very well told but the end drags - there are two many episodes which feel like the final scene.
A fun read.
David Lowther. Author of The Blue Pencil, Liberating Belsen, Two Families at War and The Summer of '39, all published by Sacristy Press.
How much of the background to the plot is based on fact I couldn't say but nothing would surprise me given the disgraceful way in which Great Britain ruled its empire.
The action sequences are very well told but the end drags - there are two many episodes which feel like the final scene.
A fun read.
David Lowther. Author of The Blue Pencil, Liberating Belsen, Two Families at War and The Summer of '39, all published by Sacristy Press.
April 19, 2017
Disclaimer: I received an advanced version from the publisher in exchange for a review.
I'm a big fan of historical fiction, but this murder-mystery set during the brutal Boer War was a bit of a departure for me as it's not a period with which I'm very familiar. Happily, that made the book all the more interesting to read. All the elements are there: a rich, detailed historical background; an interesting central character, here in the form of Captain Ingo Finch; a murder; twists and turns galore; and a conspiracy.
On leave from the front line, where he has witnessed untold brutality at a time when medical care in the field was primitive at best, Captain Ingo Finch of the Royal Army Medical Corps is drawn into the investigation into the death of his commanding officer. Interspersed with Finch's tale is that of Mbutu, a Kimberley local who is doing his best to survive the War and get back to his family, risking everything on the way to help tribal refugees get to safety; and Annie Jones, an Australian nurse who ends up as Finch's unwilling assistant. All this is set against an evocative backdrop, sometimes so evocative that you can almost see and smell the ravages of war and the pitiful provision made for its victims in the so-called refugee or concentration camps.
It's certainly an interesting premise. I found the writing to be well-crafted and taut, which made the book very readable and was apt in view of the subject matter. Having said that, it took me a while to get into the story, possibly because of the three separate storylines. Moreover, I feel that the character of Annie Jones was somewhat underdeveloped and her story only really gets going once she starts working with Finch. Once it became clear how these stories came together, it flowed much better and kept me gripped until the end. On the whole, a good debut novel from an author I would read again. I'd be interested to read more about this period in British history too.
I'm a big fan of historical fiction, but this murder-mystery set during the brutal Boer War was a bit of a departure for me as it's not a period with which I'm very familiar. Happily, that made the book all the more interesting to read. All the elements are there: a rich, detailed historical background; an interesting central character, here in the form of Captain Ingo Finch; a murder; twists and turns galore; and a conspiracy.
On leave from the front line, where he has witnessed untold brutality at a time when medical care in the field was primitive at best, Captain Ingo Finch of the Royal Army Medical Corps is drawn into the investigation into the death of his commanding officer. Interspersed with Finch's tale is that of Mbutu, a Kimberley local who is doing his best to survive the War and get back to his family, risking everything on the way to help tribal refugees get to safety; and Annie Jones, an Australian nurse who ends up as Finch's unwilling assistant. All this is set against an evocative backdrop, sometimes so evocative that you can almost see and smell the ravages of war and the pitiful provision made for its victims in the so-called refugee or concentration camps.
It's certainly an interesting premise. I found the writing to be well-crafted and taut, which made the book very readable and was apt in view of the subject matter. Having said that, it took me a while to get into the story, possibly because of the three separate storylines. Moreover, I feel that the character of Annie Jones was somewhat underdeveloped and her story only really gets going once she starts working with Finch. Once it became clear how these stories came together, it flowed much better and kept me gripped until the end. On the whole, a good debut novel from an author I would read again. I'd be interested to read more about this period in British history too.
July 9, 2018
Who is Moriarty?
Captain Ingo Finch is in the thick of the battle at Magersfontein. He left his medical practice in England to join the Royal Army Medical Corps. We first hear of him as he is desperately trying to save his own life and a fellow medic. They are in the thick of the fighting trying to bring an injured officer back to the hospital that has been set up near the sieged town of Kimberley. Finch is furious when he discovers that the officer he was sent to rescue and patch up was immediately arrested after his wounds had been attended to and no-one will tell him what the charges are against the man.
Mbutu Kafelese had arrived in Kimberley ten years earlier. He had left his homeland, Basutoland, to work at the Kimberley Diamond Mine. British officers command him to help one of them skirt around the Boers so that he can reach another contingent fighting closer to Bloemfontein.
Nurse Annie Jones is Australian. She is part of a contingency of nurses who have volunteered to work in the British Field.
Ingo Finch, Mbutu Kafelese and Annie Jones may think that their lives will never cross paths, but the rescue of the British officer and the death of Major Cox will throw them all together in a plot that is so barbaric and secret the people responsible for this deed will stop at nothing to keep their work a secret.
What a brilliant storyline! Jeff Dawson has brought a diverse group of people together. What unfolds in the plot is a story of a cover-up of a war crime with devastating consequences for the tribal people living in the arid Karoo and nearby Kalahari.
I do have one gripe; Jeff Dawson has somehow managed to find baobab trees growing in the Karoo/Free State. Wrong! These trees are only found growing in the Limpopo region, many hundreds of kilometres north of the Karoo area.
Treebeard
Breakaway Reviewers received a copy of the book to review.
Captain Ingo Finch is in the thick of the battle at Magersfontein. He left his medical practice in England to join the Royal Army Medical Corps. We first hear of him as he is desperately trying to save his own life and a fellow medic. They are in the thick of the fighting trying to bring an injured officer back to the hospital that has been set up near the sieged town of Kimberley. Finch is furious when he discovers that the officer he was sent to rescue and patch up was immediately arrested after his wounds had been attended to and no-one will tell him what the charges are against the man.
Mbutu Kafelese had arrived in Kimberley ten years earlier. He had left his homeland, Basutoland, to work at the Kimberley Diamond Mine. British officers command him to help one of them skirt around the Boers so that he can reach another contingent fighting closer to Bloemfontein.
Nurse Annie Jones is Australian. She is part of a contingency of nurses who have volunteered to work in the British Field.
Ingo Finch, Mbutu Kafelese and Annie Jones may think that their lives will never cross paths, but the rescue of the British officer and the death of Major Cox will throw them all together in a plot that is so barbaric and secret the people responsible for this deed will stop at nothing to keep their work a secret.
What a brilliant storyline! Jeff Dawson has brought a diverse group of people together. What unfolds in the plot is a story of a cover-up of a war crime with devastating consequences for the tribal people living in the arid Karoo and nearby Kalahari.
I do have one gripe; Jeff Dawson has somehow managed to find baobab trees growing in the Karoo/Free State. Wrong! These trees are only found growing in the Limpopo region, many hundreds of kilometres north of the Karoo area.
Treebeard
Breakaway Reviewers received a copy of the book to review.
April 7, 2017
I received a copy of No Ordinary Killing from Endeavor Press in exchange for an honest review. Set in South Africa in the closing days of 1899, Jeff Dawson has written an historical mystery that draws you in with the opening scenes and keeps you fussing to the very end.
Ingo Finch, a doctor in the Royal Army Medical Corps, takes a short leave in Cape Town from the battlefields of the Boer war. Summoned by the police to sign over a murder victim to the military police, he is stunned to discover that the victim was his superior officer. With his assistance, the police make a quick arrest and consider the case closed. Finch, however, is not totally satisfied with the solution.
As Finch becomes more involved with his investigation, he discovers that his superior was hiding secrets that others were after. Finch is never sure who he can trust.
Dawson alternates Finch's mystery with the story of Mbutu Kefaleze, a runner from Kimberly who is asked to guide someone through the battle lines. Forced to kill and on the run, he encounters a group of villagers whose homes were destroyed after being subjected to a green mist that killed some and blinded others. They are bing pursued by the soldiers responsible for the atrocity, forcing them to cross a hostile environment and seek shelter in a concentration camp.
These two stories are beautifully woven together, filling the pages with a number of twists and memorable characters. Fans of historical mysteries and the novels of Wilbur Smith will find this hard to put down. It is a story that I would highly recommend.
Ingo Finch, a doctor in the Royal Army Medical Corps, takes a short leave in Cape Town from the battlefields of the Boer war. Summoned by the police to sign over a murder victim to the military police, he is stunned to discover that the victim was his superior officer. With his assistance, the police make a quick arrest and consider the case closed. Finch, however, is not totally satisfied with the solution.
As Finch becomes more involved with his investigation, he discovers that his superior was hiding secrets that others were after. Finch is never sure who he can trust.
Dawson alternates Finch's mystery with the story of Mbutu Kefaleze, a runner from Kimberly who is asked to guide someone through the battle lines. Forced to kill and on the run, he encounters a group of villagers whose homes were destroyed after being subjected to a green mist that killed some and blinded others. They are bing pursued by the soldiers responsible for the atrocity, forcing them to cross a hostile environment and seek shelter in a concentration camp.
These two stories are beautifully woven together, filling the pages with a number of twists and memorable characters. Fans of historical mysteries and the novels of Wilbur Smith will find this hard to put down. It is a story that I would highly recommend.
June 20, 2018
A realistic historical crime drama set against the background of the Boer war.
Captain Finch, a doctor, becomes an unlikely detective as he investigates the death of his superior officer. Told primarily from Finch and Mbutu( An escaped diamond miner) points of view, they describe different events that are cleverly linked as the story progresses. Annie, a nurse, joins the story later and she becomes a vital source of strength for Finch as the conspiracy deepens and their lives are endangered.
The historical detail is vivid and absorbing and illustrates the horror of war for civilians, soldiers and animals caught up in the mayhem. The racial prejudice of the time is realistically depicted and demonstrates how poorly the indigent population were treated by both sides in the war.
The characters are well drawn and fit perfectly into this sinister murder mystery scenario created at the end of the 19th-century in war-torn Africa. Finch is a courageous man, but his trusting nature leads him to make some questionable choices, which make his and Annie's survival precarious. The antagonist takes many forms, but ultimately the real evil is more potent than Finch could envisage.
The story is detailed and lengthy but full of action, historical interest and a well thought out whodunnit.
I received a copy of this book from Canelo via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
March 12, 2017
I received an advance copy for an honest review from the publisher, Endeavour Press Ltd.
The outset of the Second Boer War sets the stage for Dawson’s intriguing period play that delves into the never-ending saga of class privilege, the state of human prejudice in the world at the turn of the twentieth century, and the comparative value of human life. Oh, and there’s a “spot of bother” about the murder of a drunk RAMC officer whose body was left only yards from his temporary lodgings in Cape Town.
Three seemingly unique story lines converge into one, satisfying whole as the author first raises the curtain on the opening skirmish at Magersfontein, Cape Colony. Nearly everything that transpires is plainly revealed to the alert reader as the clues are subtlety sprinkled throughout, but central to figuring out the mystery of who murdered the RAMC officer and why, is Dawson’s main protagonist, Captain Ingo Finch.
A doctor with the Royal Army Medical Corps, Finch is infused with the natural curiosity of a detective, the compassion of a doctor and a dry but quick wit. Even has a run-in with fellow RAMC medico and celebrated Holmes author, “A.C.” Doyle.
Phillip Glass-styled sentences with the echo of poetic cadence characterize Dawson’s literary canvas with a functional minimalism. Exceptional use of vocabulary not only adds depth to the storytelling, but also to the enjoyment of the reader thirsty for fresh, expressive language (not just accent-infused dialogue, which Dawson pens with faithful accuracy to the location and the period). Verbal exchanges where one character would initiate a thought, is immediately finished by the second, which effectively conveys humorous intent as well as relaying crucial information. To lay down anything further within this review would give the game away.
I so enjoyed the effort in following along with Finch, Miss Jones, and Mbutu, trying to solve the mystery on my own, I won’t spoil your fun here. Suffice to say, the character Albert Rideau, offered the most appropriate comment for the reader’s appraisal of Dawson’s work; They must “absolutely have to give (Dawson) full marks” for such an exciting and detailed period mystery-adventure.
Looking for a thrill-ride of non-stop, pulse-pounding proportions? Then you really must take up Dawson’s impelling tale, No Ordinary Killing or you’d “(throw) a damned good lunch…”
A jolly good yarn, what.
The outset of the Second Boer War sets the stage for Dawson’s intriguing period play that delves into the never-ending saga of class privilege, the state of human prejudice in the world at the turn of the twentieth century, and the comparative value of human life. Oh, and there’s a “spot of bother” about the murder of a drunk RAMC officer whose body was left only yards from his temporary lodgings in Cape Town.
Three seemingly unique story lines converge into one, satisfying whole as the author first raises the curtain on the opening skirmish at Magersfontein, Cape Colony. Nearly everything that transpires is plainly revealed to the alert reader as the clues are subtlety sprinkled throughout, but central to figuring out the mystery of who murdered the RAMC officer and why, is Dawson’s main protagonist, Captain Ingo Finch.
A doctor with the Royal Army Medical Corps, Finch is infused with the natural curiosity of a detective, the compassion of a doctor and a dry but quick wit. Even has a run-in with fellow RAMC medico and celebrated Holmes author, “A.C.” Doyle.
Phillip Glass-styled sentences with the echo of poetic cadence characterize Dawson’s literary canvas with a functional minimalism. Exceptional use of vocabulary not only adds depth to the storytelling, but also to the enjoyment of the reader thirsty for fresh, expressive language (not just accent-infused dialogue, which Dawson pens with faithful accuracy to the location and the period). Verbal exchanges where one character would initiate a thought, is immediately finished by the second, which effectively conveys humorous intent as well as relaying crucial information. To lay down anything further within this review would give the game away.
I so enjoyed the effort in following along with Finch, Miss Jones, and Mbutu, trying to solve the mystery on my own, I won’t spoil your fun here. Suffice to say, the character Albert Rideau, offered the most appropriate comment for the reader’s appraisal of Dawson’s work; They must “absolutely have to give (Dawson) full marks” for such an exciting and detailed period mystery-adventure.
Looking for a thrill-ride of non-stop, pulse-pounding proportions? Then you really must take up Dawson’s impelling tale, No Ordinary Killing or you’d “(throw) a damned good lunch…”
A jolly good yarn, what.
March 20, 2017
While on leave in Cape Town during the Boer War, Captain Ingo Finch finds himself called out to sign the paperwork on his CO who has been murdered. However, something does not seem right even though he knows that many people disliked Cox because he was a very distasteful sort.
While trying not to overthink Cox's death Finch finds himself drawn in to a full-fledged investigation which accidentally includes the help of Australian nurse Annie Jones. While Annie dislikes Finch at first (because of an incident with friends in a coffee shop) she learns that he is not a bad guy after all. Especially now that they need each other in order to stay alive.
Meanwhile Mbutu Kefaleze is trying to save the lives of a band of refugees who think that they were attacked by Devil Soldiers with horrible eyes and snouts on the hoods they wore to attack their villages.
As the story kept moving back and forth between the Finch situation and the Mbutu problem I couldn't stop wondering how these two stories were going to come together. Even when Mbutu and the refugees met up with Finch there was nothing to tell the reader what might happen later. However, after Finch and Jones escape death several times the dire situation of the refugees is finally revealed with a bang.
This story started out pretty interestingly, bogged down a bit in the center but still stayed interesting and ultimately "edge of seat" captivating. I would like to see more stories with Finch and Jones.
I also find that I need to find out more about the Boer War.
While trying not to overthink Cox's death Finch finds himself drawn in to a full-fledged investigation which accidentally includes the help of Australian nurse Annie Jones. While Annie dislikes Finch at first (because of an incident with friends in a coffee shop) she learns that he is not a bad guy after all. Especially now that they need each other in order to stay alive.
Meanwhile Mbutu Kefaleze is trying to save the lives of a band of refugees who think that they were attacked by Devil Soldiers with horrible eyes and snouts on the hoods they wore to attack their villages.
As the story kept moving back and forth between the Finch situation and the Mbutu problem I couldn't stop wondering how these two stories were going to come together. Even when Mbutu and the refugees met up with Finch there was nothing to tell the reader what might happen later. However, after Finch and Jones escape death several times the dire situation of the refugees is finally revealed with a bang.
This story started out pretty interestingly, bogged down a bit in the center but still stayed interesting and ultimately "edge of seat" captivating. I would like to see more stories with Finch and Jones.
I also find that I need to find out more about the Boer War.
September 4, 2018
Rating: 3.5*
No Ordinary Killing is one of my 20 Books of Summer and I thought that this well written and highly descriptive story was a little slow to get to the murder mystery, thriller element but once it did I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Jeff Dawson’s research and knowledge certainly ensure that you are right in the place – South Africa – and situation of the Boer War. Following Mbutu gives us a good insight into the native point of view which I found interesting, informative and really added to the atmosphere and story.
Once you get into the murder mystery this book really took off and gives a rollicking good read with pace, twists and turns to keep the reader hooked and the final reckoning makes this well worth the read.
I liked the characterisation – the characters are well drawn but, as this is the first of what seems to be a series, there is room to grow with the main characters and I can see them becoming quite a favourite with readers.
I would certainly recommend this book to readers who enjoy historical murder mystery, those who enjoy reading books set abroad and to those who enjoy a well written and plotted story.
I would like to thank the publisher Canelo for an eBook of No Ordinary Killing via NetGalley in return for an honest review. I have not received any payment in relation to my review.
No Ordinary Killing is one of my 20 Books of Summer and I thought that this well written and highly descriptive story was a little slow to get to the murder mystery, thriller element but once it did I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Jeff Dawson’s research and knowledge certainly ensure that you are right in the place – South Africa – and situation of the Boer War. Following Mbutu gives us a good insight into the native point of view which I found interesting, informative and really added to the atmosphere and story.
Once you get into the murder mystery this book really took off and gives a rollicking good read with pace, twists and turns to keep the reader hooked and the final reckoning makes this well worth the read.
I liked the characterisation – the characters are well drawn but, as this is the first of what seems to be a series, there is room to grow with the main characters and I can see them becoming quite a favourite with readers.
I would certainly recommend this book to readers who enjoy historical murder mystery, those who enjoy reading books set abroad and to those who enjoy a well written and plotted story.
I would like to thank the publisher Canelo for an eBook of No Ordinary Killing via NetGalley in return for an honest review. I have not received any payment in relation to my review.
March 25, 2017
Excellent, one of the best historical mysteries!
This is a wonderful nail biter I have read in a very long time. If you have ever read "The Thirty-nine Steps," this is in much the same vein. This time it is set in South Africa at the start of the Boer War. It evokes the exotic of the settings of the area and of the visceral chaos of war. Once again we have the stumbling and clueless, in many ways, hero who blunders on to the very end.
This book by Mr. Dawson is well researched and is unfortunately queit correct in the direct line drawn from the Boer War to the Great War. It could even be a dire prediction of that yet to become.
As a History it is excellent in its scope and a mystery it is the best best entertainment I have had in many years. I must now find more books from Jeff Dawson. I hope you are as pleased with his work as I have been.
Read and be freed from the restrictions of a single life.
This is a wonderful nail biter I have read in a very long time. If you have ever read "The Thirty-nine Steps," this is in much the same vein. This time it is set in South Africa at the start of the Boer War. It evokes the exotic of the settings of the area and of the visceral chaos of war. Once again we have the stumbling and clueless, in many ways, hero who blunders on to the very end.
This book by Mr. Dawson is well researched and is unfortunately queit correct in the direct line drawn from the Boer War to the Great War. It could even be a dire prediction of that yet to become.
As a History it is excellent in its scope and a mystery it is the best best entertainment I have had in many years. I must now find more books from Jeff Dawson. I hope you are as pleased with his work as I have been.
Read and be freed from the restrictions of a single life.
March 18, 2017
Captain Ingo Finch of the Royal Army Medical Corps pieces together casualties from the battle for Kimberley. On leave in Cape Town, the slaughter proves inescapable for Finch.
Awoken at his lodgings by local police, he is informed that a British officer has been murdered in a city backstreet. An RAMC signature is required to expedite a post mortem. Shocked by the identity of the victim who was his commanding officer, the bizarre nature of the crime and what appears a too-convenient resolution, Finch seeks answers before returning to the Front.
Ingo & his feisty sidekick Australian nurse, Annie Jones are thrown together through circumstances.
Way to the north, Mbutu Kefaleze, a diamond mine runner, leads a band of tribal refugees on a trek across the vast Karoo.
It took me a little time to get into the book especially with the three storylines but once I did I was loathe to put it down. A well written novel that has lots of historical facts that for me add to the story. The characters are very well rounded & their history is there so you know where they are coming from. There are plenty of twists & turns that keep you reading to the end. I thoroughly enjoyed the book & will look forward to future books from the author.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of these books
Awoken at his lodgings by local police, he is informed that a British officer has been murdered in a city backstreet. An RAMC signature is required to expedite a post mortem. Shocked by the identity of the victim who was his commanding officer, the bizarre nature of the crime and what appears a too-convenient resolution, Finch seeks answers before returning to the Front.
Ingo & his feisty sidekick Australian nurse, Annie Jones are thrown together through circumstances.
Way to the north, Mbutu Kefaleze, a diamond mine runner, leads a band of tribal refugees on a trek across the vast Karoo.
It took me a little time to get into the book especially with the three storylines but once I did I was loathe to put it down. A well written novel that has lots of historical facts that for me add to the story. The characters are very well rounded & their history is there so you know where they are coming from. There are plenty of twists & turns that keep you reading to the end. I thoroughly enjoyed the book & will look forward to future books from the author.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of these books
June 2, 2018
I enjoyed this book although it is outside my usual genre. The people are believable and the war described realistically, rather than artistically - horrors and all. The idea that the Boer War was where the British tested its gas is horrifying, but believable - nobody bothers until some whites are hit - the blacks don't count, sad but a sign of the times.
November 24, 2018
Action packed historical thriller
I wanted to read this in advance of reading and reviewing the second in the series for NetGalley. Certainly set in a location that i had not encountered before and conflict I knew little about.
Lots of action which sometimes felt a bit overwhelming. Overall the plot worked with a few wobbles. Look forward to next in series.
I wanted to read this in advance of reading and reviewing the second in the series for NetGalley. Certainly set in a location that i had not encountered before and conflict I knew little about.
Lots of action which sometimes felt a bit overwhelming. Overall the plot worked with a few wobbles. Look forward to next in series.
May 1, 2017
I enjoyed this book very much, likable characters, twists and turns and a satisfactory ending.
October 24, 2018
A good read but maybe just too many twists...
The first third of this book looked to be shaping up to be a great story. The split storyline between different characters was developing nicely, good pace, believable and page turning. But the last third featuring the main character and the superfluous female interest with all it's unbelievable and obvious twists. Omnipotent foes who knew each move but continued to be thwarted was unbelievable. Still a good read and hopefully if used for a series will develop.
The first third of this book looked to be shaping up to be a great story. The split storyline between different characters was developing nicely, good pace, believable and page turning. But the last third featuring the main character and the superfluous female interest with all it's unbelievable and obvious twists. Omnipotent foes who knew each move but continued to be thwarted was unbelievable. Still a good read and hopefully if used for a series will develop.
December 20, 2018
I requested this book because of a very good review and the fact that it was placed in a time and place and in situations that I am not too familiar with. It is always fascinating while being simultaneously educational to read well researched fiction in historical settings. The first chapter or two did not grab my attention and this led to the book being shelved for a while, till I saw that the next book was out and it was equally well received and sounded more complicated than this one. I requested and was approved for the second and then I proceeded to read them back to back, my favourite way ever of reading a series. The story picks up a few chapters in and continues to escalate in speed.
Ingo Finch is not happy with his more dormant role in the war in South Africa( another war I knew absolutely nothing about) while at the same time a black man working for the british is on the run, literally. Their stories meet in the most unexpected way but patience is required to see it through. Ingo Finch is inadvertently brought into a murder investigation of his commanding officer. His sense of duty and for all things right he sets out to investigate on his own putting multiple people in danger including himself. Sometimes you feel like shaking him to get him to see sense and save his skin while at other times you feel like applauding his need to do the right thing. The time, the people and the politics of it all are very well written and a refreshing read for those fans or people curious about historical fiction.
Ingo Finch is not happy with his more dormant role in the war in South Africa( another war I knew absolutely nothing about) while at the same time a black man working for the british is on the run, literally. Their stories meet in the most unexpected way but patience is required to see it through. Ingo Finch is inadvertently brought into a murder investigation of his commanding officer. His sense of duty and for all things right he sets out to investigate on his own putting multiple people in danger including himself. Sometimes you feel like shaking him to get him to see sense and save his skin while at other times you feel like applauding his need to do the right thing. The time, the people and the politics of it all are very well written and a refreshing read for those fans or people curious about historical fiction.
February 8, 2019
Great book
If you a fan of historical fact/fiction thrillers then this great little read is for you. Every page a joy to read.
If you a fan of historical fact/fiction thrillers then this great little read is for you. Every page a joy to read.
November 24, 2021
No Ordinary Killing combines a strong historical murder mystery with an action thriller reminiscent at times of the Thirty-nine Steps, set in the intricately realised setting of South Africa during the Boer War. Despite the wide sweep of the novel encompassing military manipulations, political intrigue, social manoevering & evils committed in the cause of empire, the story is driven by the actions & experiences of individuals - a cast of well-drawn characters, some sympathetic, others decidedly not.
Another great book found just by chance among my library's e-audiobooks, & first of a series!
Another great book found just by chance among my library's e-audiobooks, & first of a series!
March 14, 2017
Disclaimer: I received an advance copy for review from the publisher, Endeavour Press Ltd.
An enjoyable, believable, well written book with enough twists to keep you wondering throughout. There was enough detail about the period to make you think without getting bogged down in it. The plot was very engaging and unpredictable (a good thing).
My only criticism would be that I found having the 3 initially unrelated story-lines slightly confusing and slow to get into. Once they connected the story took off for me and I couldn't put it down.
An enjoyable, believable, well written book with enough twists to keep you wondering throughout. There was enough detail about the period to make you think without getting bogged down in it. The plot was very engaging and unpredictable (a good thing).
My only criticism would be that I found having the 3 initially unrelated story-lines slightly confusing and slow to get into. Once they connected the story took off for me and I couldn't put it down.
March 20, 2017
I was given this book for free as a preview so I could review the book for the publisher.
I was pleasantly surprised by this book.
The story was very well written with a plausible and exciting story line which kept me guessing until the end.
All the characters where likeable especially the protagonist Ingo Finch. The book explores issues of race/colour and empire against the backdrop of a murdered British officer. It explores the turn of the century right as the British Empire was beginning to be challenged by technological advancement from the USA and the militarisation of Germany and its Empire.
It includes interesting viewpoints from an indigenous character Mbutu Kefaleze
At times it makes for uncomfortable reading, especially as someone who is British myself, our treatment of indigenous populations throughout the Empire was not something we should ever be proud of.
Ingo's sidekick Annie Jones was also an interesting character, I especially liked the fact that the two where thrown together by circumstance, it made the plot more interesting and plausible. Annie is a young nurse from Australia who left a fiance in order to enlist to become a nurse. I especially like the way the characters back stories where woven together so you had a good rounded idea of what the characters where like and some back history to them.
The murder itself was a well thought out, fast moving plot with history woven into it. I actually felt like I was with Ingo and Annie as they rushed around 1900 South Africa and I would definitely say that so far this year this has been one of my favourite reads. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
I was pleasantly surprised by this book.
The story was very well written with a plausible and exciting story line which kept me guessing until the end.
All the characters where likeable especially the protagonist Ingo Finch. The book explores issues of race/colour and empire against the backdrop of a murdered British officer. It explores the turn of the century right as the British Empire was beginning to be challenged by technological advancement from the USA and the militarisation of Germany and its Empire.
It includes interesting viewpoints from an indigenous character Mbutu Kefaleze
At times it makes for uncomfortable reading, especially as someone who is British myself, our treatment of indigenous populations throughout the Empire was not something we should ever be proud of.
Ingo's sidekick Annie Jones was also an interesting character, I especially liked the fact that the two where thrown together by circumstance, it made the plot more interesting and plausible. Annie is a young nurse from Australia who left a fiance in order to enlist to become a nurse. I especially like the way the characters back stories where woven together so you had a good rounded idea of what the characters where like and some back history to them.
The murder itself was a well thought out, fast moving plot with history woven into it. I actually felt like I was with Ingo and Annie as they rushed around 1900 South Africa and I would definitely say that so far this year this has been one of my favourite reads. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
January 4, 2020
Jeff Dawson has given us a fascinating look at the South Africa of the beginning of the twentieth century at the same time as crafting an intriguing mystery thriller with rich characters.
The Boer War was a defining event for South Africa for practically the whole century, creating a country but at the same time further fragmenting the peoples of that country. In some ways it was the Vietnam of the British Empire—a war with huge popular support at the time, but also disgust and, ultimately, rejection.
The story starts with a British lieutenant who has been smuggled out of Kimberley past the Boer siege by Mbutu, a black man renowned for his knowledge of the area. However, the lieutenant tries to kill Mbutu, and shortly after is injured in a skirmish. He’s rescued by Captain Ingo Finch, a doctor in the Royal Medical Corps.
After that the scene switches to Cape Town and the Karoo area of the Cape, but the war is ever present in the background. Finch becomes involved in the investigation of the murder of his commanding officer. It soon becomes clear that there is something much deeper going on than an ordinary killing.
Finch’s role as a doctor and his own personality give him a more sympathetic view of the situation than most of his colleagues and he has his doubts about the war. He finds himself more in tune with the spectrum of local people with whom he interacts.
The book starts as a classic mystery, but once Finch and Nurse Annie Jones—a volunteer nurse form New South Wales—link up and are targeted by the people who want their secret kept at all costs, it moves to thriller mode and a cliff-hanger finish.
The Boer War was a defining event for South Africa for practically the whole century, creating a country but at the same time further fragmenting the peoples of that country. In some ways it was the Vietnam of the British Empire—a war with huge popular support at the time, but also disgust and, ultimately, rejection.
The story starts with a British lieutenant who has been smuggled out of Kimberley past the Boer siege by Mbutu, a black man renowned for his knowledge of the area. However, the lieutenant tries to kill Mbutu, and shortly after is injured in a skirmish. He’s rescued by Captain Ingo Finch, a doctor in the Royal Medical Corps.
After that the scene switches to Cape Town and the Karoo area of the Cape, but the war is ever present in the background. Finch becomes involved in the investigation of the murder of his commanding officer. It soon becomes clear that there is something much deeper going on than an ordinary killing.
Finch’s role as a doctor and his own personality give him a more sympathetic view of the situation than most of his colleagues and he has his doubts about the war. He finds himself more in tune with the spectrum of local people with whom he interacts.
The book starts as a classic mystery, but once Finch and Nurse Annie Jones—a volunteer nurse form New South Wales—link up and are targeted by the people who want their secret kept at all costs, it moves to thriller mode and a cliff-hanger finish.
May 10, 2020
Good read
Unexpected ending with lots of twists along the way, would recommend this book, a really easy read and East to follow plot.
Unexpected ending with lots of twists along the way, would recommend this book, a really easy read and East to follow plot.
June 1, 2020
Good background: an army doctor in the Boer War, caught up in investigatig the death of his Commanding Officer. It appears to be well researched, but I would have apprecinated a postscript indicating his sources. The double crossings and narrow escapes are too far fetched, but the revelation of the answer to the question about Moriarty was a nice touch.
January 13, 2018
Fascinating story set during a wartime I know very little about. Piqued my interest in the history but nevertheless was a great story that I couldn’t get enough of. Was disappointed when I finished it!
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