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Inspector McLevy #4
Nor Will He Sleep: An Inspector McLevy Mystery 4
BASED ON THE LONG-RUNNING BBC RADIO 4 McLEVY DRAMA SERIES
...WHILE THE STREETS OF LONDON HAD SHERLOCK HOLMES, THE DARK ALLEYS OF EDINBURGH HAD INSPECTOR JAMES McLEVY
ELEGANT AND CONVINCING' The Times | 'ASHTON IS THE DIRECT HEIR TO ROBERT LOUIS STEVENSON' Brian Cox
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'EXCELLENT' The Sherlock Holmes Society
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'DRIPPING WITH MELODRAMA AND DERRING-DO' Herald
1887. The streets of Edinburgh seethe with anarchy as two gangs of students rival each other in wild exploits. After a pitched battle between them, an old woman is found savagely battered to death in Leith Harbour.
Enter the Thieftaker - Inspector Jame McLevy. With Constable Mulholland at his side, he scours the low dives of the waterfront and then sees the tendrils of the case spread to more respectable nooks and crannies.
When the inspector encounters Robert Louis Stevenson, author of Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, in the city to bury his deceased father, the two recognise each other as fellow travellers, observers of the dark side of human nature and both hopeless insomniacs.
Glimpses of the murderer indicate a slender, androgynous figure with a silver cane, which is used to lethal effect. A dancing killer non unlike Mr Edward Hyde.
THE INSPECTOR MCLEVY SERIES
1 - Shadow of the Serpent
2 - Fall from Grace
3 - A Trick of the Light
4 - Nor Will He Sleep
352 pages, Paperback
First published July 1, 2013
43 people are currently reading
153 people want to read
About the author
David Ashton
106 books31 followersDavid Ashton (born 10 November 1941 in Greenock) is a Scottish actor and writer. Trained at the Central School of Speech and Drama in London, 1964–67, he has acted in a wide variety of film, television, theatre and radio roles. He has also developed a parallel career as a writer of fiction, film and television screenplays and plays for theatre and radio. His radio play The Old Ladies at the Zoo, which starred Peggy Mount and Liz Smith, won the Radio Times Drama Award in 1985.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
August 11, 2015
David Ashton's stories of Inspector McLevy always have enough drama to keep me interested. It is true that they can sometimes lose me somewhere in the middle for a bit but I always manage to catch up to the characters. I also was intrigued by Robert Louis Stevenson's character in the book and of course had to google a bit more about his life to get a full picture of who he was. His character added a great deal to this novel and I think Robert Louis Stevenson in real life lived such an exciting life. A great series if you like inspector/mystery novels.
July 14, 2020
Another excellent book in the series. Set in 1880s Edinburgh this one has Robert Louis Stevenson as guest star. Inspector McLevy is not quite himself this time, plagued by bad dreams and chest pains, and an unlikely affliction.
All characters are well-drawn, Edinburgh itself included. Some grisly murders, as par for the course.
All characters are well-drawn, Edinburgh itself included. Some grisly murders, as par for the course.
July 22, 2018
Solid final (so far, as he has switched to a series centred around Jean Brash) entry to the series. Unfortunately I guessed the murderer the second they appeared, but at least the why was a reveal. Unforgivable mistake though, referring to Queen Victoria as The House of Windsor, which didn't exist until her grandson invented it, to avoid anti-German feeling in the First World War, some 15 years, two Houses and Kings later. She was of course the last Monarch of The House of Hanover, her son and grandson briefly ruling as The House of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha...
May 21, 2019
Wonderful series
This is a thoroughly enjoyable book that keeps you entertain with the story line. Here you have murder, young men's high jinks and a famous author all mix together into a "who done it". Inspector McLevy must make sense of all of this along with dealing with his unfamiliar feelings of the fair sex. Here's hoping for further escapades of Inspector McLevy.
This is a thoroughly enjoyable book that keeps you entertain with the story line. Here you have murder, young men's high jinks and a famous author all mix together into a "who done it". Inspector McLevy must make sense of all of this along with dealing with his unfamiliar feelings of the fair sex. Here's hoping for further escapades of Inspector McLevy.
May 26, 2024
A bittersweet, but fitting end to the series. 4/5 stars.
The best way to describe this book is that it's like every other book in the series. Depending on your previous experience, this could either be good or bad. But it's consistent nonetheless. In my case, it had the things I loved, but also things that I disliked throughout the series. Either way, I'm happy I've read this series, and would certainly recommend it to historical mystery fans.
The writing continues to be the best part of this series. Ashton has a way with words. He manages to describe everything in just enough detail that it feels so real, without getting bogged down in the minutiae. I've never read a historical mystery book where I felt the world, and felt pulled in to the story. Edinburgh just seems so unique. While of course it feels similar to London during the late 1800s, it's just on the surface. There's so much depth if you just look behind the first layer. Someday I will visit this beautiful city, and I know I'll be thinking of McLevy while I'm there.
The mystery in this one is solid. I wasn't blown away, but it had the heights of the previous novels. There's a good mix of all the characters you love, with some new ones who are also interesting. And what this one did the best, is everyone had to work together. You really see Mulholland and McLevy working together, with support from their leader Roach. This kept me invested throughout and I was satisfied with the ending.
The characters, the characters, the characters. Even in the fourth book, somehow McLevy seems to have new layers and different sides of him you haven't seen before. Even scenes with characters you've seen a ton, he finds ways to surprise you that also feel realistic. It's a credit to Ashton's writing, and his character work that this is true. The same supporting characters feel great as well, and I was happy to see more bonding with Mulholland as I mentioned above. The new characters are good as well. Mr. Stevenson was a joy to read, and Jessica was such a good foil for McLevy in the story. I was a bit surprised where we ended up, but happy regardless.
My main complaint about this book, which has been common throughout the series, is that the world feels too connected. Every character finds a way to be involved in every crime. This makes the world feel smaller, and too contrived. It's not believable that 4 crimes could've happened in this shorter period of time with the same group of people. I mention this here because while personal preference, it did break my immersion a few times to bring my enjoyment down with a scoff or eye roll.
As I said, a bittersweet end. I overall really enjoyed this series. It has some of the best writing I've come across in historical mysteries, and the characters are top notch. The door was left open for more, which unfortunately doesn't look like it's going to happen. But I'm satisfied either way. If you haven't read this series, and like historical mystery, give it a shot, it's well worth a go!
Quick hits:
+ The characters are great.
+ The writing is vivid and fantastic.
+ The mystery doesn't disappoint.
- There is definitely some contrivances or plot conveniences that break immersion often enough.
The best way to describe this book is that it's like every other book in the series. Depending on your previous experience, this could either be good or bad. But it's consistent nonetheless. In my case, it had the things I loved, but also things that I disliked throughout the series. Either way, I'm happy I've read this series, and would certainly recommend it to historical mystery fans.
The writing continues to be the best part of this series. Ashton has a way with words. He manages to describe everything in just enough detail that it feels so real, without getting bogged down in the minutiae. I've never read a historical mystery book where I felt the world, and felt pulled in to the story. Edinburgh just seems so unique. While of course it feels similar to London during the late 1800s, it's just on the surface. There's so much depth if you just look behind the first layer. Someday I will visit this beautiful city, and I know I'll be thinking of McLevy while I'm there.
The mystery in this one is solid. I wasn't blown away, but it had the heights of the previous novels. There's a good mix of all the characters you love, with some new ones who are also interesting. And what this one did the best, is everyone had to work together. You really see Mulholland and McLevy working together, with support from their leader Roach. This kept me invested throughout and I was satisfied with the ending.
The characters, the characters, the characters. Even in the fourth book, somehow McLevy seems to have new layers and different sides of him you haven't seen before. Even scenes with characters you've seen a ton, he finds ways to surprise you that also feel realistic. It's a credit to Ashton's writing, and his character work that this is true. The same supporting characters feel great as well, and I was happy to see more bonding with Mulholland as I mentioned above. The new characters are good as well. Mr. Stevenson was a joy to read, and Jessica was such a good foil for McLevy in the story. I was a bit surprised where we ended up, but happy regardless.
My main complaint about this book, which has been common throughout the series, is that the world feels too connected. Every character finds a way to be involved in every crime. This makes the world feel smaller, and too contrived. It's not believable that 4 crimes could've happened in this shorter period of time with the same group of people. I mention this here because while personal preference, it did break my immersion a few times to bring my enjoyment down with a scoff or eye roll.
As I said, a bittersweet end. I overall really enjoyed this series. It has some of the best writing I've come across in historical mysteries, and the characters are top notch. The door was left open for more, which unfortunately doesn't look like it's going to happen. But I'm satisfied either way. If you haven't read this series, and like historical mystery, give it a shot, it's well worth a go!
Quick hits:
+ The characters are great.
+ The writing is vivid and fantastic.
+ The mystery doesn't disappoint.
- There is definitely some contrivances or plot conveniences that break immersion often enough.
March 16, 2020
Having listened to a couple of episodes of this series some time ago, I found this novel - a continuation of the series - in my excellent local library.
I really did race through this. I wasn't sure if I was going to get on with the author's use of the vernacular and speech of the characters, but I did and found it really added to the mood and pace of the story.
The lead character, McLevy, really did exist, and is assisted by Constable Mulholland, a young Irish man who has refused promotion to enable him to continue to work with the dour but inspired Thief Taker infamous in Edinburgh's criminal underclasses.
In this case, the two warring factions of medical students, identified by their red or white rosettes left as badges of honour at the sites of their feats of challenges are rampaging through the city. Corsets left at the top of the mast of the harbour patrol ship, prophylactics left scattered around the gardens of the Happy Land brothel - and suddenly an old women found beaten to death. Are the medical students rampaging out of control? McLevy investigates, but is dealing with a diagnosis of a heart condition from a doctor and the associated pains of heart failure. His own mortality is bought home to him, just as he thinks he may have fallen in love with a young woman who is involved in her brother's gang, the Whites. Can he solve the case, and amend his lifestyle that may be killing him? Once again, he is associated with Jean Brash, Mistress of the Happy Land and not a woman to be crossed. The two seemingly opposite characters are repeatedly drawn together and the sparks fly...
I really did race through this. I wasn't sure if I was going to get on with the author's use of the vernacular and speech of the characters, but I did and found it really added to the mood and pace of the story.
The lead character, McLevy, really did exist, and is assisted by Constable Mulholland, a young Irish man who has refused promotion to enable him to continue to work with the dour but inspired Thief Taker infamous in Edinburgh's criminal underclasses.
In this case, the two warring factions of medical students, identified by their red or white rosettes left as badges of honour at the sites of their feats of challenges are rampaging through the city. Corsets left at the top of the mast of the harbour patrol ship, prophylactics left scattered around the gardens of the Happy Land brothel - and suddenly an old women found beaten to death. Are the medical students rampaging out of control? McLevy investigates, but is dealing with a diagnosis of a heart condition from a doctor and the associated pains of heart failure. His own mortality is bought home to him, just as he thinks he may have fallen in love with a young woman who is involved in her brother's gang, the Whites. Can he solve the case, and amend his lifestyle that may be killing him? Once again, he is associated with Jean Brash, Mistress of the Happy Land and not a woman to be crossed. The two seemingly opposite characters are repeatedly drawn together and the sparks fly...
November 12, 2025
Der Autor versorgt den Leser häppchenweise mit Hinweisen, die mal in die eine und dann wieder in eine ganz andere Richtung führen. Der Täter tritt sehr früh auf, aber trotzdem kommt man nicht hinter seine Identität. Es könnte tatsächlich das leibhaftige Böse sein, dass Inspektor McLevy und Robert Louis Stevenson gefühlt und gesehen haben. Oder ist Mr. Hyde lebendig geworden? Auf der anderen Seite wurde ich auch oft an Jack the Ripper erinnert. Ich hatte also viele Möglichkeiten, wer der Täter sein könnte.
Ich hatte die ganze Zeit das Gefühl, dass sich die Geschichte nur nachts abspielte. Das lag vielleicht daran, dass der erste Mord nachts passierte und McLevy seine besten Ideen auch nachts hatte. Vielleicht lag es auch daran, dass die Dunkelheit besser zur Person des Täters passte. Ich hatte immer das nächtliche Edinburgh vor Augen.
Schließlich ist auch der Ermittler etwas besonderes. Ich hatte schon weiter oben geschrieben, dass Inspektor McLevy eine sehr interessante Person ist. Was er in den vielen Jahren Jahren als Polizist gesehen hat, ist nicht spurlos an ihm vorbei gegangen. Es läßt ihn nicht schlafen, aber es hat es trotzdem nicht geschafft, ihm seine menschliche Seite zu rauben.
Ich hatte die ganze Zeit das Gefühl, dass sich die Geschichte nur nachts abspielte. Das lag vielleicht daran, dass der erste Mord nachts passierte und McLevy seine besten Ideen auch nachts hatte. Vielleicht lag es auch daran, dass die Dunkelheit besser zur Person des Täters passte. Ich hatte immer das nächtliche Edinburgh vor Augen.
Schließlich ist auch der Ermittler etwas besonderes. Ich hatte schon weiter oben geschrieben, dass Inspektor McLevy eine sehr interessante Person ist. Was er in den vielen Jahren Jahren als Polizist gesehen hat, ist nicht spurlos an ihm vorbei gegangen. Es läßt ihn nicht schlafen, aber es hat es trotzdem nicht geschafft, ihm seine menschliche Seite zu rauben.
August 7, 2022
Murder and mayhem continue to plague Edinburgh and Inspector McLevy and constable Mulholland are on the cases. The usual characters return as well as noted Scottish author Robert Louis Stevenson. Perhaps my favorite of the series. While a fan of the murder mystery genre it was fun to read those written in the more formal style of these novels.
April 21, 2021
I do love the McLevy series although I found the first one hard to start but once into it but as I adjusted to the Scottish words I did not understand and the descriptive style Ashton uses, I really started enjoying them. I had read the spin off books now as well about Jean Brash.
August 7, 2021
The Inspector McLevy Mysteries keep getting better and better!
I loved the characters in these books, and especially the fleshing out of Ballantyne and Mulholland! And the story, as usual, is terrific!
I loved the characters in these books, and especially the fleshing out of Ballantyne and Mulholland! And the story, as usual, is terrific!
October 26, 2024
Great seris
Captivating escape to the streets of Edinburgh in the 1800's. Mystery, excitement, and fun of these books makes for a great escape. I highly recommend this author, and his works, especially if you are in need of a thrilling adventure in sleuthing.
Well done!
Captivating escape to the streets of Edinburgh in the 1800's. Mystery, excitement, and fun of these books makes for a great escape. I highly recommend this author, and his works, especially if you are in need of a thrilling adventure in sleuthing.
Well done!
January 16, 2019
Very enjoyable story...
July 27, 2020
Great mystery
I love James Mclevy! A police inspector who is a flawed human being but a great cop. Quite a twist at the end.
I love James Mclevy! A police inspector who is a flawed human being but a great cop. Quite a twist at the end.
October 16, 2024
This was a “McLevy” too far. Rubbish. He’d obviously run out of ideas.
January 24, 2021
This is an Inspector McLevy mystery, need I say more?
Inspector James McLevy, the Thieftaker, and his faithful constable Martin Mulholland once again, investigate crime in Edinburgh in 1887. Robert Louis Stevenson, author of 'Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde' has returned to Edinburgh to bury his father. An old woman is brutally murdered and the White Devils and Scarlet Runners, rival gangs of medical students are causing mayhem. Using his intimate knowledge of Edinburgh and his psychological insights into the minds of the main characters, McLevy works his way to the killer as always.
David Ashton's plots are intriguing and a joy to read. On a par with Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes, both authors are likely to have been influenced by the writings of the original James McLevy, but much as I love Conan Doyle, I find David Ashton's depiction more human and the characters more rounded.
Inspector James McLevy, the Thieftaker, and his faithful constable Martin Mulholland once again, investigate crime in Edinburgh in 1887. Robert Louis Stevenson, author of 'Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde' has returned to Edinburgh to bury his father. An old woman is brutally murdered and the White Devils and Scarlet Runners, rival gangs of medical students are causing mayhem. Using his intimate knowledge of Edinburgh and his psychological insights into the minds of the main characters, McLevy works his way to the killer as always.
David Ashton's plots are intriguing and a joy to read. On a par with Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes, both authors are likely to have been influenced by the writings of the original James McLevy, but much as I love Conan Doyle, I find David Ashton's depiction more human and the characters more rounded.
January 9, 2014
Victorian Edinburgh, battling students, murders and Robert Louis Stevenson all meet in the latest Inspector McLevy tale. Another fine tale but lacking a certain warmth and soul that make you fall in love with the main protagonist. Sure you're on his side, rooting for him, but that great, all-enveloping warm desire to follow him to the ends of the earth just isn't there. Fits the character though, just slightly mars the entire enterprise. A good solid read though, and I'll happily read the next one.
April 30, 2014
A fine addition to the Inspector McLevy series. Privileged students battle each other in gangs and break the peace with cruel pranks in various parts of Edinburgh. Meanwhile, the author Robert Louis Stevenson has returned to his native city for the funeral of his father. The student battles escalate and an elderly woman is found, battered to death. McLevy believes there is a link with Stevenson's past as another woman - a former lover - is found dead at the door of the Stevensons' Edinburgh home.
November 15, 2019
Three Cheers!
I love this series! Hopefully there will be more to come! The characters are awesome; McLevy is a hoot! I so enjoy the humor and use of the Scottish vernacular. Carry on, McDuff!
I love this series! Hopefully there will be more to come! The characters are awesome; McLevy is a hoot! I so enjoy the humor and use of the Scottish vernacular. Carry on, McDuff!
April 29, 2014
I love these books. keep them coming
August 17, 2014
Scottish style writing, a flavor of sherlock holmes. Goodread but quickly forgotten...
August 9, 2015
Love Inspector McClevy
Read
April 24, 2019I was going to read for completeness sake, but I’ve been tuning out since the middle of the first book, so I’m skipping it.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews