The Night Caller

The Esther & Jack Enright Mysteries #2

by David Field

Looking for your next fix of Victorian crime? Discover a new series of historical mysteries perfect for fans of Sherlock Holmes, Rory Clements and Antonia Hodgson…

A shadowy presence is haunting London. Can anyone shine a light on the darkness?


London, 1891

The city is still reeling from the brutal Ripper killings and now women are once more being sexually harassed.

Someone is breaking into their homes, stealing their undergarments and leaving threatening messages behind.

With no valuables stolen and no murders committed the police fail to take the women seriously.

But when Esther Jacobs finds herself personally acquainted with one of the victims, she starts to believe something more sinister could be going on. Enlisting the help of her fiancé, police officer Jack Enright, Esther is determined to solve the mystery.

Are women being targeted at random? Is it the work of a deranged sexual deviant?

Or is this a calculated attack on the women of London?

THE NIGHT CALLER is the second crime thriller in an exciting new historical series, the Esther and Jack Enright Mysteries, a traditional British detective series set in Victorian London and packed full of suspense.


ESTHER & JACK ENRIGHT MYSTERY SERIES
BOOK ONE: The Gaslight Stalker
BOOK TWO: The Night Caller
Books Three & Four Coming Soon

Genres: Mystery, Historical Fiction, Crime, Historical, Fiction, Historical Mystery

214 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 10, 2018

About the author

David was born in post-war Nottingham, and educated at Nottingham High School. After obtaining a Law degree he became a career-long criminal law practitioner and academic, emigrating in 1989 to Australia, where he still lives.

Combining his two great loves of History and the English language he began writing historical novels as an escape from the realities of life in the criminal law, but did not begin to publish them until close to fulltime retirement, when digital publishing offered a viable alternative to literary agencies, print publishers and rejection slips.

Now blessed with all the time in the world, his former hobby has become a fulltime occupation as he enjoys life in rural New South Wales with his wife, sons and grandchildren to keep him firmly grounded in the reality of the contemporary world.

David Field is published by Sapere Books.

Reviews

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

First and foremost, a large thank you to David Field and Sapere Books for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.

A continued exploration of Victorian England’s criminal underbelly through the eyes of David Field proves to be a wonderful escape for the curious reader. With Esther and Jack preparing to marry, there is much to do, including finding the perfect dress. In an attempt to counterbalance the drama of such an event, Esther finds herself offered a job working for the National Women’s Labour Alliance, a union hoping to bring support to women working across London. Still in its infancy, the Alliance hopes to be a driving force in changing work practices for the better and has a firecracker leading the charge. Meanwhile, Jack Enright has accepted a role as Detective Constable with Scotland Yard. His Uncle Percy, a long-time copper, has taken Jack under his wing and will show him the art of detecting. Their first case pertains to someone breaking into the homes of women and stealing their...unmentionables. With these thefts comes written demands that the women immediately distance themselves from the Alliance. While most events were undertaken when the women were away or sleeping, the culprit has become brazen and removed a few pairs from women while the knickers were still in place. Could this be a crime of a sexual nature and one of a sicko? Jack and Percy put their heads together and share what they know, bringing Esther into the conversation, only to see that she might have some insight. Working the case from two angles, Esther will try to sleuth out information from within the Alliance while Jack and Percy follow leads to nab the thief. Things take a significant turn when the thieving turns to murder, putting Esther in the middle of what could be an extremely dangerous assignment. As London looks to turn a page on its industrial history, a murderer lurks in the shadows, wanting to halt things before they get started. The wedding will have to take a backseat as long as there is a case to be solved, though nothing will keep these lovebirds from tying the proverbial knot. Another great mystery that reads so swiftly and with ease. Recommended for those who enjoy Victorian crime thrillers.

I was recently introduced to David Field and his work by an eager publisher. After devouring the first novel, I knew I would have to get my hands on the follow-up, which has proven to be just as entertaining. Field uses an intriguing setting, Victorian England, and some strong characters to propel this story into something both exciting and easy to enjoy. Esther Jacobs remains a strong protagonist as she uses her strong personality to enchant many of those she meets. Her role as a union member and clerk is not downplayed by Field whatsoever, but proves essential to the entire plot. She is both determined and willing to listen, which helps her sleuth undetected. Detective Constable Jack Enright’s passion for policing is apparent, which he has undertaken with gusto. Field paints his male protagonist as a dedicated copper and one who wants to rid the streets of this thief/killer, but also protect Esther. Jack and Esther complement one another so well, working the crime as effectively as their impending cohabitation. Field is able to develop this connection without making Enright appearing any less crime-focussed. The secondary characters again fit perfectly into this story, using their Cockney speech and wayward manner to take the reader inside the less refined parts of London while also allowing a sense of being in the middle of the action. The story itself flows well and keeps a decent pace as the chapters pass by quickly. With only a short time for Field to develop his narrative, there is little time for extemporaneous blather, but always a chance to inject some humour into happenings. The writing leaves the reader wanting to know more and pushing to find out who might be responsible for these dastardly crimes with female victims. Field has done a masterful job with these first two novels and I have a third awaiting my perusal. I can only hope that he keeps writing these sorts of mysteries for all to enjoy.

Kudos, Mr. Field, for this wonderful follow-up novel. I am eager to get my hands on more Esther and Jack stories and hope others will follow my lead.

Like/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/

A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...

[Veronica ⭐️ · Rating 5 out of 5]

* https://theburgeoningbookshelf.blogsp...
I really enjoyed The Gaslight Stalker which was a fictional take on Jack the Ripper and the introduction of our intrepid sleuths Esther Jacobs & Jack Enright. You can read my review here .

The Night Caller is another well written mystery set in 1890’s London. This one isn’t as gory as The Gaslight Stalker with the main focus on an underwear thief mystery.

Esther has befriended Helen Trenchard. Helen is a staunch advocate for women’s equality in the workforce and has founded a union for working women. When working women have their homes invaded, their knickers stolen, and are left threatening notes not to join the union, the local police do not seem to take the case seriously causing Percy Enright to take the investigation into his own hands.

The story is centred round the opening of a women’s union and the brazen attempts to stop women from joining the new workers union. It highlights the working conditions for women, the class system and the poverty of the lower class. Real events are mentioned throughout to place it firmly in its time period.


Esther is determined, self reliant and outspoken. She once again uses her great investigative and analytical skills to help solve the case.

Jack is taken under the wing of his experienced Uncle and learns a thing or two about investigative policing. Sergeant Percy Enright brings humour to the story with some rather funny and politically incorrect sayings.

I am really enjoying this series. They are quick, light reads. The first was a bit gory as it centred on Jack the Ripper however this book was more mystery with plenty of humour and character development. Uncle Percy Enright has a major role and the burgeoning love story between Jack and Esther is continued as they plan their wedding day.

Field has done an excellent job with the essence of time by including real events, appropriate vocabulary and current mindset. I was as much enthralled by the characters in this book as I was by the plot.

[BAM doesn’t answer to her real name · Rating 3 out of 5]

Many thanks to Sapere Books and David Field for the ARC in exchange for my unbiased review.

Book two of the series focuses on Women's Unions. Enter Esther. And this time shes getting married! Yay! Also someone is stealing knickers
Women are being threatened and having to run around without underwear not exactly Victorian values. Someone really doesn't want them joining any associations.
I rather enjoyed this novel my favorite of the three Ive read. My guess is because it has such a joyous storyline for Jack and Esther and because Jack and Percy used Esther to fight a crime against a women's organization. Plus the panty raids were an added touch. Keep writing them, Field!

[Elaine Tomasso · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would like to thank Sapere Books for an advance copy of The Night Caller, the second novel to feature Esther Jacobs and DC Jack Enright, set in 1890s London.

Helen Trenchard is frightened to wake up find an intruder has been in her house, an intruder who stole nothing but strewed her underwear across the bedroom and left a threatening note. Getting nowhere with the police she continues with her plan to set up a women's Union and meets Esther in the course of hiring Esther's building as a headquarters. When it is discovered that Helen is not the only victim Esther and Jack, ably assisted by Uncle Percy, a Scotland Yard sergeant, start investigating.

I thoroughly enjoyed The Night Caller which is a fun romp through Victorian London with a good mystery at its heart. Told in the third person from Esther's point of view it makes a pleasant change to see that world from a working class point of view. Mr Field does not dwell on the poverty and squalor but it hovers in the background at every turn, not least in the descriptions of working conditions and emphasises the need for a union. The plot itself held my attention from start to finish with its various twists and turns and while not particularly profound it is a good adventure and an entertaining read.

The characterisation is strong and has moved on from the first novel. Esther is feistier and more confident, well able to control her very likeable but not very bright fiancé, Jack. He is protective of Esther but she's having none of it. Uncle Percy is the investigative brains of the operation, doing much of the legwork and making the connections, ably assisted by Esther, and teaching the rather naïve Jack the tricks of the trade.

The Night Caller is an entertaining read which I have no hesitation in recommending.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

In London, 1891 although the Ripper has been caught women are again beng terrorized. He steals their undergarments and leaves threatening notes. But no one is taking this seriously until D.S. Percy Enright gets involved. Soon his nephew Jack and fiancee Esther become embroiled in the investigation.
An enjoyable well-written, and easily read Victorian mystery.

[Elisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jack and Esther are at it again. After solving the Ripper murders in their previous book, they now face a burglar with unusual taste: he breaks into women’s homes and steals their unmentionables. But these ladies are also members of a new Women’s Alliance, and his threats are making them quit. Esther starts working with the head of this Alliance, and gets involved in the investigation that Jack and his uncle Percy are carrying on behalf of the Yard. Esther and Jack are also planning their wedding. This romantic subplot was not my favorite part of the first book, but now that I know the characters I found that I enjoyed it. Their banter lightened up what could have been a very dark plot. I also like the fact that Esther is not a useless damsel in distress, but that she is very modern in how strong and self-reliant she is. She is really committed to the Alliance and improving the lives of so many women is important to her. There is the subtext of how hard it was to survive in those times, as well as the prevalent place of women as second-class citizens. It’s evident that the author spent time researching this aspect and it shows in the details that may be in the background but that give the story an extra layer of richness.
I received a free copy from the Publisher, but I chose to read this book and all opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased. Thank you, Sapere Books!

[Haydn Pope · Rating 5 out of 5]

First thought after reading this novel, how odd to write about this particular subject and place it in Victorian London. Stealing women’s knickers is hardly what most people think about when thinking of rather strate laced victorians! But it was extremely well done.
The novel took me into the story immediately, and quite a plot developed, touching on the poor in London, the newly founded Scotland Yard, class attitudes amongst other things, told with occasional glimpses of humour.
Thoroughly enjoyed it.

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in the series & set at the end of the nineteenth century in London, where the city is still reeling from the brutal Ripper killings and now women are once more being sexually harassed. Someone is breaking into their homes, stealing their undergarments and leaving threatening messages behind. With no valuables stolen and no murders committed the police fail to take the women seriously.
Esther Jacobs finds herself personally acquainted with one of the victims, Helen Trenchard. she starts to believe something more sinister could be going on. Enlisting the help of her fiancé, police officer Jack Enright, Esther is determined to solve the mystery, they are ably assisted by Uncle Percy, a Scotland Yard sergeant.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book it was a fun & interesting read that was well written. The characters were very well portrayed, I really like Esther & Jack & the pace of the story was very good, it drew me in from the start & held my attention all the way through. The descriptions of London were very real, the author didn’t dwell on the squalor & poverty but painted a very vivid picture. I look forward to the next book in the series

My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

[Gillian · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s 1891 in London, the aftermath of Jack The Ripper when women’s homes are being burgled strange thing is no valuables are ever stolen the only thing ever missing is the women’s undergarments and left is a threatening message. Because there are no murders or valuables stolen police dont take it seriously that is until Esther Jacobs sells the property she’s inherited from her beloved adopted father Isaac .
Helen Trenchard is the new owner of the property she tells Esther of the strange goings on, Esther fears something more sinister and enlists the help of DC Jackson (Jack) Enright her fiancé and his uncle sergeant Percy Enright.
Will they find out who and why these strange things are happening and make the streets of London safer.
This is the second book in the series but I read it and it worked well as a stand alone I will be reading The Gaslight Stalker first book in the series. I really enjoyed this book a bit of good old fashioned policing with a touch of romance very enjoyable.

[Melisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another enjoyable period romp in London's east end. I love reuniting with past characters and seeing what they are doing. Once again, the story was enjoyable, if a bit too simplistic. Yet, I like a nice easy read with fun characters.

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Seamstress/bookkeeper Esther Jacobs gets an unexpected job offer when selling a building she inherited. The purchaser, Helen Trenchard leads the National Women's Labour Alliance, which fights for better wages and safer working conditions for women, and asks Esther to be her assistant. Although she's engaged to be married, Esther is eager to accept the job to maintain her independence. However, women who have signed up for the alliance are being warned to quit, in a very creepy way. Now it's up to Esther, her fiancé Jack and his uncle Percy, both Scotland Yard detectives, to find out who is responsible before the perpetrator becomes even more dangerous.

"The Night Caller" is the second "Esther and Jack Enright" books and the Victorian England setting will appeal to fans of Anne Perry and Victoria Thompson. I've read the first in the series, which gives details on how Esther and Jack met, but new readers will be able to jump right in and enjoy this book. I was engaged in the story right from the beginning. The efforts on behalf of working-class women during this time is interesting and takes a sad turn as the story progresses.

I like Esther for her intelligence, independence, work ethic, and kindness. Jack is also smart, determined and has a great sense of humor. Uncle Percy is clever and non-judgmental. Together, the three of them make an unlikely, but effective investigation team. Their investigation is interesting as they search for clues individually and together. The case takes some unexpected turns and kept my interest until the very end. I wish more time would have been spent at the end focusing on the important event in Esther and Jack's life, but the ending was still satisfying. I'm looking to the third book that is coming out soon. In the future, I hope Esther can find the strength, with Jack's support, to stand up to Jack's sometimes overbearing mother as they go forward in their lives.

I received this book through the courtesy of Sapere Books. The book was provided to me in exchange for an honest review.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

The women in the East End of London have just got over the horrors of Jack the Ripper when a new attacker appears on the scene – someone is breaking into their homes, stealing their underwear and leaving filthy, threatening messages. With the police refusing to take the crimes seriously, it is up to Esther Jacobs and her fiance, police officer Jack Enright, to investigate the wrongdoings. Are these women being targeted for a reason and just what is the connection to a new female ‘Alliance’? When the case takes a turn for the worse, someone will soon find their life is in grave danger…

The Night Caller is the second of the Esther and Jack Enright Mysteries, a detective series set in Victorian London, the first being The Gaslight Stalker. In the last book, our heroes met and, despite the horrendous circumstances they found themselves in, fell in love. Now planning their wedding, they find themselves involved in a case which becomes a little too close for comfort for Esther. Knowing Esther’s personality, it was not a surprise that she should find herself becoming involved in a female trade union and it was pleasing to see some historical fact being included such as the Bryant and May strike and the role of Annie Besant.

I found much of this book pitying Jack who has spent most of his life with his overbearing mother and is now embarking on a marriage with an equally strong woman. Esther appeared, at times, to be quite unlikable, but I found myself warming to her as the story progressed. It will be interesting to see what the next book has in store for Esther, as she is definitely not the sort of woman to be content with staying at home, looking after any children they have!

The Night Caller definitely transports you back to Victorian London and whereas, in the last book, we saw how the poorest and most unfortunate lived, here we see the lower classes finally trying to fight their way out of poverty. Of course, this would not be what everyone wanted and so we see these women being threatened and, eventually murdered. The mystery was a good one with enough red herrings thrown in to keep you off the scent, and it also had a satisfying conclusion.

I look forward to seeing how married life is treating the Enrights in the next book!

With thanks to Caoimhe O’Brien at Sapere Books for my copy of the book.

[Mr Robin Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my second book by David Field featuring his delightful characters Esther Jacobs (previously a seamstress) and Constable (now Detective Constable) Jack Enright of the Metropolitan Police force. Although this book is also set in Victorian London, we have moved on a little to just after the time of the Whitechapel murders, which were the backdrop to The Gaslight Stalker, the first book. In this episode Esther and Jack are planning their wedding, with much well-intentioned interference from Jack’s mother Constance. However the book really starts with one of the key characters, Helen Trenchard, the founder of a new Women’s Labour Alliance, waking to find she has had an unwelcome night-time visitor who had emptied her underwear drawers all over the place and, although nothing was stolen, had left a threatening note reading ”Only You Can Stop This.” Shortly afterward a second lady was visited by the night caller and this time her best blue knickers were removed from her washing line and replaced with another warning notice “Don’t Join the Others.” Soon the night caller’s visits become more threatening and eventually a victim arrives home to find him there, only to be sexually assaulted. At this point the police get involved and soon Ester gets involved too when Helen Trenchard, the first victim, turns up to rent rooms at the garment business and premises that Ester had been left by her erstwhile employer. From here on Ester & Jack’s plans to marry take a back seat, much to the consternation of Jack’s mother, while the intrepid duo work on solving the mystery of the night caller and his escalating acts of violence. This is another well written crime mystery with likeable and believable characters and the realistic immersion in Victorian London made it all the more enjoyable. My thanks go to Sapere Books for providing me a copy for review.

[Ishani Guha-Shepherd · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 🌟
As the next book in the series this is also a well written piece of fiction, continuing and picking up after events of book 1. It is now 1891, and London is recovering from the Ripper's actions, but another shadowy presence has been breaking into women's homes and stealing their undergarments and leaving threatening messages. Jack Enright is now established in Scotland Yard under his Uncle Percy. He and Esther are readying to take their vows and settle into married life, but Esther becomes employed by one of the victims and head of a new Women's Alliance. When members start quitting amid the spate of burglaries and threats, Esther gets involved along with Jack and Uncle Percy, who are already investigating the cases on behalf of the Yard. Esther's character gets a chance to develop more, and her mettle is tested, but she rises to the occasion and is no srinking violet. As Jack's equal, she gives as good as she gets while still facing the continuing prejudices of a Jewish woman in the 19th century.
David Field has certainly spent the time researching this aspect, and the details are further explored and highlighted. I look forward to more of Esther and Jack Enright's continued adventures in book 3, The Prodigal Sister!

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Ripper has stopped his ghastly entertainment, but this book delves into the issues surrounding the unions and the treatment of women. A nutcase feels threatened by the establishment of a women's union and starts getting into the lodgings of selected victims to frighten them with obvious signs of stealing undergarments and leaving barely decipherable notes. This aspect of the book showcases the difficulties faces by law enforcement in the early days of Scotland Yard while trying to do due diligence. The parallel is the difficulties Esther and Jack face in dealing with his overbearing mother in regards to their pending wedding. The author does a marvelous job animating the characters, especially the nasty ones! Another excellent book!
Saperebooks.com offered this one to me, but I found that I could get this and the previous one on the cheap, so I did! Now that I've read this author, I know that his books are worth full price.

[Katy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Set in late Victorian London, this is the second book in a series of criminal investigations featuring the Enright investigative family. This Ripper Street if they had behaved as proper policeman and without the violence.

Full of amazingly strong women supporting each other, and a outspoken feminist at this time was an incredible rarity (“do you want to discuss the burglary, or the right of women to live their lives without the control of a husband?”), this is a wonderfully absorbing plot which following women have their underwear stolen from inside their homes and in a distressing case from a woman during an assault along with threatening messages to leave a new women’s trade union.

Thankfully there is a happy ending! Although strictly the second book, you don’t need to read the prequel (but I cannot wait to get my hands on a copy as well as the sequel, The Prodigal Sister) to read this wonderful story

[Eileen Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have only just come upon the Jack and Esther novels, where have they been all my life!
From the first page it gripped me.
A very atmospheric (overworked adjective, but relevant to this story!), tale of Victorian London with connotations of Jack the Ripper in that girls and women are still being attacked.
There also could be the beginnings of the Suffragette and Suffragist movements.
The characters are strong and hold their own in the most difficult of circumstances, especially Jack's domineering mother Constance!
The descriptions of life in London for all people what ever their lot in life are vivid and authentic.
I look forward to reading more from this series and I very much recommend the novel.
I would like to thank Sapere Books for the opportunity to review a free digital copy.

[Rosemarie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another enjoyable Victorian crime mystery/adventure adventure with young Jack and Esther Enright (they actually get married in this one).

Esther has sold the building she inherited and the property company ave leased it to Helen Trenchard, a middle class, unmarried woman keen to help working women fight the inequalities of their situation. Unfortunately, someone doesn't want Helen's Alliance to succeed. A flurry of important members resign from the union as they receive threatening letters. Jack and Percy Enright, now both at Scotland Yard, set out to investigate, with Esther's invaluable assistance. Once again the job puts her in danger.

Enjoyable reading, brimming with historical accuracies, and reflecting the vulnerable position of women in 19th century Britain.

[Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to Sapere Books for the ARC of this book.
I had read the first in the series and enjoyed it. I have to say I enjoyed this book even more!
What a fun mystery with very likeable main characters. The plot moves at a quick pace and it is definitely a page turner. Looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
My only complaint is that at times the language seems a bit too contemporary for the time that the story is set (Victorian England). It seemed to bother me more in the first book but I guess as I've gotten to know the characters and read more, it's not as noticeable.

[Rose Weiss · Rating 1 out of 5]

Struggled to finish this one and did not enjoy it
Was it being set in London in the early part of the century or the stiff language between the characters but I could not get into the story and lost interest in the storyline and the characters
I was hopeful that this book would be something of an Agatha Christie type of book but it was not
I usually enjoy books with a historical history style
But found this one boring

[Tim Phillips · Rating 4 out of 5]

Always interesting getting used to a new author. I liked the first book, and this one, the second in the series, does not disappoint. Strange set of crimes being committed, someone stealing undies from ladies bedrooms which doesn't really interest the police too much. But, obviously, it turns out to be something much more sinister and murder. Love the late Victorian historical background and the characters are developing nicely. Looking forward to reading the rest of the series.

[Dr. Pj Forrest · Rating 4 out of 5]

Doesn’t Disappoint

I guess I have a new couple to add to my list of favorites. Esther and Jack are delightful and there are other good characters including some really good bad guys. Stir in a big scoop of Victorian England and an intriguing mystery and you get a highly entertaining read. A light read but very engaging. I’ll be reading the rest of this series.

[BRT · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good second in this series about a young Jewish seamstress and her police detective fiancee. As they prepare for their wedding, Esther ends up working for the woman who bought her building and who is setting up a union for women. As anti union forces begin targeting possible members, danger picks up and comes home to roost.

[Heatherinblack · Rating 3 out of 5]

sort of bland

uncle percy seems to do the most work. and esther was sort of complainy (insert other more appropriate word that starts with a B instead of complainy). sure, women need more rights even now, but she seem to henpeck jack through this entire book. the mystery was blah.

[Alan Routhieaux · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another winner

The follow up was just as good as the original. It does amaze me, however, that evidently there aren’t proofreaders anymore. Esther’s name teetered between Esther and Esher a lot in this book

[andrew david holland · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Star good read not convinced with putty to copy a door key, interesting trade union origines women's rights, turn of the century poverty and the mostly undeserved privileged. H F of Victorian / Edwardian crime early forensics etc, just started the 3rd book The Parodical Sister

[David Stimpson · Rating 5 out of 5]

2nd Book in the Series and I enjoyed it very much

[Steve · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyable read, Loved the characters. Another murder mystery set in turn of the century England. Jack and Esther solve it.

[E M Cooney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice easy read with great characters

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a 3.5 🌟 read rounded ⬆️ to 4 🌟.
And yet one more to mark off my "Have The Book - TBR" Goals list.