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The Esther & Jack Enright Mysteries #4
The Slum Reaper
People are dying in London’s East End. Is a serial killer on the loose?
London, 1894
Five people have been killed during the demolition stage of a slum clearance scheme in the East End of London.
And despite those in charge attempting to claim it was an accident, Sergeant Percy Enright is sure it was murder.
When his nephew and colleague, Constable Jack Enright tells him the niece of his neighbour has gone missing, Percy fears there is a connection.
And once more Esther must go undercover to get to the heart of the matter…
THE SLUM REAPER is the fourth 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
BOOK THREE: The Prodigal Sister
BOOK FOUR: The Slum Reaper
London, 1894
Five people have been killed during the demolition stage of a slum clearance scheme in the East End of London.
And despite those in charge attempting to claim it was an accident, Sergeant Percy Enright is sure it was murder.
When his nephew and colleague, Constable Jack Enright tells him the niece of his neighbour has gone missing, Percy fears there is a connection.
And once more Esther must go undercover to get to the heart of the matter…
THE SLUM REAPER is the fourth 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
BOOK THREE: The Prodigal Sister
BOOK FOUR: The Slum Reaper
170 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 19, 2018
143 people are currently reading
98 people want to read
About the author
David Field
59 books98 followersDavid 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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
July 24, 2018
Victorian England’s criminal element comes to life in the writing of David Field. The reader can be assured of another strong Esther and Jack Enright tale, chock full of mystery and intrigue. After saving two young children in a harrowing act of bravery, young Inspector Jack Enright is sidelined with a severely broken leg. Not wanting to suffer from too much work atrophy, he accepts a temporary secondment to Records, while his uncle, Detective Sergeant Percy Enright holds down the fort within the Metropolitan Police. When Jack is recuperating, his wife, Esther comes to him with an odd request. Their neighbour’s niece seems to have gone missing without reason. While Jack is not able to convince his uncle to open a formal investigation, it does come on the heels of a number of gruesome discoveries in another part of London. The bodies of a few lower-class citizens have been uncovered in the debris of a recently razed building that is scheduled to be quickly rebuilt. Sergeant Enright begins an investigation and soon discovers that the builders may have hired a rent collector who had a strong-fisted way of handling those who refused to pay. This missing girl, Emily Broome, was a governess in a well-to-do home, though it is only upon pressing the matter that Enright learns that the twin boys have also gone missing. Enright continues to press for information as a new body is found in the rubble, one that matches Broome’s description. With no sign of the children, Enright is forced to juggle two cases, seemingly off the books, and use his nephew to press for leads amongst the criminal records of some in London’s underbelly. Unable to procure all the information needed, Percy and Jack press Esther to return to her role of unpaid, undercover agent for the Metropolitan Police. What Esther learns may be invaluable, though someone has their eye on her (again!) and will stop at nothing to keep the truth from coming out. Field presents another winner in this series. While the story may be brief, it should not indicate anything less than a stellar reading experience. Perfect for those who love Victorian murder mysteries and prefer something that can be read in short order.
I was introduced to David Field and his work not too long ago and feel that these novels have found a decent niche in the genre. After devouring a few novels for the publisher, I knew that I would return as soon as more novels appeared in publication. Field uses Victorian England yet again as an eerie setting, mixing in a handful of strong characters to propel this story forward. This turns a compact plot into something both exciting and easy to enjoy. Esther Enright, married and a mother of two, again plays a smaller role, but she is used effectively as a decoy and undercover agent. Her banter with many of the characters provides a lighter thread in the story, but she is also keen on injecting her own wisdom with a wonderful female perspective. Jack also takes a backseat in this piece, but has come to grow into fatherhood effectively and serves to prop-up his uncle effectively throughout this story. Jack and Esther continue complementing one another so well as they work yet another crime together, in new and exciting roles. The novel is surely one in which Detective Sergeant Percy Enright not only steals the spotlight, but has much development as he cracks the case wide open. Field has effectively used Percy in the past, but it was this novel that I felt he stepped out of his nephew’s shadow and served to propel the story forward in an effective manner. The secondary characters prove entertaining within the pages of this story, using Cockney speech and salty sayings 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 flows well, unique from past pieces, and keeps a decent pace, with a mix of quick and longer chapters that never hamper the narrative from moving forward. Field has but a short time to develop his plot, but injects a mix of dram and humour into the piece, with decent dialogue banter, when time permits. The writing leaves the reader wanting more, the sign of a well-developed story. Field has done a masterful job with these novels and I await another book in the near future. I can only hope that Field will continue crafting these addictive stories for fans who find them so enthralling.
Kudos, Mr. Field, for this wonderful novel. I am eager to read 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/...
I was introduced to David Field and his work not too long ago and feel that these novels have found a decent niche in the genre. After devouring a few novels for the publisher, I knew that I would return as soon as more novels appeared in publication. Field uses Victorian England yet again as an eerie setting, mixing in a handful of strong characters to propel this story forward. This turns a compact plot into something both exciting and easy to enjoy. Esther Enright, married and a mother of two, again plays a smaller role, but she is used effectively as a decoy and undercover agent. Her banter with many of the characters provides a lighter thread in the story, but she is also keen on injecting her own wisdom with a wonderful female perspective. Jack also takes a backseat in this piece, but has come to grow into fatherhood effectively and serves to prop-up his uncle effectively throughout this story. Jack and Esther continue complementing one another so well as they work yet another crime together, in new and exciting roles. The novel is surely one in which Detective Sergeant Percy Enright not only steals the spotlight, but has much development as he cracks the case wide open. Field has effectively used Percy in the past, but it was this novel that I felt he stepped out of his nephew’s shadow and served to propel the story forward in an effective manner. The secondary characters prove entertaining within the pages of this story, using Cockney speech and salty sayings 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 flows well, unique from past pieces, and keeps a decent pace, with a mix of quick and longer chapters that never hamper the narrative from moving forward. Field has but a short time to develop his plot, but injects a mix of dram and humour into the piece, with decent dialogue banter, when time permits. The writing leaves the reader wanting more, the sign of a well-developed story. Field has done a masterful job with these novels and I await another book in the near future. I can only hope that Field will continue crafting these addictive stories for fans who find them so enthralling.
Kudos, Mr. Field, for this wonderful novel. I am eager to read 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/...
March 31, 2025
5 🌟
By a mile the best and most succinct of the books in the series. It is now 1894, and this starts immediately with relentless action. It is based in an area known as The 'Old Nichol' ghetto in what is now modern Bethnal Green. A spate of 5 killings poses the question: Is a serial killer on the loose? And then a missing person close to the Enright's, is she the latest victim? Be prepared for twists and turns aplenty!
I am thoroughly enjoying this series, every one is different yet familiar as the characters are like 'family' now, but they never cease to surprise me. Uncle Percy has really grown as a character, as have Esther & Jack, the former really excelling in her intuitive prowess and skills. An outstanding role model for women. Once again, historical facts are seamlessly interwoven in the fictitious plot, as is the balance between plot vs. character drive, also seamless. I can not wait to continue my journey into The Posing Playwright, book 5!
By a mile the best and most succinct of the books in the series. It is now 1894, and this starts immediately with relentless action. It is based in an area known as The 'Old Nichol' ghetto in what is now modern Bethnal Green. A spate of 5 killings poses the question: Is a serial killer on the loose? And then a missing person close to the Enright's, is she the latest victim? Be prepared for twists and turns aplenty!
I am thoroughly enjoying this series, every one is different yet familiar as the characters are like 'family' now, but they never cease to surprise me. Uncle Percy has really grown as a character, as have Esther & Jack, the former really excelling in her intuitive prowess and skills. An outstanding role model for women. Once again, historical facts are seamlessly interwoven in the fictitious plot, as is the balance between plot vs. character drive, also seamless. I can not wait to continue my journey into The Posing Playwright, book 5!
January 17, 2020
Great, best one of the series so far!
April 2, 2025
Even though this one is shorter than its predecessor, I found this story to be better. I still find the plot to be very simplistic, but I enjoy the characters. I just wish they could have a bit more depth and that the mystery was more difficult to figure out.
July 22, 2018
Once again a fantastic read, I could wax lyrical how great i think this book and series are, but all I can say is highly recommended.
January 3, 2019
The year is 1894 and a slum clearance is in operation in the East End of London. With some of the tenants refusing to leave their homes, Sergeant Percy Enright is rightfully concerned when five local people are found dead. With those in charge of the clearances claiming the deaths were as a result of accidents, Enright knows that they were murdered. When his nephew and colleague, Jack, and his wife Esther are informed that the niece of one of their neighbours has gone missing, Percy fears that there could be a connection. Again, Esther is called upon to go undercover to find the true extent of what is happening.
Although he has been a prominent character in the previous three books, The Slum Reaper sees Percy taking more of a central role. Injured in the course of duty, Jack has been sidelined, placed behind a desk in the records department and hating every moment! Of course, this doesn't stop Percy from using Jack's new role to his advantage, causing problems for his nephew in the process! It was good to see more of Percy in this book, a character who has no problems about bending the rules to secure a conviction.
Again, Esther plays a pivotal role in the plot, this time using her skills as a seamstress to infiltrate the house of a suspect. Her evidence leads to the case taking a rather unexpected turn, giving the police the proof that they need to take the case forward. Esther is a character I enjoy reading about, a traditional Victorian wife in one respect but a forward-thinking modern woman in another.
With the launch of a new department, I look forward to seeing what the future holds in store for Percy and Jack and I'm sure it won't be too long before I read The Posing Playwright!
Although he has been a prominent character in the previous three books, The Slum Reaper sees Percy taking more of a central role. Injured in the course of duty, Jack has been sidelined, placed behind a desk in the records department and hating every moment! Of course, this doesn't stop Percy from using Jack's new role to his advantage, causing problems for his nephew in the process! It was good to see more of Percy in this book, a character who has no problems about bending the rules to secure a conviction.
Again, Esther plays a pivotal role in the plot, this time using her skills as a seamstress to infiltrate the house of a suspect. Her evidence leads to the case taking a rather unexpected turn, giving the police the proof that they need to take the case forward. Esther is a character I enjoy reading about, a traditional Victorian wife in one respect but a forward-thinking modern woman in another.
With the launch of a new department, I look forward to seeing what the future holds in store for Percy and Jack and I'm sure it won't be too long before I read The Posing Playwright!
September 22, 2019
Great book
I can't put your book down. I am a historian and forsence sociologist and how your able to make Victorian crimes and social reform during Victoria 's rule is a historian's dream. I am interested in kinship and human structures by social standards and I find you bid it on the nail with the use of close relationships of family and friends. You make this era rich and alive. Thank you so much keep wrighting. I am a horrible speller. Michelynn Murphy
I can't put your book down. I am a historian and forsence sociologist and how your able to make Victorian crimes and social reform during Victoria 's rule is a historian's dream. I am interested in kinship and human structures by social standards and I find you bid it on the nail with the use of close relationships of family and friends. You make this era rich and alive. Thank you so much keep wrighting. I am a horrible speller. Michelynn Murphy
March 16, 2021
The Slum Reaper(Esther &Jack Enright Mysteries Book 4)
I did not enjoy this book...the characters were fine but I couldn't handle all the history of London.
The history became more important with every chapter...in fact. The storyline was lost in telling the history of London...not good...no balance!
I did not enjoy this book...the characters were fine but I couldn't handle all the history of London.
The history became more important with every chapter...in fact. The storyline was lost in telling the history of London...not good...no balance!
April 21, 2021
This one was a quick read although, to be fair, I was taking it easy today after my second Covid shot, so I got a lot of reading in. None the less, good plot, quick action, not a lot of surprises as to the guilty parties but intricate police work to bring them to justice. Jack's Uncle Percy was actually the focus of this novel, but Esther & Jack did play roles.
July 19, 2025
1894. The Enright's neighbour Alice Bridges, would like Jack and his uncle Sergeant Percy Enright to investigate the disappearance of her niece Emily Broome. Governess and nanny to the Mallorys. Meanwhile bodies are being found in a slum clearance area. Accident or murder.
An entertaining historical mystery
An entertaining historical mystery
September 29, 2025
I will most likely read all in the series such an interesting era some true characters and events with believable could have beens. Ester and Jack along with Uncle Percy in fact all the players are easy to visualize, I`m now 2 chapters into #5 The Posing Playwright on kindle unlimited
October 13, 2018
Very good in fact excellent.
February 13, 2019
Really enjoyable book.
December 9, 2020
Another great read
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews