Breathe

by Dominick Donald

A stunning debut crime novel for fans of Robert Harris, Philip Kerr and C.J. Sansom's Dominion.

London, 1952. Dick Bourton is not like the other probationer policemen in Notting Hill. He's older, having fought in Europe and then Korea. And he's no Londoner, being from Cotswold farming stock. Then there's Anna, the exotically beautiful White Russian fiancée he has brought back to these drab streets and empty bombsites. She may as well come from a different planet.

The new copper also has a mind of his own. After an older colleague is shot by a small-time gangster they are chasing in a pea-souper fog, something nags at Bourton's memory. He begins to make connections which his superiors don't want to see, linking a whole series of deaths and the fogs that stop the city in its tracks.

Desperate to prove himself and his theories, Bourton fails to notice the fear which his mysterious bride is doing her best to conceal - and overcome.

Soon both Anna and Bourton are taking dangerous paths into the worst fog London has ever known...

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

Audiobook

First published September 1, 2018

About the author

Dominick Donald was brought up in Britain and the US before studying at Oxford University.

Stints as a soldier, a lecturer, a UN official and an editorial writer, plus a War Studies Ph.D., led eventually to political risk analysis for a large London firm, which he left in 2016 as its Head of Geopolitics.

He has written editorials for The Times and US business magazine Red Herring, and reviews for the Guardian and the TLS.

Now a freelance writer and political risk advisor, he is married with three children and lives on the Oxfordshire-Wiltshire border.

Reviews

[Paromjit · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a densely written and ambitious historical crime fiction debut from Dominick Donald set in 1952 London where the echoes and repercussions of the war are writ large on a country where poverty and rationing outline the austerity that is the lot of most people. The gloom is exacerbated by the thick and life threatening pea-soupers, a fog that regularly descends on London, giving rise to serious health threats, and amidst which a stealthy serial killer moves, taking advantage of the opportunities this offers. A veteran of two wars, Europe and Korea, PC Richard 'Dick Barton' Bourton, is a probationer patrolling the grimy and rough patch of Notting Dale, struggling to fit in, not given to dropping in the pub with fellow police officers. He is looking forward to the arrival of his fiancee, Anna Timofeyeva, whom he met whilst in military service. Bourton finds Lithuanian Jonas Sarums Senkas, beaten almost to death. This takes him and DC Athill to the former Lithuanian embassy where answers are hard to find. Senkas is removed from hospital, returned to the embassy, as fears for him, possibly from the Russian secret service loom large.

Anna's arrival dispels many of the fears Bourton had about their relationship, and their marriage takes place. Initially happy, Anna's health deteriorates with her chronic cough, the soot and fogs not helping her in the slightest. Anna is a woman with secrets she dare not reveal to her husband, this and her health condition makes her ripe to the claims made for masks and breathing apparatus by many a charlatan, which leads to an attempt made on her life, but she tells no-one of this. Bourton goes out on a limb, putting his career at risk, when he is the only one that believes the death of Gladys Hartnam is murder. Despite being warned off, he persists in investigating in his own time, making use of wartime contacts, eventually joined by his senior officer, Bart Parkin when John Foley indicates that numerous deaths ruled as natural are likely to be murders. Bourton is an exceptional police officer, but an embarrassment to the police and medical service who have failed to spot a prolific killer known as The Traveller, and his inadvertent contact with another killer who gains nationwide notoriety with his House of Death, puts his Met career under threat.

The level of detail and rich descriptions in this story are to be admired, although perhaps the clarity of the storyline sometimes get lost because of this. What I particularly liked was the character of Anna, a woman of surprises, feisty, manipulative, and dangerous, a wife that Bourton goes on to feel that he barely knows. Donald blends fact and fiction, often taking liberties with events and individuals. The inclusion of the infamous Reg Christie, as well as The Traveller raise the suspense and tensions sky high in this compelling historical crime fiction with a complex central character. A great read with an incredible sense of the time in which it is set. Many thanks to Hodder and Stoughton for an ARC.

[Louise Wilson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Set in London in 1952. Dick Bourton is not like the other probationer policeman in Nottinghill. He's older, having fought in Europe and then Korea. Then there's Anna, the beautiful White Russian financee he brought back with him. The new policeman also has a mind of his own. A serial killer lurks in the dense fog of London where he can catch his prey more easily.

The story takes a while to get started. The plot line is intriguing but as the story is so long, you tend to lose track of the characters when they are written back into the chapters. I liked the way the fog was described and the effect that it had on some people. I was not keen on the authors style in writing, there was just a bit too much information that was irrelevant to the story. It just went on too long. A good attempt at a debut novel.

I would like to thank NetGalley, Hodder & Stoughton and the author Dominick Donald for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Bruce Hatton · Rating 2 out of 5]

This novel is set in the winter of 1952 at the time of the death of the old king George VI. War-hero Richard Bourton is now a probationary policeman in the Notting Hill area of London. Before the Clean Air Act, the city in winter was plagued by dense and lethal smogs known as “pea-soupers”. Early on in the novel. Bourton marries his Russian girlfriend whom he’d met in Hong Kong whilst he was serving in Korea.
Back on the beat, Bourton is initially, the only one who believes that an attack on a Lithuanian mechanic and the deaths of two elderly neighbours are connected. Could there be a serial killer operating when the smogs are at their worst? As well as having to deal with his sceptical colleagues, Bourton’s new wife is having serious difficulties adjusting to life on London.
Although the central idea is very good and the descriptions of the bleak conditions in post-war London are evocative, I felt this could have been a far more thrilling story in experienced hands. Mr Donald, like quite a few novice writers, tends to be far too verbose and rambling in his narrative, whereas a more concise and direct style would have been much more effective. Some of the characters came across as too stock and cliched for me and the dialogue was occasionally downright anachronistic. Also, a cameo from that era’s most infamous real-life serial killer, John Reginald Halliday Christie, was an embarrassing inclusion, which more experienced writers would have totally shunned.

[Gram · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have to admit I struggled to finish this book. While it is presented as a crime novel, it reads more like a social history of London in the early 1950's. Debut author Dominick Donald has obviously carried out a wealth of research but I thought at various times in the story there was just too much information - e.g. a long winded discussion between two policemen and a member of the coroner's staff about various types of deaths, especially of elderly people, during the infamous "pea-souper" fogs prevalent in London at that time. I realise this was relevant to the plot but for me it went on for far too long.
That said, there are far better reviews of this book elsewhere on goodreads and I'd recommend those to anyone interested in reading it. I'd have it enjoyed it more if there had been some careful editing throughout the story, which - in the long run - I believe would have been of benefit to the author as well as readers. However, it does capture the atmosphere of 1950's Britain and gives valuable insights into ordinary life in London during that time.

[Stephen · Rating 3 out of 5]

this book was very slow starting and took awhile to get going could of been shorter though

[Annette · Rating 2 out of 5]

This has a great sense of place, London early 1950's, and lots of atmosphere with the fog and location. The way people speak and their attitudes of the time are well reflected. But there's a but.

Although I'm only a short distance into this book there are two things that are making me reluctant to carry on. The writing style is a bit irritating at times with short staccato sentences or longer sentences with staccato sub clauses that consist of a list of impressions. It's as though the only thing the writer cares about is tension.

'the copper stumbling to the deck, another lad behind him, civvy trousers, uniform shirt, trying to pull up, ban from the weapon, onto his arse.' I had to read this sentence several times to understand what was going on - it's like a list of sentences the author intends to write later on but these notes will do for now.

The other thing is this novel is 513 pages long and I'm only at the start and still a little unclear about what the story is about.
Gave up. My life won't go on forever...

[Ceecee · Rating 1 out of 5]

I liked the premise of the book and was interested in the setting of London in 1952 which was still suffering from the effects of the Blitz. I liked some of the descriptions for example, the pea soupers which towns suffered through the 50’s and maybe early 60’s and I have vague recollections of those. We even had to have a ‘fog address’ when I was at school in case they were so bad we couldn’t get home! However, the execution of the book was so laborious and man, oh man, the detail! 🙄I got so fed up with it as with the repeated use of ‘chum’ and yes I know it was widely used but perhaps not as frequently as here! I got to 20% and had almost lost the will to live so it was a DNF. This seems to be a book which people either really liked or it was left unfinished.

[mr c hallam · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good editor could have made this an outstanding read for me a wonderful plot has been smothered. The gem of this book is the description of post war London I felt I was walking those foggy streets. The plot is good, the description of life as a Probationer in the Met is fantastic, characters are well written it's just too long by a couple of hundred pages.

[James · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clever if somewhat convoluted murder mystery. Really shines in bring 50s London to life, pea soupers, austerity and life as a junior policeman and all. Grows on you.

[Nigel Toye · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think the aim was very ambitious and impressive. It fails to achieve it fully because the writing is difficult to read at times because of a wish to cram too many impressions into a sentence with a staccato and rushed style.
The London setting works, but the emphasis on the Fog ambience is overwritten and laboured at times.

[Greville Waterman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hurrah and welcome to a real new talent. This is the first book I have ever seen or read by Dominick Donald and I was totally captivated by what is a wonderful atmospheric thriller that captures the mood, look and feel of post war London.

The plot is complex, detailed and credible and the characters beautifully drawn.

I was totally drawn into this evocative and exceptionally well written thriller from the opening chapter and can heartily recommend it.

[Ivor Armistead · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fascinating mystery/crime novel by a new author, with many positive and a few negative attributes. On the plus side: the time and place are very well described, post war London and its citizens struggling to regain normalcy; the characters are well drawn, protagonist, an army combat veteran trying to find his place in civilian life as a police officer, and his new foreign bride with her own battle scars and demons; the complex plot involving serial murders; and the debilitating London fog that affects so much of the action. But, there are negatives. I found Dominick Donald’s staccato writing style distracting at times, and, notwithstanding the glossary, the proliferation of British colloquiums will require many American readers consult Google with regularity.

Mr. Donald has real talent, and I look forward to his next book. More adventures of Dick Bourton perhaps? I hope so.

[Colin Mitchell · Rating 2 out of 5]

The author states in his notes at the end that the story was a long time in the writing and it was certainly a long time in the reading. Set in an interesting period of the early 1950's and using a man who had served at the end of WW2 and subsequently in the Korean war and then joined the Metropolitan Police in London. The use of known murderers and the thick fogs to make a "Ripperesque" story was a good feature. Unfortunately the writing labours along at a tedious pace, often giving me a disjointed feeling and at other times it was like being back at work and plodding through tedious reports about very little. The paperback edition was over 500 pages of small sized print which did nothing to aid my enjoyment. Characters themselves were good and realistic although as a Probationer constable the main man Dick Bourton was good.

One final issue is the use of the word "Copacetic" not one I would associate with London in the early 1950's, more southern Louisiana.

A more flowing style and 100-150 pages less and this would have been so much more enjoyable.

[Amy Appleby · Rating 2 out of 5]

I picked up this book for 99p on Kindle after it was reviewed in a magazine I read. I wish I hadn't bothered. I toyed between a two and a three rating for this book the entire way through. I couldn't get used to the writing style - short, sharp sentences that made no sense on one page and then long, detailed prose on the next. It was almost as if two different people were writing it. The plot was very intriguing. A serial killer lurks in a thick fog in London in the years after WWII. It took far too long to get going and I felt the first half of the book could have been skimmed down by at least 200 pages as it didn't do anything plot wise or for setting the tone of the second half of the book which was so much more interesting. I'm glad I persevered with it but I don't think I'll pick up any other books by this author.

[Eleanor · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5, maybe - stand by.

[Jo · Rating 2 out of 5]

I listened to this as an audio book so that may have coloured my view, but while in some ways it was well written it also seemed over-written. Listening to it I got bored and felt it would benefit from some serious editing. The story itself was good, but I couldn't wait for it to end an almost gave up but was half way through so persevered.

[Leanne Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

A real case of love and hate for this book. It took a long time to get into it without wanting to just give up and in general it was very long winded with little flow to the sentences.
However, 1950’s foggy London is a great setting for a crime novel and the plot was great as were the characters.

[Susan Doherty · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book has received loads of favourable reviews and is feted to win awards but I’m not so sure. There are some really great things about it, the sense of place, the atmosphere, London just after the war, the descriptions of the petty crime that abounded in a city full of people trying to get their lives back together. The plot itself is really good however the book is too long and you lose your thread sometimes and when a character re-emerges you have to go back to find out again who they are. The main character is the fog and the effect it has on people - that is particularly well-described. The sense of menace is so well imagined and the crimes committed by a killer who uses the fog as cover and motive reinforces this menace. However you can tell this is a debut novel - some of the similes are rather clunky - and the plot does tend to run out of steam at times. And although I wasn’t keen on the main character, a probationary PC, and his wife, I did like his friends and colleagues. I think this is a good debut novel from an author who promises much, but it’s not as great as I thought it would be

[Nelson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Catch up or get out. This is a first-rate debut that makes no concessions to the less-than-alert reader. If you want pablum or spoon-fed thrillers, there are loads to choose from—but don't apply Patterson standards (or lack thereof) to material this smart and accomplished. Donald's first novel needs to be classed with the work of world-class world builders like Alan Furst. The novel is set in 1952-3 London, the time of the great pea-soupers. In the murk of west London, probationer Dick Bourton struggles to master cop life in Ladbroke Grove. He's not just any new copper however—Bourton has loads of war experience, including some harrowing 'adventures' in Korea, to draw upon. And he needs these reserves of intelligence and self-preservation as he stumbles upon what we would now call a serial killer, one who works in the shadows of the impenetrable fog. Bourton has to negotiate the skepticism of his colleagues and superiors as he slowly begins to piece together the patterns and identity of a murderer. Add to all this, Bourton's marriage to an exotic Russian emigre. Their scenes of new domestic life together are a (dare one say it?) breath of fresh air in a story that, in lesser hands, could read like a 20th century Ripper narrative shifted to the west side of town. Donald's knowledge of copper life and the streets of his narrative is worn lightly, all of it seamlessly woven into this breathless (sorry) narrative. At 500+ pages, one might challenge the adjective, but the fact is that this simply cracks along, and not just in the action sequences (which are heart-pounding). It's not often one reads a fat book that lacks fat, but this is an example. It's chock full of brilliantly rendered mise en scène. Donald also seems to have mastered, first time out, the incredibly difficult job of planting narrative cues and clues in ways that feel natural and not over-determined simply for means of plot. But maybe best of all, he's got a sturdy action hero who deserves further outings. Dick Bourton won't be played by Brad Pitt or Ryan Gosling in a mac and a poor accent in the movie because Dick Bourton is, gasp, stout. This doesn't mean he can't take care of himself—he's plenty good in a scrap. But he's a hero with intelligence and miles and avoirdupois. (Tom Hardy, if he put on a couple of stone.) All of these factors make for an unconventional hero in an unconventional but utterly convincing setting, rendered with the kind of skill one doesn't expect to see first time out. Here's hoping Donald sees fit to provide us with the further adventures of Bourton, one of the most compelling and interesting lead characters I've read in a mystery novel in forever. And if he (Donald) sees fit to Furst it out, stringing the career of Bourton and his mysterious wife Anna backwards and forwards in time, well, we should count ourselves lucky. Enormously recommended.

[Elite Group · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unusual crime thriller in 1950’s London

This novel begins with a prologue from November 1940, as rescuers and medics try to drag the injured from the wreckage of German bombing in London. It is here that The Traveller is born.

Fast forward to the death of King George on the 6th February 1952 and Police Probationer 491, Richard Bourton, comes across a badly beaten man while walking his night-time beat. The victim seems to be a Lithuanian called Jonas Sarunas Senkus, and he is taken to hospital but absconds to a hostel in Ladbroke Grove.

While this is going on, The Traveller pays a visit to Mrs Gladys Hartham. When Mrs Hartham is reported dead from asphyxiation, Bourton attends the scene on behalf of his Supervising Officer, Bert Perkins, who is troubled by the view of death and suspects foul play. The death has been attributed to the effects of London’s famous smog.

When off duty, Bourton is preparing for his wife to be, Anna to arrive from Hong Kong; they have been apart for nineteen months. Both Bourton and Anna have complicated pasts and an uncertain future.

Soon bodies start turning up regularly, and Bourton, together with DC Rex Athill sets out, in his own time, to investigate whether Bert’s concerns are valid.

This is an excellently written novel which satisfies on so many levels; it comprises a love story, a young man’s faltering steps on the career ladder, loyalty and dogged endurance, and a credible but convoluted plot and sub-plots. On the other side, there is real evil afoot in London as villains take advantage of the blinding smog. The characters come to life, and as a reader, I was tempted to treat each with a cheer or a ‘boo’ as they appeared.

A long book, but a most enjoyable and interesting read with real suspense and an ending to facilitate a follow-up.


Pashtpaws


Breakaway Reviewers received a copy of the book to review.

[Studvet · Rating 4 out of 5]

Could have been a higher rating (at least a 4.5) if not for the style of writing he uses. He doesn't always make things clear so has a character talking, and different things suddenly appear that confuse u and then back to where u were. Once u get used to the style it's a lot easier but often u have to slow down or re - read. Things don't always flow and sometimes initially confuse. Initially, I didn't think I would finish the book because of this but once I got used to the style I really got into it. It weaves history into the tale and the episodes with Christie are great and give real insight, and the episode where he tries to kill one of the main characters is truly chilling. The seediness and squalor and hardship of London is really well - done and gives a great sense of the things, not to mention putting up with such fetid, unhealthy air. Overall, a great read if u take time to get used to the style. Original.

[Ruth Ginarlis · Rating 1 out of 5]

BREATHE
Dominic Donald

Dick Bourton is at the beginning of his career as a policeman in London’s Notting Hill in 1952. He is older than the average recruit, having served in the army in the Second World War and then Korea. He has a Russian girlfriend who clearly has suffered terrible tragedy in her past and is haunted by it. Bourton is assigned to the murder of an Eastern European immigrant, and finds that this leads to a tangled web of intrigue and deception.

I had very high hopes of this book, as the plot looked interesting and original. However, the writing somehow got in the way! The dialogue was delivered like machine gun fire, and the 1950s atmosphere was non-existent. In fact the book failed to deliver an atmosphere at all, and could have been set at any time in modern history. It was altogether a disappointment and I struggled to read it.

This might interest a reading group, but not, I think, to any great extent. As a personal read I would not recommend it.

[Rog Harrison · Rating 2 out of 5]

I struggled with this book and was tempted to give up a few times. The edition I read was 513 pages long and I would usually finish a book this length in a couple of days but this one took me five days as it simply did not hold my interest.

Set in London in 1952 and 1953 the main character is Bourton, an ex-soldier serving as a probationary constable with the Metropolitan police, who believes that there is a serial killer at large so he starts his own investigation in his own time. There are various flashbacks to his time in the Korean war. There are also subplots involving his Russian wife, who has her own secrets, and real life murderer Christie. Eventually there is a long chase when Bourton confronts the killer which should have been exciting but which I found baffling. I expected the book to end then but it actually went on for nearly a hundred more pages. Not really the sort of book I want to read.

[Pirate · Rating 5 out of 5]

Breathe easy this is a great first novel...set round the horrific smog in London of 1952. Central hero Dick Bourton is well drawn as is his mysterious Russian wife. Donald writes as if he lived in the era so good is the atmosphere he describes of drab post war London contrasting with the simpler but healthier and more enriching lifestyle in the countryside. There are plenty of colourful characters throughout the book from policemen to emigres from the Baltic States to run of the mill crooks and one who many will recall for his notoriety. The chase scene will leave you for want of a better word breathless although it left me a bit dizzy and confused. However, it is a minor gripe and there is an excellent twist. Even more impressive is that Donald was ill during the writing of it. I await with great expectation his next book.

[K A PARROTT · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book but also struggled with it at times, hence it took me 6 months to finish when I normally read a book every two days. However, it was compelling enough that I wanted to finish. It’s very cleverly written with a terse style that reflects the military/police career of the main character but can seem to go into overwhelming and unnecessary detail at times. I was also annoyed that the relationship between Dick Bourton and his wife Anna was such a substantial element to the whole plot when I was just expecting a police procedural/crime thriller that would be a fairly easy read - such as a Wallender/Harry Hole/Arkady Renko novel - and ended up plodding through something much cleverer but not as entertaining.

[Simon Gosden · Rating 4 out of 5]

London 1952, when the smog descend no one can see or do very much. It's a perfect stage for con men and criminals. Dick Bourton, recently arrived back to Blighty from Korea, finds it all very strange. A new exotic and mysterious wife, a new home, a new job in the Met and when body of a woman found in her own home next to a cup of cocoa but dressed to go out he starts to have suspicions that something is wrong, very wrong. Intricately plotted, historically accurate, you can almost taste the particles of sulphur.

[Jo Hindhaugh · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an atmospheric tale of murder set within a very foggy London during the early 1950s. The main plot surrounding a mysterious murderer who seems to strike only in the fog was tense and full of suspense. I also liked the character of Dick Bourton, a probationer in the Met who seems to be more perceptive than those with far more experience. The only reason I did not award five stars was there were far too many sub plots and references to events in the past that sometimes it was hard to follow. However, as a debut, it grabbed me and I would certainly read more from this author.

[David Tovey · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was slightly disappointed by this book. The plot worked well and some of the descriptions of post war smog laden London were good. The main two characters were fine, both quite complex, but the other characters seemed thin. The main problem seems to me one of style: some of the writing seemed deliberately and unnecessarily opaque and it was difficult to imagine the world as the protagonists were seeing it. Spinning the plot around a well known case was an interesting device but in the end it didn’t quite work for me.

[Tanaka · Rating 1 out of 5]

Giving such low rating demands normally to read the whole book, which I couldn't. So maybe it's not fair and two stars would be more appropriate. On the other hand, giving up after less than 100 pages is an absolute exception for me, because I'm a dedicated reader. From the first page, I had great difficulties to understand the language (is it English?), didn't get any 'connection' to the various characters, incl. the main figure, and wasn't intrigued at all in any of the problems/situations. The cover says 'bestseller' - hard to believe.

[Nik · Rating 1 out of 5]

A BIG DNF!

This was an Impulse Cover Buy. One that appeared in a local thrift shop. I'd not heard of this author nor of the book but it's synopsis left me intrigued.

Set in 1950's London, not long after the death of King George V, a killer is striking through the smoggy streets of London and rookie cop Dick Bourton has been tasked with the investigation.

I didn't get very far into this before I got bored with it. Very hard going, not much happening and the character build up is so slow. I couldn't carry on with it.