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The Graves of Whitechapel
In the gripping new novel by the author of The Fourteenth Letter, a lawyer in Victorian London must find a man he got off a murder charge - and who seems to have killed again . . .
Victorian London, 1882. Five years ago, crusading lawyer Cage Lackmann successfully defended Moses Pickering against a charge of murder. Now, a body is found bearing all the disturbing hallmarks of that victim - and Pickering is missing. Did Cage free a brutal murderer?
Cage's reputation is in tatters, and worse, he is implicated in this new murder by the bitter detective who led the first failed case. Left with no other alternative, Cage must find Pickering to prove his innocence.
His increasingly desperate search takes him back to the past, to a woman he never thought to see again, and down into a warren of lies and betrayals concealed beneath Holland Park mansions and the mean streets of Whitechapel - where a murderer, heartbreak and revenge lie in wait.
Victorian London, 1882. Five years ago, crusading lawyer Cage Lackmann successfully defended Moses Pickering against a charge of murder. Now, a body is found bearing all the disturbing hallmarks of that victim - and Pickering is missing. Did Cage free a brutal murderer?
Cage's reputation is in tatters, and worse, he is implicated in this new murder by the bitter detective who led the first failed case. Left with no other alternative, Cage must find Pickering to prove his innocence.
His increasingly desperate search takes him back to the past, to a woman he never thought to see again, and down into a warren of lies and betrayals concealed beneath Holland Park mansions and the mean streets of Whitechapel - where a murderer, heartbreak and revenge lie in wait.
368 pages, Hardcover
First published June 25, 2020
88 people are currently reading
1568 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 103 reviews
May 18, 2020
I remember enjoying Claire Evans debut, The Fourteenth Letter, but this, her latest, is even better, set in the Victorian era, with all the stink, murk and poverty of the period, infused by a dark atmosphere, despair and surprising twists that come when you least expect them. It is 1882, and 33 year old lawyer, Cage Lackmann, aka The Poet of Whitechapel, is in deep trouble as he is being led to a prison cell, a fate that he feels he more than deserves. The story then goes back two weeks to explain just how he ended up in this invidious position. 5 years ago Cage successfully defended a man, Moses Pickering, on the charge of the murder of 15 year old Nathaniel Crewler, convinced that Moses was totally innocent of the heinous crime. Now another 15 year old boy, Baxter Spring, has been discovered murdered, with the same MO as Nathaniel, had Cage made a monumental error of judgement and defended a guilty man?
With Moses running away, solidifying the picture of an all too guilty man, the repercussions for Cage are dire, harassed by the bitter DI Jack Cross who feels that at long last Cage is getting his just desserts, the legal profession is shunning him, and the clients who had once sought the acclaimed and successful lawyer have now all disappeared. Cage is far from a good man, he is owned by the criminal Obediah Pincott, he knows the power of words, stories are his business, understanding stagecraft, all of which has served him so well in court, having grown up in the theatre with his mother, Honor Dossett, an accomplished actress. He has a penchant for wine and whores, has no problems manufacturing witnesses to win his cases and free Pincott's brutal thugs and murderers. Cage is further haunted by his love for the married Emma Kenward, whom he had abandoned 5 years earlier. As Cage tries to find Moses, he becomes obsessed by the ghost of Baxter, the poet who wrote The Graves of Whitechapel, of the death of love, determined at any cost to find his killer.
Evans pays a great deal of attention to details and historical accuracy in the novel, a story of love, revenge, the death of hope and joy, betrayal, murder, machinations and a time where dreams are easily purchased. Her protagonist, Cage, is a complex man of many layers, we learn more of his past in the narrative, his love for his mother, how as a child he had no choice but to become a lawyer for Obediah, and his defence of those he believed innocent for no reward. You can't help but become drawn into the dark shadows that shroud Cage as he fights penury and chains, searching for emotional truths that can make him blind, as he rattles the cages of others as well as his own. This is a brilliant and enthralling read, the darkest of Victorian historical fiction which ensnares the attention of the reader with ease. Highly recommended for fans of historical fiction. Many thanks to Little, Brown for an ARC.
With Moses running away, solidifying the picture of an all too guilty man, the repercussions for Cage are dire, harassed by the bitter DI Jack Cross who feels that at long last Cage is getting his just desserts, the legal profession is shunning him, and the clients who had once sought the acclaimed and successful lawyer have now all disappeared. Cage is far from a good man, he is owned by the criminal Obediah Pincott, he knows the power of words, stories are his business, understanding stagecraft, all of which has served him so well in court, having grown up in the theatre with his mother, Honor Dossett, an accomplished actress. He has a penchant for wine and whores, has no problems manufacturing witnesses to win his cases and free Pincott's brutal thugs and murderers. Cage is further haunted by his love for the married Emma Kenward, whom he had abandoned 5 years earlier. As Cage tries to find Moses, he becomes obsessed by the ghost of Baxter, the poet who wrote The Graves of Whitechapel, of the death of love, determined at any cost to find his killer.
Evans pays a great deal of attention to details and historical accuracy in the novel, a story of love, revenge, the death of hope and joy, betrayal, murder, machinations and a time where dreams are easily purchased. Her protagonist, Cage, is a complex man of many layers, we learn more of his past in the narrative, his love for his mother, how as a child he had no choice but to become a lawyer for Obediah, and his defence of those he believed innocent for no reward. You can't help but become drawn into the dark shadows that shroud Cage as he fights penury and chains, searching for emotional truths that can make him blind, as he rattles the cages of others as well as his own. This is a brilliant and enthralling read, the darkest of Victorian historical fiction which ensnares the attention of the reader with ease. Highly recommended for fans of historical fiction. Many thanks to Little, Brown for an ARC.
May 16, 2024
A (very) dark gothic whodunit!
Cage Lackmann is a Victorian barrister of dubious repute. He is owned/employed by a London gangster to keep his henchmen free from prison. To that end, Lackmann is willing to employ any method, be it legal or not, to secure a not guilty verdict. However, his highly unethical behaviour becomes instrumental in his own downfall. When a body is discovered bearing all the hallmarks of an earlier murder case, a case in which Lackmann secured a not guilty verdict, the public and his fellow lawyers react with fury. Had Lackmann's shenanigans freed a murderer to kill again? Set in London's notorious Whitechapel, where crime and poverty are rife, Lackmann must clear the accused man's name in order rescue his own reputation (and life). This is a dark and disturbing story, full of twists and turns, that keeps the reader guessing right up to the very end.
Cage Lackmann is a Victorian barrister of dubious repute. He is owned/employed by a London gangster to keep his henchmen free from prison. To that end, Lackmann is willing to employ any method, be it legal or not, to secure a not guilty verdict. However, his highly unethical behaviour becomes instrumental in his own downfall. When a body is discovered bearing all the hallmarks of an earlier murder case, a case in which Lackmann secured a not guilty verdict, the public and his fellow lawyers react with fury. Had Lackmann's shenanigans freed a murderer to kill again? Set in London's notorious Whitechapel, where crime and poverty are rife, Lackmann must clear the accused man's name in order rescue his own reputation (and life). This is a dark and disturbing story, full of twists and turns, that keeps the reader guessing right up to the very end.
June 25, 2020
Lawyer Cage Lackmann is used to defending some of London's shadier characters, it's what he's good at. So when a body is found bearing all the disturbing hallmarks of a previous murder case - a case that Lackmann helped the accused walk free - he wonders if he has made a grave mistake. With his reputation on the line, he starts to investigate to clear the accused man's name, but first he must find him.
Set in Whitechapel London 1882, where crime and poverty were rife.
A dark gripping story full of plot twists and turns, that will keep you guessing right to the end.
I really enjoyed this book. Thank you to Netgalley and Publisher for the ARC.
Set in Whitechapel London 1882, where crime and poverty were rife.
A dark gripping story full of plot twists and turns, that will keep you guessing right to the end.
I really enjoyed this book. Thank you to Netgalley and Publisher for the ARC.
October 24, 2022
I throughly enjoyed this dark Victorian murder mystery. Full of gothic atmosphere, suspense and intriguing. The perfect mix of historical fiction and a thriller. Highly recommend.
August 5, 2021
Mi aspettavo molto di più da questo romanzo. Le mie sensazioni sono contrastanti perché se da un lato la struttura del giallo traballa ed è particolarmente scontata, dall'altra le vicende personali del protagonista, dove anche in quel caso si scoprirà un colpevole ma questa volta tutt'altro che banale, sono raccontate molto bene e sono davvero avvincenti.
Quindi non lo so, mi è piaciuto per metà potremmo dire.
E poi mi sarebbe piaciuta una serialità con questo personaggio, e invece tutti i nodi si sciolgono e non rimane molto da indagare per un eventuale seguito... Peccato
Quindi non lo so, mi è piaciuto per metà potremmo dire.
E poi mi sarebbe piaciuta una serialità con questo personaggio, e invece tutti i nodi si sciolgono e non rimane molto da indagare per un eventuale seguito... Peccato
May 16, 2024
Rating - 4 stars
(Kindle Unlimited)
It has been a few years since I've read the authors debut novel The Fourneeth Letter, so when I found this on Kindle unlimited, I knew I needed to read. This was a great read, but I prefer her debut novel. That being said, it was full of plot twists, and the betrayals left me on the edge of my seat. I always love reading books that are set in Victorian England, too.
At times, I did get annoyed at the male MC, but I feel like that was my personal opinion. I did, however, really like the scenes with his mother and him - really showed the ups and downs of family life.
This was yet another solid book by Claire Evans, and I can not wait for her next book whenever this may be.
(Kindle Unlimited)
It has been a few years since I've read the authors debut novel The Fourneeth Letter, so when I found this on Kindle unlimited, I knew I needed to read. This was a great read, but I prefer her debut novel. That being said, it was full of plot twists, and the betrayals left me on the edge of my seat. I always love reading books that are set in Victorian England, too.
At times, I did get annoyed at the male MC, but I feel like that was my personal opinion. I did, however, really like the scenes with his mother and him - really showed the ups and downs of family life.
This was yet another solid book by Claire Evans, and I can not wait for her next book whenever this may be.
June 25, 2020
https://lynns-books.com/2020/06/25/th...
The Graves of Whitechapel is a compelling exploration of a grimy, dark and crime infested Victorian Whitechapel. A murder mystery at its core it also looks at the different shades of morality that people experience. This book is relentlessly dark, I kid you not. This is a veritable black hole of despair and desperation but at the same time it’s hopelessly addictive and so very atmospheric. I was literally transported back in time and I thoroughly enjoyed reading this classic-feeling murder mystery.
Five years ago Cage Lackmann successfully defended his client, Moses Pickering, of a murder charge. Moses walked free and Cage continued with his infamous career. Known as the Poet, he’s not averse to waxing lyrical in the courtroom as he defends the ne’er do wells of London’s criminal underbelly. Unfortunately, that case is about to come back and bite him hard on the unmentionable. An identical murder to the one Moses was originally accused of has occurred and whilst this could be a copycat the very fact that Moses has disappeared really doesn’t bode well. Things look very bad for Cage. His career could be over, he has many debts and is down to his last decent bottle of claret. He needs to find Moses and he also needs to find the killer.
I’m not going to elaborate further on the plot but instead discuss what worked so well for me with this one.
Firstly, the style. It’s wonderfully evocative and has the feel of a classic but with a more modern and easy to access style of writing. The attention to detail was excellent and the pacing was almost, after a brief spell finding its feet, frenetic.
Secondly, the setting. Victorian London, without doubt, makes the perfect setting for this style of story. Narrow this to Whitechapel during perhaps one of it’s most illicit and salacious periods and you’re really ticking boxes. This is positively Dickensian (without the overabundant wordiness). Poverty, filth, dark alleys, houses of ill repute, seedy landlords and their dilapidated properties, criminal bosses and down at heel types – it’s all here.
Thirdly, the characters. There’s such a lot going on here. There’s the murders of course which make for compelling enough reading on their own when, like me, you’re desperate to unravel the clues. But, more than the plot there are the characters. They’re all so morally dubious. Cage for example. He has secrets. He’s retained by a criminal boss, There’s a lot more on his mind than murder and he’s the sort of character you kind of want to shake. Or slap. Or both. His family history is also painted in shades of grey with his glamorous yet flighty mother who seemed to sell him out as a young child. We have the beleaguered detective, angry and aptly named Cross – he’s so determined to catch someone that whether he catches the murderer or not seems incidental. And there are a number of other characters, equally painted in shades of grey that help to maintain the sense of mystery.
The plot itself runs around like a headless chicken. Sometimes I was baffled but I was certainly never bored. Cage is like a maniac charging between destinations, picking up clues and red herrings as though there’s no tomorrow. He goes on some wild goose chases. He gets into bother. He uncovers some truths, particularly about people and the fact that sometimes being different isn’t something to be feared.
In terms of criticisms. Nothing much to be honest. The story takes a little time to find it’s feet but to be fair I think this was necessary. It helped to give a feel for the characters and provide some backstory and I think everything here was essential in helping the mystery unfold in a way that was compelling. Plus, there was still these tantilising little snippets that kept you glued. In fact, if time was no issue, and books weren’t multiplying like rampant bunnies around the place, I would love to read this again and follow the trail of clues once more to see what I missed. As it is, those bunnies books won’t read themselves now will they?
In conclusion, this was a wonderfully atmospheric and compelling historical murder mystery that I thoroughly enjoyed. I’d say, if Cage and Cross were to make a reappearance I wouldn’t hesitate to read more, although that’s just purely wishing as there is no indication that this is a series.
I received a copy through Netgalley, courtesy of the publishers, for which my thanks. The above is my own opinion.
The Graves of Whitechapel is a compelling exploration of a grimy, dark and crime infested Victorian Whitechapel. A murder mystery at its core it also looks at the different shades of morality that people experience. This book is relentlessly dark, I kid you not. This is a veritable black hole of despair and desperation but at the same time it’s hopelessly addictive and so very atmospheric. I was literally transported back in time and I thoroughly enjoyed reading this classic-feeling murder mystery.
Five years ago Cage Lackmann successfully defended his client, Moses Pickering, of a murder charge. Moses walked free and Cage continued with his infamous career. Known as the Poet, he’s not averse to waxing lyrical in the courtroom as he defends the ne’er do wells of London’s criminal underbelly. Unfortunately, that case is about to come back and bite him hard on the unmentionable. An identical murder to the one Moses was originally accused of has occurred and whilst this could be a copycat the very fact that Moses has disappeared really doesn’t bode well. Things look very bad for Cage. His career could be over, he has many debts and is down to his last decent bottle of claret. He needs to find Moses and he also needs to find the killer.
I’m not going to elaborate further on the plot but instead discuss what worked so well for me with this one.
Firstly, the style. It’s wonderfully evocative and has the feel of a classic but with a more modern and easy to access style of writing. The attention to detail was excellent and the pacing was almost, after a brief spell finding its feet, frenetic.
Secondly, the setting. Victorian London, without doubt, makes the perfect setting for this style of story. Narrow this to Whitechapel during perhaps one of it’s most illicit and salacious periods and you’re really ticking boxes. This is positively Dickensian (without the overabundant wordiness). Poverty, filth, dark alleys, houses of ill repute, seedy landlords and their dilapidated properties, criminal bosses and down at heel types – it’s all here.
Thirdly, the characters. There’s such a lot going on here. There’s the murders of course which make for compelling enough reading on their own when, like me, you’re desperate to unravel the clues. But, more than the plot there are the characters. They’re all so morally dubious. Cage for example. He has secrets. He’s retained by a criminal boss, There’s a lot more on his mind than murder and he’s the sort of character you kind of want to shake. Or slap. Or both. His family history is also painted in shades of grey with his glamorous yet flighty mother who seemed to sell him out as a young child. We have the beleaguered detective, angry and aptly named Cross – he’s so determined to catch someone that whether he catches the murderer or not seems incidental. And there are a number of other characters, equally painted in shades of grey that help to maintain the sense of mystery.
The plot itself runs around like a headless chicken. Sometimes I was baffled but I was certainly never bored. Cage is like a maniac charging between destinations, picking up clues and red herrings as though there’s no tomorrow. He goes on some wild goose chases. He gets into bother. He uncovers some truths, particularly about people and the fact that sometimes being different isn’t something to be feared.
In terms of criticisms. Nothing much to be honest. The story takes a little time to find it’s feet but to be fair I think this was necessary. It helped to give a feel for the characters and provide some backstory and I think everything here was essential in helping the mystery unfold in a way that was compelling. Plus, there was still these tantilising little snippets that kept you glued. In fact, if time was no issue, and books weren’t multiplying like rampant bunnies around the place, I would love to read this again and follow the trail of clues once more to see what I missed. As it is, those bunnies books won’t read themselves now will they?
In conclusion, this was a wonderfully atmospheric and compelling historical murder mystery that I thoroughly enjoyed. I’d say, if Cage and Cross were to make a reappearance I wouldn’t hesitate to read more, although that’s just purely wishing as there is no indication that this is a series.
I received a copy through Netgalley, courtesy of the publishers, for which my thanks. The above is my own opinion.
August 19, 2020
Really enjoyed this one. Was going to give it 3 stars but there was a twist at the end I didn't see coming so gave it an extra star!
July 13, 2021
Una trama coinvolgente, colpi di scena a gogò e un protagonista molto ben caratterizzato che si ritrova a combattere tanti demoni, molti dentro se stesso...
June 30, 2021
«Perché sceglieste me tanti anni fa, Obediah? Cosa avevo di speciale?»
«Sei in cerca di elogi?»
Cage scrollò la testa. «Non me ne aspetto da voi».
«Ti ho scelto perché ti odiavi. L’odio verso se stessi rende gli uomini ambiziosi».
Se già mi era piaciuto il precedente romanzo della Evans (La quattordicesima lettera), ho trovato ancor più notevole questo secondo libro, sempre ambientato in una grigia e cupa Londra d'epoca tardo-vittoriana, con al centro Whitechapel, la povertà delle strade del quartiere, i bordelli, i teatri, il sottomondo della povertà e della disperazione.
Sarà anche perché amo gli avvocati protagonisti, ma il personaggio di Cage Lackmann colpisce per la sua tristezza: un giovane uomo in balia di un destino scelto da altri per lui, incapace di trovare la giusta strada per la redenzione, per quanto egli, più di altri, al di là dei misfatti e dei rimorsi, cerchi di tirarsene fuori.
Cage è figlio di un'attrice, dalla madre ha appreso il gusto della finzione e della destrezza tra bugie e personalità create ad uso e consumo del pubblico, anche se è quello del tribunale; da bambino è stato "ceduto" in qualche modo a un faccendiere (il già noto Obediah, per chi se lo ricorda dal primo libro) che gli ha permesso di studiare in cambio di fedeltà ai suoi affari.
E Cage vivacchia obbedendo e arrangiandosi, anche se talvolta si concede qualche causa pro bono, tanto per poter dire che gli è rimasto ancora un pezzo d'anima e d'umanità tra tanto degrado.
Eppure, uno dei vecchi casi torna a tormentarlo: forse ha difeso l'uomo sbagliato, forse non ha cercato abbastanza la verità pur di ottenere una veloce vittoria processuale, e ora nuovo sangue torna a chiedergli il conto...
Stavolta niente misteri secolari, ma piccoli delitti crudeli: alla fine è sempre la banalità del banale la chiave di tutto, il male che si annida dietro alle facciate, tra il perbenismo e l'ipocrisia, e forse quest'epoca continua a essere una cornice azzeccata.
Un noir storico e introspettivo, uno stile raffinato e coinvolgente.
«Crimini e peccati non sono la stessa cosa, Lackmann. E si espiano in modo diverso».
«Sei in cerca di elogi?»
Cage scrollò la testa. «Non me ne aspetto da voi».
«Ti ho scelto perché ti odiavi. L’odio verso se stessi rende gli uomini ambiziosi».
Se già mi era piaciuto il precedente romanzo della Evans (La quattordicesima lettera), ho trovato ancor più notevole questo secondo libro, sempre ambientato in una grigia e cupa Londra d'epoca tardo-vittoriana, con al centro Whitechapel, la povertà delle strade del quartiere, i bordelli, i teatri, il sottomondo della povertà e della disperazione.
Sarà anche perché amo gli avvocati protagonisti, ma il personaggio di Cage Lackmann colpisce per la sua tristezza: un giovane uomo in balia di un destino scelto da altri per lui, incapace di trovare la giusta strada per la redenzione, per quanto egli, più di altri, al di là dei misfatti e dei rimorsi, cerchi di tirarsene fuori.
Cage è figlio di un'attrice, dalla madre ha appreso il gusto della finzione e della destrezza tra bugie e personalità create ad uso e consumo del pubblico, anche se è quello del tribunale; da bambino è stato "ceduto" in qualche modo a un faccendiere (il già noto Obediah, per chi se lo ricorda dal primo libro) che gli ha permesso di studiare in cambio di fedeltà ai suoi affari.
E Cage vivacchia obbedendo e arrangiandosi, anche se talvolta si concede qualche causa pro bono, tanto per poter dire che gli è rimasto ancora un pezzo d'anima e d'umanità tra tanto degrado.
Eppure, uno dei vecchi casi torna a tormentarlo: forse ha difeso l'uomo sbagliato, forse non ha cercato abbastanza la verità pur di ottenere una veloce vittoria processuale, e ora nuovo sangue torna a chiedergli il conto...
Stavolta niente misteri secolari, ma piccoli delitti crudeli: alla fine è sempre la banalità del banale la chiave di tutto, il male che si annida dietro alle facciate, tra il perbenismo e l'ipocrisia, e forse quest'epoca continua a essere una cornice azzeccata.
Un noir storico e introspettivo, uno stile raffinato e coinvolgente.
«Crimini e peccati non sono la stessa cosa, Lackmann. E si espiano in modo diverso».
April 29, 2023
Giallo storico ambientato nella Londra vittoriana del 1882, questo romanzo ha la struttura piuttosto classica dell'investigatore per caso che deve risolvere due omicidi avvenuti a cinque anni di distanza l'uno dall'altro.
Senza stare a dilungarmi sulla trama, che si trova online, direi che il romanzo per me è stato una mezza delusione.
La trama aveva ottime potenzialità, ma il tono usato dall'autrice si coniuga male con l'ambientazione e le atmosfere che ci si aspetterebbe da un romanzo che si svolge in epoca vittoriana; è quasi giornalistico, pur essendo narrato in prima persona.
I personaggi sono molto superficiali, in particolare quelli femminili.
Sono stereotipi. L'avvocato famoso con un segreto doloroso e povero in canna; la madre attrice teatrale melodrammatica e concentrata su se stessa; Emma che è poco più di una macchietta di contorno quando il suo ruolo per lo sviluppo di Cage sarebbe stato invece fondamentale...
Il rapporto tra Emma e Cage stesso è qualcosa di illeggibile.
La trama è sconclusionata, ci sono diverse sottotrame che vengono appena accennate, fanno da contorno ma poi, di fatto, non servono a niente.
Agghiacciante per la sua superficialità l'ultima scena tra Cage e Obediah, per chi ha letto capirà qual è.
Avevo letto moltissime recensioni positive su questo libro, ma a me francamente non ha lasciato nulla e anzi, mi ha fatto storcere il naso in diversi punti sia per la banalità di alcuni espedienti, che erano chiaro esempio dell'autrice che non sapeva come smuovere la vicenda e quindi ha inserito risoluzioni al limite dell'intervento divino, sia per la superficialità di tutto il resto.
Senza stare a dilungarmi sulla trama, che si trova online, direi che il romanzo per me è stato una mezza delusione.
La trama aveva ottime potenzialità, ma il tono usato dall'autrice si coniuga male con l'ambientazione e le atmosfere che ci si aspetterebbe da un romanzo che si svolge in epoca vittoriana; è quasi giornalistico, pur essendo narrato in prima persona.
I personaggi sono molto superficiali, in particolare quelli femminili.
Sono stereotipi. L'avvocato famoso con un segreto doloroso e povero in canna; la madre attrice teatrale melodrammatica e concentrata su se stessa; Emma che è poco più di una macchietta di contorno quando il suo ruolo per lo sviluppo di Cage sarebbe stato invece fondamentale...
Il rapporto tra Emma e Cage stesso è qualcosa di illeggibile.
La trama è sconclusionata, ci sono diverse sottotrame che vengono appena accennate, fanno da contorno ma poi, di fatto, non servono a niente.
Agghiacciante per la sua superficialità l'ultima scena tra Cage e Obediah, per chi ha letto capirà qual è.
Avevo letto moltissime recensioni positive su questo libro, ma a me francamente non ha lasciato nulla e anzi, mi ha fatto storcere il naso in diversi punti sia per la banalità di alcuni espedienti, che erano chiaro esempio dell'autrice che non sapeva come smuovere la vicenda e quindi ha inserito risoluzioni al limite dell'intervento divino, sia per la superficialità di tutto il resto.
April 23, 2021
Slowly he seemed to be losing everything, and only a tiny part of him cared.
London. 1882. No stranger to the courtroom, Cage Lackman has helped plenty of London's shadier characters walk free. The lawyer and aspiring poet knows just how much power his words hold. He knows they can save someone, or bring them to ruin. With his reputation, and possibly his life on the line, Lackman must rush to solve a gruesome murder case. Because once it is too late, not even his own words can save him.
I am a sucker for Victorian mysteries, especially those set in London, so when I saw this book, I couldn't resist picking it up. Evans has done a fantastic job here. The grimy, crime infested backdrop creates an intoxicating mood which makes this a hard book to put down. Even though the story started off a lot slower than I was expecting, I found myself inexplicably captivated by every moment.
This isn't just a romp through the seedier parts of London, this is an adventure to the depraved underworld of Whitechapel. This is a story about betrayal, revenge and justice.
London. 1882. No stranger to the courtroom, Cage Lackman has helped plenty of London's shadier characters walk free. The lawyer and aspiring poet knows just how much power his words hold. He knows they can save someone, or bring them to ruin. With his reputation, and possibly his life on the line, Lackman must rush to solve a gruesome murder case. Because once it is too late, not even his own words can save him.
I am a sucker for Victorian mysteries, especially those set in London, so when I saw this book, I couldn't resist picking it up. Evans has done a fantastic job here. The grimy, crime infested backdrop creates an intoxicating mood which makes this a hard book to put down. Even though the story started off a lot slower than I was expecting, I found myself inexplicably captivated by every moment.
This isn't just a romp through the seedier parts of London, this is an adventure to the depraved underworld of Whitechapel. This is a story about betrayal, revenge and justice.
June 16, 2023
3.5
19th Century, Victorian London is like my ultimate comfort read. I genuinely bought this book based on that fact and also because it had Whitechapel in the title. This was definitely twisty and intriguing, but slow at times. I felt like there were too many elements, white necessary, felt a bit much to follow. Sometimes I think because I mostly read before I sleep, I'm not absorbing the last 10ish pages prior to dozing off. Perhaps the disconnect is of my own creation 🤷🏻♀️. Still, everything was tied up nicely and all questions were answered in the end. I'm satisfied 👍🏻
Also. This cover is stunning, I just like looking at it!
19th Century, Victorian London is like my ultimate comfort read. I genuinely bought this book based on that fact and also because it had Whitechapel in the title. This was definitely twisty and intriguing, but slow at times. I felt like there were too many elements, white necessary, felt a bit much to follow. Sometimes I think because I mostly read before I sleep, I'm not absorbing the last 10ish pages prior to dozing off. Perhaps the disconnect is of my own creation 🤷🏻♀️. Still, everything was tied up nicely and all questions were answered in the end. I'm satisfied 👍🏻
Also. This cover is stunning, I just like looking at it!
January 28, 2025
Di questo romanzo mi è piaciuta l'ambientazione (Londra in epoca vittoriana) però come mistery non mi ha fatto impazzire.
Non sono stata folgorata dal protagonista (un avvocato affiliato alla malavita), né dagli altri personaggi e nemmeno dall'indagine.
Ho faticato un po' a entrare nella storia, non mi sembrava abbastanza interessante. Sono andata avanti per inerzia, senza provare un vero interesse.
Sarebbero 2 stelle, ne do 3 per la ricostruzione storica.
Non sono stata folgorata dal protagonista (un avvocato affiliato alla malavita), né dagli altri personaggi e nemmeno dall'indagine.
Ho faticato un po' a entrare nella storia, non mi sembrava abbastanza interessante. Sono andata avanti per inerzia, senza provare un vero interesse.
Sarebbero 2 stelle, ne do 3 per la ricostruzione storica.
May 31, 2025
Tutti meritano un giusto processo?
Non nella Londra vittoriana, ma Cage Lackmann ritiene di sì. Avvocato rampante, conosciuto come "il paladino degli innocenti", non si tira mai indietro, nemmeno quando si tratta di difendere il peggior criminale.
Proprio quella fame di giustizia cieca lo metterà nei guai con un caso che pareva essere chiuso.
Un thriller originale dalla tematica delicata e attuale: fino a quanto può spingersi la difesa di una persona accusata di un crimine? E fin dove può arrivare in un'indagine di un potenziale serial killer?
Il nuovo libro di Claire Evans dopo l'avvincente romanzo "La Quattordicesima Lettera" si rivela una conferma: ovviamente firmata Neri Pozza!
Non nella Londra vittoriana, ma Cage Lackmann ritiene di sì. Avvocato rampante, conosciuto come "il paladino degli innocenti", non si tira mai indietro, nemmeno quando si tratta di difendere il peggior criminale.
Proprio quella fame di giustizia cieca lo metterà nei guai con un caso che pareva essere chiuso.
Un thriller originale dalla tematica delicata e attuale: fino a quanto può spingersi la difesa di una persona accusata di un crimine? E fin dove può arrivare in un'indagine di un potenziale serial killer?
Il nuovo libro di Claire Evans dopo l'avvincente romanzo "La Quattordicesima Lettera" si rivela una conferma: ovviamente firmata Neri Pozza!
September 30, 2021
"Le tombe di Whitechapel" di Claire Evans
Neri Pozza Editore, 2021
368 pagine
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Ho amato questo thriller sia perché è ambientato in una oscura e grigia Londra Vittoriana (adorooo), precisamente nel quartiere di Whitechapel, ma soprattutto per Cage Lackmann, il simpatico protagonista, "l’avvocato di grido" chiamato anche il Poeta di Whitechapel 😊 o «il paladino degli innocenti», Cage non ha mai perso una causa, nemmeno quando doveva difendere i peggiori criminali.
Lui è un artista, conosce l'arte teatrale, così come l’inganno e la simulazione... ce l'ha proprio nel sangue: sua madre, Honor Dossett, è una eccellente attrice di teatro 😁
Ma ora, la sua carriera, rischia di essere travolta dallo scandalo che sta scuotendo la buona società londinese 😱
Cinque anni prima, Cage ha difeso con successo Moses Pickering, accusato di uno scioccante omicidio: il figlio quindicenne della ricca famiglia Crewler, presso cui Pickering alloggiava, era stato trovato vestito da donna, violentato e strangolato 😰
In realtà, l’accusa non aveva prove contro Moses Pickering. A far cadere il sospetto su di lui era stato solo e unicamente i suo modo di fare effeminato.
Ed ora, cinque anni dopo il caso Crewler, viene ritrovato il corpo di un altro giovane ragazzo, vestito da donna e strangolato. Gli indizi portano subito a Pickering... che proprio il giorno dell’omicidio, è svanito nel nulla 😬
Cosa è successo??
Cage è convinto ancora della sua innocenza, e lo deve ritrovare al più presto per cercare di salvarlo... ma questa volta l’ispettore Jack Cross gli sta con il fiato sul collo... 😬 ha deciso di smascherare Cage come il peggior bugiardo che abbia mai calcato le aule di un tribunale 😰
E purtroppo, è stato anche "abbandonato" da Obediah Pincott, il suo "capo"!!
Tra false piste e colpi di scena, il libro è riuscito a incollarmi alle pagine, ho adorato lo stile della Evans, mi ha letteralmente conquistata, descrive i fatti, i personaggi e i luoghi in maniera minuziosa: come la povertà delle strade del quartiere, la disperazione, i bordelli... il freddo, l'ho sentito anch'io 😊 ...curiosa, ho già messo in wish il suo primo romanzo "La quattordicesima lettera" uscito lo scorso anno 😁 👍🏻
Mi è piaciuto molto il personaggio di Agnes, la prostituta, ironica e simpatica con un bellissimo sogno nel cassetto! 💕
"Agnes annuì. Essere comprensiva faceva parte del suo mestiere. Ed era incantevole, come sempre.
«Vuoi annegare le tue pene» disse. «Purtroppo hanno imparato a nuotare». «E allora?»
Cage fece girare il vino nel bicchiere. «Sto cercando di fare appello al mio coraggio, ma non so più dov’è andato a finire.» Agnes gli sorrise..."
Super consigliato 👍🏻😊
Neri Pozza Editore, 2021
368 pagine
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Ho amato questo thriller sia perché è ambientato in una oscura e grigia Londra Vittoriana (adorooo), precisamente nel quartiere di Whitechapel, ma soprattutto per Cage Lackmann, il simpatico protagonista, "l’avvocato di grido" chiamato anche il Poeta di Whitechapel 😊 o «il paladino degli innocenti», Cage non ha mai perso una causa, nemmeno quando doveva difendere i peggiori criminali.
Lui è un artista, conosce l'arte teatrale, così come l’inganno e la simulazione... ce l'ha proprio nel sangue: sua madre, Honor Dossett, è una eccellente attrice di teatro 😁
Ma ora, la sua carriera, rischia di essere travolta dallo scandalo che sta scuotendo la buona società londinese 😱
Cinque anni prima, Cage ha difeso con successo Moses Pickering, accusato di uno scioccante omicidio: il figlio quindicenne della ricca famiglia Crewler, presso cui Pickering alloggiava, era stato trovato vestito da donna, violentato e strangolato 😰
In realtà, l’accusa non aveva prove contro Moses Pickering. A far cadere il sospetto su di lui era stato solo e unicamente i suo modo di fare effeminato.
Ed ora, cinque anni dopo il caso Crewler, viene ritrovato il corpo di un altro giovane ragazzo, vestito da donna e strangolato. Gli indizi portano subito a Pickering... che proprio il giorno dell’omicidio, è svanito nel nulla 😬
Cosa è successo??
Cage è convinto ancora della sua innocenza, e lo deve ritrovare al più presto per cercare di salvarlo... ma questa volta l’ispettore Jack Cross gli sta con il fiato sul collo... 😬 ha deciso di smascherare Cage come il peggior bugiardo che abbia mai calcato le aule di un tribunale 😰
E purtroppo, è stato anche "abbandonato" da Obediah Pincott, il suo "capo"!!
Tra false piste e colpi di scena, il libro è riuscito a incollarmi alle pagine, ho adorato lo stile della Evans, mi ha letteralmente conquistata, descrive i fatti, i personaggi e i luoghi in maniera minuziosa: come la povertà delle strade del quartiere, la disperazione, i bordelli... il freddo, l'ho sentito anch'io 😊 ...curiosa, ho già messo in wish il suo primo romanzo "La quattordicesima lettera" uscito lo scorso anno 😁 👍🏻
Mi è piaciuto molto il personaggio di Agnes, la prostituta, ironica e simpatica con un bellissimo sogno nel cassetto! 💕
"Agnes annuì. Essere comprensiva faceva parte del suo mestiere. Ed era incantevole, come sempre.
«Vuoi annegare le tue pene» disse. «Purtroppo hanno imparato a nuotare». «E allora?»
Cage fece girare il vino nel bicchiere. «Sto cercando di fare appello al mio coraggio, ma non so più dov’è andato a finire.» Agnes gli sorrise..."
Super consigliato 👍🏻😊
June 22, 2022
Questo mese con il #gdperdenti di @gabrisbooks abbiamo letto #letombediwhitechapel.
Tra i libri proposti, questo avrebbe dovuto essere il romanzo gotico invece si è rivelato un piacevole giallo ambientato più o meno all'epoca di Jack the ripper a Londra.
Trattandosi di epoca e ambientazioni che prediligo, il romanzo mi aveva già conquistata dopo poche pagine.
La narrazione è scorrevole e la storia mi è parsa ben strutturata (anche se io non sono una grande intenditrice di gialli quindi in questo caso il mio giudizio probabilmente non è attendibile).
Il protagonista della vicenda, Cage, conosciuto anche come "poeta di Whitechapel", mi è piaciuto perchè è intelligente e astuto, ma anche passionale e schivo. Infine si rivela un animo pietoso nei confronti del povero Baxter che credo sia l'unica vera vittima di tutta la storia.
L'edizione cartacea @neripozza è spettacolare ma purtroppo io l'ho letto sul @amazonkindle
Claire Evans mi ha quasi convinta ma mi riservo di esprimere l'opinione definitiva dopo aver letto #laquattordicesimalettera. Stay tuned!
Tra i libri proposti, questo avrebbe dovuto essere il romanzo gotico invece si è rivelato un piacevole giallo ambientato più o meno all'epoca di Jack the ripper a Londra.
Trattandosi di epoca e ambientazioni che prediligo, il romanzo mi aveva già conquistata dopo poche pagine.
La narrazione è scorrevole e la storia mi è parsa ben strutturata (anche se io non sono una grande intenditrice di gialli quindi in questo caso il mio giudizio probabilmente non è attendibile).
Il protagonista della vicenda, Cage, conosciuto anche come "poeta di Whitechapel", mi è piaciuto perchè è intelligente e astuto, ma anche passionale e schivo. Infine si rivela un animo pietoso nei confronti del povero Baxter che credo sia l'unica vera vittima di tutta la storia.
L'edizione cartacea @neripozza è spettacolare ma purtroppo io l'ho letto sul @amazonkindle
Claire Evans mi ha quasi convinta ma mi riservo di esprimere l'opinione definitiva dopo aver letto #laquattordicesimalettera. Stay tuned!
June 14, 2021
CAGE LACKMANN, ANTIEROE
Oggettivamente un romanzo grandioso, ansie varie non mi hanno concesso di godermelo a fondo. La mia distrazione era tale che talvolta facevo confusione tra i vari personaggi!
Tralasciandola mia stupidità ciò, "Le tombe di Whitechapel" riesce a coinvolgere con una trama che procede rapidissima, senza esclusione di colpi, fino ad una soluzione finale estremamente ben congegnata e complessa. Buona parte della godibilità di questa storia è da attribuirsi al protagonista, l'avvocato Cage Lackmann, che si guadagna il favore dei lettori proprio perché lontanissimo dal prototipo dell'investigatore eroico e paladino della giustizia. Tanti sono i demoni che lo tormentano, grande è la sua responsabilità nei tragici avvenimenti che hanno sconvolto Whitechapel. Ma è proprio questo suo lato oscuro a renderlo così straordinariamente enigmatico e affascinante.
Oggettivamente un romanzo grandioso, ansie varie non mi hanno concesso di godermelo a fondo. La mia distrazione era tale che talvolta facevo confusione tra i vari personaggi!
Tralasciando
September 10, 2022
Really enjoyed this story about lawyer, Cage Lackmann, who gets himself into such a bloody mess with the local criminal boss, Obediah Pincott, that he makes one rash decision after another.
It makes for a fast-paced enthralling read which leaves you screaming “Don’t do it, Cage!” as he gets himself involved deeper and deeper into the killings of young, gay men.
Can he find the killer before the police or is he just getting himself closer to a jail cell himself?
Extremely good historical crime thriller that has you routing for Cage every step of the way!
Emotional in parts and quite the heart-tugger. I’d like to see more stories with Cage Lackmann, maybe starting a new life with Agnes in Weston Super-Mare?!
It makes for a fast-paced enthralling read which leaves you screaming “Don’t do it, Cage!” as he gets himself involved deeper and deeper into the killings of young, gay men.
Can he find the killer before the police or is he just getting himself closer to a jail cell himself?
Extremely good historical crime thriller that has you routing for Cage every step of the way!
Emotional in parts and quite the heart-tugger. I’d like to see more stories with Cage Lackmann, maybe starting a new life with Agnes in Weston Super-Mare?!
May 31, 2022
Mah... Un libro senza infamia ne lode. Si fa legge ma non è nulla di eccezionale.
January 13, 2021
“The power of words: scratched and feeble on their own, yet when marshalled together into an army they could break hearts and bones, tear down citadels…”
As a reputable lawyer, renowned for his almost theatrical, one might even say scripted, flare in the courtroom, as well as being a published poet, Cage Lackmann knew all about the power of words. He could just as easily convince a judge of a man’s innocence as he could pen a heartrending poem about lost love. However, words, as Cage knew only too well, also had the power to destroy. An innocent man can be found guilty of a hideous crime just as easily as a guilty man can be found innocent—it all depends on how good one’s lawyer is. And Cage was very good at his job.
Five years ago, Cage had successfully defended Moses Pickering, who had been accused of murder. In Cage’s opinion, Moses lacked the arrogance to take a man’s life. And yet, there had been another victim, another murder in the same manner as the first. All the evidence suggests that the same sick individual committed both murders, and once again, all eyes turn to Pickering.
Cage’s reputation is now on the line, along with his integrity, and with Pickering nowhere to be found, the authorities are drawing their own conclusions, and Cage has to ask himself if he had made a monumental mistake five years ago…
From The Old Bailey’s bustling courtroom to a cold and lonely cell in the notorious Newgate Prison, The Graves of Whitechapel by Claire Evans is a Victorian Crime Thriller triumph.
As is so often the case in Historical Crime Thrillers, there are red herrings aplenty that throw the reader off the right trail. Do we, the lucky readers, take the bait that Evans tangles in front of our faces so enticingly? Dare we make our own assumptions? Or do we wait and watch as the events unfold? The one question that plagued me throughout this novel was that if the murderer is not Pickering, then who is? Evans has given her readers ample opportunity to try to guess who the murderer is. I must admit, I did not figure out who the murderer was before it was revealed, which was remarkably refreshing and demonstrates the exceptional talent that Evans has for creating an enthralling, fast-paced narrative that is not only filled with numerous plot twists, but also with seemingly insignificant but clever details that ultimately concealed the killer in one of the best ways possible—at all times the murderer is in plain sight.
The crime-infested world in which Evans has placed her story is a befitting backdrop for her novel. The corrupt nature of the legal system is explored in explicit detail, as is the seedy, poverty-driven description of the inhabitants of Whitechapel. The hours that Evans has committed to researching this fascinating era shines through in every sentence. She has brought Whitechapel, with all its darkness and destitution, back to glorious life. I could almost inhale the history. I fancied I could feel the bite of a cold London morning upon my face, feel the fear of finding your cloak pocket devoid of the coins you so desperately need, as well as the heart-wrenching longing for someone you can never have. I thought the historical detailing of this novel was breathtakingly portrayed.
Throughout this book, the running theme is the corruption that seemingly afflicted the legal system during this period in history. And this corruption is demonstrated most admirably by the protagonist’s portrayal. Cage is beholding to a crime boss, Obediah Pincott, a position no lawyer would ever wish to find themselves in. Cage was given the opportunity to study law because Pincott paid for him to do so, but his education came with conditions. Cage is trapped, his life controlled by a man who cares about the outcome, not the process of reaching it. I thought the depiction of Pincott was fabulous. Here is a villain in the truest sense. He is deplorable in his treatment of Cage and, like most victims, Cage cannot break away from him for Pincott holds the purse strings. Pincott wanted a lawyer who could help keep the men who surround him out of prison, and that job falls to Cage. Cage is allowed to take on other clients as long as they are innocent, Pickering being one such client. With little to no money, a task of which he is not well versed in and his reputation hanging on the line, Cage must prove Pickering’s innocence once again, whether that means establishing the identity of the real killer or building a case against someone else to keep Pickering’s record clean. I thought the power and influence that Pincott held over Cage was cleverly depicted, and it shone a light on the corruption of the legal system during this era.
I thought Cage was a fascinating protagonist. He is a brave, although not always sober, hero. He has a taste for the finest claret, and keeps company with whores, in particular a young woman called Agnes, and it was this relationship that I found so endlessly fascinating. Due to unforeseen circumstances and through her acquaintance with Cage, Agnes finds herself involuntarily involved in the investigation, often as Cage’s alibi and helping provide Cage with information that may be crucial in the success or failure of his attempt to uncover the truth. I thought Evans’ depiction of Agnes was fabulous.
I had mixed feelings about detective Jack Cross. His blindness to other possibilities and his continuous harassment of Cage made this character exceedingly unlikeable. However, he does have to find the killer and the only suspect, as far as he is concerned, is Pickering. His determination, his pig-headedness, hinders the investigation rather than enhances it. And much like one finds in the works of Arthur Conan Doyle’s, Sherlock Holmes, it is not Scotland Yard that will ultimately uncover the villain. However, unlike in Sherlock Holmes, Cross is no blundering fool.
The Graves of Whitechapel by Claire Evans is worthy of the highest acclaim. I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it. This is a story, not only about murder, money and mystery. It is also one about love and justice. This is a novel that will keep you guessing to the very last chapter.
I Highly Recommend.
Review by Mary Anne Yarde.
The Coffee Pot Book Club.
June 25, 2020
In London, 1882, crooked lawyer Cage Lackmann works for underworld kingpin Obediah Pincott. Lackmann is no stranger in bending the law to ensure a not guilty verdict for Pincott's men, even if it means manufacturing a witness or two. One of his successes was Moses Pickering who was accused of murder, but now a second victim has been found killed in the same way, and Pickering is missing. Cage believes Pickering is actually innocent but finds himself implicated in the case and left out in the cold by Pincott. He must find Pickering and clear his own name.
I thought this was an excellently written historical mystery. The reader finds themselves immersed in Victorian London and the author certainly doesn't hold back on the seamier parts of the underworld. Cage is most definitely an anti-hero: he lies, he cheats justice for Pincott, he pays for sex, and sleeps with another man's wife. To say he is flawed is an understatement. Yet he turns out to be quite a sympathetic character in end. The plot is quite complicated and there are lots of twists and turns. It's not difficult to follow but there is quite a lot of skillful misdirection by the author. I really enjoyed reading it.
Thanks to NetGalley and publishers, Little, Brown Book Group UK / Sphere, for the opportunity to read an ARC.
I thought this was an excellently written historical mystery. The reader finds themselves immersed in Victorian London and the author certainly doesn't hold back on the seamier parts of the underworld. Cage is most definitely an anti-hero: he lies, he cheats justice for Pincott, he pays for sex, and sleeps with another man's wife. To say he is flawed is an understatement. Yet he turns out to be quite a sympathetic character in end. The plot is quite complicated and there are lots of twists and turns. It's not difficult to follow but there is quite a lot of skillful misdirection by the author. I really enjoyed reading it.
Thanks to NetGalley and publishers, Little, Brown Book Group UK / Sphere, for the opportunity to read an ARC.
January 1, 2022
This was very good in many respects. Cage Lackmann is a lawyer in Victorian London and he represents guilty people who work for a local gangster, managing to get them off with clever language and false witnesses if necessary. Another boy is murdered in the same way as a child from five years ago. Cage had represented Moses Pickering who had been accused of the en and now Moses has gone missing. The mystery surrounding who killed Baxter is pacy and twisty. What I enjoyed less was the character of Cage who has been ruined by his career and it immorality.
November 19, 2023
Cage is a defence lawyer working for a villain in 1880s London. He defended a client five years ago and got him off a murder charge. There has been another murder with the same MO and the suspect from last time has done a runner.
A freebie from Kindle Unlimited. It was quite good but nothing special. With a character called Pickering and another called Pincott, it took me a few chapters to remember which was which. Could have done with some editing as Dead Man's Walk was explained twice. Pacing was good with a few twists.
A freebie from Kindle Unlimited. It was quite good but nothing special. With a character called Pickering and another called Pincott, it took me a few chapters to remember which was which. Could have done with some editing as Dead Man's Walk was explained twice. Pacing was good with a few twists.
May 31, 2021
I thought the book set in Victorian London would be right up my alley but I found it slow to get going and almost put it down several times, hence the 3 stars
July 17, 2020
The story opens with lawyer, Cage Lackmann in a somewhat precarious position as it would seem that, in his role defending the thieves and vagabonds who call the dark streets of Whitechapel home, he has made some deadly enemies. Trying to prove his innocence will be the challenge of a lifetime and before the story is done Cage will have to confront the dark secrets in his own chequered past.
I've really enjoyed spending time in Victorian London with this enigmatic lawyer. Cage is a strange and rather unusual man of law as he seems to keep more than one foot on the wrong side. However, when Cage gets embroiled in the hunt for a vicious killer whose modus operandi is remarkably similar to a suspect he successfully defended some years past, Cage gets pulled further and further into a mystery of epic proportions.
The author writes with skilful accuracy and certainly knows how to crank up the tension whilst at the same time keeping the historical accuracy completely authentic. The Victorian underbelly of society comes gloriously alive, whether it be festering in the deep bowels of Newgate prison, lurking in the shadows and alleyways of East London, or languishing in the brothels and molly houses who cater for all manner of tastes and delectation.
The Graves of Whitechapel is a lively historical thriller which has more than enough twists and turns to keep you guessing, I certainly never anticipated what was to come. Whilst this is a stand alone story I would rather hope that the author could bring Cage Lackmann back in another adventure as I am sure that the rather mean and moody streets of Whitechapel in the latter part of the nineteenth century could find Cage once again embroiled in a dark and devious crime investigation.
I've really enjoyed spending time in Victorian London with this enigmatic lawyer. Cage is a strange and rather unusual man of law as he seems to keep more than one foot on the wrong side. However, when Cage gets embroiled in the hunt for a vicious killer whose modus operandi is remarkably similar to a suspect he successfully defended some years past, Cage gets pulled further and further into a mystery of epic proportions.
The author writes with skilful accuracy and certainly knows how to crank up the tension whilst at the same time keeping the historical accuracy completely authentic. The Victorian underbelly of society comes gloriously alive, whether it be festering in the deep bowels of Newgate prison, lurking in the shadows and alleyways of East London, or languishing in the brothels and molly houses who cater for all manner of tastes and delectation.
The Graves of Whitechapel is a lively historical thriller which has more than enough twists and turns to keep you guessing, I certainly never anticipated what was to come. Whilst this is a stand alone story I would rather hope that the author could bring Cage Lackmann back in another adventure as I am sure that the rather mean and moody streets of Whitechapel in the latter part of the nineteenth century could find Cage once again embroiled in a dark and devious crime investigation.
March 3, 2020
Set in Whitechapel, London in 1882, Cage Lackmann is a corrupt lawyer who has defended some shady characters in his career. But he also defends those who are innocent. Five years ago, he successfully defended Moses Pickering against a charge of murder. Now present day a body has been found with the same characteristics as the previous murder and Moses Pickering is missing. Did he really commit murder and now he is on the rampage again.
Lackmann life is tatters not only regarding Pickering but he has also been implicated in a murder. The police are after him and there is a race against time while he searches for him, he meets the love of his life, Emma who is married to another man. The story turns back in time when this all started in time of the murder to present day. He searches for Pickering in the bleakest parts of London visiting Whore houses etc to no avail meeting some shady characters along the way.
Thank you Little brown and NetGalley for a copy of this book. I really enjoyed this dark, gritty, atmospheric crime novel by Claire Evans. This is a slow burner of a book but it as you read on with its twists and turns everything starts to come clear. If you are into Victorian crime this is the book for you.
Lackmann life is tatters not only regarding Pickering but he has also been implicated in a murder. The police are after him and there is a race against time while he searches for him, he meets the love of his life, Emma who is married to another man. The story turns back in time when this all started in time of the murder to present day. He searches for Pickering in the bleakest parts of London visiting Whore houses etc to no avail meeting some shady characters along the way.
Thank you Little brown and NetGalley for a copy of this book. I really enjoyed this dark, gritty, atmospheric crime novel by Claire Evans. This is a slow burner of a book but it as you read on with its twists and turns everything starts to come clear. If you are into Victorian crime this is the book for you.
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