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The Blitz Detective #7
The Camden Murder: The gripping wartime murder mystery
As dawn breaks on a chilly morning in November 1940, a car is found ablaze in an abandoned builder's yard a stone's throw from the Regent's Canal in Camden Town, north London. In the burnt-out vehicle police find the charred remains of a body. The victim is Les Latham, a commercial traveller for the Barings confectionery company. He liked to be known as Lucky Les, but it seems his luck has finally run out. DI John Jago discovers among Latham's belongings a mysterious photograph and some suspicious-looking petrol ration books that set Jago off on a murky trail of deceit, corruption and murder.
384 pages, Paperback
Published May 18, 2023
13 people are currently reading
90 people want to read
About the author
Mike Hollow
20 books55 followersI first got into print when I was eleven. A boys’ comic published a feeble limerick I’d sent them and paid me five shillings, a fat sum at that age. But the postal order was nothing compared with seeing my words in print.
After that I kept writing – teenage poems for a late-1960s “underground magazine”, then grown-up poems, and later a happy mix of copywriting, journalism, editing and translating. All ways of getting paid for playing with words.
My CV? I was born in 1953 in the Essex County Borough of West Ham – home of the Blitz Detective – on the eastern edge of London. I grew up mainly in Romford and went to the Royal Liberty School, then studied Russian and French at Cambridge University.
My first job was translating for the BBC, and I did various jobs there for sixteen years before moving to work in communications for development agency Tearfund, travelling widely in Africa, Asia and Latin America. In 2002 I went freelance as a writer, editor and creative project manager. Now I earn a living by translating and spend the rest of my time in the cellar of my house in Hampshire chronicling the adventures of the Blitz Detective.
Why write detective novels? Because I enjoy reading them and I love to create entertaining stories. Why set them in that place and time? Because overnight the Blitz turned everyday existence into a life-and-death struggle for ordinary people – and some of them were my family.
After that I kept writing – teenage poems for a late-1960s “underground magazine”, then grown-up poems, and later a happy mix of copywriting, journalism, editing and translating. All ways of getting paid for playing with words.
My CV? I was born in 1953 in the Essex County Borough of West Ham – home of the Blitz Detective – on the eastern edge of London. I grew up mainly in Romford and went to the Royal Liberty School, then studied Russian and French at Cambridge University.
My first job was translating for the BBC, and I did various jobs there for sixteen years before moving to work in communications for development agency Tearfund, travelling widely in Africa, Asia and Latin America. In 2002 I went freelance as a writer, editor and creative project manager. Now I earn a living by translating and spend the rest of my time in the cellar of my house in Hampshire chronicling the adventures of the Blitz Detective.
Why write detective novels? Because I enjoy reading them and I love to create entertaining stories. Why set them in that place and time? Because overnight the Blitz turned everyday existence into a life-and-death struggle for ordinary people – and some of them were my family.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
December 17, 2022
The Camden Murder is the latest in the Blitz Detective series from Mike Hollow that follow DI John Jago and his assistant DC Cradock. In The Camden Murder, Les Latham is found dead in a burning car, and it’s almost instantly clear that he was killed before the car was set ablaze. Jago and Cradock are on the case and find that Les had a lot of secrets and a lot of people had motive to kill him.
I picked this book out purely because of the cover. I’ve not read any of entries to the series and I’ve never come across them before. Sometimes a good cover is all it takes to get my attention and I’m so glad that this one did. I was completely gripped to the story. It wastes no time getting to the mystery and introducing the main characters.
I had absolutely no idea who the killer was for most of the story, although I had some theories. It’s a really gripping mystery and I flew through the pages, reading over 200 pages in sitting when I started the book. It’s set during the second World War, and there’s some nice scene setting and context building throughout the story. It felt a little like a history book in places. It’s not intrusive to the story at all and is a really nice touch.
While the book is part of a series, it can be read completely on its own. At no point did I feel like I was confused or that I didn’t know the characters. I think that’s mostly because the focus is on the case rather than characters. When I found out there were more books I was happy to know there’s more to read. Mike Hollow’s writing style is so easy to read and I will definitely be checking out more.
On the downside some of the dialogue is weak and unnatural. Some characters speak in pure exposition just to explain how ration books work or the real estate market during the war. It’s not the biggest issue, but it’s quite obvious. It also makes the characters come across a little thin, especially the side characters.
Overall The Camden Murder is a very enjoyable light read. It’s very fast paced and easy to get into. Perfect for a night time read before bed.
I picked this book out purely because of the cover. I’ve not read any of entries to the series and I’ve never come across them before. Sometimes a good cover is all it takes to get my attention and I’m so glad that this one did. I was completely gripped to the story. It wastes no time getting to the mystery and introducing the main characters.
I had absolutely no idea who the killer was for most of the story, although I had some theories. It’s a really gripping mystery and I flew through the pages, reading over 200 pages in sitting when I started the book. It’s set during the second World War, and there’s some nice scene setting and context building throughout the story. It felt a little like a history book in places. It’s not intrusive to the story at all and is a really nice touch.
While the book is part of a series, it can be read completely on its own. At no point did I feel like I was confused or that I didn’t know the characters. I think that’s mostly because the focus is on the case rather than characters. When I found out there were more books I was happy to know there’s more to read. Mike Hollow’s writing style is so easy to read and I will definitely be checking out more.
On the downside some of the dialogue is weak and unnatural. Some characters speak in pure exposition just to explain how ration books work or the real estate market during the war. It’s not the biggest issue, but it’s quite obvious. It also makes the characters come across a little thin, especially the side characters.
Overall The Camden Murder is a very enjoyable light read. It’s very fast paced and easy to get into. Perfect for a night time read before bed.
December 12, 2022
The Blitz Detective is a great WWII series taking place in London. In an early morning of 1940, a man runs into a local policeman in Camden (part of London) and tells him there is a car on fire with a man in it in the midst of a bunch of warehouses. The fire brigade is called, and after getting the fire out, the fireman tells the police that the car door opened easily, and he wonders why the man didn't just get out. Thus, the idea the man may have been already dead arises, Scotland Yard is notified, and DI John Jago and DC Craddock arrive. They quickly trace the registration to Baring and Sons confectionery. They then find the car is assigned to Les Latham who lives nearby. After interviewing his wife, and getting a picture of her husband and the name of his dentist, they soon know that he is the victim. Les was a traveller for the company and often was away; he was actually supposed to be leaving for Cambridge after meeting someone first thing. He was known as Lucky Les, but his luck has run out!
Although his company thought he was one of their best travelling salesman, Jago and Craddock gradually find out a lot more about Latham, and it soon appears he is a poor husband, seems to have stolen ration coupons for fuel, and was not such a great employee! However, it takes a lot of questioning by Jago and Craddock before all comes out. This means there are several possible suspects. However, it's not until almost the end of the book before the reader realizes who is the killer.
Although his company thought he was one of their best travelling salesman, Jago and Craddock gradually find out a lot more about Latham, and it soon appears he is a poor husband, seems to have stolen ration coupons for fuel, and was not such a great employee! However, it takes a lot of questioning by Jago and Craddock before all comes out. This means there are several possible suspects. However, it's not until almost the end of the book before the reader realizes who is the killer.
December 11, 2022
I would like to thank Netgalley and Allison & Busby for an advance copy of Camden Murder, the seventh novel to feature DI John Jago of Scotland Yard, set in 1940.
DI Jago and his assistant, DC Peter Craddock are sent to investigate when a burning car with a body in it is found in an abandoned builder’s yard in Camden. The victim is quickly identified as a commercial traveler in confectionery, Les Latham, but the motive is more obscure until Jago finds a mysterious picture and some potentially illegal petrol rationing coupons in his belongs.
I enjoyed The Camden Murder, which is a straightforward police procedural set in the complicated world of the London Blitz, complicated because war offers unique challenges in terms of restrictions, danger and criminal opportunities.
The novel is told entirely from Jago’s point of view and that is my favourite way as it gives the reader no additional insight or detail and allows them to guess alongside the detectives. I would like to say that I guessed it all in advance because I’m smart, but, in reality, the solution was a bolt from the blue for me, I had no idea of the who or why. I found the solution when it came neat, slightly mundane and up till then well disguised.
The storytelling has an old fashioned feel to it. Obviously the setting contributes to that, but even so it is an investigation that runs down the leads, uncovers associated crimes and uses a little bit of instinct to get the solve. I was glued to the pages as Les Latham’s secrets, and a few others, come to light over the course of the novel. It is a satisfying read because there is no ambiguity or shading of right and wrong, if you break the law you will be punished. I know real life doesn’t function that way, but fictional just desserts are great.
I don’t know enough about wartime conditions to judge the novel, but it’s atmospheric enough to give the reader a flavour, even down to Craddock feeling constantly hungry and always thinking about food.
The Camden Murder is a good read that I have no hesitation in recommending.
DI Jago and his assistant, DC Peter Craddock are sent to investigate when a burning car with a body in it is found in an abandoned builder’s yard in Camden. The victim is quickly identified as a commercial traveler in confectionery, Les Latham, but the motive is more obscure until Jago finds a mysterious picture and some potentially illegal petrol rationing coupons in his belongs.
I enjoyed The Camden Murder, which is a straightforward police procedural set in the complicated world of the London Blitz, complicated because war offers unique challenges in terms of restrictions, danger and criminal opportunities.
The novel is told entirely from Jago’s point of view and that is my favourite way as it gives the reader no additional insight or detail and allows them to guess alongside the detectives. I would like to say that I guessed it all in advance because I’m smart, but, in reality, the solution was a bolt from the blue for me, I had no idea of the who or why. I found the solution when it came neat, slightly mundane and up till then well disguised.
The storytelling has an old fashioned feel to it. Obviously the setting contributes to that, but even so it is an investigation that runs down the leads, uncovers associated crimes and uses a little bit of instinct to get the solve. I was glued to the pages as Les Latham’s secrets, and a few others, come to light over the course of the novel. It is a satisfying read because there is no ambiguity or shading of right and wrong, if you break the law you will be punished. I know real life doesn’t function that way, but fictional just desserts are great.
I don’t know enough about wartime conditions to judge the novel, but it’s atmospheric enough to give the reader a flavour, even down to Craddock feeling constantly hungry and always thinking about food.
The Camden Murder is a good read that I have no hesitation in recommending.
June 24, 2025
Sorry, a little boring.
About detective novels. I think they per definition describes a person with many layers and many windows into him, but each widow shows only one layer and each beholder has only one window.
Detective books describe people in way that is different from what ordinary novels do. The trick with a detective novel is that we see the culprit, or the potential culprits, from several perspectives, before the essential perspective is revealed, that is, the culprit is the murderer or the thief.
In the Mike Hollow novel The Camden murder, the victim is described as joyful, easygoing, friendly guy, guided by luck, p.183, but also with a nasty streak. p.183. “selling stolen cupons_ not a chance”. “You sound very sure, why is that, because it is a mug’s game, that is why”… p. 293.
The novel is too simplistic. The author would have benefitted from using more of the skeletons that Agatha Christie uses. E.g. the possible culprits are outlined in more detail, and we are to believe that the one that eventually turns out to be the culprit (here murder) really is a credible murder. Here, I have problems believing it, although the murder does have a motive.
The author would have benefitted from reading for example a novel by Agatha Christie. Maybe he has, but did not read them as I do.
This said, I think a lot of readers, not so critical as me, would enjoy the conversations detective John Jogo has with the people he interview and with the exchanges he has with his assistent Cradock. And, by the way, the detective is the most considerate and polite detective I have met, and his assisten probably has an eating disorder.
About detective novels. I think they per definition describes a person with many layers and many windows into him, but each widow shows only one layer and each beholder has only one window.
Detective books describe people in way that is different from what ordinary novels do. The trick with a detective novel is that we see the culprit, or the potential culprits, from several perspectives, before the essential perspective is revealed, that is, the culprit is the murderer or the thief.
In the Mike Hollow novel The Camden murder, the victim is described as joyful, easygoing, friendly guy, guided by luck, p.183, but also with a nasty streak. p.183. “selling stolen cupons_ not a chance”. “You sound very sure, why is that, because it is a mug’s game, that is why”… p. 293.
The novel is too simplistic. The author would have benefitted from using more of the skeletons that Agatha Christie uses. E.g. the possible culprits are outlined in more detail, and we are to believe that the one that eventually turns out to be the culprit (here murder) really is a credible murder. Here, I have problems believing it, although the murder does have a motive.
The author would have benefitted from reading for example a novel by Agatha Christie. Maybe he has, but did not read them as I do.
This said, I think a lot of readers, not so critical as me, would enjoy the conversations detective John Jogo has with the people he interview and with the exchanges he has with his assistent Cradock. And, by the way, the detective is the most considerate and polite detective I have met, and his assisten probably has an eating disorder.
December 16, 2022
In the early hours of the morning a burning car has been found in an abandoned builder’s yard in Camden. And it contains the body of a man, who according to the fire brigade, should have been able to escape…if he was alive when the fire started. In the midst of WWII London, at the height of the Blitz, DI John Jago and DC Peter Craddock are sent to investigate this highly suspicious death.
The author has created a old-fashioned police procedural, and done it very well. The plot is nicely crafted with a complex tangle of motives and weaves in a few nice subplots, adding to the complexity of the mystery. The story was made all the more interesting by its depiction of London in the early days of the war. We get a picture of the challenges faced by the police, and the populace, in a world complicated by shortages, restrictions, danger and criminal opportunities.
This is the seventh book in the “Blitz Detective” series, but the first that I have read, and I quite enjoyed it. My one quibble is that I found the characters of Jago and Craddock a bit difficult to engage with. I have the sense that if I had read the previous books, and understood more of their history, the characters would have had more depth for me. But even with that, I found this to be an interesting and enjoyable read. I’ll just have to go back and check out the series from the beginning!
The author has created a old-fashioned police procedural, and done it very well. The plot is nicely crafted with a complex tangle of motives and weaves in a few nice subplots, adding to the complexity of the mystery. The story was made all the more interesting by its depiction of London in the early days of the war. We get a picture of the challenges faced by the police, and the populace, in a world complicated by shortages, restrictions, danger and criminal opportunities.
This is the seventh book in the “Blitz Detective” series, but the first that I have read, and I quite enjoyed it. My one quibble is that I found the characters of Jago and Craddock a bit difficult to engage with. I have the sense that if I had read the previous books, and understood more of their history, the characters would have had more depth for me. But even with that, I found this to be an interesting and enjoyable read. I’ll just have to go back and check out the series from the beginning!
December 11, 2022
The Camden Murder is Mike Hollow’s latest book in his series about the Blitz Detective, DI John Jago. It starts with a couple of bobbies on the beat finding a burning car with a body inside. The fireman leading the crew extinguishing the fire points out that the car door was unlocked and that the fuel pump was switched off. It looks like murder.
The book is well-written but I found the premise quite sad, although it is true-to-life. During the war, many people weren’t as honest as they should be: there is murder; trading in stolen petrol coupons; fiddling expenses; and someone cheating their best friend at poker. We also meet an innocent woman who’s been traumatised by the bombing of Coventry. Although there is humour in the book, there is also sadness, both aspects beautifully delineated by Hollow. Mike Hollow has obviously researched heavily: his books reek of authenticity and I’m confident that they reflect how things were in London during 1940.
One minor quibble which reflects my personal preference rather than any criticism of the book at all: I do wish Jago would decide how to progress his relationship with the American journalist, Dorothy. And it appears from the last page of the book that Dorothy wishes that too!
#TheCamdenMurder #NetGalley
The book is well-written but I found the premise quite sad, although it is true-to-life. During the war, many people weren’t as honest as they should be: there is murder; trading in stolen petrol coupons; fiddling expenses; and someone cheating their best friend at poker. We also meet an innocent woman who’s been traumatised by the bombing of Coventry. Although there is humour in the book, there is also sadness, both aspects beautifully delineated by Hollow. Mike Hollow has obviously researched heavily: his books reek of authenticity and I’m confident that they reflect how things were in London during 1940.
One minor quibble which reflects my personal preference rather than any criticism of the book at all: I do wish Jago would decide how to progress his relationship with the American journalist, Dorothy. And it appears from the last page of the book that Dorothy wishes that too!
#TheCamdenMurder #NetGalley
December 30, 2023
Another instalment in this lovely series with John Jago and his offsider Peter Cradock hunting down the person responsible for the death of a commercial traveller.
There are a number of red herrings to be discarded before the truth is finally revealed.
What I love about these books is the feeling of authenticity that comes from solid research and details gleaned from the news of the day. (Who knew that early RAF bombers were sent out with homing pigeons to deliver their location in the case of being shot down; or that Great Britain paid Jamaica NOT to export their banana crop?)
In some ways police procedures have not change in 80 years - fingerprinting, dental records etc - but these crimes are set against the setting and stress of London in 1940, and the characterisation is superb. There are glimpses of what is happening in the rest of the world and how England is surviving as Hitler attempts to cut it off.
There are a number of red herrings to be discarded before the truth is finally revealed.
What I love about these books is the feeling of authenticity that comes from solid research and details gleaned from the news of the day. (Who knew that early RAF bombers were sent out with homing pigeons to deliver their location in the case of being shot down; or that Great Britain paid Jamaica NOT to export their banana crop?)
In some ways police procedures have not change in 80 years - fingerprinting, dental records etc - but these crimes are set against the setting and stress of London in 1940, and the characterisation is superb. There are glimpses of what is happening in the rest of the world and how England is surviving as Hitler attempts to cut it off.
February 17, 2023
Enjoyed The Camden Murder, especially the depiction of life in England during the Blitz that Mike Hollow paints for us. The characterization is top-notch as always, too. Our erstwhile inspector and his constable cohort doggedly build a case, and it definitely pays off in the end (although the ending felt a bit rushed to me, but I suppose that can happen in "real life," too).
On the personal front, Jago gets a bit of an education, and it's slowly starting to pay off. Hopefully something will come of it before the war ends, but I won't be taking any bets on that score, let me tell you. The Camden Murder should satisfy fans of the series and the historical mystery genre who enjoy a fast-paced, plot-driven mystery with individual, well-written characters that make up the story.
On the personal front, Jago gets a bit of an education, and it's slowly starting to pay off. Hopefully something will come of it before the war ends, but I won't be taking any bets on that score, let me tell you. The Camden Murder should satisfy fans of the series and the historical mystery genre who enjoy a fast-paced, plot-driven mystery with individual, well-written characters that make up the story.
January 28, 2023
The latest book in this series is just as good as the others - Jago and Cradock are still working with Scotland Yard and find a man who has burned to death in his car. They discover he was a rather shady commercial traveller, selling chocolates, and from there have a tangled web of deceit and theft to unveil before they discover who killed him and why.
The setting of London in WW2 is fascinating, and the author really paints a clear picture of the bombings and deprivations, as well as the budding romance between Jago and Dorothy, the American journalist.
A great series!
Thank you to NetGalley and Allison & Busby for allowing me access to the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The setting of London in WW2 is fascinating, and the author really paints a clear picture of the bombings and deprivations, as well as the budding romance between Jago and Dorothy, the American journalist.
A great series!
Thank you to NetGalley and Allison & Busby for allowing me access to the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
November 26, 2022
I love this series and I think this is the best story so far: a complex, well plotted, and gripping mystery that kept me guessing and hooked.
I was surprised till the end and I didn't guess any of the twists. Jago and Craddock are a great investigating team and I'm always glad to catch up with them.
The setting and the descriptions of everyday life are detailed, vivid and well researched. I iike to read the note at the end of the book and discovering new things.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this arc, all opinions are mine
I was surprised till the end and I didn't guess any of the twists. Jago and Craddock are a great investigating team and I'm always glad to catch up with them.
The setting and the descriptions of everyday life are detailed, vivid and well researched. I iike to read the note at the end of the book and discovering new things.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this arc, all opinions are mine
December 27, 2022
Excellent story, several books into the series but I had no problem with plot points that carried over from previous books. The mystery was great and the historical details were fascinating. I’ll definitely be going back to read the earlier books in the series.
March 27, 2024
Decent listening to you have to remember it's set on war time nut I enjoyed it good storyline and characters were ill say good could of been better would I say listen or read this yes it may not be your cup of tea but give it a go
February 21, 2023
Flawed story , a car on fire would’ve been smelt and the flame noticeable by the milkman and policemen
July 9, 2023
These mysteries are great!! Can't wait to see what Jago and Craddock get up to in the next one.
February 13, 2024
Enjoyed this one
Read
June 10, 2024DNF at 49%. it’s halfway through the book and nothing has happened. The characters are very one-dimensional, and the plot hasn’t really moved at all
February 15, 2025
A joy to read, curious and accurate, set in wartime London. Who knew petrol rations were such serious business.
July 2, 2024
I found this a really thrilling and exciting book to read. I thought the crime was set up well and i liked how the twists and turned were done. The characters were written well and i thought they were done in a way that made them seem somewhat realistic. The progression of the story was good and i found the conclusion was done in a way that it was all wrapped up neatly.
I received this book in exchange for a honest review.
I received this book in exchange for a honest review.
December 20, 2022
I have been looking forward to this instalment of John Jago and his ever hungry constable. Sent to deal with an unexplained death by fire in Camden, he investigates this and other crimes he uncovers along the way. His personal life makes progress as Dorothy decides she cannot wait for him to make the first move.
Enjoyed this story as much as all the previous books, especially the facts of life about the war and London as it was then. Looking forward to the next book.
Enjoyed this story as much as all the previous books, especially the facts of life about the war and London as it was then. Looking forward to the next book.
January 28, 2023
Another excellent book.
I really do enjoy these books. They get better and better. I cannot wait for the next one. The characters seem to to come to life and the background detail is very informative.
I really do enjoy these books. They get better and better. I cannot wait for the next one. The characters seem to to come to life and the background detail is very informative.
February 5, 2023
3.75 stars
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews