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Vine Street
SOHO, 1935.SERGEANT LEON GEATS' PATCH.A snarling, skull-cracking misanthrope, Geats marshals the grimy rabble according to his own elastic moral code.The narrow alleys are brimming with jazz bars, bookies, blackshirts, ponces and tarts so when a body is found above the Windmill Club, detectives are content to dismiss the case as just another young woman who topped herself early.But Geats - a good man prepared to be a bad one if it keeps the worst of them at bay - knows the dark seams of the city.Working with his former partner, mercenary Flying Squad sergeant Mark Cassar, Geats obsessively dedicates himself to finding a warped killer - a decision that will reverberate for a lifetime and transform both men in ways they could never expect.
592 pages, Paperback
Published July 1, 2022
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646 people want to read
About the author
Dominic Nolan
12 books40 followersDominic Nolan is a British author, known for the Abigail Boone series of crime novels.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews
September 26, 2021
Dominic Nolan's historical noir is viscerally atmospheric, set in the mean streets of 1930s Soho with its jazz clubs, blackshirts, ponces, corrupt and murderous cops, spies, and tarts, amidst which walks a serial killer it is to take decades to identify. Untroubled by handing out his own brand of rough and brutal justice is the larger than life DS Leon Geats, one of the 'Dirties', a member of the Vice squad based at Vine Street, who knows his Soho beat, including its criminal underbelly, like the back of his own hand. When a incompetent cop bungles the murder case of a strangled woman, a prostitute, in her own home, Geats continues to make his own inquiries. Other murders occur, including another woman killed with the same MO, bringing in the Flying Squad led by Chief Inspector Nutty Sharpe, with Geats having to work with the sharp dressed and mercenary DS Mark Cassar.
It is the relationship between Geats, Cassar and WPC Willamina 'Billie' Massey that forms the intricate heart of this story. It frames the burning obsession that Cassar and Geats have in hunting a serial killer, even when it not officially sanctioned by the police force. Indeed, an official cover up and killing of an innocent man blamed for the murders has Geats finally handing in his notice. The murders, of course, continue unabated, as the investigation is stymied by the war. The killer's victims grow during wartime, attempting to use the German bombing of London to disguise his nefarious activities. A tragedy has a grieving Geats joining the war efforts in numerous roles in Europe and beyond, uncaring if he dies. However, he returns to London, only to discover Cassar has been unrelenting in his absence in continuing the dangerous investigation.
It is only many years later that Geats and Cassar's deadly inquiry pays off, but at what cost? This character driven historical noir was a absolute joy to read, although I have to admit it took me a third of the book to become invested and immersed in it. The characterisation is standout, you cannot help but root for Geats and the tender relationship he develops with 11 year old Nell Martin, and in a socially awkward Cassar finding a home, drugs and his dancing feet at the Windmill Club. Nolan evokes 1930s Soho with skill and style, with his well researched details and rich descriptions. This is a complex and complicated piece of epic historical crime fiction, one that I have no hesitation in recommending highly. Many thanks to the publisher for an ARC.
It is the relationship between Geats, Cassar and WPC Willamina 'Billie' Massey that forms the intricate heart of this story. It frames the burning obsession that Cassar and Geats have in hunting a serial killer, even when it not officially sanctioned by the police force. Indeed, an official cover up and killing of an innocent man blamed for the murders has Geats finally handing in his notice. The murders, of course, continue unabated, as the investigation is stymied by the war. The killer's victims grow during wartime, attempting to use the German bombing of London to disguise his nefarious activities. A tragedy has a grieving Geats joining the war efforts in numerous roles in Europe and beyond, uncaring if he dies. However, he returns to London, only to discover Cassar has been unrelenting in his absence in continuing the dangerous investigation.
It is only many years later that Geats and Cassar's deadly inquiry pays off, but at what cost? This character driven historical noir was a absolute joy to read, although I have to admit it took me a third of the book to become invested and immersed in it. The characterisation is standout, you cannot help but root for Geats and the tender relationship he develops with 11 year old Nell Martin, and in a socially awkward Cassar finding a home, drugs and his dancing feet at the Windmill Club. Nolan evokes 1930s Soho with skill and style, with his well researched details and rich descriptions. This is a complex and complicated piece of epic historical crime fiction, one that I have no hesitation in recommending highly. Many thanks to the publisher for an ARC.
November 28, 2022
In brief - Multi layered and unusual - it drew me in completely. 4.5/5
In full
This book starts in London in the 1930s. In general it concerns the police and crime in London at that time. Rather more particularly we get to meet Leon Geats, Mark Cassar and Willamina better known as Billie. All three are police officers. At the start Geats and Billie are in the "Dirties" otherwise known as Vice. Cassar is in the (notorious) Flying Squad. A woman - apparently a street walker - has been found dead. There are issues about whose jurisdiction the case should come under. You do discover from the introduction that Billie and Mark are married later in their lives.
The book has some quite complex twist and turns in it. It really is one of those books I would far rather people found out about for themselves so I'm reluctant to give anything much away. While this starts as what appears to be a simple story you realise by the end just how multi layered it is. There is an investigation into the death however plenty of other ideas run through this for me. Police behaviour is certainly one as is the attitude to women and prostitutes (& pimps) at that time. The effects of the war come into this and how relationships change. There are secrets and lies.
Initially I found the language - I think it is probably authentic London of the 1930s - rather awkward to read. There were words I simply didn't know and while I could guess at some others I could not. There were also some time switches going on that were not well signposted in my proof copy. These points slowed my reading down and at something under 20% in I was not particularly convinced.
Then things started to change - the book flowed far better for me. I'm not sure what changed really - it might have simply been me however the book became more coherent and compelling. The police are not the only characters in this. Other people appear and play their parts. Nell is definitely one of them as is a cat named Tallulah! Personally I found all the characters convincing and well up to their tasks. Even the minor players are good. I became drawn in and well and truly hooked.
There is real darkness here and it may not be a read for those of a sensitive nature, some violence is part of the story. The tale does have humour however that is often balanced by parts that are powerful. In some senses this can be a "romp" at times but at others it is deadly serious. It did leave me hanging a couple of times wondering just what the hell was going on however that feeling didn't last! I did spot one or two of the twists and turns before they arrived but that did nothing to spoil the book for me.
Possibly this was not the "greatest" read but it became increasingly appealing and chameleon like - just when I thought I knew what sort of book it was it changed!! Deeply powerful and entertainingly shallow :). In the end I simply really enjoyed reading this. I do hope the author can come up with some more like this - I will certainly read them. 4.5/5
Note - I received an advance digital copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a fair review
In full
This book starts in London in the 1930s. In general it concerns the police and crime in London at that time. Rather more particularly we get to meet Leon Geats, Mark Cassar and Willamina better known as Billie. All three are police officers. At the start Geats and Billie are in the "Dirties" otherwise known as Vice. Cassar is in the (notorious) Flying Squad. A woman - apparently a street walker - has been found dead. There are issues about whose jurisdiction the case should come under. You do discover from the introduction that Billie and Mark are married later in their lives.
The book has some quite complex twist and turns in it. It really is one of those books I would far rather people found out about for themselves so I'm reluctant to give anything much away. While this starts as what appears to be a simple story you realise by the end just how multi layered it is. There is an investigation into the death however plenty of other ideas run through this for me. Police behaviour is certainly one as is the attitude to women and prostitutes (& pimps) at that time. The effects of the war come into this and how relationships change. There are secrets and lies.
Initially I found the language - I think it is probably authentic London of the 1930s - rather awkward to read. There were words I simply didn't know and while I could guess at some others I could not. There were also some time switches going on that were not well signposted in my proof copy. These points slowed my reading down and at something under 20% in I was not particularly convinced.
Then things started to change - the book flowed far better for me. I'm not sure what changed really - it might have simply been me however the book became more coherent and compelling. The police are not the only characters in this. Other people appear and play their parts. Nell is definitely one of them as is a cat named Tallulah! Personally I found all the characters convincing and well up to their tasks. Even the minor players are good. I became drawn in and well and truly hooked.
There is real darkness here and it may not be a read for those of a sensitive nature, some violence is part of the story. The tale does have humour however that is often balanced by parts that are powerful. In some senses this can be a "romp" at times but at others it is deadly serious. It did leave me hanging a couple of times wondering just what the hell was going on however that feeling didn't last! I did spot one or two of the twists and turns before they arrived but that did nothing to spoil the book for me.
Possibly this was not the "greatest" read but it became increasingly appealing and chameleon like - just when I thought I knew what sort of book it was it changed!! Deeply powerful and entertainingly shallow :). In the end I simply really enjoyed reading this. I do hope the author can come up with some more like this - I will certainly read them. 4.5/5
Note - I received an advance digital copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a fair review
May 19, 2022
Having previously read Five Decembers, which attemps something similar and fails spectacularly,I loved this one all the more.It´s excellent.
A very pleasant and overwhelming surprise. Beautifully written,GREAT characters,tight plot spanning decades. Set in Soho,in the 30s,40s,60s and recently,this books makes you feel you´re walking the streets. Geats is one of a kind,and I wish we could see more of him (not possible,I´m afraid);even the secondary characters are well defined and interesting.If you like crime,it´s a must read.I can´t praise it enough.
Dominic Nolan is an author to watch.
A very pleasant and overwhelming surprise. Beautifully written,GREAT characters,tight plot spanning decades. Set in Soho,in the 30s,40s,60s and recently,this books makes you feel you´re walking the streets. Geats is one of a kind,and I wish we could see more of him (not possible,I´m afraid);even the secondary characters are well defined and interesting.If you like crime,it´s a must read.I can´t praise it enough.
Dominic Nolan is an author to watch.
October 30, 2021
This is a wonderfully atmospheric, criminal noir novel, set in the Soho of the 1930’s. It begins with the police coming to interview the elderly Mark Cassar and hi wife, Billie about two bodies found in a film. This then sees the story explored to when WPC Willamina ‘Billie’ Massey worked with Sargeant Mark Cassar and Detective Sergeant Leon Geats. Called to investigate the murder of a prostitute, Geats discovers a young girl hiding in the bathroom. When the investigating officer, Proudfoot, amazingly suggests that the victim, strangled with her own stocking, has committed suicide, it leads to Cassar and Geats investigating on their own.
Although I loved this book, it is a slow burner and you do need to keep with it and allow yourself time to get to know the characters. It is the relationship between Cassar, Geats and Billie that form the heart of the book, as well as Geats involvement with Nell, the girl he discovers at the crime scene. In the same way that the central characters spend time sitting in Soho clubs, it is important that you observe and relax into the rhythm of Nolan’s writing. For there is a killer on the loose and wartime will only help him to become more prolific.
This is a novel of clubs, gangsters, a serial killer, set in the Soho underworld, with characters that you will come to care about and a fully realised world that you, as the reader, will become invested in. I do love books set between the wars, particularly in London, and this really worked for me. I recommend this highly and received a copy of the book from the publisher, via NetGalley, for review.
Although I loved this book, it is a slow burner and you do need to keep with it and allow yourself time to get to know the characters. It is the relationship between Cassar, Geats and Billie that form the heart of the book, as well as Geats involvement with Nell, the girl he discovers at the crime scene. In the same way that the central characters spend time sitting in Soho clubs, it is important that you observe and relax into the rhythm of Nolan’s writing. For there is a killer on the loose and wartime will only help him to become more prolific.
This is a novel of clubs, gangsters, a serial killer, set in the Soho underworld, with characters that you will come to care about and a fully realised world that you, as the reader, will become invested in. I do love books set between the wars, particularly in London, and this really worked for me. I recommend this highly and received a copy of the book from the publisher, via NetGalley, for review.
October 5, 2021
An absolute masterpiece of fiction, a vivid, vibrant tale with utterly unforgettable characters, spanning decades, a long complulsive hunt for a serial killer within an ever changing world.
Vine Street literally drips with atmosphere, completely compelling, portraying Soho and London with descriptive perfection, as lives, loves, crime and violence fill the streets through peace and war. At the heart one man-Leon Geats- who dispatches his own form of justice with tenacity and reality.
I loved this. It is everything I want from a novel and more. I read it in slow, rationed portions, not wanting to leave the world Dom Nolan creates here. Sadly all good things must come to an end and what an ending it was.
Highly HIGHLY recommended.
Vine Street literally drips with atmosphere, completely compelling, portraying Soho and London with descriptive perfection, as lives, loves, crime and violence fill the streets through peace and war. At the heart one man-Leon Geats- who dispatches his own form of justice with tenacity and reality.
I loved this. It is everything I want from a novel and more. I read it in slow, rationed portions, not wanting to leave the world Dom Nolan creates here. Sadly all good things must come to an end and what an ending it was.
Highly HIGHLY recommended.
July 10, 2022
Vine Street is an absolute knockout of a crime drama. I have been obsessed with this book for the past few days. It is gritty and fast paced, full of great characters and loads of action. I loved the combination of real people and events with imagined ones, in much the same fashion as James Ellroy. Nolan also has a style all his own - the prose is muscular and spare, reminiscent of Don Winslow. One of the standout crime novels of this - or indeed any - year.
September 4, 2022
When initially Nolan put his plan for this novel to his publisher they turned it down, but he was persistant, and eventually, no doubt with some tweaks, it managed to see the bookshelves.
I think I had a similar reaction when I read the precis, it certainly sounded interesting, but over 600 pages, its complexities were something I wasn't sure I could grasp. But, I read some strong recommendations, and took it on, and was duly rewarded.
Most of all, this is an intense portrait of London, and in particular Vine Street (perhaps the most obscure location on the Monopoly board) and Soho. Of course the research is important, and Nolan is flawless here, but it is more about getting into the emotional heart of the city, which he does with aplomb, its rough edges and all.
Plot-wise, it concerns police and crime in the 1930s and 40s. It may take some criticism for being yet another crime novel in which young women are brutally killed, but some of that is put right, and indeed brought up to date, in that it deals with the incompetence of the Metropolitan Police; misogyny, racism and a 'boys club' attitude generally.
Back to its length, which put me off at first. I did wonder mid-way through whether it could have been two novels, or even three, as it spans several decades. I am settled though on leaving it as it is. Essentially, it is a character study of three people, Geats, the main investigator and protagonist, his partner Cassar and their female colleague Billie. Something would be lost in the fluency of their character development if it was split.
I think I had a similar reaction when I read the precis, it certainly sounded interesting, but over 600 pages, its complexities were something I wasn't sure I could grasp. But, I read some strong recommendations, and took it on, and was duly rewarded.
Most of all, this is an intense portrait of London, and in particular Vine Street (perhaps the most obscure location on the Monopoly board) and Soho. Of course the research is important, and Nolan is flawless here, but it is more about getting into the emotional heart of the city, which he does with aplomb, its rough edges and all.
Plot-wise, it concerns police and crime in the 1930s and 40s. It may take some criticism for being yet another crime novel in which young women are brutally killed, but some of that is put right, and indeed brought up to date, in that it deals with the incompetence of the Metropolitan Police; misogyny, racism and a 'boys club' attitude generally.
Back to its length, which put me off at first. I did wonder mid-way through whether it could have been two novels, or even three, as it spans several decades. I am settled though on leaving it as it is. Essentially, it is a character study of three people, Geats, the main investigator and protagonist, his partner Cassar and their female colleague Billie. Something would be lost in the fluency of their character development if it was split.
August 23, 2021
1930’s Soho and a serial killer haunts London’s Jazz clubs. Two likable but broken detectives obsession with breaking the case and catching the fiend spans decades and the UK.
Wow!
Every few years a crime novel will come along that will hijack my mind completely. With the Molotov cocktail of a gorgeous setting, endearing characters, addictive plot line and visceral writing, Vine Street by Dom Nolan is easily one of the best crime novels I’ve read in the last decade.
It’s literary and Ellroy-esque in scope and ambition.
A great novel
5/5
Highly Recommended
Wow!
Every few years a crime novel will come along that will hijack my mind completely. With the Molotov cocktail of a gorgeous setting, endearing characters, addictive plot line and visceral writing, Vine Street by Dom Nolan is easily one of the best crime novels I’ve read in the last decade.
It’s literary and Ellroy-esque in scope and ambition.
A great novel
5/5
Highly Recommended
September 4, 2021
I would like to thank Netgalley and Headline for an advance copy of Vine Street, a stand-alone historical novel set mostly in Soho.
Sergeant Leon Geats works Vice in Soho. In 1935 he is called to the death of a local prostitute. Murder is not his beat, but when another woman is killed in the same way the Flying Squad takes over the investigation. This begins Leon and Sergeant Mark Cassar’s decades long hunt for a twisted serial killer.
I thoroughly enjoyed Vine Street, which is a substantial, i.e. long, sprawling novel covering the seamier side of Soho and its denizens in intimate detail.
The novel is told mostly from Leon’s point of view, with Mark and WPC Billie Massey contributing from time to time to give an alternative perspective. It is rough and violent, not shying away from drugs, gangs and prostitution and all the other elements of life at the time. I think it is an amazing tour de force in creating atmosphere as it seems visceral and at no point unbelievable. The timeline is more problematic. It starts and finishes in the present and flashes back to the thirties, forties and sixties although not necessarily in date order as the hunt comes back to life. I didn’t always find the timeline clear, perhaps because I was reading an arc, but this is a minor quibble in an engrossing read.
The serial killer plot is a bit of an enigma. Ostensibly it is the novel’s driver, but it gets subsumed by the relationship between Leon, Mark and Billy and Leon’s approach to life in general and policing in particular. It pops up with more bodies, but with no forensics and the police force at large not believing it, it disappears again after bringing collateral damage to Leon. Having said that the opening revelation makes the novel compulsive reading as curiosity drives the reader on and the final twists rewards the reading. It’s amazing.
I can’t do the characters justice. They inhabit their environment naturally and while I don’t understand many of their actions they seem to fit the overarching narrative.
Vine Street is a good read that I have no hesitation in recommending.
Sergeant Leon Geats works Vice in Soho. In 1935 he is called to the death of a local prostitute. Murder is not his beat, but when another woman is killed in the same way the Flying Squad takes over the investigation. This begins Leon and Sergeant Mark Cassar’s decades long hunt for a twisted serial killer.
I thoroughly enjoyed Vine Street, which is a substantial, i.e. long, sprawling novel covering the seamier side of Soho and its denizens in intimate detail.
The novel is told mostly from Leon’s point of view, with Mark and WPC Billie Massey contributing from time to time to give an alternative perspective. It is rough and violent, not shying away from drugs, gangs and prostitution and all the other elements of life at the time. I think it is an amazing tour de force in creating atmosphere as it seems visceral and at no point unbelievable. The timeline is more problematic. It starts and finishes in the present and flashes back to the thirties, forties and sixties although not necessarily in date order as the hunt comes back to life. I didn’t always find the timeline clear, perhaps because I was reading an arc, but this is a minor quibble in an engrossing read.
The serial killer plot is a bit of an enigma. Ostensibly it is the novel’s driver, but it gets subsumed by the relationship between Leon, Mark and Billy and Leon’s approach to life in general and policing in particular. It pops up with more bodies, but with no forensics and the police force at large not believing it, it disappears again after bringing collateral damage to Leon. Having said that the opening revelation makes the novel compulsive reading as curiosity drives the reader on and the final twists rewards the reading. It’s amazing.
I can’t do the characters justice. They inhabit their environment naturally and while I don’t understand many of their actions they seem to fit the overarching narrative.
Vine Street is a good read that I have no hesitation in recommending.
August 20, 2021
Epic, seductive, bloody funny. Vine Street hits you with all the highs of jazz and all the lows of blues. As we span the decades, Soho and the coppers who police it are mired in vice, violence and vengeance. But despite the twists and turns of a film noir, perhaps the biggest surprise comes from the sheer amount of heart in a story about the endurance of love, obsession, and a cat called Tallulah.
November 11, 2021
This one’s a cracking crime novel set in Soho’s underbelly in the 1930s and 60s, and it’s a bit of a masterpiece honestly!
Sergeant Leon Geats walks a fine line between lawful and criminal, but no one knows Soho like he does. So when prostitutes start turning up murdered, he’s the first one to start looking into things. But another set of murders has him teaming up with Flying Squad sergeant Mark Cassar, a man with his own secrets. These two men become obsessed with catching the killer, but will have to see through a war, decades and a lot of death before they find him, and even then they may not make it out alive…
I’ve tried to summarise a bit, but honestly there’s so much to this book that I can’t capture it in a few sentences - this isn’t the kind of run-of-the-mill crime novel which you can zoom through in a day! This is complex, clever, ambitious and can at times be hard to keep track of, but it’s so worth persevering.
The characters all straddle this line of morality which seems far less clear cut in 1930s Soho than these days. Geats and Cassar both commit their own crimes, but in this story there’s no clear definition of who’s right and wrong - and that’s what makes it such a compelling read. It’s definitely a gritty one, with lots of brutal death, sex, drugs and dodgy police!
There are also so many misleads and colourful side characters to keep you entertained through what is a rather chunky read, so you never have the chance to get bored. It took a bit more time and concentration than my usual crime reads, but I found this such an original and refreshing novel and I can’t recommend it enough!
Sergeant Leon Geats walks a fine line between lawful and criminal, but no one knows Soho like he does. So when prostitutes start turning up murdered, he’s the first one to start looking into things. But another set of murders has him teaming up with Flying Squad sergeant Mark Cassar, a man with his own secrets. These two men become obsessed with catching the killer, but will have to see through a war, decades and a lot of death before they find him, and even then they may not make it out alive…
I’ve tried to summarise a bit, but honestly there’s so much to this book that I can’t capture it in a few sentences - this isn’t the kind of run-of-the-mill crime novel which you can zoom through in a day! This is complex, clever, ambitious and can at times be hard to keep track of, but it’s so worth persevering.
The characters all straddle this line of morality which seems far less clear cut in 1930s Soho than these days. Geats and Cassar both commit their own crimes, but in this story there’s no clear definition of who’s right and wrong - and that’s what makes it such a compelling read. It’s definitely a gritty one, with lots of brutal death, sex, drugs and dodgy police!
There are also so many misleads and colourful side characters to keep you entertained through what is a rather chunky read, so you never have the chance to get bored. It took a bit more time and concentration than my usual crime reads, but I found this such an original and refreshing novel and I can’t recommend it enough!
March 5, 2022
A very impressive book, a new author for me too. We start in the 1930's in Soho and Leon Geats is a policeman in the Vine Street station.
His former partner Mark Cassar meets him again when the Flying Squad become based at Vine Street. A complex tale spanning decades and involving murders, an elusive serial killer, blackshirts, the Mitford sisters, jazz clubs, wartime bombing and most of all, the streets of Soho.
This is an English noir novel reminding me a little of James Ellroy and despite being long keeps you gripped all the way through. Geats is a great character and the book a great achievement.
His former partner Mark Cassar meets him again when the Flying Squad become based at Vine Street. A complex tale spanning decades and involving murders, an elusive serial killer, blackshirts, the Mitford sisters, jazz clubs, wartime bombing and most of all, the streets of Soho.
This is an English noir novel reminding me a little of James Ellroy and despite being long keeps you gripped all the way through. Geats is a great character and the book a great achievement.
March 29, 2022
Sergeant Leon Geats and Sergeant Mark Casser are both Metropolitan Police Officers in 1935 London but they are both on different career paths, as Geats is in Vice and Casser is with the Flying Squad. When they are thrown together to investigate a murder in Soho they both conclude it’s the work of a serial killer but their theory doesn’t suit their superiors agenda and therefore they embark on a lifelong quest to identify the killer and bring his spree to an end.
This is a truly epic crime noir that covers decades from prewar London, through the Blitz, the early sixties and right up to the conclusion in 2002. The story delves into the seedy Soho underbelly of jazz clubs, brothels, prostitutes, pimps and madams all controlled by gangsters from varying ethnic groups. There is also a hint of espionage as spooks seek out foreign collaborators who hide within the depths of the Soho scene. The plot line is at times pulled in different directions by the events of the times but the two main protagonists are always pulled back to their ultimate quest. This is a brilliant crime story and in some respects it reminded me of another great novel I’ve read recently, James Kestrel’s’Five Decembers’, which is also an epic wartime crime noir.
This is a truly epic crime noir that covers decades from prewar London, through the Blitz, the early sixties and right up to the conclusion in 2002. The story delves into the seedy Soho underbelly of jazz clubs, brothels, prostitutes, pimps and madams all controlled by gangsters from varying ethnic groups. There is also a hint of espionage as spooks seek out foreign collaborators who hide within the depths of the Soho scene. The plot line is at times pulled in different directions by the events of the times but the two main protagonists are always pulled back to their ultimate quest. This is a brilliant crime story and in some respects it reminded me of another great novel I’ve read recently, James Kestrel’s’Five Decembers’, which is also an epic wartime crime noir.
December 29, 2021
A 3.5 stars read that I've decided to round up to 4 stars, because I may have a soft spot for a dark noir and a rugged, take no bullshit copper, ups :D
Vine Street it's a very long winded novel, a slog even for at least the first half. Many of the dialogues annoyed the hell out of me, to the point I've repeatedly considered DNFing. But the story intrigued me from the start and I am glad I've persevered as the second half really rewarded me for my patience.
Soho in the 1930s, the Jews, the Italians, pimps and foreign girls, music and drugs and whatnot. A very eclectic scene that truly comes to life under Nolan's pen. Crime fits quite well in this imagery and Leon is the perfect cop to try and solve what looks like an unsolvable murdering spree! Needless to say I loved Leon. He is a bastard, agreed by all involved: from his colleagues to those he is keeping tabs on. He's big and rugged but he has a big heart - and let's be honest here: who doesn't love a dark giant with a soft heart, eh?! He has unorthodox methods and takes no shit, his job as a police officer, even back in the day, is not a fitting glove for him, something well spotted by Harrison. But he is a smart one, fast to put 2 and 2 together and sometimes coming up with 5, as someone who is ahead of the game will. My heart bled for him, and I may have shed a tear or two once or twice :p.
Vine Street it's a very long winded novel, a slog even for at least the first half. Many of the dialogues annoyed the hell out of me, to the point I've repeatedly considered DNFing. But the story intrigued me from the start and I am glad I've persevered as the second half really rewarded me for my patience.
Soho in the 1930s, the Jews, the Italians, pimps and foreign girls, music and drugs and whatnot. A very eclectic scene that truly comes to life under Nolan's pen. Crime fits quite well in this imagery and Leon is the perfect cop to try and solve what looks like an unsolvable murdering spree! Needless to say I loved Leon. He is a bastard, agreed by all involved: from his colleagues to those he is keeping tabs on. He's big and rugged but he has a big heart - and let's be honest here: who doesn't love a dark giant with a soft heart, eh?! He has unorthodox methods and takes no shit, his job as a police officer, even back in the day, is not a fitting glove for him, something well spotted by Harrison. But he is a smart one, fast to put 2 and 2 together and sometimes coming up with 5, as someone who is ahead of the game will. My heart bled for him, and I may have shed a tear or two once or twice :p.
February 29, 2024
An atmospheric read, the author did a great job immersing me straight into the 1930s Soho setting. Jumping forward occasionally to the 1960s and 2000s to help add to the mystery.
A good overall story, written well, with humour mixed in to break up the murderous backdrop. Predominantly following one story throughout, the plot did veer from it a little too often leaving me waiting for the parts I was mostly interested in. This is where the book became a little convoluted, adding too many characters and places to the mix.
Despite being very busy at points it did begin to become slightly samey, but the characters were all good enough that it wasn't too tedious.
A solid plot, the who, what and where were my key thoughts throughout as I followed the main character in hopes of unearthing the truth. Not full of surprises, the ones that did come were fun and fit the story well.
The best part of the book was easily the atmosphere alongside the characters. With plenty to get to know all had a place and added their own special something to the book.
When the finale did come, it wasn’t quite as good as the build-up had suggested, but did the job nonetheless.
Overall a solid 1930s crime mystery that keeps you hooked and keeps you reading.
A good overall story, written well, with humour mixed in to break up the murderous backdrop. Predominantly following one story throughout, the plot did veer from it a little too often leaving me waiting for the parts I was mostly interested in. This is where the book became a little convoluted, adding too many characters and places to the mix.
Despite being very busy at points it did begin to become slightly samey, but the characters were all good enough that it wasn't too tedious.
A solid plot, the who, what and where were my key thoughts throughout as I followed the main character in hopes of unearthing the truth. Not full of surprises, the ones that did come were fun and fit the story well.
The best part of the book was easily the atmosphere alongside the characters. With plenty to get to know all had a place and added their own special something to the book.
When the finale did come, it wasn’t quite as good as the build-up had suggested, but did the job nonetheless.
Overall a solid 1930s crime mystery that keeps you hooked and keeps you reading.
November 26, 2022
In my head, the whole of this took place in monochrome; an old (but sharply-detailed) film location vividly evoked) and just as well considering the quantity of blood spilled. Took me a while to get to grips with who was who and to appreciate the definitely much more grown-up - weightier, even, in a different way to those Abigail Boone dealt with - impact of this; Leon Geats towering above everyone else, even while fighting with himself, his activities as murky as those of friends and foes alike, but the sheer strength of the telling kept me reading, tension ever-twisting and tightening throughout its 575 pages.
February 18, 2026
Excellent, un chef d'oeuvre de polar très bien ficelé, les époques et le quartier nourrissent la traque.
December 11, 2022
Just stunning. Beautifully created atmosphere, light touch historical details, compelling characters.
December 14, 2024
Sometimes you just need a book of epic proportions and this was just the ticket. Really well written, brilliant story of serial killer targeting prostitutes, with a satisfactory ending.
April 24, 2022
Very dark, but a good read. Spanning nearly 70 years and a pursuit for a serial killer.
November 4, 2021
I’m a huge fan of Dominic Nolan’s writing and I couldn’t wait to read Vine Street when I first heard of it. The plot of this novel spans nearly a century and I thought the timelines were weaved together so well. It starts in 2002, when an elderly couple, former police officers, are dealt with a devastating blow when they learn the news that the body of a friend, Leon Geats, who went missing years ago, has been found.
Dominic Nolan then takes us back to London in the 1930s, particularly Soho and Dominic Nolan did a brilliant job in bringing the setting to life. We meet the man whose body is found in 2002 and he is investigation the death of a woman, believed to be a prostitute. Someone is targeting working girls with a foreign accent, and this becomes a particularly tricky case to solve, spanning across the decades. It is also apparent that there is corruption going on in the police force.
I wanted to know what would lead up to the point when his body would be discovered and I wanted to know if this investigation, had anything to do with his death. Geats comes across as a really likeable character and he is someone who you would hope to have fighting your corner if you were ever in trouble. He is a person who will do whatever it takes to get justice. Is it possible that his determination to get justice will ultimately lead to his downfall?
Dominic’s writing flowed really well. There was no confusion at all with the timelines and I liked how we got to see Leon’s character grow over the decades. I became really invested in his story. The mystery deepens even further and the twists which come as the plot begins to unfold were really shocking. It was plotted so well, and everything felt very satisfactory as I was reading.
I deliberately slowed down as I was reading this book, this is the type of book that you want to take your time with, not because it isn’t fast paced, but because it is so well written. The atmosphere draws you in and the setting is so well done. Vine Street is definitely one of my favourite reads of the year and if you are a fan of crime fiction you need to add it to your TBR pile. Highly recommended!
Dominic Nolan then takes us back to London in the 1930s, particularly Soho and Dominic Nolan did a brilliant job in bringing the setting to life. We meet the man whose body is found in 2002 and he is investigation the death of a woman, believed to be a prostitute. Someone is targeting working girls with a foreign accent, and this becomes a particularly tricky case to solve, spanning across the decades. It is also apparent that there is corruption going on in the police force.
I wanted to know what would lead up to the point when his body would be discovered and I wanted to know if this investigation, had anything to do with his death. Geats comes across as a really likeable character and he is someone who you would hope to have fighting your corner if you were ever in trouble. He is a person who will do whatever it takes to get justice. Is it possible that his determination to get justice will ultimately lead to his downfall?
Dominic’s writing flowed really well. There was no confusion at all with the timelines and I liked how we got to see Leon’s character grow over the decades. I became really invested in his story. The mystery deepens even further and the twists which come as the plot begins to unfold were really shocking. It was plotted so well, and everything felt very satisfactory as I was reading.
I deliberately slowed down as I was reading this book, this is the type of book that you want to take your time with, not because it isn’t fast paced, but because it is so well written. The atmosphere draws you in and the setting is so well done. Vine Street is definitely one of my favourite reads of the year and if you are a fan of crime fiction you need to add it to your TBR pile. Highly recommended!
December 1, 2021
I polished off the final 300 pages 0f this 570 page crime novel set in Soho whilst I was recovering from a bad reaction to a booster jab and in many ways it was a perfect antidote . I couldn’t put it down even though I was feeling a bit rough . I nearly gave this four stars but I had a few reservations . First I felt it was over long . Second as with many books which go into a lot of plot building detail ( and this is a pet dislike of mine ) the author seems to get to a point where they may be either bored and want to start their next book or there is a delivery deadline looming and they need to comply or face financial penalties so they wrap things up double quick . In this case it took about 540 pages of intricate plot building and scene setting to get nowhere close to solving the central crimes in this book and in the final 30 it is all resolved from out of a clear blue sky . Finally I found the switching between 1930s and ‘60s a bit bewildering not helped by the use of modern phrases like “yadda yadda” and “reach out” ( as in “ we reached out to the Yard”) although some loose ends were neatly tied up towards the end.
Having said all of the above I did enjoy the book which had a lot of original twists and turns . The characters were well defined and interesting and the central character Leon Geats made Jack Reacher seem a little timid and insipid . There were also some genuinely emotional and touching relationships worked into the story Having worked in Soho for 40 years I liked the setting and there seems to be something of a Soho nostalgia fest going on at the moment . Don’t wait until you have your booster jab to read this book though!
Having said all of the above I did enjoy the book which had a lot of original twists and turns . The characters were well defined and interesting and the central character Leon Geats made Jack Reacher seem a little timid and insipid . There were also some genuinely emotional and touching relationships worked into the story Having worked in Soho for 40 years I liked the setting and there seems to be something of a Soho nostalgia fest going on at the moment . Don’t wait until you have your booster jab to read this book though!
April 11, 2022
A masterpiece probably
November 17, 2021
My first read by Dominic Nolan and what a stunning story this is. 5 star, book of the year stuff.
Starting in the 1930s, the story tells of Detective Geats, a rough and ready giant of a man, a man more suited to street life yet he’s a vice detective running the dark and dirty streets of Soho.
When a couple of women die in similar circumstances, Geats begins to believe he is on the trail of a serial killer, and this soon calls for the attention of famed flying squad detective Natty Sharpe and his team, as they push the low-key Geats aside and begin the hunt for this killer.
Full of corruption and atmosphere, this dingy, gritty and bleak historical crime noir is simply superb, as it stretches through 70 years in time.
The War, spies, the speakeasies, Brothels, drugs, gangsters and more all have their place in this outstanding tale.
It reminds in parts of tv shows such as Boardwalk Empire, little hints of Peaky Blinders but this is its own stand out book.
Geats is some creation, and his relationships he develops throughout the book are so well done.
A story of murder but also very much of its shining protagonist. It has very little to lighten the darkest of tones, but it’s not really a book that needs that.
Simply Superb and supreme storytelling.
At nearly 600 pages it looks big but I read this in a few sittings, so good, I genuinely did not want to put it down
🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Starting in the 1930s, the story tells of Detective Geats, a rough and ready giant of a man, a man more suited to street life yet he’s a vice detective running the dark and dirty streets of Soho.
When a couple of women die in similar circumstances, Geats begins to believe he is on the trail of a serial killer, and this soon calls for the attention of famed flying squad detective Natty Sharpe and his team, as they push the low-key Geats aside and begin the hunt for this killer.
Full of corruption and atmosphere, this dingy, gritty and bleak historical crime noir is simply superb, as it stretches through 70 years in time.
The War, spies, the speakeasies, Brothels, drugs, gangsters and more all have their place in this outstanding tale.
It reminds in parts of tv shows such as Boardwalk Empire, little hints of Peaky Blinders but this is its own stand out book.
Geats is some creation, and his relationships he develops throughout the book are so well done.
A story of murder but also very much of its shining protagonist. It has very little to lighten the darkest of tones, but it’s not really a book that needs that.
Simply Superb and supreme storytelling.
At nearly 600 pages it looks big but I read this in a few sittings, so good, I genuinely did not want to put it down
🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
November 22, 2021
I’m a fan of Dominic Nolan’s first two novels, contemporary crime thrillers, Past Life and After Dark. Vine Street is a departure from Nolan’s previous books because it is a historical crime thriller, set in London in the 1930s. I’ve always loved London’s Soho and used to enjoy night outs there in the 1990s, and its reputation and history is rich and storied.
Vine Street is set in a world of organised crime set around prostitution, prostitutes, and corrupt police. With the war on the horizon in the first half of the novel, and then the war itself and postwar, there are also fascists in the guise of the Blackshirts and spies. And in the centre of it all, is a serial killer, whose murder spree crosses decades and whose killings aren’t recognised as such except by DS Leon Geats, a member of the porn squad, DS Mark Cassar of the flying squad, and WPC Willamina 'Billie' Massey.
This is a sprawling book, 600+ pages, and is an incredibly impressive feat. It’s a great story and the characters are well drawn and interesting. The serial murders are gruesome, the victim’s fates horrific to contemplate. The story is compelling and I highly recommend this novel.
Vine Street is set in a world of organised crime set around prostitution, prostitutes, and corrupt police. With the war on the horizon in the first half of the novel, and then the war itself and postwar, there are also fascists in the guise of the Blackshirts and spies. And in the centre of it all, is a serial killer, whose murder spree crosses decades and whose killings aren’t recognised as such except by DS Leon Geats, a member of the porn squad, DS Mark Cassar of the flying squad, and WPC Willamina 'Billie' Massey.
This is a sprawling book, 600+ pages, and is an incredibly impressive feat. It’s a great story and the characters are well drawn and interesting. The serial murders are gruesome, the victim’s fates horrific to contemplate. The story is compelling and I highly recommend this novel.
December 29, 2021
Well, I had already pretty much decided on my book of the year, and this has just gone and thrown a right spanner in the works!
Vine Street is a story that spans several decades, starting in the 1930's when a murderer seems to be targetting prostitutes. Most police are not that bothered, apart from Leon Geats. A bit of a rogue member of the vice squad who mainly plays by his own rules and when another woman is found in similar circumstances, he thinks he is on the trail of a serial killer. This catches the attention of the flying squad who take over from Leon in hunting the killer, or so they think.
With a story that effortlessly covers 70 years, some characters that will be ridiculously difficult to forget and an immaculately weaved tale, this is some book.
Vine Street is a story that spans several decades, starting in the 1930's when a murderer seems to be targetting prostitutes. Most police are not that bothered, apart from Leon Geats. A bit of a rogue member of the vice squad who mainly plays by his own rules and when another woman is found in similar circumstances, he thinks he is on the trail of a serial killer. This catches the attention of the flying squad who take over from Leon in hunting the killer, or so they think.
With a story that effortlessly covers 70 years, some characters that will be ridiculously difficult to forget and an immaculately weaved tale, this is some book.
March 13, 2022
Early candidate for my Best Read Of The Year
A long but never boring journey in pursuit of a serial killing monster and the life defining effects on the three main characters.
It's very detailed and at times violently graphic but the effort needed to complete the book and the journey was a hugely rewarding one.
The author draws you into the twilight world of jazz clubs, the criminal underworld and the equally criminal police, where misogyny and casual racism flourish and murdered prostitutes are an inconvenience rather than a tragedy and male on female violence a way of life.
The story held me from the first page and never let go and will probably remain with me for quite some time.
A thoroughly entertaining read and highly recommended.
A long but never boring journey in pursuit of a serial killing monster and the life defining effects on the three main characters.
It's very detailed and at times violently graphic but the effort needed to complete the book and the journey was a hugely rewarding one.
The author draws you into the twilight world of jazz clubs, the criminal underworld and the equally criminal police, where misogyny and casual racism flourish and murdered prostitutes are an inconvenience rather than a tragedy and male on female violence a way of life.
The story held me from the first page and never let go and will probably remain with me for quite some time.
A thoroughly entertaining read and highly recommended.
September 17, 2024
Conflicted on this one. On the plus side, it’s atmospheric, it has convincing characters that really grow on you, the initial premise of the plot is engaging, and the narrative pulls you along. Dominic Nolan is clearly a very good writer, and in parts it was a joy to read.
But, when you’re over 450 pages in and the plot isn’t actually developing - only going repeatedly round in the same circles - it starts to get frustrating. By the final 100 pages, I’d started to lose interest in the resolution. It was just overlong, and that’s normally something I don’t like to criticise when I’ve willingly picked up a door stopper of a book. But here, a lot of the length seems to owe to the ambitious structure, and I don’t think it fully paid off.
But, when you’re over 450 pages in and the plot isn’t actually developing - only going repeatedly round in the same circles - it starts to get frustrating. By the final 100 pages, I’d started to lose interest in the resolution. It was just overlong, and that’s normally something I don’t like to criticise when I’ve willingly picked up a door stopper of a book. But here, a lot of the length seems to owe to the ambitious structure, and I don’t think it fully paid off.
November 7, 2021
It's not often you come across a book that stands out as this one does, but it is truly brilliant - a rich, dark, smoky blend packed with a panoply of racketeers and hoods violently and unreliably policed by a constabulary on the take. Through the clubs, pubs and brothels of pre-war London stalks a serial killer, and one of the Met's (nominally) good guys intends to stop him preying on Soho's ladies of the night. The story begins in the 1930s, threading through decades to its unpredictable ending in the 2000s, masterfully holding the tension as it does so, some fabulous turns of phrase bringing light to the gloomy backstreets. Fabulously unique, it's a prizewinner if ever there was one.
January 31, 2022
4.5 brilliant stars
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