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A Pyke Mystery #4
The Detective Branch
Pyke joins the newly formed Detective Branch of the Metropolitan police in a tale of corruption and murder set in the dangerous backstreets of 19th-century London...
Drury Lane, 1844. A robbery has been committed at a pawnbroker's, leaving three people dead. The man called in to investigate is Pyke, head of the Metropolitan Police's newly formed Detective Branch at Scotland Yard. Pyke must find the culprit and quickly, especially as the identity of one of the victims threatens to expose his own criminal past. A valuable religious artefact appears to have motivated the robbery but when the main suspect commits suicide in police custody, the investigation falters. Then the rector of a wealthy parish is brutally murdered and Pyke spots a connection. His suspicions lead him to a dissolute former Catholic priest, rumours of devil worship, and an old case that no one wants him to investigate.
With time running out and the murderer threatening to kill again, Pyke must face up to forces within the police and the church who would prefer the secrets of the past to remain buried for ever ...
Drury Lane, 1844. A robbery has been committed at a pawnbroker's, leaving three people dead. The man called in to investigate is Pyke, head of the Metropolitan Police's newly formed Detective Branch at Scotland Yard. Pyke must find the culprit and quickly, especially as the identity of one of the victims threatens to expose his own criminal past. A valuable religious artefact appears to have motivated the robbery but when the main suspect commits suicide in police custody, the investigation falters. Then the rector of a wealthy parish is brutally murdered and Pyke spots a connection. His suspicions lead him to a dissolute former Catholic priest, rumours of devil worship, and an old case that no one wants him to investigate.
With time running out and the murderer threatening to kill again, Pyke must face up to forces within the police and the church who would prefer the secrets of the past to remain buried for ever ...
448 pages, Paperback
First published March 2, 2010
8 people are currently reading
126 people want to read
About the author
Andrew Pepper
30 books28 followersAndrew Pepper lives in Belfast where he is a lecturer in English at Queen's University.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
November 14, 2025
This is the fourth book in the Pyke series and we have moved on to London, 1844. A robbery in a pawn brokers leaves three men dead and it seems that a valuable religious artefact is the motivation. Inspector Pyke head of Scotland Yard's newly formed Detective Branch is assigned the case. Pyke has an uneasy relationship with his men, a past he’d sooner keep hidden, and an uncanny ability to rub his superiors up the wrong way. As Pyke begins to piece together the case he is soon made aware that this particular crime has connections leading back to a case from five years previously in which two children were brutally murdered bringing him into conflict with local gangs, church leaders and his own bosses who would all prefer to remain buried. But the more Pyke digs the stronger the opposition to his investigation and the less he seems able to trust his own men. But Pyke has never been one to shy away from a fight.
In this book there was a lot of separate pieces to move into place to provide sufficient backstory, and evoke the time and setting, and the tale that Pepper tells is a convoluted one involving a whole plethora of different crimes, factions and characters, ranging from the underbelly to the elite of Victorian London. This meant that the story started off a little slowly for me but roughly a third of the way through the general thrust suddenly became clearer. Pepper does a fine job juggling these various strands and the story picks up pace as it neared its satisfying conclusion.
On the whole the story is an entertaining one. Pyke an interesting character who administers justice in his own particular way whilst just about keeping on the right side of the law, a copper who must rely on his wits and connections in the absence of modern technology. As such it is an interesting addition to the series
In this book there was a lot of separate pieces to move into place to provide sufficient backstory, and evoke the time and setting, and the tale that Pepper tells is a convoluted one involving a whole plethora of different crimes, factions and characters, ranging from the underbelly to the elite of Victorian London. This meant that the story started off a little slowly for me but roughly a third of the way through the general thrust suddenly became clearer. Pepper does a fine job juggling these various strands and the story picks up pace as it neared its satisfying conclusion.
On the whole the story is an entertaining one. Pyke an interesting character who administers justice in his own particular way whilst just about keeping on the right side of the law, a copper who must rely on his wits and connections in the absence of modern technology. As such it is an interesting addition to the series
December 23, 2021
Read this book in 2010, and its the 4th volume of the thrilling "Pyke" series.
The year is AD 1844, and in Drury Lane a robbery has been committed, leaving three people dead.
Pyke, now head of the newly formed Detective Branch of the Metropolitan Police at Scotland Yard, will be one to investigate this case, but he must solve this case quickly, if only that one of the bodies will connect him to his criminal past.
When the rector of a wealthy parish is also found murdered, Pyke spots a connection with the other case.
His investigation will lead him to a dissolute Catholic priest, rumours of devil worship, and an old case nobody wants to investigate.
What will follow is a thrilling murder mystery, in which Pyke is opposed by different factions, especially the church and by various people within the police force, and even though these setbacks, his determination and willpower will eventually reveal the culprit behind these murders in a most animated fashion.
Highly recommended, for this is another splendid Pyke mystery set in Victorian times, and that's why I like to call this episode: "A Magnificent Detective Branch!"
The year is AD 1844, and in Drury Lane a robbery has been committed, leaving three people dead.
Pyke, now head of the newly formed Detective Branch of the Metropolitan Police at Scotland Yard, will be one to investigate this case, but he must solve this case quickly, if only that one of the bodies will connect him to his criminal past.
When the rector of a wealthy parish is also found murdered, Pyke spots a connection with the other case.
His investigation will lead him to a dissolute Catholic priest, rumours of devil worship, and an old case nobody wants to investigate.
What will follow is a thrilling murder mystery, in which Pyke is opposed by different factions, especially the church and by various people within the police force, and even though these setbacks, his determination and willpower will eventually reveal the culprit behind these murders in a most animated fashion.
Highly recommended, for this is another splendid Pyke mystery set in Victorian times, and that's why I like to call this episode: "A Magnificent Detective Branch!"
March 7, 2022
Quite good. Recommended.
October 11, 2011
This is the 4th book in the Victorian mystery series featuring Detective Pyke. I haven't read any of the first three so I can't compare this with the earlier ones.
Pyke had a chequered past, he had been convicted of murder and sentenced to hang, only to escape and earn a full pardon, he had also served some time in the debtors prison.
He was certainly no goody goody but he was a good policeman and "as he looked down at the bodies.....it was his job to remain detached, to see things as they were, but it was hard work to look at the crime scene and not feel a twinge of excitement. An abomination had been perpetrated and it was his job to find the man or men responsible.
At bottom, it was why he'd agreed to join the police force; because he loved the thrill of the chase."
He had a strained relationship with his 14 year old son, a strained relationship with his superiors and an equally strained relationship with his peers in the Detective Branch. All in all, he's not very good with people.
What started off as a routine robbery/murder soon turned into a complicated story of a stolen church artefact, a man accused of murdering a child, past murders that may or may not be related to this murder investigation and other surprising turn of events.
This was a better than average mystery which seemed slow at the beginning, there were a lot of characters to remember but once the story had developed I became thoroughly engrossed and had no idea which way it was going to go.
From Carole's Book Corner
Pyke had a chequered past, he had been convicted of murder and sentenced to hang, only to escape and earn a full pardon, he had also served some time in the debtors prison.
He was certainly no goody goody but he was a good policeman and "as he looked down at the bodies.....it was his job to remain detached, to see things as they were, but it was hard work to look at the crime scene and not feel a twinge of excitement. An abomination had been perpetrated and it was his job to find the man or men responsible.
At bottom, it was why he'd agreed to join the police force; because he loved the thrill of the chase."
He had a strained relationship with his 14 year old son, a strained relationship with his superiors and an equally strained relationship with his peers in the Detective Branch. All in all, he's not very good with people.
What started off as a routine robbery/murder soon turned into a complicated story of a stolen church artefact, a man accused of murdering a child, past murders that may or may not be related to this murder investigation and other surprising turn of events.
This was a better than average mystery which seemed slow at the beginning, there were a lot of characters to remember but once the story had developed I became thoroughly engrossed and had no idea which way it was going to go.
From Carole's Book Corner
March 17, 2011
Set in the early 1800’s this detective thriller is as dark and gritty as its main character.
Pyke (no first name) has been introduced as starting life in an orphanage, turning to crime and then becoming a detective in Londons first ever detective branch.
You would imagine that due to his past Pyke would be of a dubious nature and this is highlighted by the fact that even his son is suspicious of Pyke but although some of his techniques for crime solving are less than perfect he gets his results no matter to whom they lead and shows loyalty only to the law inspite of his shady connections.
This story really makes you feel you are living in pre-victorian England, with its avid descriptions of the cesspits, smog and the tenements.
Focusing on political treachery that reaches throughout the police and government right down to the earliest and most evil gang bosses in London this story encompasses many twists that leave you wondering who the culprit(s) are.
The plot which starts with a murder in a church, talks about devil worship, corruption of the police and government and is also filled with Pykes personal anguish was well written and I for one cannot wait for the next Pyke investigation.
Pyke (no first name) has been introduced as starting life in an orphanage, turning to crime and then becoming a detective in Londons first ever detective branch.
You would imagine that due to his past Pyke would be of a dubious nature and this is highlighted by the fact that even his son is suspicious of Pyke but although some of his techniques for crime solving are less than perfect he gets his results no matter to whom they lead and shows loyalty only to the law inspite of his shady connections.
This story really makes you feel you are living in pre-victorian England, with its avid descriptions of the cesspits, smog and the tenements.
Focusing on political treachery that reaches throughout the police and government right down to the earliest and most evil gang bosses in London this story encompasses many twists that leave you wondering who the culprit(s) are.
The plot which starts with a murder in a church, talks about devil worship, corruption of the police and government and is also filled with Pykes personal anguish was well written and I for one cannot wait for the next Pyke investigation.
June 19, 2011
The character of Pyke may have gone as far he can I think. I found this story somewhat dull and Pyke to be less likeable than in the previous story and because of it not very believable. The potential badass Druitt was not used as well as I thought he might be and apart from some nice glimpses of 19th century London life I was disappointed.
October 29, 2025
I have really liked all the other books in the series but this one felt like a bit of a slog to me. I'm not entirely sure why. The mystery at the heart of this was uninteresting to me and maybe that was the root of my issue because the writing is excellent and the characters are for the most part well realised and realistic. I felt a little bit like the ending was just this happened then this happened and so on without anything being sorted or solved in any way. The relationship between Pike and his son seems to be stagnant and most of the time he seems like an afterthought to Pyke until he's useful which doesn't reflect very well on the character.
I will read the last book in the series but it feels like it's coming to a natural end.
I will read the last book in the series but it feels like it's coming to a natural end.
April 21, 2021
This book isn't one that I would usually read, but I was drawn in by the promise of mystery and action. Unfortunately, I found it to have a bit of a slow start, Pyke spends a great deal if time talking and interviewing people, asking the same questions over and over.
Despite that, I found the action scenes enjoyable and the actual mystery itself was fun, filled with red herrings and twists and turns. I liked how Pepper demonstrated the importance of good morals and setting things right regardless of the personal costs. It was a bit of a quick ending though, I would have liked to know more about the aftermath.
Despite that, I found the action scenes enjoyable and the actual mystery itself was fun, filled with red herrings and twists and turns. I liked how Pepper demonstrated the importance of good morals and setting things right regardless of the personal costs. It was a bit of a quick ending though, I would have liked to know more about the aftermath.
September 27, 2023
Anti-hero, Pyke, returns in 1844/5 as head of the Detective Branch, initially investigating the murder of three men at a pawnbrokers and then the brutal killing of a rector which soon escalates to similarities to murders from five years before and potential corruption.
Powerful forces inside and outside Scotland Yard make life difficult for Pyke as does his realistic family background. The first two-thirds is excellent, although the final chapters have one too many implausible twists and escapes as the violent Pyke doesn’t know who to trust.
Powerful forces inside and outside Scotland Yard make life difficult for Pyke as does his realistic family background. The first two-thirds is excellent, although the final chapters have one too many implausible twists and escapes as the violent Pyke doesn’t know who to trust.
May 31, 2020
Could have been doing without the constant “ewww his fat is so disgusting” comments every time Pyke saw his colleague. But then Pyke is so unlikeable at every turn anyway.
February 7, 2011
I received this book from and reviewed it for BookDagger's RealReaders programme.
This is the fourth book in a series set in the 19th century, featuring Pyke.
Pyke is the head of the Metropolitan Police's recently established Detective Branch at Scotland Yard. He is a man with a violent and dubious past, which he tries to keep hidden from his colleagues and superiors. A man who has his own ways of investigating and who doesn't shy away from any means in order to get to the truth and what he considers to be justice.
The story starts with a robbery in a pawnbroker's shop leaving three men dead. Pyke recognices one of the victims as someone he had dealings with in the past and knows that once the man is identified, his own secrets may come to the surface, something he wishes to avoid at all cost. But, from the very first moment the investigation proves harder then it should be. And when the main suspect in the case commits suicide and the probable cause of the robbery, a valuable religious artifact, can't be found, the investigation grinds to a halt.
Soon after a rich clergy-man is found murdered and Pyke finds prove to connect the two cases. His superiors refuse to acknowledge the connection though and more or less order him to focus his investigation elsewhere. At the same time Pyke is aware that somebody on his team is leaking information about his investigations to those higher up.
When Pyke decides to conduct the investigation according to his own ideas he has no idea that before long he wont' just be trying to close a case but will also find himself on the run from the law and fighting to safe not only his reputation and job, but also his life.
This was an interesting book. I loved the historical setting and reading about the start of the Detective Branch in Scotland Yard. But, I found Pyke a hard character to like at times, and had trouble trying to follow the interconnected story-lines and all the different people in the story.
Part of the reason for my trouble understanding everything might be due to the fact that I haven't read the previous titles in this series though. And I have to say that by the end of the story all the different angles came together nicely and the story made complete sense.
Another thing I wasn't too impressed with was the rather detached approach the author seemed to take. Although he did describe feelings and thoughts, I could never really feel them, and didn't really connect with the characters in this story.
There is one thing I'm really curious about though. One of Pyke's colleguages is called Jack Whicher, and I couldn't stop wondering whether he might be the real historical figure who is the main subject of "The Suspicions of Mr. Whicher" by Kate Summerscale. In that book Summerscale relates the story of a real murder which was investigated by a Jack Whicher of Scotland Yard in 1860. I would have liked a historical note at the end of this book, solving this particular mystery for me.
This is the fourth book in a series set in the 19th century, featuring Pyke.
Pyke is the head of the Metropolitan Police's recently established Detective Branch at Scotland Yard. He is a man with a violent and dubious past, which he tries to keep hidden from his colleagues and superiors. A man who has his own ways of investigating and who doesn't shy away from any means in order to get to the truth and what he considers to be justice.
The story starts with a robbery in a pawnbroker's shop leaving three men dead. Pyke recognices one of the victims as someone he had dealings with in the past and knows that once the man is identified, his own secrets may come to the surface, something he wishes to avoid at all cost. But, from the very first moment the investigation proves harder then it should be. And when the main suspect in the case commits suicide and the probable cause of the robbery, a valuable religious artifact, can't be found, the investigation grinds to a halt.
Soon after a rich clergy-man is found murdered and Pyke finds prove to connect the two cases. His superiors refuse to acknowledge the connection though and more or less order him to focus his investigation elsewhere. At the same time Pyke is aware that somebody on his team is leaking information about his investigations to those higher up.
When Pyke decides to conduct the investigation according to his own ideas he has no idea that before long he wont' just be trying to close a case but will also find himself on the run from the law and fighting to safe not only his reputation and job, but also his life.
This was an interesting book. I loved the historical setting and reading about the start of the Detective Branch in Scotland Yard. But, I found Pyke a hard character to like at times, and had trouble trying to follow the interconnected story-lines and all the different people in the story.
Part of the reason for my trouble understanding everything might be due to the fact that I haven't read the previous titles in this series though. And I have to say that by the end of the story all the different angles came together nicely and the story made complete sense.
Another thing I wasn't too impressed with was the rather detached approach the author seemed to take. Although he did describe feelings and thoughts, I could never really feel them, and didn't really connect with the characters in this story.
There is one thing I'm really curious about though. One of Pyke's colleguages is called Jack Whicher, and I couldn't stop wondering whether he might be the real historical figure who is the main subject of "The Suspicions of Mr. Whicher" by Kate Summerscale. In that book Summerscale relates the story of a real murder which was investigated by a Jack Whicher of Scotland Yard in 1860. I would have liked a historical note at the end of this book, solving this particular mystery for me.
July 19, 2015
It took me a little while to get into The Detective Branch. I think it was because there was a lot of work going on to move things into place, provide sufficient backstory, and evoke the time and setting. The tale Andrew Pepper tells is an expansive and convoluted one, weaving together a whole plethora of different threads, crimes, factions and characters. About a third of the way through everything started to slot into place, with the various alliances and rifts delineated and the general thrust of the puzzle clear. As the tale neared its end the story picks up pace, but it also becomes more tricky to keep the various strands in order and questions start to arise. The one that really baffled me was why Pyke was alive as the simplest solution for the conspirators would have been to bump him off, as they were doing with others. Nonetheless, the tale is an entertaining one, with Pyke an interesting, non-conformist copper who administers justice in his own way whilst just about keeping on the right side of the law. And it was a nice change to read a tale where the investigator has to rely on his wits, coercion and connections given the lack of forensics or modern technology.
December 5, 2010
As head of the Metropolitan Police's newly created Detective Branch, Pyke is called to investigate a robbery at a pawnbroker's which resulted in three deaths. As the investigation begins to involve the church and possible corruption within the police force, Pyke finds his own career and life threatened by those wishing to protect their interests.
Set in 1844, Andrew Pepper paints a very atmospheric picture of the city of London and its inhabitants which I found fascinating. The plot is well written and it is not easy to guess the murderer's identity before the case is solved. The only small problems I had with the story were that I didn't particularly take to Pyke as a character so didn't find myself rooting for him, although this could be because I had not read the earlier books in the series. Many of the characters within the book are called by the surnames throughout and I did find it difficult to keep a track of who each person was at times. Apart from these small quibbles I did enjoy the story and journey into Victorian England.
Set in 1844, Andrew Pepper paints a very atmospheric picture of the city of London and its inhabitants which I found fascinating. The plot is well written and it is not easy to guess the murderer's identity before the case is solved. The only small problems I had with the story were that I didn't particularly take to Pyke as a character so didn't find myself rooting for him, although this could be because I had not read the earlier books in the series. Many of the characters within the book are called by the surnames throughout and I did find it difficult to keep a track of who each person was at times. Apart from these small quibbles I did enjoy the story and journey into Victorian England.
February 19, 2011
The fourth in the Pyke series.
In the early days of the police force, Pyke is heading up the newly formed Detective Branch, although his appointment is not without its critics.
Investigating a robbery at a pawnbrokers, followed by the murder of a priest, Pyke starts to believe that there is a connection between the two. His superiors, however will not entertain the idea and warn him off various lines of enquiry. Pyke becomes convinced that there is corruption at a high level, within the Police and the Church; he is also convinced that he has an informant in his section.
Adding to the pressure he is under is his relationship with his son and how to help him cope with his dying uncle, who is in many ways closer to his son than he is.
Pyke is resourceful, violent, devious, single minded and not above dispensing his own justice. He has had a colourful past, not always on the right side of the law. He isn't a totally likeable character and which seems to be emphasised by his own difficulty with relationships of any sort easy
In the early days of the police force, Pyke is heading up the newly formed Detective Branch, although his appointment is not without its critics.
Investigating a robbery at a pawnbrokers, followed by the murder of a priest, Pyke starts to believe that there is a connection between the two. His superiors, however will not entertain the idea and warn him off various lines of enquiry. Pyke becomes convinced that there is corruption at a high level, within the Police and the Church; he is also convinced that he has an informant in his section.
Adding to the pressure he is under is his relationship with his son and how to help him cope with his dying uncle, who is in many ways closer to his son than he is.
Pyke is resourceful, violent, devious, single minded and not above dispensing his own justice. He has had a colourful past, not always on the right side of the law. He isn't a totally likeable character and which seems to be emphasised by his own difficulty with relationships of any sort easy
September 20, 2013
I love to follow the antics of the main character Pyke and will miss him when I read the last book of the series next. I thoroughly enjoyed this book but I did get a little confused with so many characters in the mainstream plot of the crime. Probably my age, took me a while to work out who had done what and who was good, who was a bad, so to speak.
That aside this is a fantastic tale. I can't help but like Pyke. I know he's a bit of a bad boy with a bit of a temper that he would not get away with today. However, he always tries to do what is good and only ever hurts the baddies.
My last little moan, what an ending?! Now that frustrated me a bit but you'd have to read it to know why. As I'm addicted to Pyke stories I will definitely be reading the next book but if you're not a fan of the series I think you might be a tad disappointed that you don't quite get the ending you need.
It's worth starting with book 1 and working your way through the series. You'll be glad you did.
That aside this is a fantastic tale. I can't help but like Pyke. I know he's a bit of a bad boy with a bit of a temper that he would not get away with today. However, he always tries to do what is good and only ever hurts the baddies.
My last little moan, what an ending?! Now that frustrated me a bit but you'd have to read it to know why. As I'm addicted to Pyke stories I will definitely be reading the next book but if you're not a fan of the series I think you might be a tad disappointed that you don't quite get the ending you need.
It's worth starting with book 1 and working your way through the series. You'll be glad you did.
December 2, 2010
A gripping detective story that held my attention well through out. I liked how all the twists and turns and subplots which at first appeared unrelated tied together neatly at the end.
Set in London in the 1840s, the story has a wealth of detail which works well to form a vivid picture of the time. The main character, Pyke is in the head of the newly formed Detective branch and in the best traditions of maverick detectives is battling his bosses and struggling in his personal life while trying to find a brutal murder.
Although this is the fourth book in the series and I have not read any of the previous ones it didn't matter as there was a good introduction to the characters and the setting, although I now want to catch up with the ones I have missed.
A thoroughly engaging read which I would recommend to anyone who likes period crime.
Set in London in the 1840s, the story has a wealth of detail which works well to form a vivid picture of the time. The main character, Pyke is in the head of the newly formed Detective branch and in the best traditions of maverick detectives is battling his bosses and struggling in his personal life while trying to find a brutal murder.
Although this is the fourth book in the series and I have not read any of the previous ones it didn't matter as there was a good introduction to the characters and the setting, although I now want to catch up with the ones I have missed.
A thoroughly engaging read which I would recommend to anyone who likes period crime.
April 8, 2012
Completed this book , enjoyed this as I thought I would have read two of the previous three books , the last days of Newgate and kill-devil and water . This follows on a view years after the kill devil and water story with pyke working I the new police force. You are introduced to new carecter as well as some of the old ones. It's historical fiction but you do get a good picture of London early 19 th century. If you are familiar with some of the areas he describes its easy to see the picture he lays out of the grit and grime of London.
February 10, 2010
The fourth in Pepper's Pyke series, about the early Victorian DI. He fights, he's vengeful, he deals with crooks, but he has a human side, seen here in terms of his relationship with son Felix and lover Sarah, as well as his ailing guardian-uncle Godfrey. The plot – murders, church corruption, property scams, infanticide, devil worship – is hard to get a handle on, but the author has conjured an engrossing hero and the period is fascinating and well imagined.
August 15, 2010
I hadn't intended to read this book when I did. I picked it up curious to read the first few lines. I found that I couldn't put the book down until I had finished it (luckily it was a Sunday). A superbe read and one I would thoroughly recommend. This is the first book I have read by this author, but it certainly will not be the last.
July 28, 2012
This is the fourth installment of the Pyke series set in 19th century London. I have really enjoyed this series although I am a sucker for historical mysteries. Andrew Pepper evokes the atmosphere of 19th century London well and certainly doesn't miss out on describing any details of the sights or smells that you would have been likely to encounter if you were transported back to that time.
June 22, 2011
Somewhat slow to start and very violent. Pyke, now head of the Detective Branch, still uses brute physical force to get information and to inform people of his views. Plot is more complex than his last novel. But now will Pyke be allowed to remain in the police force?
February 14, 2011
This is a brilliant book - I couldn't put it down. A great combination of mystery, suspense & brilliant storyline which keeps you guessing until the end.
April 8, 2011
Not quite up to the same standard as the previous books in the series.
April 12, 2011
Excellent read.
January 22, 2012
Another great read by Andrew Pepper. Check out his other great reads.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews