The Tin God

November 1, 2016

In 1893 Leeds, England, DI Tom Harper is representing the police at a demonstration of a powerful new naval weapon, the torpedo, when the resulting explosion in the lake brings up a body; meanwhile, river dredging uncovers a woman's leg. Are the two corpses connected, and who is killing the petty criminals of Leeds? This fourth installment follows Skin Like Silver.

Copyright 2016 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

October 15, 2016
Set in 1893 in Leeds, England, this historical procedural brings back DI Tom Harper in another baffling case. This one begins at the demonstration of a naval torpedo on the lake in Roundhay Park. When the torpedo goes off, there's an unexpected result: a body surfaces from the depths of the lake. Shortly afterward, a woman's leg is found in the canal, with no body attached. When two more bodies are found, Harper is worried there may be a serial killer on the loose. But then he discovers that there could be a link to the city's two most notorious criminal gangs and, worse, that another, even-more-powerful gang may be moving into Leeds in a takeover bid. Dead ends proliferate, and even when Tom's superintendent is convinced the case has been cracked, Tom is still unsure. Outstanding period detail, complex characters, a twisty plot, plenty of surprises, and a likable protagonist make for an engaging and intriguing read. Recommend this one to fans of Anne Perry's Charlotte and Thomas Pitt series.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2016, American Library Association.)

May 1, 2018
Police Superintendent Tom Harper likes the status and the pay that come with his new title but misses daily involvement in police work. Also on his mind is the fact that his wife, Annabelle, is running for political office?hardly a typical occurrence in turn-of-the-century England. Despite the obstacles and many constituents' comments that a woman's place is in the home, Annabelle is determined to run and win. But then she receives a death threat, and a bomb explodes in the hall where she is supposed to give a campaign speech. Tom is both furious and terrified, so he puts his entire force on high alert. But the villain is wily, leaving few clues as to his identity. When the threats to Annabelle become more violent and are extended to the five other women running for office, Tom knows he must stop the perpetrator or risk not only Annabelle's life but also the idea of a free society where women can run for and hold office. A tense, well-crafted police procedural with authentic period ambience, a clever plot, and an engaging husband-and-wife duo in the lead.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2018, American Library Association.)