Malice in London (Erskine Powell Mysteries) [Mass Market Paperback]

Graham Thomas (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 4, 2000 | Series: Erskine Powell Mysteries

DETECTIVE-CHIEF SUPERINTENDENT ERSKINE POWELL RETURNS--INVESTIGATING MALICE IN HIS OWN BACKYARD.

When a murder victim is discovered in the murky waters of the River Thames, Erskine Powell of Scotland Yard plunges into the most diabolical case of his distinguished career. A second brutal slaying draws Powell even deeper into a tangled web of greed, deception, and blackmail. From Tower Bridge to Soho, from Mayfair to Bloomsbury, Powell throws a dragnet across London, racing against time to link two savage crimes--and stop a cold-blooded killer dead in his tracks. . . .

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

A lone woman is walking through the dense fog on the banks of the Thames, searching for her lost dog, when she spies an arm briefly thrust out of the murky water, only to instantly vanish beneath the surface. So opens Thomas's fourth installation (after Malice on the Moors) of his Erskine Powell series, which engages the reader from one episode to the next. Chief Superintendent Powell's latest case involves the death of politician Richard Brighton, the body seen earlier in the Thames. After dismissing the possibility of a mugging gone bad, Powell and company begin digging up evidence that would provide a murder motive. Brighton's stance on the "Dockside project" had its opponents: he saw the so-called "gentrification" plan as a way to develop a run-down warehouse neighborhood, while adversaries felt it a ruthless crusade to evict tenants. The plot thickens when restaurant critic Clive Morton is found dead in an alley, an apple stuffed in his mouth. Fortunately, finding a link between the killings is a challenge equal to Powell's careful, slightly unorthodox sleuthing. Thomas's characters are classically British, as delightfully demonstrated by Detective-Sergeant Sarah Evans's arcane remarks and pub owner Celia Cross's Cockney accent, and the story moves quickly and succinctly. Despite the muddy side plot of a missing girl, this whodunit is crisp and witty, and should satisfy any cravings for intrigue ? la Scotland Yard.
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review

"Jolly good reading for traditional British mystery buffs."
--Meritorious Mysteries

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: Fawcett (April 4, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 080411840X
• ISBN-13: 978-0804118408
• Product Dimensions: 4.2 x 0.5 x 6.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #341,512 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #50 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Mystery & Thrillers > Mystery > Series

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

25 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A good cerebral read, April 6, 2000

By 

Harriet Klausner - See all my reviews
(#1 Hall OF FAME REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Malice in London (Erskine Powell Mysteries) (Mass Market Paperback)

New Scotland Yard's Detective-Chief Superintendent Erskine Powell feels lonely with his wife on a one-year sabbatical in Canada and their two sons attending an overseas university. To pass the time, Erskine wants to get involved in a juicy investigation.

However, his superior and nemesis Sir Henry Merriman assigns to a less than thrilled Erskine the month old case involving the murder of Richard Brighton, a Southwark politician. The corpse was found floating in the Thames with his head bashed to a pulp. The local police have no viable suspect. Erskine thinks this case is a dead end loser. He feels he received the assignment as a form of punishment and his boss is retaliating because Erskine did not support Sir Henry when he tried to become the new commissioner. Although feeling hopeless from the onset, Erskine begins his inquiries into who murdered Richard.

Anyone who enjoys a well-written British police procedural will want to read MALICE IN LONDON (as well as the previous three "Malice" tales). The story line captures the essence and atmosphere of London in a way not often seen in a mystery. The likable protagonist is an ordinary person feeling a bit lonely in a pre empty nest syndrome sort of way. The secondary charcaters play a major role in the investigation, which, in turn, allows the audience to feel as if they too are involved in the investigation. Some cast members return from the well-designed previous novels and that provides a sense of homecoming to fans of the series. Those who demand a first class reading experience must purchase Mr. Thomas's latest mystery.

Harriet Klausner

14 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Intersting though not all-inclusive, August 1, 2000

By 

Elizabeth - See all my reviews

This review is from: Malice in London (Erskine Powell Mysteries) (Mass Market Paperback)

I have read the four books by Graham Thomas and while I find them somewhat lacking, they are interesting nevertheless. My main complaint is the lack of development with the characters. Yes, we seem to get to know Erskine Powell to some extent, but never fully. Since characterization is important to this reader, I find this to be somewhat of a detriment.

However, the settings and explanations of them are interesting. Having never been to the Highlands or Cornwall, I enjoyed that aspect immesnsely. If you are a reader looking for great forensic detail you will also be disappointed in this series.

All in all, these books are a quick and easy read. Unfortunately, I have been spoiled by the writings of Peter Robinson and these do not compare. That does not mean they are not worth reading though. They are enjoyable in their own right.

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Malice in London, May 2, 2009

By 

John F. Schreck (Richmond, Virginia) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Malice in London (Erskine Powell Mysteries) (Mass Market Paperback)

Very much the true British mystery. Reads well and I look forward to reading this authors other works.