From Booklist
An arsonist is loose in turn-of-the-century London, but he's not an ordinary firebug. His fires seem designed to convey a message rather than to inflict maximum damage. But what is the message, why is it being sent, and to whom? This is the puzzle that Inspector Sam Blackstone and his loyal assistant, Detective Patterson, must solve. Unfortunately, they can't depend on the advanced forensic tools that modern coppers have, but they do have the distinct advantage of Dr. Ellie Carr, who's unusually interested in the "new" science of forensics. Combining Carr's scientific methods with plodding, boring investigative work and the pursuit of every tiny clue, Blackstone and Patterson hope they'll eventually get the big break that will crack the case wide open. Wearing her pseudonymous Alan Rustage hat, author Sally Spencer has crafted a fine procedural that evokes a realistic sense of turn-of-the-century London. The characters are rich and complex, the plot is unusual and inventive, but it's the delightfully droll, wonderfully witty doses of humor that make the novel such a pleasure.
Emily MeltonCopyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved
Review
"Humorous, intriguing and perplexing, Rustage's book offers an appealingly down-to-earth hero and plenty of unexpected twists" Booklist on Blackstone and the Golden Egg "Vivid characters, a dazzling plot, authentic period details, and plenty of surprising twists make this an outstanding choice for historical mystery fans" Booklist on Blackstone and the Tiger"
--This text refers to the
Hardcover
edition.
See all Editorial Reviews