David Hewson

Jessica Marshall is in Dover and finds her stories are being blocked by the military until she agrees to what they want. She finds herself drawn into a propaganda campaign aimed at keeping morale high after Dunkirk. Meanwhile the body of a woman has been found in a secret bunker and detective Renard finds his investigation blocked by both his superiors and the military. As the town is awaiting a potential German invasion, tension is high.
This book has the double advantage of being a great police procedural and a solid period novel. The setting is well-imagined in that time after Dunkirk when the German army was expected to cross the channel any day. There are some rather grubby aspects to the plot but they are completely believable and the scene is set for a sequel which I look forward to.… (more)

Detectives, Dover and murder!

The world’s gone mad! It’s 1940 and just after the Dunkirk retreat in Dover. The place where a German invasion would surely land.
The Castle, an imposing fortress like building overlooks Dover and its harbour. The Castle houses a myriad of Ministry departments including one devoted to dirty tricks, of far fetched ideas. Dover and the Castle is a place on the defensive footing.
Into this madness comes Louis Reynard, a former Scotland Yard detective, who was wounded during the Dunkirk evacuation. He’s maybe just a little mad or lost, maybe both. His Aunt Veronica, a renowned actress of the West End, and doyen of the Dover area, has a word in the right ears. When he’d recovered Louis found himself posted to the quietness of Dover. Not that that lasted!
Now he’s dealing with murder, treason and German agents.
He’s also being haunted by a serial killer whom Renaud believes killed his fiancé. The killer is obsessed with Renaud.
Then there’s the Canadian reporter Jessica.
The pressure did not stop. The last section is a shocker.
Super read!

A Boldhound ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.… (more)

1940, Dover, local-law-enforcement, murder, spies, journalist, historical-thriller, historic-site, historical-novel, historical-places-events, historical-research, historical-setting, history-and-culture, relationships*****

In this rather long offering set in the time of the Battle of Britain, Canadian journalist Jessica Marshall is looking for a story and finds herself getting a far clearer understanding of the realities of war and espionage than she was prepared for.
Louis Renard, wounded Dunkirk veteran and police Inspector seconded from The Yard, is given a murder to investigate and a position of value to British espionage.
The story is gripping and the characters are totally believable.
I requested and received a temporary uncorrected ebook file from Bloodhound Books via NetGalley. Thank you!
#WhenTheGermansCome by @david_hewson #NetGalley @Bloodhoundbook… (more)

Arnold Clover is asked to support an Englishwoman who has been called to Venice as her family home is in danger. Almost forty years ago Lizzie's mother, a Contessa, disappeared presumed murdered, and her English father took here to London, away from the Palazzo. When a body is discovered, it is assumed to be Luccia, and with it clues to a missing painting. Arnold and Lizzie follow the clues, but they are not the only people looking for the prize.
This is a rather clever book which wraps crime, history and a rather good treasure hunt into a pacy read. Arnold is a rather accidental hero but I love the descriptions of Venice and the clues were fun. Whilst the ending was rather predictable it didn't spoil the narrative!… (more)