I have had problems with this book. Whilst an interesting version of a police investigation, with a thought-providing setting after the sinking of the Lucitania during the Great War, the broad sweep of history seemed rather better handled than the lives of people in London in 1915. My thinking is based on comments from my late mother, born in London in the year the book is set. The interactions, activities and opinions of the characters seem too modern, and those without jobs apparently have private means obviating the need to get paid employment speedily. There is no suggestion the Marmion household had a servant. I suspect a Detective Inspector's family would have had one; if not, Mrs Marmion's working week would have been geared round the hard drudgery of wash day, firing up the copper, mangling, starching, ironing, &c., a reason the Sunday roast would be eaten cold on Monday, and for several days after that. Before the wide availability of electrical equipment, and clean-air legislation, sweeping, dusting and beating carpets were also physically demanding for the unassisted housewife, so it is a surprise that Mrs Marmion completes both laundry and cleaning during the course of one day. The teacher daughter's consideration of her future would surely be influenced by the need for woman teachers to retire on marriage. And what was life in London like in 1915? Well, Zeppelin raids were getting ever closer so ,whilst they had yet to reach London, the threat to the civilian population must have had some impact.

Very satisfying, nice escape. I liked getting to know these characters. There was one character I didn't like a bit. He never seemed to get his comeuppance. Perhaps in a later book? This was an enjoyable mystery, not terribly memorable. ( )

The author has a lovely relaxed style for all his works. Here we have another Scotland Yard Detective, Harvey Marmion, and his more than helpful assistant, Joe Keedy, dealing with the death of a leading German Jewish tailor (hence, Bespoke) and theft from his premises as well as arson in burning them down. To add to this his daughter, Ruth, is raped as she makes her way home to escape from the trouble at her father’s shop. All of this appears to have been sparked by the sinking of the Lusitania, resulting in many German businesses being _targeted, despite the length of time that their proprietors may have been naturalised in this country. Two survivors, Irene, a stewardess from the ship, and Ernie Gill, a barber, feature quite prominently in the development of the story.
There is much to enjoy, the story is well plotted and the perpetrators and their reasons take some teasing out by diligent probing by the detectives, for once supported by their commissioner. There are many likeable characters, and some who are distinctly the opposite, and whose actions in many ways are totally reprehensible.
Marmion’s daughter, Alice, a school teacher, provides some slight romantic interest in a developing relationship with Keedy, and the ending of the story is completely clear, but allows for more work on the part of our two detectives in the future.
A thoroughly enjoyable read, matching his Railway Detective novels.
( )

An enjoyable read.

The story takes place in the early 20th century and is based upon Detective Inspector Harvey Marmion and Sergeant Joe Keedy investigate the murder of Jacob, a Jewish tailor, whose shop is victim of anti-German riots after the sinking of the Lusitania. As the shop is being attacked and burn, Jacob's daughter Ruth is raped.

Jacob's killing initially is contributed to the anti-Geramn riots but when it is discovered Jacob was stabbed, his safe broken into and his daughter Ruth being raped it becomes a Scotland Yard investigation.

The characters are likable and though some come off as perhaps too wholesome it is refreshing to have a mystery that comes across as more PG-13 then having to have someone having an uncontrollable need for passionate sex, graphic details on anything from sex to grizzly murder to language that was at one time reserved for bar room boasting.

Maybe I'm old and boring and not with it but I'd rather old and boring and not with it and enjoy an entertaining book. I get enough of all the non entertaining in the news every day.

Edward Marston's entertaining approach may be 'boring' for some but is what I like in a good mystery. The second book of the Home Detective series An Instrument in Slaughter was not available but another of his series the Railway Detective's first book was and I've snatached it as my next read ( )