Debut author Kate London joined the Metropolitan Police Service after an early career in theatre. It seems an odd switch and has me kinda intrigued but guess both combine to offer a first-hand knowledge of policing and police procedures; and an ability to stage a scene… something which is awfully handy when writing crime fiction!
The blurb
A long-serving beat cop in the Met and a teenage girl fall to their deaths from a tower block in London’s East End. Left alive on the roof are a five year old boy and rookie police officer Lizzie Griffiths. Within hours, Lizzie Griffiths has disappeared, and DPS officer Sarah Collins sets out to uncover the truth around the grisly deaths, in an investigation which takes her into the dark heart of policing in London.
My thoughts
I initially assumed this was part of a series as we weren’t provided a lot of context or background into DS Sarah Collins or her partner DC Steve Bradshaw. It wasn’t until part-way through the book when another police officer challenged Collins about her work that I wondered if her Special Investigations team was some sort of internal affairs section.
Although I didn’t feel as if I knew Collins well, I did (for the most part) like Lizzie. London does a great job of getting inside the head of the relatively new police officer and her internal struggle felt very believable.
I was ultimately disappointed with the conclusion but think it’s probably because I’m a control freak and like everything tied neatly in a bow. London instead offers up something more realistic where good and bad are far from black and white. In fact, she does a great job of not overdramatising or overcomplicating the plot. It’s simple and sadly… it felt very real.
London’s debut book was enjoyable and an easy read though ultimately fell a smidge short for me. The events leading up to the deaths were cleverly unwound but the pacing of some of the flashbacks were a bit too slow and I found I kept jumping ahead guessing what came next.
So, although the deaths and what came before them offered readers something a bit different, I found myself wanting a bit more.
However, this is a good debut from London and I look forward to more as she continues to grow in her new craft. (And I note she’s just finishing the sequel which is great news!)
Post Mortem by Kate London was released in Australia via Allen & Unwin on 26 August 2015.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher for review purposes.
September 2, 2015
This one sounds good so I hope they put it in ebook for the US soon as all I could find was the more expensive paperback. 🙁
September 2, 2015
Ah yes… damn those international borders! 🙂
September 2, 2015
I like the sound of this one and will put it on my TBR list.
September 3, 2015
Enjoy it Catherine!
September 3, 2015
I’m so glad I’m not the only one who likes my endings tied up in a bow! I want everything explained! This sounds good but I’m thinking I would end up wanting a bit more as well. Have you tried Deborah Crombie? I really like her – especially the more recent ones.
September 3, 2015
I have read Deborah Crombie Katherine, but only a couple and not for a while.
September 3, 2015
I wish I’d been a policewoman for a while. It would definitely give you some story lines and background knowledge. Thoughtful review as usual Deb.
September 3, 2015
Thanks Michelle.
September 4, 2015
I don’t require things tied up in a bow, as long as it is realistic. Despite some slow spots this sounds intriguing.
September 4, 2015
Oh yes, definitely Kimberley.