The Murder Pit is the second book in Mick Finlay's fantastic Arrowood series. The series is narrated by Barnett, assistant to Arrowood; a detective based in South London in the mid 1890s. Arrowood sees himself as a rival to Sherlock Holmes, so Holmes and Watson are referred to in passing in the stories. Holmes even sends a haughty letter to Arrowood in this novel but they move in very different worlds.While Holmes and Watson might solve mysteries for the wealthy and the titled Arrowood and Barnett are brought cases that will see them visit the backstreet pubs, the workhouses and the asylums. The author has a background in psychology and his insight and research into the history of the treatment of those suffering from mental illness and learning disabilities serves to create some fascinating and heartbreaking detail. Arrowood, despite his habits and temperament making him less than likable on occasion is at heart desperate to help those less fortunate then himself and Barnett's observations on the ups and downs of his employer's character make him a compelling narrator. In this instalment the men are tasked with finding out what has happened to a young woman who has recently married and cut off contact with her parents. The parents are very worried and eager to reconnect with their daughter. The detectives are tasked with visiting the farm where young Birdie now lives with her husband, but they soon discover all is not as it seems. These books are a must for fans of Sherlock Holmes but will also appeal to anyone who has an interest in stories set in Victorian London. You can check out my review of the first book in the series HERE
The Murder Pit is available in paperback, e-book and audio book from HQ now.
Thanks to Joe at HQ stories for a copy of the book and a chance to take part in the blog tour.
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