by Andrew Pepper (Author)
Drury Lane, 1844. A robbery has been committed at a pawnbroker's, leaving three people dead. The man called in to investigate is Pyke, head of the Metropolitan Police's newly formed Detective Branch at Scotland Yard.Pyke must find the culprit and quickly, especially as the identity of one of the victims threatens to expose his own criminal past. A valuable religious artefact appears to have motivated the robbery but when the main suspect commits suicide in police custody, the investigation falters. Then the rector of a wealthy parish is brutally murdered and Pyke spots a connection. His suspicions lead him to a dissolute former Catholic priest, rumours of devil worship, and an old case that no one wants him to investigate. With time running out and the murderer threatening to kill again, Pyke must face up to forces within the police and the church who would prefer the secrets of the past to remain buried forever.
Format: Paperback
Pages: 384
Edition: Export ed
Publisher: Weidenfeld & Nicholson
Published: 11 Feb 2010
ISBN 10: 029785528X
ISBN 13: 9780297855286
Book Overview: A tale of corrupt policemen, official cover ups and bribery - great resonance today Fascinating insight into the birth of detection as part of the role of the police The Last Days of Newgate was nominated for a CWA New Blood Award 'A story of high intrigue and low politics, brutal murder and cunning conspiracies ... tangy and rambunctious stuff' Observer. 'Drips with all the atmospheric detail of a pre-Victorian murder mystery - pea-soupers , dingy lanterns and laudanum' The Times 'Likely to leave the reader clamouring for more' TLS.