When his father dies alone in hospital while Breen is
investigating a death there is a guilt that will last his lifetime.
The death is unusual in that the deceased was badly
burned in a fire at a derelict home. His superiors are content with it being
ruled an accidental death of “some drunken vagrant attempting to light a fire
to keep himself warm in the wet weather”.
Breen is troubled by the circumstances which do not
seem accidental and by the inability of the police to identify the deceased. To
the frustration of his detachment he keeps photos of the deceased in his desk
drawer.
Change is coming to London police. Temporary Detective
Constable Helen Tozer has been added to the detachment. While she has been
hired her duties are highly restricted. She chafes at being limited to
interviewing women and children. Her fellow officers are cruel and openly
sexist. While she has the fortitude to cope with her workmates she is leaving
the force out of frustration over the limits placed upon her.
Breen and Tozer jointly start an investigation of
another unusual death. In a home badly damaged by a gas explosion they find the
body of a young man. Skin has been peeled away from his legs and arms and his body has
been drained of blood. It is a disturbing sight. He is soon identified as Francis Pugh, the son of Rhodi Pugh, a Minister in the Labour government of
Harold Wilson. Breen is firmly advised the investigation will be conducted in a
way to avoid publicity. It was still a time when the Establishment could
conceal its secrets.
Adjacent to the younger Pugh’s home is a group of
squatters. A group from the long haired new generation are living in a communal
lifestyle rebelling against society. The “pigs” are their foes. The pigs are
basically puzzled by the squatters.
Breen persists in his investigation. He is not a
plodder but he is methodical and dogged in his pursuit of the truth. He has
insights that are clever but not the blinding brilliance of Sherlockian
deductions. There is a measured pace to the book that reflects Breen’s
personality.
The detachment is hidebound in more than its treatment
of women officers. There is rough, even brutal, enforcement of the law. It is
striking how casually violent are the officers, the kings of London.
There was an excellent blend of police work and personal
lives.
The story was almost too depressing but then there are
moments of genuine joy. Breen enjoys an Irish family Christmas party.
I do wish at least one of the officers was reasonably
happy with their life. I was 16 in 1968 and do not recall life in Canada as
grim as the London of The Kings of London.
The Kings of London is a solid police procedural and Breen is a man of
integrity.
I do like a well-written police procedural, Bill. And it sounds as though this one is both credible and solidly-written. And it sounds as though the story evokes the London of 1968, too, which is a plus for me. Still, it sounds like a book that one has to be prepared for, because of how depressing it is. Hmm....I may try it at a time when I'm ready for that sort of a book.
ReplyDeleteMargot: Thanks for the comment. The book could depress you if you happen to be down. I like your expression of a book you have "to be prepared for". I think you would find much to be interested by in the book.
ReplyDeleteOh dear - this sounds like a good book, but too depressing! I am looking for something more cheerful at the moment...
ReplyDeleteMoira: It is easy to be depressed about Breen's life. I am tempted to read the next in the series to see if his life improves from The Kings on London.
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