This book is being marketed as a crime novel. And although the story is told from the viewpoint of the victim, and a lonely police detective who is assigned to the case, the crime takes a back seat to the story of daily life in post-war England.

Conditions are harsh. Crime is rampant. The war may be over, but it doesn't feel that way to the people living there. Necessities are in very short supply and most luxuries only available through the blackmarket.

People line up for hours just for a loaf of stale bread or a head of lettuce. The victim dreams of romance and little luxuries such as Pond's cold cream, black stockings and tinned peaches.
The policeman also dreams of romance and a regular meal, the kind available before the war, instead of having to make do with stale bread sandwiches.

People are just making do, living in squalid conditions. Their homes were partially destroyed by bombs but they cannot move because they have no where else to go. Everyone is wishing that life could go back to the way it was, before the war.

An illuminating picture of life in post-war England. Definitely recommended. ( )

Jumping in and out of POV was jarring. It made me think of "The Bletchley Circle," which was much better. ( )