These stories are a reminder that even when there is a war as catastrophic as the Blitz of 1940, life goes on, and the deaths that occur are not necessarily the result of war: the usual crimes continue to be committed too.

In this one, Jago and Cradock are seconded to Scotland Yard to solve the murder of a young man whose body is found in an Andersen shelter. As usual they investigate a range of characters and unearth other crimes being committed.

So far these stories have actually taken place in a very short period of time: the second half of 1940 in London with Hitler's planes attacking it almost every night. The amount of research behind the stories lend a feeling of authenticity. There are a number of "personal interest" threads too which provide ongoing interest. ( )

Title: The Pimlico Murder (The Blitz Detective #6)
Author: Mike Hollow
Pages: 382
Year: 2022
Publisher: Allison & Busby
My rating is 4 out of 5 stars.
As the title of the series states, this novel is about a detective who solves crimes during the time when Great Britain was being bombed at random times by the Germans during WWII, the Blitz. Detective Inspector John Jago, along with his Detective Constable assistant, Peter Cradock, has been temporarily assigned to Scotland Yard’s detective division due to a shortage of men. Their first case is that of a young man killed by blunt force trauma to the head. The victim was a member of a bicycle club and was a rampant afficiando of all things having to do with bicycling. That is about all anyone knows about this man. No one knows what he does for a living or anything about his past.
As the layers of the victim’s past are peeled back, it is discovered how he supported himself. He worked as a runner for bookie. The question of why he had two bricks on his satchel that was attached to his bicycle is a conundrum, as well as the presence of two white poppies in his pocket. Jago and Cradock in the course of their investigation question bookies, thieves, and others that are part of the underworld of crime. Jago also encounters those who have different political views, namely fascism. Could this be important to his investigation?
I enjoy reading the historical information included in the story as well as the mystery portion. I like getting a look into the not too distant past and learning something new, which I do with each novel. I find it interesting to take a peek at what life was like, struggling to make ends meet during time of rationing and trying to maintain some sense of normality. One thing I would like to see progress or end is the relationship between Jago and Dorothy Appleton. Over the course of six books, it seems it is more of a friendship rather than a romance. He needs to make a decision. Book seven is due to be released in December 2022, and I already have my copy preordered. Don’t miss this entertaining series!
Note: The opinions shared in this review are solely my responsibility. ( )

The Blitz Detective mystery book # 6

In a few words:

Detective John Jago is dispatched to Pimlico to investigate the suspicious death of Terry Watson, a young man, found in an Anderson shelter. With his assistant Constable Peter Craddock they soon find themselves knee-deep in Pimlico’s shady underworld.

My thoughts:

I love this series although set during wartime the stories are centered on a murder investigation rather than the war itself. All books are standalone, but they are best enjoyed in chronological order.

What caused Watson demise, who is behind his murder and most intriguing why were bricks in his rucksack? History tells us lots of looting happened during the Blitz and where did these shady characters fence their loot? Well, leave the answer in the capable hands of a master storyteller and you will be pulled into an investigation that is hard to put down. This story is dialogue driven; never ending exchange between characters, the style is very lively. Jago and Craddock investigation brings them multiple times facing and questioning bookies, thugs, racketeers and suspects. Definitely this is a gripping and twisty police procedural at its best and one that has kept me intrigued and captivated until the end.

Through the book is Jago’s friend Dorothy Appleton, the American reporter pops in and out. Their relationship is still a cat and mouse game...time to clear the air on this one...:)

In all, “The Pimlico Murder” is a good addition to the series and is a solid mystery full of twits. The Blitz in 1940 has giving the author numerous possibilities and I bet he has more stories to create....

I received a copy of this book from Allison & Busby via Netgalley for an honest and unbiased review: all opinions and comments are my own. ( )

The Pimlico Murder is the second "Blitz Detective" book I've read, though it's the sixth in the series. Its cast of characters and setting are effectively rendered by Mike Hollow. The plot, on the other hand, was full of unfulfilled promises: interesting leads and moments of confrontation that never quite gelled. If you enjoy historical mysteries, you'll find The Pimlico Murder fun weekend reading, but if you want a mystery that leaves you eagerly guessing to the end, it may not be the title for you.

I received a free electronic review copy of this title from the publisher via NetGalley; the opinions are my own. ( )