London. Spring 1943.
While Europe continues to suffer under the iron fist of Nazi occupation,
Britain remains battered but unbowed.’
– Death of An Officer
[ About Death of an Officer ]
DCI Frank Merlin, already contending with a booming wartime crime wave in the capital, is confronted with a baffling case: the brutal murder of a respected doctor.
Following a puzzling trail that leads him into the hidden corners of clubland – and which appears to be linked to the disappearance of both British and American officers – Merlin must untangle a dark web of shocking secrets.
[ My Review ]
‘WW2: Whilst the nation is engaged in a heroic endeavour, crime flourishes in London. Murder, robbery, theft and rape are rife and the Blitz gives scope for widespread looting. This is an intriguing, harsh and cruel world. This is the world of DCI Frank Merlin‘
Death of an Officer by Mark Ellis published May 29th with Headline Accent and is the sixth book in this series featuring DCI Frank Merlin, ‘an Anglo-Spanish police detective operating in World War 2 London’.
Frank Merlin is a tenacious and hard-working individual who seeks justice and truth at all times. His work has led to many convictions as he battles against the wave of crime that has developed in this vacuum that was created during the devastation and destruction of a city in the throes of war. Criminals love to take advantage of a city whose defences are weakened but Frank Merlin is recognised as a man not to be taken for granted. His ability to dig deep and connect the dots in difficult circumstances has earned him a respect from both colleagues and crime gang members.
When the body of a well-respected gynaecologist is discovered murdered in his own home Merlin is given the task to lead the investigation. Perplexed as to what could possibly have lead to this man’s shocking demise, he and his team follow every lead available but it just doesn’t make any sense. The victim was of good character and repute. He was a hard-working medical practitioner, a married man. He played Bridge but other than that was almost reclusive. Why then was he brutally murdered?
Within a short space of time, their investigative load is increased when there is a report of a missing American officer. As Merlin and his team review the facts, they make some very disconcerting discoveries leading them into the underworld of gangland crime, dubious clubs and hidden agendas.
Mark Ellis writes with a style that very much suits this era. It is a noir landscape of shadows and dodgy crime bosses with malevolent behaviour and much disregard for human life. Frank Merlin is a great protagonist. He is pragmatic, respectful of his team but also discerning in judgement and action.
Death of an Officer is another fine addition to this war-time crime fiction detective series. The dialogue flows easily and, even though there are numerous characters, each is very clearly described and their role clearly defined. As the cover suggests, this is a series that plays out in monochrome in the mind of the reader. Atmospheric and suspenseful, these books are wonderfully plotted and delightfully entertaining. The backdrop of a country at war instils a real sense of authenticity as Merlin, and his team at Scotland Yard, continue to fight a more personal war in the shadows of the London streets and alleyways. Old-time drama, heists, crime bosses, intrigue and murder all combine in Death of an Officer, providing a slick and engaging work of fiction, a real treat for fans of astute detective novels.
[ Thank you to Mark Ellis for a copy of Death of an Officer in exchange for my honest review ]
[ Bio ]
Mark Ellis is a thriller writer from Swansea and a former barrister and entrepreneur. Mark grew up under the shadow of his parents’ experience of the Second World War. His father served in the wartime navy and died a young man. His mother told him stories of watching the heavy bombardment of Swansea from the safe vantage point of a hill in Llanelli, and of attending tea dances in wartime London under the bombs and doodlebugs.
In consequence, Mark has always been fascinated by World War II and, in particular, the Home Front and the fact that while the nation was engaged in a heroic endeavour, crime flourished. Murder, robbery, theft and rape were rife.
Author of the DCI Frank Merlin series, Mark is also a member of the Crime Writer’s Association.
He lives in London.
Website ~ https://markellisauthor.com/
