Review: Victorian Atmosphere, Brilliant Writing
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 07 20, 2013
Detective Sergeant Thomas Jones enjoys landscape, literature and sex in this unusual mystery novel that is inspired, it seems, by socioeconomic history, specifically the industrialization of Great Britain and Wales. It is a fascinating subject, and appropriately dark. Thus we have a late Victorian plot that revolves around suspected corruption at the site where rural life in the hills and valleys is displaced to build reservoirs and dams so the boom town of Birmingham might have sufficient safe drinking water. BACKGROUND: The Birmingham Corporation Water Act (1892) permitted the Corporation to all the land within the water catchment area of the Elan Valley. Thousands of navvies (the term for navigational engineers, or laborers on projects such as canals) were moved to the purpose-built Elan Village during the construction of the first four dams at the turn of the 20th century. That's where the story takes place.A man has been sent from London to pose as a "navvy" in order to investigate suspected thefts. Lynch, aka Mullen, is found dead in a spot below a path he was known to walk for recreation. D.S. Jones is sent to investigate the death of the investigator. Meanwhile, a school master has been found dead nearby, a man also inclined toward walking at night. Among the shady characters Jones meets are a family of rough men; unhappy youth who oppose the dams; underpaid and therefore vulnerable house maids; and various administrative hands who are supposed to keep track of goods and supplies.Jones' grows fond of the young constable assigned to assist him. Edwards is a local man and paves the way, guiding him over the striking terrain and making introductions. Jones also grows fond of the school master's widow. A passionate affair blossoms even as violence increases, and scenes of lovemaking are interrupted by gunshots and bonfires in the hills. Jones and Edwards trudge over the rocky hillsides, visit remote farms, and query frightened but desperate witnesses. The crimes begin to sort themselves out by Jones identifying totally different and unanticipated motives.What is special about this mystery is that it is true to Victorian sensibilities, all the way. Reid is a fabulously talented prose writer, able to combine poetry with history; reveal an emotional psyche by travelogue, and offer stirring love scenes alongside the bleak actuality of industrial progress. This remarkable novel has come from an author previously known best for mythical romance and fantasy fiction. Let's hope he continues to ply this more socially relevant path.Wales/West Country/Midlands (Maps/Regional (Michelin))