Brass Lives

May 1, 2020
Set in early-twentieth-century Leeds, England, Nickson's latest police procedural featuring DS Tom Harper offers authentic period ambience, engaging characters, and a realistic look at the challenges of policing without high technology. As usual, Harper has his hands full, first with an upcoming visit by the British prime minister, for which he must provide security, and, second, with investigating the implications of an anonymous letter suggesting that the kidnapping of two local children 15 years ago was connected to a baby-selling ring. The letter further implies that a wealthy local businessman and his wife bought two of the kidnapped youngsters. Meanwhile, two demonstrations are planned during the PM's visit?one by suffragettes and one by a gang of unemployed men. Both have the potential to create massive security headaches. Determined to crack the kidnapping case and ensure that the violence doesn't erupt during the visit, Tom finds his policing skills tested to their limits. A good read in this reliably entertaining series.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2020, American Library Association.)

September 1, 2021
In 1913 Leeds, England, Deputy Chief Constable Tom Harper is dealing with a troubling uptick in crime, including two murders, arson, stabbings, and a serious beating. Harper senses that all the crimes are connected and that Davey Mullen--only recently returned from America, where he established himself as a gang leader--is behind everything, but finding the evidence to prove it is turning out to be nearly impossible. To add to Harper's worries, his daughter's business is the target of an arson attack, hundreds of suffragists are about to descend on Leeds on their way to London, and, most disturbing of all, Harper's wife is experiencing blackouts that might indicate serious illness. All Harper can do is what he does best--get on with the business at hand. A realistic, well-written historical procedural that will draw fans of Charles Todd's Ian Rutledge mysteries.

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