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2000s: A shocking mugging in York is just the start of things for Geraldine Steele
2000s: A shocking mugging in York is just the start of things for Geraldine Steele
A man is killed in apparently random attack, and suspicion falls on a gang of muggers. Only Detective Sergeant Geraldine Steel thinks this is the work of a more deliberate murderer.
Two more victims are discovered, after further seemingly indiscriminate attacks. The muggers are tracked down, with tragic consequences. And all the while the killer remains at large. When Geraldine finally manages to track down a witness, she finds her own life is in danger…
Geraldine has lived in York for around six months as this novel gets underway and so this book is a little potted discovery of the city and its dark streets. There’s a network of alleyways which are long and narrow and which criss cross the city’s streets called ‘snickelways’. There’s one called Pope’s Head Alley just off High Ouseburn and Peter Lane (fictional as this is where a body is found)
The charm of York and its particularities are nicely evoked here despite the awful crimes taking place. The River and the bridges become scary places but there’s sense of Narnia about the whole thing too and one of the characters actually describes the city like this. This contrast makes the crimes even more chilling.
Nice to see a city steeped in history and culture have such a gripping and interesting female DS!
Destination: York Author/guide: Leigh Russell Departure Time: 2000s
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