The Yard by Alex Grecian

This novel, a debut by an American writer of comic books, is set in 1889 as the Metropolitan police attempt to salvage their reputation following the Ripper murders.

As the book opens the body of Inspector Little of the newly formed Murder Squad is found in a cabin trunk at Euston Station.   Sir Edward Bradford, newly appointed Commissioner of Police, knows that the morale of his force depends upon a swift solution to this direct attack on his men.   Eyebrows are raised when he puts in charge of the investigation Inspector Walter Day recently transferred from the Devonshire force and who has to cope with the resentment of older members of the squad.   Fortunately he is supported by Inspector Blacker and Constable Hammersmith (an unlikely name but the writer is American) who render him the assistance he needs to solve the case.   The character of Doctor Bernard Kingsley is used to introduce the newly developing science of Forensics and makes a major contribution to the plot.   To try to outline the action would result in too many spoilers and so I shall refrain.

All in all Alex Grecian has spun an entertaining yarn which shows much research and attention to detail and is just the thing for a quiet afternoon.