Gripping Victorian Noir!

The Dead Will Rise (Simon Westow #5) by Chris Nickson   

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1824. Leeds has a new low in crime!

Nickson has blown me away with this episode of thief-taker  Simon Westrow. The abused Jane, his very damaged partner who is making slow steps and is not cutting herself anymore, although her trusty honed blade never leaves her side is of course present, and Rosie, Simon’s wife, mother of his children and partner until motherhood shifted her attention to their boys. This time however she’s more than ever up for the chase.

Bodysnatchers have struck in Leeds. The population is aghast. The body of a ten year old child has been stolen. The parents are bereft. The population is angry. Rosie is incandescent with rage. This has become personal for her.

The owner of a Foundry, Joseph Clark, a close friend and employer of the father, has asked Simon to find the degenerate grave robbers. For a finders fee of course

At the same time a Mrs Amanda Parker has asked Simon and Jane to attend her. She wants them to find a man who stole 50 pounds from her. Jane is suspicious of the widow, doesn’t like her. Simon says they’ll try for 3 days. If they can’t find the man they’ll stop. Simon and Jane both sense something a little off key. But what?

The search for the resurrectionists lead them all over Leeds. They find them, but then two escape custody, the third dies. Mob emotions have come into play. 

Now the chase is on—again!  Jane confronts the Irishman. It doesn’t go well. She is shaken and angry. She’s felt fear for the first time in a long time. That doesn’t sit well with our Jane. To conquer that feeling she becomes more determined than ever to settle things with the Irishman. Jane becomes a silent wraith, even more than before, as she and Simon track their quarry.

Extraordinary times, and extraordinary measures taken by all three. 

I love Nickson’s knowledge of old Leeds, of its alleyways and streets, all mapped out in Jane’s head.

I admire his craft as a storyteller, weaving history and fiction.

Tense, darkly imagined reading, makes this a favorite.

A Severn House ARC via NetGalley.                                              

Many thanks to the author and publisher.