andreale

4 1/2 stars. It is 1921, England is still recovering from WWI and war wounded are seen throughout the land. What cannot be seen are those who are psychologically wounded and in need of care. To prove the point, in Surrey, Colonel Fletcher, his wife and two of his staff are murdered. Local police believe that it is a case of violent robbery. However, Inspector John Madden is called in from Scotland Yard. He views the scene and knows that it is something more. He's spent time in the trenches and knows that this is a crime of a phychopath who will probably strike again. John Madden is a well developed protagonist. He's knowledgeable and determined to find the killer. His personal history is gradually introduced so that the reader gets a chance to know him and sympathise with him as a character. The respect with which he is held by his assiatant, Billy Styles, gives credibility to Madden's keen knowledge of people and of crime. The setting is rural England with its hedges and gardens. It is nicely described and realistic. As is the case with many soldiers returning from Iraq and Afghanistan today, the author seems to be telling his readers that post tramatic stress syndrome is not understood and can have a major psychological impact on a person. A most enjoyable read.

2023-06-21 08:59