Alexandra Raven is intelligent and brave, as befits a woman who served her country and survived World War II. She’s also on her uppers, struggling to make a success of her late father’s investigative agency. In 1950s London, she’s an anomaly and clients aren’t beating a path to her door. Having received nothing for her last job except a black eye, Alexandra welcomes the opportunity to work for the wealthy Salle family, who refuse to believe that war hero Captain Fabian Salle committed suicide. It seems an impossible task but Alexandra is nothing if not dogged.
Slowly but surely, she unearths one clue after another, uncovering a trail that involves her in a seedy world of gambling, prostitution and, ultimately, murder.
I was a teenager in the late 1950 and was immediately struck by the authenticity of the background Shiv Saywack has built for his heroine. He never puts a foot wrong whether it’s describing the blitz-torn London streets, the gambling establishment or the clothing his characters wear. Alexandra is prone to rash decisions and makes mistakes but these flaws only serve to make her more likeable and save her from pomposity. I look forward to seeing how her character evolves and would definitely recommend this series.
** In the interests of transparency, I owe a debt of gratitude to Shiv Saywack for supplying me with a version of his book that enabled me to listen to it. His kindness is much appreciated.
Jacqui Jay 