A Capital Crime

This is the third in a series of books featuring Ted Stratton. It wouldn't have mattered to much if I hadn't have already read the first two, but I am glad that I am reading them in order. For me I always like to read them in order if possible as I get to know the characters and their lives. Ted Stratton for me is fast becoming like Tom Thorne and Roy Grace. I feel that these characters are my friends and I want to know what is going to happen to them.

The crime in this book that Ted Stratton is involved in is based on the true crimes of John Christie and Timothy Evans that took place at 10 Rillington Place. This gave the book an extra kick, but even if I hadn't known about the crime it made the book quite a page turner to read.

Diana too show more is back in this book and she is as dizzy as ever. With how the storyline is going there will be plenty to ponder in the next books.

I have always enjoyed books by Laura Wilson who for me is on par with Martina Cole. Her novels for me always have plenty to offer and are quite pacy thrillers. I will be seeking new books by her and the next two Stratton novels that are already out.

A very worthy five stars. show less

A Waterstone's giveaway book that I had to read in a week! 3rd in the series, but the first book I have read. Set in 1951, Inspector Edward Stratton is based at Notting Hill Police Station. When a bizarre telegram is received from Merthyr Tydfil outlining a man's confession to the murder of his wife and baby daughter, the wheels of justice spring into action to convict and hang the confessor. John Davies is a puny, pathetic, lying 24 year old who under interview confesses to the murder and then changes his story. Ignoring the "minor" inconsistencies in his story, the Court finds that Mr Davies is guilty of the murder of his daughter.

When two years later, six bodies are found at the same address on Paradise Street, the press are quick show more to question the 1951 conviction of Mr Davies because consistently in the background has been the slippery, plimsoll wearing, hypochondriac, lying Mr Backhouse, who becomes their preferred culprit. Based on real events in 50s London, this is a convincing portrayal of 50s Britain, oppressive, poor, reeling from the financial and human cost of the victory in the Second World War and still stuck on ration books. The only downside to the books is that there are a number of references to characters' occupations during the war which, I you have not read previous books, might be a little confusing. I like the fact that Inspector Stratton is not an investigative genius, just a normal man. Three 1/2 stars. show less

I quite enjoyed this story but thought it a tad too long! I remember the1950's also the murders the book is based on,I wish there had been more background of how life was lived in those days,it brought it home to me how much our lives have changed since then,when there were no forensics like today,if someone went missing they stayed missing as a rule! Hair samples in those days were pretty much useless! I now have to read more of her books to learn more about Stratton!

I enjoyed this book very much, particularly the believable evocation of 1950s post-war London. Wilson manages to blend two plot lines together, although I would say that on the whole, the story of 'Drippy Diana' is less effective than the re-working of the John Christie murder case. On the whole though, a very enjoyable read. More please, and soon.
© Koplowitz 2012

excellent thriller like all of Ms Wilson's books.