cover image Children of the Tide: A Victorian Detective Story

Children of the Tide: A Victorian Detective Story

Jon Redfern. Dundurn (IPS, U.S. dist.; UTP, Canadian dist.), $19.99 trade paper (296p) ISBN 978-1-4597-2418-1

In this riveting mystery set in 1840s London, Insp. Owen Endersby is called in to investigate the two identical murders of workhouse matrons. Two young girls both named Catherine are taken from each workhouse but left at the gate all on the same night. In his sequel to Trumpets Sound No More, Redfern, winner of two Arthur Ellis Awards, reacquaints the reader with Endersby, of the newly established Metropolitan Detective Police. Relying on his powers of observation and disguise, Endersby works his way through the dark back alleys of London, confronting many who would prefer to stay hidden in the shadows, as he works to solve these strange and unusual murders before another occurs. Though Endersby is the central character, Redfern also breaks away to follow other key figures in the story for short periods, which keeps the reader guessing as to who the murderer really is. Inspired by Dickens, Redfern transports the reader back to Victorian London, vividly recreating the language, social customs, and atmosphere of the time. Agent: Chris Bucci, Anne McDermid & Associates. (Mar.)