This mystery detective story, set in Victorian London and written in a realistically classic style suited to the time, is reminiscent of Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes mysteries.

The story opens with Dr John Williams, a London physician, battling a ’flu epidemic that is sweeping through London. Williams is called to attend his friend, Lord Hugh Cockburn, who has taken a turn for the worse after being uncharacteristically absent from his home for most of the night. Lord Cockburn refuses to elaborate on where he had been the previous night and when an apparent blackmail letter is discovered in his overcoat pocket by Cockburn’s distraught wife Williams decides to call on his scientist cousin, Cyril Fosterby, to ask his help in solving the mystery of the Baronet’s strange behaviour.

To Williams’s discomfort, it soon appears that Lord Cockburn is being blackmailed by a young male prostitute. When the boy is fished out of the Thames Fosterby sets out to find his killer as well as unravel the blackmail mystery. To assist in the investigation Fosterby engages the willing services of the murdered boy’s friend and fellow prostitute, Johnny Rice. It falls on Williams to pretend to be Johnny’s new benefactor in an effort to flush out the killer and as the story unfolds an out-of-his-depth John Williams battles to understand as well as protect the charming, clever and seductive Johnny.

The plot moves along at a brisk pace and the chase to find, trap and expose the killer is exciting and involving. The characters are neatly drawn with Lord Cockburn’s son, Robert, and his best friend, Lord Alfred, in particular adding interest. But the stand-out character is Johnny. Charming, brave and provocatively sexual, he forces Williams, through their growing friendship, to challenge all his preconceived ideas on morality and homosexuality. This is very much Johnny’s story as he faces the danger of being used as bait to catch a violent and relentless killer and he fills centre stage very well.

The novella is a very enjoyable and satisfactory romp through a well depicted Victorian London, spiced throughout with some beautifully erotic moments. The end of the story indicates that there will be a sequel and I for one look forward to reading more about Williams, Fosterby and, in particular, young Johnny.

[ ISBN 978-1-920468-51-4]

 

Margaret Whitfield has lived and worked in several countries but returned to her native Australia some years ago.  She currently lives South Australia and works in Administration.  Her interest in writing and editing developed through a connection with several online zines and writing groups.

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