The stories Lock has included in her book make for interesting reading. It was well researched and I liked the use of original documents - police reports, newspaper articles and contemporary accounts - to add weight and authenticity to the narrative. These also illustrate the political attitudes of the era; highlights the struggles between the different policing forces, whilst also painting a less than untarnished picture of a press corp intent on doing more harm than good.

The only downside for me was the structure - maybe discernible paragraphing and additional pagination would have made for a more flowing style and methodology.

Definitely one for those with an interest in earlier policing or Victorian London.

I enjoyed this book about the beginnings of Scotland Yard. The turf wars between them and the Bobbies, the lack of true investigative science, and the lack of communication between the police of London and those of the suburbs.

Fantastic read.I absolutely loved the narrative style which didn't talk down to you or get bogged down with a swathe of unnecessary detail. The cases were fascinating and really add to the fiction of this period that I enjoy reading by filling in the gaps and giving a real insight into this pioneering era in the investigation. I liked the fact that this book wasn't too dry and had a really narrative feel which made it very quick to read. I flew through it in record time and then went back to read all the parts that I'd found most fascinating to get another read. I'll definitely look out for more by Joan Lock as I enjoyed this so much. An excellent read indeed!

Book received from NetGalley.

I enjoyed this book about the beginnings of Scotland Yard. The turf wars between them and the Bobbies, the lack of true investigative science, and the lack of communication between the police of London and those of the suburbs. I just wish it had been a bigger book. I highly suggest it to anyone who is interested in the history of London or a true crime aficionado.

I am so sorry but I haven't had the chance for downloading this book due to personal problems. I am sure it is a wonderful book. I love these books.

I really loved the Suspicions of Mr Whicher- this is very much in that style. It's a very well written account of various cases from the early years of policing in Britain and I did find each case interesting and most of them were new to me! An interesting and excellent history of crime and policing in its very infancy!