In Knives We Trust

Firstly, many thanks go to Netgalley and Troubadour publishing for allowing me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my opinion.

The story is set in Swansea during the late nineteenth century and follows Rumsey Burke, a police inspector and all round good man who tries to maintain law and order amongst the locals and visiting seaman whilst grieving for his wife and children. He is called upon to investigate the attempted murder of Mary Guy by her husband Daniel but little does he know that by doing so he will uncover plans and crimes darker than the Swansea night sky.

The story was a bit of a slow burner but once it got going, I was hooked. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it and loved that some of the characters were real people. The author’s note at the end of the book explains more about this and it just brought more depth to the story. Bravo Mr Brookes.

I can't say that i loved this book but i didn't enjoy the plot,i felt it lacked pulling power me as i like to feel as if i am in the book but sadly for me that didn't happen.This does not mean that other readers won't enjoy it. 3*

Set in Victorian Swansea in 1880, this is first in a series featuring Rumsey Bucke. Inspector Bucke has been charged with investigating the attempted murder of a woman and her brother. This should be an easy catch ... the man he's looking for is the woman's husband.

Daniel Guy is unemployed and can't be bothered to look for work. He's just returning from a few months spent in the US and brings with him something he treasures ... a gun. Failing to kill his wife, he takes off and is hiding in one of the poorest communities.

Bucke also has to contend with two stabbings ... which may or may not be connected to Daniel Guy. It would certainly help if his fellow colleagues were a little more competent and a little less corrupt.

There are unknown figures lurking in the shadows and Bucke is drawn into the dangerous world of international politics, with assassins playing out a clandestine war on the streets of this small town.

IN KNIVES WE TRUST is a slower paced mystery. I can't honestly say I liked any of the characters.. but it's very possible it was written in just that way. The plot is a little mysterious, but not what I would call suspenseful. The premise is a good one leading to a surprising ending.

Many thanks to the author / Troubador Publishing Limited / Netgalley for the digital copy of this historical crime fiction. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.