Princes Gate

Princes Gate is the first in an exciting new series of crime novels by author Mark Ellis, whose books are set in London during the Second World War and feature a charismatic half-Spanish detective, Frank Merlin.

‘The book starts during the ‘phoney war’ in early 1940 when, although war rages on the continent, life continues relatively peacefully in Britain,’ says Mark. ‘I am especially interested in the Second World War – my parents lived through the war, my father serving in the Navy, and my mother has told me many stories of wartime London. Using material like this and extensive research, I hope I have been able to recreate accurately the atmosphere of London at that momentous time.’

Synopsis:

When a brilliant emigré scientist is killed by a hit and run driver and a young woman’s body is washed up in the Thames, Merlin and his team must investigate. The woman is an employee of the American Embassy, whose Ambassador at this time is Joseph Kennedy. DCI Merlin’s investigation of diplomats at the Embassy ruffles feathers at the Foreign Office – the American Ambassador is a well-known supporter of appeasement and many powerful and influential Britons favour the pursuit of a negotiated peace settlement with Hitler. Merlin has to pursue his detective work under the interfering supervision of an Assistant Metropolitan Commissioner who is fearful of the impact of Merlin’s investigations on Anglo-American relations at a time when America represents to many Britain’s only hope of salvation.