Angel Meadows is the tenth book in the Manchester series by Bill Rogers so I’ve come late to this particular writer. However I was looking forward to reading a crime story set in my home city of Manchester especially as the author takes so much care to use authentic locations. Angel Meadow is the site of one of the most notorious Victorian slums which has now become a public park near the city centre. It’s the setting for a murder of one of the city’s prostitutes known as Irish Meg. DCI Tom Caton takes on the investigation but soon discovers that the girl from an ordinary Oldham family has a more horrific past linked to the Troubles in Northern Ireland. DCI Caton and his partner travel to the area to discover the tragedy that led to two sister’s being adopted far from home but soon those complicit in the cover-up begin to turn up dead.
The story is completely absorbing and had me transfixed. I ended up reading the book late into the night. Particularly fascinating was how well the author combined the Manchester investigation with a historic crime that still had a resonance today. Tom Caton is an interesting detective. His partner is expecting a child and the fact I’ve not read earlier books didn’t impinge on my enjoyment of reading about his domestic life.
I’d recommend Angel Meadow to all readers who love a gripping police procedural with a well crafted tale. I’d love to go back and read the series from the start.
Thanks to the author for sending me a copy of his book.
Thank you Sarah, for such a well crafted and complimentary review. I’m glad you enjoyed Angel Meadow. Good Luck with your own new novel. Bill
Thanks!
Isn’t it great, Sarah, when an author depicts a place you know that well in an authentic way? And I do really enjoy past/present connections in my crime fiction. There’s just something about those kinds of mysteries that draw readers (well, this one, anyway) in…
Thanks, Margot. I loved reading about Manchester and the book had an international feel too. A really nice mix.
Great review, Sarah. It’s always exciting to discover a good book, especially when it’s part of a lengthy series. And, for me, reading the complete series of such books is the kind of “to do” list I don’t mind creating.
Thanks!
Perfect – I’m heading there next week in fact – right, off to order a copy!
Just so you know what you says counts, now have the second book in the series and I’ll be heading off to The Lowry with it tomorrow morning 🙂
Great news, Sergio. And I hope you enjoyed The Lowry.
It was a mighty space though sadly I to Manchester Piccadilly, got the tram, went to the seminar room, then 5 hours later got the tram back and took the train back to the Smoke …