A June of ordinary murders

Summary: "A thrilling, beautifully written mystery debut that brings 1880s Dublin vividly, passionately to life, from the former editor of The Irish Times This captivating, expertly crafted mystery debut captures the life and essence of Victorian Dublin and draws the reader on a gripping journey of murder and intrigue. In the 1880s the Dublin Metropolitan Police classified crime in two distinct classes. Political crimes were classed as "special," whereas theft, robbery and even murder, no matter how terrible, were known as "ordinary." Dublin, June 1887: The city swelters in a long summer heatwave, the criminal underworld simmers, and with it, the threat of nationalist violence is growing. Meanwhile, the Castle administration hopes the celebration of Queen Victoria's Golden Jubilee will pass peacefully. Then, the mutilated bodies of a man and a child are discovered in Phoenix Park and Detective Sergeant Joe Swallow steps up to investigate. Cynical and tired, Swallow is a man living on past successes in need of a win. With the Land War at its height, the priority is to contain special crime, and these murders appear to be ordinary--thus of lesser priority. But when the evidence suggests high-level involvement, and the body count increases, Swallow must navigate the treacherous waters of foolish superiors, political directives, and frayed tempers to solve the case, find the true murderer, and deliver justice. "--