Fresh from his adventures in a country mansion in Northumbria, Art History academic Torben Helle is back, and this time his canvas is the city of London.
His mentor Dame Charlotte Lazerton is found dead at the foot of her stairs, and Helle suspects there’s more to her death than a mere accident. When five high-profile people turn up at Dame Charlotte’s funeral, Helle suspects they may know more about her death, and drags in old University friend, barrister Leyla to “help” investigate.
I really enjoyed this follow up to Helle and Death. Seeing Helle given more freedom to roam the city as opposed to being snowed in at a country mansion keeps the pace of the story going. However, with this longer leash, there’s more scope for him to get things wrong, and bumble around. He’s a man for details, often missing the bigger picture, and he’s a character I just adore.
The novel reads like a classic golden age mystery in a modern setting, with laugh out loud moments. Torben Helle is such a delightful character, I can’t wait to follow more of his adventures. Seeing London through Helle’s eyes almost makes me want to get on the train and visit.
Helle’s Hound is out on January 30 2025.
Many thanks to Viper Books and Netgalley for an advance copy of this novel.
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