Inspector of the Dead by David Morrell

Thomas DeQuincy is a brilliant man who knows a multitude of facts and history.  He's also an opium addict.  He has an independent free thinking daughter that cares for him.  Mostly she makes sure he eats and tries to slow his opium intake down.  Their last foray in solving crimes made them friends with two Scotland Yard detectives.  One of them is still injured but doing better.  When unusual murders begin, he's asked to help.

Mulholland Books and Net Galley allowed me to read this book for review (thank you).  It will be published today, so you can find a copy at your local bookstore now.

I wasn't sure if I'd like this book.  I've read a lot about early England with Queen Victoria and there were a lot of poor folk and unfortunate circumstances.  But this book is based on historical events and has a killer that is motivated by revenge over his family's deaths long ago.  It was much more interesting than I expected.  Mr. Morrell draws you in and snags your attention and off you go.

The first murder happens in a church in a private compartment.  The lady who was killed was in that compartment by herself.  How could it have happened?

The notes left at the scenes of death are names of men who tried to assassinate the queen.  These notes and the identities of the people being killed are the hints the killer gives the police. 

People from all walks of life are being affected by this madman.  Even the queen is not safe.  What amazed me was the identity of the killer.  I would have never guessed.  The author shows you the complexity of the madman's mind, his confusion and how his personality is split apart in a manner that fills you with horror and understanding both.

I found this to be an impressive read.  It's a good history lesson as well as a good mystery.  Victorian England was not a nice place to be poor.