Billy, a local messenger boy is out making a run while bombs are coming down. A warden on duty shows him a body in a van and asks him to report it. Policemen Jago and his partner Cradock head out to investigate. While the death looks like suicide, Jago sees enough to make him suspicious. Unfortunately, the crime scene is blown up before the coroner or crime scene photographer arrives. Going with only what their eyes could see and the ID on the body, they have their work cut out for them.
As they seek to reconstruct the victim's final hours of life, they uncover family and business connections that are quite murky. It's becoming clear that the victim, a local Justice of the Peace, may not have been the straightest arrow. Add another murder and attempted arson and Jago and Cradock are under pressure to find the criminal.
While trying to find a killer, Jago is fighting some personal demons. The reader will only get brief glimpses into the personal side of Jago; I'm hoping that the author plans some future books that will flesh out Jago's character a bit more fully.
Reminiscent of detective fiction from the 30's and 40's, language and violence are not too graphic. The book's pace is slow and methodical but perfect for anyone who enjoys a cerebral, historical mystery.
Direct Hit can be purchased from Kregel Publications for $14.99.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of Direct Hit from Kregel Publications for the purpose of review.
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