Princes Gate (Frank Merlin 1) - Softcover

Mark Ellis

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1848766572 ISBN 13: 9781848766570

Publisher: Matador, 2011

Synopsis

Princes Gate is the first in a new series of crime thrillers that involve DCI Frank Merlin. These atmospheric books are set in wartime London mixing historical and fictional characters and featuring a charismatic and intriguing half-Spanish detective. When a brilliant emigré scientist is killed by a hit and run driver and a young woman's body is washed up in the Thames, Merlin and his team must investigate. The woman is an employee of the American Embassy, whose Ambassador at this time is Joseph Kennedy. DCI Merlin's investigation of diplomats at the Embassy ruffles feathers at the Foreign Office - the American Ambassador is a well-known supporter of appeasement and many powerful and influential Britons favour the pursuit of a negotiated peace settlement with Hitler. The death of another Embassy employee leads Merlin into some of the seedier quarters of wartime London where a corrupt night-club owner, various high-flying diplomats and the Ambassador himself appear to be linked to the events surrounding the deaths. Merlin has to pursue his detective work under the interfering supervision of an Assistant Metropolitan Commissioner who is fearful about the impact of Merlin's investigations on Anglo-American relations at a time when America represents to many Britain's only hope of salvation. Capturing the atmosphere of Britain in 1940 during the 'phoney war' when, although war rages on the Continent, life continues relatively peacefully in Britain, Princes Gate is an enthralling detective novel.

About this title

Review

A skillful blending of the factual with a neat mystery. An engaging protagonist in Frank Merlin will be worth looking out for in the future. --Bookbag, 2011

The strength of this story is in the characterisation, and Mark Ellis clearly enjoys writing about criminals and sleaze balls of all levels who are out for their own ends and don't give a stuff about the war. Set in London, in January 1940, we are quickly propelled into the atmosphere and feel of desperation. --Shotsmag.co.uk, 2011

Princes Gate is a novel that makes you want to read - you can't ask more from a book. [...] I struggled to put the book down and I can't wait to see what becomes of Frank Merlin, his colleagues and his friends in the next adventure. --Milos Rambles Book Blog 2011

`Princes Gate' is a memorable trip down history's lane. I particularly enjoyed the atmosphere and feeling of being out and about during those early days of the war. The attitudes of those in power and those just struggling to survive are very true to life and help to bring home how much some things have changed.

'Nostalgia,sex and intrigue all rolled into one-great!' -- 50Connect 2011

'A real treat' -- Hereford Times 2011
--Crime Squad, Ocotber 2011

About the Author

Mark Ellis is a thriller writer from Swansea and is a former barrister and entrepreneur. He is the creator of Frank Merlin, an Anglo-Spanish police detective operating in World War 2 London. His author website is http://markellisauthor.com

Edition details

• Publisher: Matador
• Publication date: 2011
• ISBN 10: 1848766572
• ISBN 13: 9781848766570
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 288