Transported to the
Manhattan of 1846 when the police force (or Stars as its members are
called) is in its infancy, dirt and squalor in the streets and crime
is rampant, we follow the investigation of Copper star Timothy Wilde
and his capricious brother Valentine into the kidnapping of Mrs Lucy
Adams family. Tim and Val are opposites: Tim is the quiet thinker
whereas Val is brilliant, reckless and given to the pleasures of life
in all their forms. They are no strangers to hardship, having grown
up in what is, in essence, a cauldron for all types of disease and
dishonesty.
Lucy`s sister and son have
been taken by Blackbirders; slave catchers who operate within the
law in Manhattan. Tim has to delve into depths of violent depravity
on the streets in order to solve the case and rescue the family. This
is no mean feat as the devious Blackbirders make money out of
catching freed slaves as well as the runaways from the southern
plantations and are willing to stop at nothing to achieve their ends.
The Law does not mean anything to them – in fact some corrupt
politicians actively encourage the practice, so how will Tim, with
Val`s help, bring these people to some form of justice?
Lyndsay
Faye creates the lurid atmosphere of lawlessness, brothels and the
desperation of the Irish immigrants flowing into New York in the
1860s to escape the potato famine with astounding accuracy. We suffer
the injustices and gasp at the often brutal attitudes of those in
charge towards the lives of others which are held cheaply. Her
characterisations are insightful to the point where we become part of
the plot and experience the despair, helplessness but also the dreams
of all concerned.
A vibrant and exciting
read – highly recommended.
Reviewed by Liz.
Thank you to Headline for sending us a copy to review.
