Full Dark House by Christopher Fowler

Arthur Bryant and John May of the Met’s little-known Peculiar Crimes Unit are London’s longest-serving detectives. When a bomb claims Bryant’s life, it ends a partnership that has lasted for over half a century.

I really loved the atmosphere of London in the Blitz, and the workings of the theatre, which give this book a dark, gothic feel. Coincidentally whilst reading it I attended a webinar about art in the Blitz (based on this book, which I must get hold of), which of course fed into the atmosphere in my mind. I enjoyed the characters of Bryant and May (I think I have a bit of a crush on the young Bryant!) and the interplay of their personalities. I also enjoyed the contrast between London now and London then, which was cause for some good insights. What I liked less was the somewhat absurd murder mystery, though it did still pull me along. I stayed up late one night to finish it while simultaneously thinking both “this is bloody ridiculous” and “I need to keep reading so I know what happens.”