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
Princes Gate is a memorable trip down history's lane. The descriptions of the looting and black market dealing after bomb attacks reveal that the recent riots and looting in London and other major cities are nothing new. I particularly enjoyed the atmosphere and feeling of being out and about during those early days of the war. --Crime Squad, 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.
--Crime Squad, Ocotber 2011
Princes Gate is a memorable trip down history's lane. The descriptions of the looting and black market dealing after bomb attacks reveal that the recent riots and looting in London and other major cities are nothing new. I particularly enjoyed the atmosphere and feeling of being out and about during those early days of the war. --Crime Squad, 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.
--Crime Squad, Ocotber 2011
Product Description
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.
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.
