Shadow of the Serpent: An Inspector McLevy Mystery 1

I've read other Victorian-era mysteries and others set in Edinburgh, but none of them were quite like the McLevy. Based on a BBC radio show about an actual Edinburgh policeman, they are quite rough and brutal in places, especially in the way McLevy handles criminals. This particular crime involves politics (and if Victorian politics don't interest you, you may not want to read this novel). The coming election has Gladstone versus Disraeli for prime minister. When a woman is killed in a horrible way--and is there any other way in Victorian times, McLevy is reminded of a murder when he was a young constable, and the promise he made to his dying superior--who was wounded when McLevy left him to go charging after a miscreant--that he'd one day solve that crime, no matter what. Unfortunately, circumstanial evidence and the appearance of a mysterious woman who claims too have proof, point to candidate Gladstone as the killer in both instances. Considering who's involved, McLevy's new superior officer wants to sweep it all under the rug but McLevy refuses to do so even when he's taken off the case. Some of the inspector's background, and the fact that his assistance Constable Mulholland doesn't always see eye-to-eye with McLevy, and a look into the killer's mind add depth to the story.A brooding mystery whose cover sets the mood. A little darker than most, and occasionally McLevy isn't the most likable person in this particular universe, but it's intriguing enough and well-written and will undoubtedly make the reader ask for more.This novel was purchased by the reviewer and no remuneration was involved in the writing of this review.

This book was my introduction to David Ashton, and already I'm addicted. His prose is a joy to read, and at times I would re-read a sentence or paragraph and marvel at his descriptions of people and places in towns and the Scottish country. His characters are delightfully unique and believable, enhanced at times by their heavy accents, peculiarities, and psycho-dynamics.As an over-worked and often under-appreciated police inspector, the main character is troubled and often angry and frustrated. However, he is almost obsessive in sticking up for the right of the poor and downtrodden to receive justice and fair treatment. Involved with a rash of peculiar murders, he is brilliant in finding clues, tracking down witnesses others would avoid, and reaching conclusions that lead to a powerful surprise finale.

There is nothing I could recommend about this book. Based on what I've read of this book (and I could not force myself to finish), I will not be purchasing other books in the series. The author must have had a dictionary of Scottish words and phrases and managed to use them all in the first few chapters. He tried too hard to give a feeling of Scotland, and he missed. As for the plot...It may have been good, but I had to stop reading.

I have to like at least one character in a book to enjoy it. There was not one character in this story that I liked. Insp McLevy is a very troubled misanthrope who seriously needs to see a psychiatrist. All the Scottish references gets old real fast. One positive: I only paid $1.99 thru Prime/Kindle. Thanks Amazon.

It was a bit slow at first,and the colloquial remarks were initially a little hard to decipher, but once the plot gained momentum, suspense quickly built and the book became a fun read.Excellent character development and great description of the setting. One could almost feel the dank smell of the slums and the the misery of their denizens. Super job of depicting the sad choices so many women had to make just to survive.

I guess if I spoke "Mombo-Jumbo" this book may have been interesting. I do not consider myself illiterate but this was an insult to the reader. I do not know what language Mr Ashton speaks but it certainly is not English. I guess the people who reviewed this book hail from whatever country he comes from. If you like the plain spoken word, meaning you come from the United States, this is not the book for you. Sorry Mr. Ashton, but I feel a disclaimer should have been posted by Amazon warning us to that fact. I am sure that come from your country would enjoy it. The only blessing was it only cost me US$2.11.

While I enjoyed this historical mystery and it's great characters, I wasn't pulled into the story enough to 'need more' at any one point. I had no problem putting down this book at many points and doing other things. I would say the storyline is good but I'm not running out to buy another copy or sending gifts of it to anyone.

McLevy is a memorable detective, and his rough edges combined with his unique perspective on life make for a compelling series of stories. The mysteries were complex, too, and kept me engaged. I only wish we'd see more of him (and his cat). I did not find the language at all hard to read, and I'm American. Not sure what the one reviewer is talking about.

Not the best Victorian crime.. Got slightly at a loss in some places as to why we're privy to meetings with the Queen and Disraeli. Didn't seem to be any connection. Maybe just me. Inspector and his side kick good characters, but if you want better, you could do worse than read Edinburgh Twilight....

A good series featuring Inspector McLevey, a Victorian Scottish detective. Some of the Scottish dialect was a little difficult to understand but, nevertheless, a good thrilling read.

Read all the series, well worth a read

I have just finished reading the inspector Banks series of books and was recommended the McLeavy series by amazon recognizing the name from radio 4 I gave it a go it is a brilliant page turner. I am about to purchase the entire series

Excellent writing but the historical sections appear to be of little import at times. However McLevy always provides the answers.