Modern Crimes

A WPC Lottie Armstrong Mystery #1

by Chris Nickson

1924: Still reeling from the effects of the Great War, life in the city of Leeds is poverty is rife, work is scarce and crime is becoming more sophisticated. Bravely entering this maelstrom is one of the city’s first policewomen to walk the beat, the resourceful, inquisitive and practical WPC Lottie Armstrong. Eager to prove herself and determined to succeed, Lottie faces apathy from colleagues and the general public alike until she suddenly finds herself on the trail of a missing girl that leads to the underbelly of the city and to murder.As Lottie uncovers a plot involving high level corruption, CID reluctantly find they need her knowledge and people skills, but as the truth is slowly laid bare Lottie’s bravery is tested to its limit in a breathtaking climax.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Mystery, Historical Mystery

288 pages, Paperback

Published September 7, 2016

About the author

I'm a novelist and music journalist, the author of many books set between the 1730s and 1950s in Leeds, as well as others in medieval Chesterfield and 1980s Seattle.

Above all, though, its Leeds I love, the people, the sense of the place changing with time. Yes, I write mysteries, but ultmiateoly they're books about people and their relationships, and the crime becomes a moral framework for the story.

Reviews

[Kris (My Novelesque Life) · Rating 4 out of 5]

RATING: 4 STARS
2017; History/Mystery Press

Following World War I, Lottie Armstrong is working as a Woman Police Constable in Leeds at Milgarth Police Station. Her husband, Geoff was injured in battle and they find out they cannot have children. She decides that working as a WPC is what she needs. Her husband is very encouraging of her job and the time it entails. Along with her partner, and the only other WPC, Cathy Taylor the two patrol Leeds, mostly interacting with women and children. The "real" crimes are handled by their male counterparts. When a young pregnant teen runs away from a special home for unmarried pregnant women, Lottie and Cathy are put on the case. When the case turns into a murder and attempted murder, the CID take over. Sargent McMillan thinks Lottie is a good investigator so tries to get her involved when he can. As the two get further into the case, it seems like Lottie is the only one getting results. Can she help solve the case before the Inspector throws her off?

This is my first book by Chris Nickson, but I have seen his other books and have been interested in trying one. I really enjoyed this book. It was a well-written historical mystery. Nickson sucked me into the time period and provided enough information that you got how things were in those times and in Leeds. I really liked the characters and how they interacted in this novel. Geoff is such a sweetheart and an early feminist! He is so supportive of his wife's career and how she feels about it. He is not jealous when she is out late with McMillan and encourages her to what she thinks is best. I liked the partnership of Lottie and Cathy as they are different but work so well together. This book has a steady pace that kept me intrigued. I found the history of women in the police force also very interesting. I want to know more about how women were able to do this job when everything was against them doing it. I recommend this novel to historical fiction, mystery and feminism. I am down for the next book and am looking forward to trying another novel by Nickson!

***I received an eARC from NETGALLEY***

My Novelesque Life

[Judy Lesley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an e-ARC of this novel through NetGalley and Trafalgar Square Publishing.

Having read several novels written by Chris Nickson, and enjoyed them, I did not hesitate to request this first book in the WPC Lottie Armstrong mystery series. The time is 1924 and Lottie (Charlotte) Armstrong is one of only two Women Police Constables on the Leeds police force, specifically Milgarth Police Station. Times are hard because of the previous war years and Lottie was pleased to be taken on by the police department. Probably showing some tendencies to be rather ahead of his time, her husband Geoff was just as pleased and supportive of his wife's dream to be on the force. Lottie and her partner, WPC Cathy Taylor, are on foot patrol each day and are only authorized to deal with problems pertaining to women and children. When Lottie and Cathy are assigned to investigate the disappearance of an eight-month pregnant unwed mother in a special home for women in that condition they soon realize that even though they are investigating a problem with a woman at its center this is sure to begin very quickly to involve other sections of the police department. When Lottie shows a natural talent for questioning suspects she gets word that she is to report upstairs to the CID room. Maybe she might get to do something like real police investative work after all?

Historical mysteries are a favorite sub-genre for me to read because I learn so much historical information. Author Chris Nickson has given the reader a clear picture of how strict the limits were in the 1920s for what a woman was allowed to do. He has written Lottie as a more assertive character than I might have expected for her time period, but has still managed to keep her actions reasonable enough to show how her intelligence and drive were utilized and yet still mostly under-appreciated for the simple reason that she was competing in a man's world, doing something considered to be in line with the capabilities of a man. I would expect that to change in the second book due out in the Autumn of 2017. The first chapter of that second book is included at the end of this one so readers will understand better the slightly disappointing ending of this first book. I liked the way Nickson inserted all the things designed to place the story within the specific time period and the places mentioned to solidify the location. While I think the mystery portion of this novel wasn't quite as good as I would have hoped, this first story certainly did provide the back story for what is to come in future novels.

This is a very good beginning for the story of WPC Charlotte Armstrong. I'm looking forward to reading about her adventures in the second book.

[Jen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Modern Crimes by Chris Nickson

Although the Women Police Service was founded in 1914 to deal mainly with pimps and prostitution, the founders of the WPS took advantage of the war situation by replacing men who were involved with the war effort in the hope that women could continue advancing after the war.

Female officers were allowed to go into brothels, nightclubs and betting houses to observe and gather evidence of untoward behavior, but at the first sign of crime being committed, they had to call in male colleagues. They were not allowed to carry handcuffs unless instructed to by a senior officer, and were not allowed to make arrests until 1923. (Women in the Police)

The novel takes place in 1924 in Leeds. WPC Lottie Armstrong and her partner WPC Cathy Taylor are eager to take on larger policing roles, but must deal with the prejudices of many men on the force. Lottie's ability to talk to people results in good information, and DS McMillan values her assistance, but not everyone appreciates a woman exceeding her prescribed role.

NetGalley/Trafalgar Square Publishing.

Mystery/Police Procedural. Jan. 1, 2017. Print length: 288 pages.

[Neil Spark · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's 1924 and Lottie Armstrong and her offsider, Cathy Taylor, are the only women in the Leeds, UK, police. Policewomen were considered good only for patrols and minor crimes. But Lottie's persistence enables her to show her detecting and people skills when a girl goes missing. And she goes way beyond that when she shows she is braver than her chauvinist male colleagues.

Modern Crimes has lots of period detail that will transport you to 1924 Leeds. There's plenty of suspense that will keep you turning the pages. The narrative has a friendly flow in parts reminiscent of Alexander McCall Smith. The main characters are likeable; Lottie's husband, Geoff, is way ahead of his time.

The injustice of the appalling male culture had me seething. Gender equality now is more prevalent than in 1924 but there's still a long way to go.

Novels are about escapism and engendering emotion; Modern Crimes does both.

[Kristina Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Modern Crimes by Chris Nickson is the first book in A WPC Lottie Armstrong Mystery series. Charlotte “Lottie” Armstrong is a WPC (Women’s Police Constable) in Leeds, England. It is 1924 and Lottie is one of two female constables at the Millgarth Police Station. Lottie and her partner, Cathy Taylor are assigned the case of a missing, pregnant eighteen-year-old Jocelyn Hill. Jocelyn disappeared from Mrs. Allen’s home for unwed girls where she was staying (forced to stay by her mother). When the case leads them to Ray Coleman, the pair are forced to turn the case over to male detective. Female constables are only allowed to investigate cases involving women and children. Lottie gets a great opportunity when she gets to tag along with Constable Tennison to question Mr. Coleman. It is the first time that a male and female constable have been paired together. Constable Tennison discovers Lottie’s ability to ask intelligent and probing questions (and to know when a suspect is lying). This provides Lottie the opportunity to work with CID (Criminal Investigation Division) and Sergeant McMillan. This case will take Lottie across Leeds from one of the richest homes to an establishment that makes Sgt. McMillan extremely uncomfortable. Lottie will need to keep her wits about her as she sets out to find the perpetrator and fight against male prejudice. See how WPC Charlotte Armstrong fares in Modern Crimes.

Modern Crimes is an intriguing story that captured my attention from the very first page and held it until the very end. The novel is well-written, easy to read, and has a good pace. I found Modern Crimes to be well researched. The author did a splendid job at capturing time and place. I liked that Lottie Armstrong is a strong main character with keen intelligence. I give Modern Crimes 4.5 out of 5 stars. Modern Crimes has a good mystery that will keep most readers guessing until the reveal. The only thing that I found disappointing was the ending (I cannot say more without spoiling it for you). Modern Crimes is a British novel so it contains British terminology and slang. I cannot wait to read the next book in A WPC Lottie Armstrong Mystery series (it will be out in the fall of 2017).

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was just an amazingly well done, and of course well researched mystery, and not my "usual" genre although that varies a bit. I try to read historical mysteries set in other countries than the US, and mostly different eras- medieval is a favorite. However Chris Nickson's mysteries make that criteria fly out the window.

1924 Leeds has partially recovered after WWI, although jobs are in short supply and crime is ramping up. Lottie Armstrong,WPC, is a female police officer in a period when women were being turned out of jobs that able bodied males "should" have first choice at. She and her partner Cathy Taylor were the only two women constables in Leeds, and they were not welcomed with open arms.

A related group of crimes, some of which harkened back to the war, and involving the fairer sex allowed Lottie to come to the attention of Sgt. McMillan in CID. The first involved an unwed mother who disappeared from the maternity home she was placed in and eventually involved crime figures, murders and one suicide.

Lottie takes her sworn duties quite seriously and runs afoul of the male Constables and eventually some higher up law enforcement as well. She is surprised when her redoubtable supervisor, Mrs Maitland, matron, speaks up in her defense on several occasions.

Her career is ended with termination for doing what she felt was her duty, and definitely was the duty of some male constables. I would have been quite horrified about Lottie, accompanied by her sidekick Cathy, turning in their uniforms together except for one bright spot. My ARC, graciously sent to me by the author, revealed what appears to be a sequel to this series.

However when and how the short narrative I saw begins, I think you need to find out for yourself by preordering this book. Make it your Christmas present to yourself.There has never been a Chris Nickson book that I did not enjoy and I will prove it now by ordering a Dan Markham book.

[Joan · Rating 3 out of 5]

A well written and researched detective novel, particularly outlining the difficulties faced by the new police women in the force. Set in Leeds in the1920s.

[John Hardy · Rating 4 out of 5]

WPC Lottie Armstrong #1. Set in 1924, this historical mystery started well, and I was hooked until about half way in. Then some doubts started to make themselves felt.
On the plus side, there was a good feel for the time period, in both language and facts. Historical details such as cars, and the home laundry, were correct. The use of WPCs was definitely received poorly by some male officers, so Sgt McMillan is out of step with those attitudes. He uses Lottie for CID work off and on, recognising her ability in interviews to get information that a male officer might not get. Along the way, she is commended for her work, but also chastised, as she is headstrong and foolishly outspoken sometimes. The writing is quite pacy, and there are various minor policing episodes scattered amongst the major investigation, which add flavour of the times.
My doubts refer to the almost too easy run that Lottie, and to some extent Cathy, experience due to McMillan, and to some extent Mrs Maitland, the tough, disciplinarian WPC supervisor. Also, the combat abilities of the two women are a little hard to believe. It's a pity Lottie couldn't keep her trap shut, as she pisses off the Inspector, who had been at least somewhat neutral. He becomes an implacable enemy. It's childish, but such is life.
There are thriller aspects in the story, especially towards the end, but it doesn't really satisfy. Many readers will be disappointed, and be left wondering what book 2 could be about.
This is quite a long book at 282 paperback pages of rather small font. I think there were too many asides. Apart from the murders, the crimes behind them were not well explained.
After all that, I came down on the good side with a rating of 3.8. I'm looking forward to reading the second instalment.

[Jan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book quite a bit, but was disappointed when I found out the next book takes place twenty years later. I wanted to read more about Lottie in the 1920's. I probably won't read the second book at this time since it's expensive and I'm not as interested in reading it.

I thought the mystery in this book was very good and I enjoyed reading about Lottie and her fellow female police constable Cathy Taylor. I could understand how frustrating it was for them to work only with women's problems and then have to hand anything serious over to the male police officers. And they didn't receive much respect or help from any of the male officers. This was a very difficult position for both of the women police constables.

Even after Lottie makes significant contributions to a murder case and works with one of the detectives she doesn't receive much thanks--and is even reprimanded.

Chris Nickson writes some other mystery series and I will look for those.

[Spuddie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very much enjoyed this first book in the Lottie Armstrong series. Set in Leeds, UK in 1924, Lottie is one of the first WPCs. Serving in a very limited role--patrolling and dealing with 'women's issues' such as the prostitutes, crimes by children, etc. Lottie longs to play a more active role as a policewoman, a detective, even. She does get tangled up in a murder investigation when CID realizes the potential benefit to having a woman conduct interviews with women, thinking they may glean more information.

Set in the time after WWI, it's a very engaging book with lots of detailed background and some interesting characters. It's also interesting because I've read the author's other historical mysteries set in Leeds in different time periods, so it's interesting to see how the city has changed over time.

[Janet · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was disappointed in this book. Although Nickson did a good job of creating time and place, and main character Lottie Armstrong was well drawn with long term potential, the story itself was disjointed and rather weak.
It was hard to follow why the ultimate villain was after Lottie at the end- what was the point? - or what the underlying reasons for the crimes actually were.
And then, discovering that the next book in the series jumps forward 20 years, gets rid of characters, and eliminates WPC from Lottie's description - big disappointment.
I won't bother with book 2.

[Dawn Davies · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book I loved the characters and the story, it's a great read

[Beverly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty good yarn but would I have liked it as much if it hadn't been set in Leeds?

[Jan Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this first outing for WPC Lottie Armstrong. Written with Chris Nickson's trademark historical accuracy, it is set in Leeds during the inter-war years. Lottie herself is a good strong heroine, battling the prejudice she encounters as being one of the first two women police constables in Leeds. When events take a darker turn, she has her work cut out battling the restricions of the job as well as solving the overarching crime.

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lottie Armstrong is een vrouw naar mijn hart. Een stille kracht , in een tijd dat het glazen plafond nog heel dik was, in een tijd dat vrouwen de plaats van mannen moesten innemen (post WO I). Ze is volhardend, intelligent en een uitstekende politievrouw. De verhaallijn is spannend en de beschrijvingen van Leeds en de maatschappelijke verhoudingen van die tijd maken het een tot een uitstekend boek. Een aanrader voor al degenen die houden van spannende boeken met net dat tikkeltje meer.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Leeds 1924 and WPC Cathy Taylor and Lottie Armstrong are the only two women constables in Leeds. That morning they are sent out to a home for unmarried mothers not knowing that this investigation will lead to murder and expose the criminal underworld of Leeds.
A very enjoyable mystery, an easy read and likable characters. Can't ask for more.
A NetGalley Book

[Debbie Sessum · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book in a new series by Chris Nickson, who is fast becoming one of my favorite authors of historic fiction. Having read "Dark Water", I was eager to start this series at the beginning Charlotte Armstrong, "Lottie", is one of the first members of the WPC, women police constables. Relegated to helping women and children, Lottie gets the chance to work on a "real investigation." There are murders and disappearances, with Lottie using her considerable powers of deduction to help the men solve the crime, sometimes at considerable danger to herself. All of the characters are well developed, and I found myself wanting Lottie to succeed, and overcome considerable obstacles place in her way. All in all it was a satisfying read, and though the ending was unexpected, I will continue to follow Lottie in her future adventures with Detective McMillan.
I received this book in return for an unbiased review from Net Galley.