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In Knives We Trust
An atmospheric murder mystery set in Victorian Swansea in 1880. Evokes a convincing portrayal of life in a nineteenth century Welsh town. A plot which uses authentic locations and voices. The first in a series featuring Inspector Rumsey Bucke. Inspector Rumsey Bucke, a still-grieving widower, must find Daniel Guy who has tried and failed to murder his own wife. He tracks him steadily through the murky streets of Swansea's poorest communities, with little help from a corrupt and incompetent police force. Two fatal stabbings, which may or may not be connected, put Bucke's position under threat from a scheming superior. However, he finds the will and the support to change his life from an unlikely source, the wife of a prime murder suspect. As he finally confronts his own sorrow, he discovers that terrible secrets lurk beneath the surface of the ordinary lives around him. No one can ever escape from the secret burdens they carry with them. But there are unknown figures lurking in the shadows and Bucke is drawn into the dangerous world of international politics, with assassins playing out a clandestine war on the streets of the town, ready to kill the innocent to protect themselves. As he desperately runs out of time to prevent another murder, Bucke has to find the answers which have eluded him. Who is the murderer? Is it Daniel Guy? Is it someone else? Just how many murderers are there? There is a bigger question for him too. If, as they say, justice is blind, are there occasions when the law should be blind too?
238 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 10, 2018
2 people are currently reading
7 people want to read
About the author
Geoff Brookes
41 books8 followersGeoff Brookes spent his professional life as a teacher in Leicester and in two Swansea Comprehensive schools. His writing career began with pieces in The Independent newspaper and he was soon writing regularly for The Times Education Supplement. In 2011 he was nominated as Columnist of the Year (Business Media Category) in the PPA Awards for his work with the TES. He has written a number of books about secondary education including English Literature study guides, additional learning needs and school management.
He was a featured writer for Welsh Country Magazine where he explored the stories beneath interesting gravestones. He is also the author of a number of books about Swansea and Welsh history. His first novel, In Knives We Trust, was published by Matador in 2018, the first of his books about Inspector Rumsey Bucke. The second novel in the series, Our Lady of Mumbles, was published by Cambria Books in November 2020. The third novel, A Swansea Child. will be published by Cambria Books in autumn 2021.
He was a featured writer for Welsh Country Magazine where he explored the stories beneath interesting gravestones. He is also the author of a number of books about Swansea and Welsh history. His first novel, In Knives We Trust, was published by Matador in 2018, the first of his books about Inspector Rumsey Bucke. The second novel in the series, Our Lady of Mumbles, was published by Cambria Books in November 2020. The third novel, A Swansea Child. will be published by Cambria Books in autumn 2021.
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
February 7, 2019
Firstly, many thanks go to Netgalley and Troubadour publishing for allowing me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my opinion.
The story is set in Swansea during the late nineteenth century and follows Rumsey Burke, a police inspector and all round good man who tries to maintain law and order amongst the locals and visiting seaman whilst grieving for his wife and children. He is called upon to investigate the attempted murder of Mary Guy by her husband Daniel but little does he know that by doing so he will uncover plans and crimes darker than the Swansea night sky.
The story was a bit of a slow burner but once it got going, I was hooked. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it and loved that some of the characters were real people. The author’s note at the end of the book explains more about this and it just brought more depth to the story. Bravo Mr Brookes.
The story is set in Swansea during the late nineteenth century and follows Rumsey Burke, a police inspector and all round good man who tries to maintain law and order amongst the locals and visiting seaman whilst grieving for his wife and children. He is called upon to investigate the attempted murder of Mary Guy by her husband Daniel but little does he know that by doing so he will uncover plans and crimes darker than the Swansea night sky.
The story was a bit of a slow burner but once it got going, I was hooked. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it and loved that some of the characters were real people. The author’s note at the end of the book explains more about this and it just brought more depth to the story. Bravo Mr Brookes.
December 19, 2021
If you have any knowledge of Swansea this is an interesting story. If you don't you might be overwhelmed by the details.
The plot is a little out there/hard to credit but as a book it is warmly written with affection to the people and the town. This goes a long way.
Some shades of Hinterland in the drawing of poor Rumsey and the darkness lurking in the town.
It is an enjoyable but non life changing piece of historical fiction.
The plot is a little out there/hard to credit but as a book it is warmly written with affection to the people and the town. This goes a long way.
Some shades of Hinterland in the drawing of poor Rumsey and the darkness lurking in the town.
It is an enjoyable but non life changing piece of historical fiction.
October 30, 2021
Intelligent, well written and engaging novel, with intriguing historical detail. A bit like a Welsh Victorian Maigret, if you can imagine that. Highly recommended.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews