The Architect of Murder

by Rafe McGregor

As the twentieth century begins and a new monarch is crowned, the life of a young veterinary surgeon, Ellen Marshall, ends. Her brother Alec, decorated soldier and ex-policeman, returns from Africa, in part to sort out his late sister's affairs, and begins to suspect that Ellen's death is not entirely as it seems. In time, Alec becomes embroiled in an investigation that takes in the great and the good, as well as the lowest reaches of the criminal underworld, and all corners of the Empire. As the bullets fly and knives are wielded, can the war hero really overcome all odds and find out how — and why — his sister died? He can, but the answer is more shocking than anybody could have predicted.

The Architect of Murder is a compelling, fast-paced and engaging historical crime novel, with a heart-stopping twist. It will appeal to fans of crime novels, those interested in late nineteenth/early twentieth century history and anyone who simply enjoys a great story, with well-drawn characters and a clever plot. It was listed in Euro Crime’s Top Five Reads of 2009, and sits on Suspense Magazine’s Recommended Reading List 2009.

“Arthur Conan Doyle is alive and well, and writing under the name Rafe McGregor. The Architect of Murder captures all the exquisite period details that fans of Sherlock Holmes will savour. Curl up and read it, hopefully by the fire, with a nice glass of claret in hand” - Tess Gerritsen

“There’s some dandy police procedure (McGregor is a Sherlockian), and plenty of interesting characters to carry the story along. Not to mention action…The plot has plenty of twists, and I suspect that hardly anyone will figure out all of them. I know I didn’t” - Bill Crider

“McGregor’s ambitious plot entwines some of the giant real-life figures of late-Victorian imperialism…a fascinating marriage of investigative mayhem with keen attention to historical detail” - Graham Hurley

“An exciting read, giving a very authentic flavour of the period, complete with top hats, cigars, twirling moustaches and gentleman’s clubs” - Bernard Knight

“So well plotted and written that you forget you’re in London in the early 20th century and just get swept away with the story” - New Mystery Reader

“Reminded me a little of John Buchan – hugely enjoyable.” - Books Monthly

“Well-written and always interesting, this is a book I can recommend” - Crime and Detective Stories

Rafe McGregor is the author of nine books, including Bloody Reckoning, and two hundred articles, essays, and reviews.

Genres: Mystery, Africa

236 pages, Paperback

First published February 27, 2009

Reviews

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alec Marshall, soldier and ex-policeman has returned to England from Africa partly to sort out the affairs of his sister. Ellen, a veterinary surgeon, was killed in an accident. When confronted by Ellen's friend Roberta Paterson doubts begin to surface concerning the accident. But where will his investigation lead.
An entertaining and well-written story with its detailed plotting.

[LJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

First Sentence: I’m not sure why I decided to return to London when I did.

Major Alec Marshall served as a policeman prior to his joining the army and receiving the Victoria Cross. Alec has returned to England after learning of his sister, Dr. Ellen Marshall. Her close friend, Miss Roberta Paterson, believes Ellen was murdered and wants Alec to investigate.
Supt. William Melville of Scotland Yards, CID, is short of men owing to the upcoming coronation of Edward VII, would also like Marshall’s help. Cecil Rhodes, one of the wealthiest men in Great Britain has died. The witnesses to the last two codicils, two of whom are in London are needed in Cape Town. Assigned to work with Inspector Truegood, they find one of the witnesses murdered and uncover a plan set to impact the future of the British Empire.

It is always wonderful to pick up a book which looks somewhat interesting and find it to be completely fascinating and exciting.

McGregor has created interesting, substantive characters. The protagonist, Alec Marshall, is one of the most fully drawn characters I’ve read in awhile. Although initially, it is challenging to put together the pieces of Alec’s background, particularly with people misrepresenting his rank, it does sort itself out. While he utilizes the logic and skills he learned as a policeman and a soldier, what I particularly liked was the breath of emotion given to Alec.

Roberta Paterson has a career and supports the vote for women but is still aware of social conventions. Truegood is a cop’s cop; he’s unimpressed by Alec and distrustful of his motives but will cover his back when the situation requires it.

Historical events and figures are incorporated in a realistic manner. Because of the number of characters, it could have been confusing. McGregor avoided that pitfall by reminding us of who the characters and their relationship to each other. Rather than this being redundant, it provides clarity and is well incorporated into the plot.

McGregor employs Alec in conveying the sense of time and place. With his transition back into London, we witness his observations on telephones, the crowds, traffic, noise and the smell of the air. There are descriptions of the manners and multi-course meals of the period, with particular attention given to men’s attire and facial hair, and the various levels of economic and social strata. The tendresse which develops between Alec and Roberta is completely appropriate to the period.

A lot of information had to be included for the story to make sense, but I was never bored. There are shocking revelations and very dramatic confrontations. The story was informative, educational, exciting, suspenseful, dramatic and altogether wonderful. I can’t wait for the next book.

THE ARCHITECT OF MURDER (Hist Mys-Alec Marshall-England-Gaslight/1901) – Ex
McGregor, Rafe – 1st in series
Hale, ©2009, UK Hardcover – ISBN: 9780709087281

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[David Baird · Rating 4 out of 5]

Major Alec Marshall, an ex-policeman has returned to England to sad tidings. His sister Ellen has died in an unfortunate accident.

While back he is enlisted to help Supt. Melville of Scotland Yard. There’s a case and things don’t add up.

The body has been found of Eric Lowenstein, one of only two witnesses to the will of  Cecil Rhodes, a very rich man.. is there anything to the murder related to the will? Or just wrong place wrong time?

Marshall, with the aid of Inspector Truegood find links that could shake the British Empire at it’s highest level!

While cracking this case Alec become close to his sister’s best friend,  Miss Roberta Paterson. Roberta is struggling to come to terms with the death of Ellen and believes there could be more too it that meets the eye... Alec promises to find out the truth.

When reviewing my notes what I’ve mainly highlighted is the characters and their development…and just how good it was. There’s plenty of detail added to the plot to set the scene but the characters alone shine for me. Believable, interesting, and fun.

Truegood, my favourite, a big brute of a man but he's as straight as they come. You know he will get the job done. I loved every scene with him in even though he’s a man of few words. 

I found myself easily sucked into this one, the plot is expertly woven and the flow perfect, chapter length just how I like it. At not much over 200 pages there’s a lot packed in, and damn.. it’s pretty good.

[Christian Northe · Rating 5 out of 5]

want to read about deep at heart englishness? this is your book.

[Sonoswede · Rating 3 out of 5]

Too many layers for me to follow. I didn’t know who was who.

[Mary G. · Rating 3 out of 5]

At the time I read this, my notes indicate that I found it interesting. My notes state that it was not bad nor good.

[Bonnye Reed]

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