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Home Front Detective #10
Danger of Defeat
March, 1918. Detective Inspector Harvey Marmion and Detective Sergeant Joe Keedy are about to leave Scotland Yard when they hear of a sinister siege involving three burglars, a shoot-out, and an injured policeman. Officers at the scene are led to believe that the burglars remain inside the house, and going against strict orders, Keedy creeps into the house to investigate. Suddenly, another gun shot is heard. Keedy has been shot …
Rumours unfurl that the house was occupied by Irish tenants. Had the burglary been planned by terrorists in need of money to fund their campaign against the British government? While Keedy recovers in hospital, Marmion and his team begin to uncover the secrets that lie behind this complex incident …
Rumours unfurl that the house was occupied by Irish tenants. Had the burglary been planned by terrorists in need of money to fund their campaign against the British government? While Keedy recovers in hospital, Marmion and his team begin to uncover the secrets that lie behind this complex incident …
- GenresCrime
320 pages, Hardcover
First published October 19, 2023
21 people are currently reading
82 people want to read
About the author
Edward Marston
229 books467 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
A pseudonym used by Keith Miles
AKA A.E. Marston
Keith Miles (born 1940) is an English author, who writes under his own name and also historical fiction and mystery novels under the pseudonym Edward Marston. He is known for his mysteries set in the world of Elizabethan theatre. He has also written a series of novels based on events in the Domesday Book, a series of The Railway Detective and a series of The Home Front Detective.
Series contributed to:
. Malice Domestic
. Crime Through Time
. Perfectly Criminal
A pseudonym used by Keith Miles
AKA A.E. Marston
Keith Miles (born 1940) is an English author, who writes under his own name and also historical fiction and mystery novels under the pseudonym Edward Marston. He is known for his mysteries set in the world of Elizabethan theatre. He has also written a series of novels based on events in the Domesday Book, a series of The Railway Detective and a series of The Home Front Detective.
Series contributed to:
. Malice Domestic
. Crime Through Time
. Perfectly Criminal
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
February 8, 2024
Latest in the home front detectives series a series of robbery in jewellery shops and a murder of a policeman the journey to arrest takes the detectives to Ireland and Birmingham in their hunt. Enjoyable novel
September 26, 2023
Several years ago I read the "Railway Detective" series of books by Edward Marston and found them to be reliably enjoyable, easy reading and well written. I hadn't realized Edward Marston had written another series called The Homefront Detective of which this book, Danger of Defeat, is the tenth in the series! I have not read the others but this had no effect at all on my ability to enjoy the story. There was no need to already be a reader of the series. The series is set during the Great War, the first book is set in 1915 and this latest story is set in 1918, near the end of the War. The stories are based on cases investigated by Detective Inspector Harvey Marmion and this latest plot involves a gang of thieves who have murdered a police officer and are being beseiged by the police. When Marmion and his partner attempt to break down the door the thieves are shielding behind, Marmion's partner gets shot and he starts to uncover the secrets behind the gang. I really enjoyed reading this story over the course of a few evenings in bed. The story zips along and is very enjoyable. I'm very pleased to have found a new bingeable series for light, easy reading which is also satisfying. Christmas present book list sorted.
September 30, 2023
Although I have read and enjoyed many of Edward Marston’s Railway Detective series, this was my first read of the Home Front Detective books. I wasn’t disappointed.
Detective Joe Keedy is shot and seriously injured during a botched attempt to foil the burglary of a jeweller’s shop. Unfortunately for Keedy, he can identify his attacker. Inspector Marmion, his superior and future father-in-law must work fast to solve the mystery before the shooter returns to finish off the job.
The action moves at a good pace, with details unfolding to reveal much more to the plot than a simple series of jewellery thefts. Set against the backdrop of the First World War, the story also draws on the tensions between Britain and Ireland in the wake of the Easter Rising, as well as referring to the effects of shell shock on returning soldiers. These details give the story a much more gritty realism than some of Marston’s other novels. The characters seem more rounded and finished off. The characters are flawed to an extent, and the happy home life of the Marmions is disturbed by the shadow of Paul who, though absent from the narrative, makes his presence felt through the effect his memory has on his mother. Hints are made that he may have a larger, darker part to play in future novels.
The dialogue can sometimes seem a bit awkward and clunky, for example when the characters relate historical events to each other in order to inform the reader of them. This is quite typical of Marston’s style and happens much less frequently in this book than some of his others.
All in all, I enjoyed this historical crime read. There were enough twists, turns and red herrings to hold a reader’s interest and keep them guessing until the end. I’d definitely recommend it.
Thank to Netgalley and Allison and Busby for this eARC.
Detective Joe Keedy is shot and seriously injured during a botched attempt to foil the burglary of a jeweller’s shop. Unfortunately for Keedy, he can identify his attacker. Inspector Marmion, his superior and future father-in-law must work fast to solve the mystery before the shooter returns to finish off the job.
The action moves at a good pace, with details unfolding to reveal much more to the plot than a simple series of jewellery thefts. Set against the backdrop of the First World War, the story also draws on the tensions between Britain and Ireland in the wake of the Easter Rising, as well as referring to the effects of shell shock on returning soldiers. These details give the story a much more gritty realism than some of Marston’s other novels. The characters seem more rounded and finished off. The characters are flawed to an extent, and the happy home life of the Marmions is disturbed by the shadow of Paul who, though absent from the narrative, makes his presence felt through the effect his memory has on his mother. Hints are made that he may have a larger, darker part to play in future novels.
The dialogue can sometimes seem a bit awkward and clunky, for example when the characters relate historical events to each other in order to inform the reader of them. This is quite typical of Marston’s style and happens much less frequently in this book than some of his others.
All in all, I enjoyed this historical crime read. There were enough twists, turns and red herrings to hold a reader’s interest and keep them guessing until the end. I’d definitely recommend it.
Thank to Netgalley and Allison and Busby for this eARC.
December 31, 2023
Set during the First World War, this series has followed Inspector Marmion, fighting crime on the home front. In this book his soon-to-be son in law and sergeant, Joe Keedy, is shot while trying to apprehend some criminals. Marmion, alongside a new character who is stepping up while Keedy recovers, need to find these men who have killed one and injured another officer. But they are being masterminded by a most unusual woman.
I have enjoyed this series, but for me the book spent too long with Alice Marmion and her angst about how her plans are being upset by her fiance's shooting. A more self-centred, antagonistic and arrogant woman would be hard to find. I thought her dialogue rather stilted and her points of view so righteous! I was hoping Keedy might elope with his nurse.
Perhaps the heavy reliance on Alice covered for some gaps in the plot, but certainly seeds have been set for the next in the series.
I have enjoyed this series, but for me the book spent too long with Alice Marmion and her angst about how her plans are being upset by her fiance's shooting. A more self-centred, antagonistic and arrogant woman would be hard to find. I thought her dialogue rather stilted and her points of view so righteous! I was hoping Keedy might elope with his nurse.
Perhaps the heavy reliance on Alice covered for some gaps in the plot, but certainly seeds have been set for the next in the series.
October 16, 2023
Harvey Marmion is called to an incident in Limehouse in the middle of the night. Three burglars, at least one with a gun, have robbed a jewelry store and killed a policeman. Another policeman followed them to a house. Marmion picks up his sergeant, Joe Keedy, on the way. Keedy is engaged to Marmion's daughter, Alice. As police converge outside the house, Keedy volunteers to rush the house along with two others. However, he runs into the man with the gun who shoots him in the stomach at a short distance. The burglars have also set fires inside the house, and them had been able to escape via the roof.
To temporarily replace Keedy, Marmion asks to have Burge help him investigate. Although Keedy has come through his operation well, Alice is very upset to find she is not allowed to visit him where she can hold his hand. Instead, she has to be outside the room looking through a window. Marmion and Burge quickly find that a woman has been in several robbed jewelers within a few days of the burglary. They also decide she must be an actress, because each one looks different. They also find out the the head burglar is Irish, and the jewelry is probably going to the free Irish movement.
Will Marmion and Burge find the burglar/killer, before he finds Keedy and gets a chance to kill him? Will Alice and Keedy finally be able to get married?
This is a great British historical police procedural. I thank Netgalley and Allyson & Busby for an ARC.
To temporarily replace Keedy, Marmion asks to have Burge help him investigate. Although Keedy has come through his operation well, Alice is very upset to find she is not allowed to visit him where she can hold his hand. Instead, she has to be outside the room looking through a window. Marmion and Burge quickly find that a woman has been in several robbed jewelers within a few days of the burglary. They also decide she must be an actress, because each one looks different. They also find out the the head burglar is Irish, and the jewelry is probably going to the free Irish movement.
Will Marmion and Burge find the burglar/killer, before he finds Keedy and gets a chance to kill him? Will Alice and Keedy finally be able to get married?
This is a great British historical police procedural. I thank Netgalley and Allyson & Busby for an ARC.
October 22, 2023
Edward Marston's mysteries are always a treat as they are well plotted and there's a well researched and vivid background.
I love this series and was glad to catch up with the characters, hoping for the best, and trying to guess the culprits.
A fast and engrossing read.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine
I love this series and was glad to catch up with the characters, hoping for the best, and trying to guess the culprits.
A fast and engrossing read.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine
October 3, 2024
What a great read can't wait for the next one
October 6, 2023
This is right up Grumpy Grandads (we really should stop calling him that !) street. A good old fashioned yarn for those who remember Biggles. Actually, I really enjoy these stories too, just enough excitement , mystery and red herrings to keep the little grey cells going without frying them. We have read quite a few and they still are as good as the first few. A smashing stocking filler.
October 10, 2023
I would like to thank Netgalley and Allison & Busby for an advance copy of Danger of Defeat, the tenth novel in the Home Front Detective series to feature Inspector Harvey Marmion and Sergeant Joe Keedy of Scotland Yard, set in 1918.
In the early hours Marmion and Keedy are called out to an armed standoff. Three burglars have shot a police constable and retreated to a house in Limehouse. Keedy leads the entry and is shot during the burglars’ daring escape. While Keedy is recuperating Marmion enlists the help of Acting Sergeant Clifford Burge in his hunt for the gunmen and their motive.
I thoroughly enjoyed Danger of Defeat, which is an action packed read with a strong storyline and some unexpected turns. It is told from both Manion and the burglars’ points of view so not everything is a mystery, although the ringleader of the gang’s identity is never revealed until the denouement. It is interesting as a read to compare how Manion goes about acquiring knowledge of them with what they reveal to the reader. It never seems forced or contrived as the reader never knows what they will get up to next, and there are some real surprises.
This is not a long novel so it feels that there are developments on every page, some more welcome than others, but it’s not just a game of cat and mouse as the author devotes a fair amount of time to Keedy’s fiancée, Alice Manion, and her emotional struggles over Keedy’s injury and the potential threat of the burglars coming back to finish the job. I think that the author does a great job of describing Alice’s reactions, a mixture of real upset and the practical solution she finds to occupy her waiting time. There is an optimism that I didn’t expect, but feels natural in her attitude.
Danger of Defeat is a good read that I have no hesitation in recommending.
In the early hours Marmion and Keedy are called out to an armed standoff. Three burglars have shot a police constable and retreated to a house in Limehouse. Keedy leads the entry and is shot during the burglars’ daring escape. While Keedy is recuperating Marmion enlists the help of Acting Sergeant Clifford Burge in his hunt for the gunmen and their motive.
I thoroughly enjoyed Danger of Defeat, which is an action packed read with a strong storyline and some unexpected turns. It is told from both Manion and the burglars’ points of view so not everything is a mystery, although the ringleader of the gang’s identity is never revealed until the denouement. It is interesting as a read to compare how Manion goes about acquiring knowledge of them with what they reveal to the reader. It never seems forced or contrived as the reader never knows what they will get up to next, and there are some real surprises.
This is not a long novel so it feels that there are developments on every page, some more welcome than others, but it’s not just a game of cat and mouse as the author devotes a fair amount of time to Keedy’s fiancée, Alice Manion, and her emotional struggles over Keedy’s injury and the potential threat of the burglars coming back to finish the job. I think that the author does a great job of describing Alice’s reactions, a mixture of real upset and the practical solution she finds to occupy her waiting time. There is an optimism that I didn’t expect, but feels natural in her attitude.
Danger of Defeat is a good read that I have no hesitation in recommending.
November 13, 2023
A spate of robberies in jewellery shops in London ends when an officer is shot. Charged with investigating, the case is personal for Marmion as the shot officer is his daughter's fiancee. The evidence points to a gang of Irish Nationalists who seem to be led by a retired actress. However one of the gang is keen to silence the officer permanently so it is a race against time to find them whilst war rages in France.
I hadn't read any of the other books in the series but that didn't seem to matter as I slipped into the characters easily. I really liked the setting in the London police during World War 1, the book is well-researched and evocative. Essentially it is just a police procedural with a twist, but it is a solid one.
I hadn't read any of the other books in the series but that didn't seem to matter as I slipped into the characters easily. I really liked the setting in the London police during World War 1, the book is well-researched and evocative. Essentially it is just a police procedural with a twist, but it is a solid one.
June 22, 2024
I have read this entire series, as well as all of the Railway Detective books, and it seems as if they are focusing more and more on the characters' lives and less and less on the mystery. This is somewhat disappointing to me as I am primarily interested in "how we gonna catch the bad guys". I skimmed through the 2/3rds of the book unrelated to the central plot. This only reflects my own particular interest and overall, the books are well-written. I would recommend them if you're primarily interested in character development, but if you're a hard-core mystery buff they're a bit thin. I'm not sure I will continue with the series.
August 1, 2024
Having grown a little tired of the Railway Detective series, I was keen to read something different from Edward Marston, and this novel was very enjoyable.
Although set in a different time, there are certainly parallels - the grumpy, slightly dim boss, the experienced detective paired with a colleague who needs to learn from him and a doting female in the wings. However, this has proved to be a winning formula for this author in the past.
I enjoyed the late WW1 setting, where there was a genuine fear in the community that the war may be lost. He also kept the plot moving along well.
I will certainly explore this series further.
Although set in a different time, there are certainly parallels - the grumpy, slightly dim boss, the experienced detective paired with a colleague who needs to learn from him and a doting female in the wings. However, this has proved to be a winning formula for this author in the past.
I enjoyed the late WW1 setting, where there was a genuine fear in the community that the war may be lost. He also kept the plot moving along well.
I will certainly explore this series further.
April 16, 2024
Published in 2023, 'Danger of Defeat' is the 10th in the 'Home Front' series of detective novels featuring DI Harvey Marmion of Scotland Yard fighting crime in the London area during WW1. As always, his tales are thin on plot but rich in characters, albeit some of them two-dimensional. This case involves the hunt for criminals involved in the burglary of a jewellers, following the shooting of two policemen. Enjoyable if formulaic.
November 26, 2023
It's been a while since I last looked in on the 'Homefront' series and I am so sorry I left it so long. An exciting, thrilling adventure set against the backdrop of a time we don't think about too much; more shame us. Great characters, this authors usual spellbinding twists and turns! Bring on the next, please. My thanks to Netgalley and Allison & Busby for the reading copy.
July 27, 2024
Superb latest instalment of Marston's Home Front series. Personally, I think this is the best one of all.
There are plenty of blind alleys, dark corners, twists and turns and personal agendas. So, as Bette Davis once said: "Fasten your seatbelts, it's gonna be a bumpy ride!" It will also be a pleasurable journey.
There are plenty of blind alleys, dark corners, twists and turns and personal agendas. So, as Bette Davis once said: "Fasten your seatbelts, it's gonna be a bumpy ride!" It will also be a pleasurable journey.
September 4, 2025
some interesting historical anachronisms. they don't detract terribly from the story, but do jar a bit.
looks like Spring Offensive is to be the second to last book in the Home Front Detective series, with the concluding novel not yet announced, neither title nor release date.
so, back to the Railway Detective series to get my Marston fixes.
looks like Spring Offensive is to be the second to last book in the Home Front Detective series, with the concluding novel not yet announced, neither title nor release date.
so, back to the Railway Detective series to get my Marston fixes.
July 18, 2025
A pretty abrupt end to this one. It was good, though, with the main plot of the burglars/killers and trying to keep Keedy safe from them. A fleeting appearance for Paul (please, just sort out his subplot) and Keedy's convalescence looks like it will continue into the next book.
September 23, 2025
I'm not sure if this book is meant for teen aged readers, but if not, the author's style is very odd, bordering on immature. Given that, I would have given this book a one star rating, but the plot picked up in the second half, so I upped that to two (weak) stars.
November 5, 2023
Brilliant as usual
The book was full of ups and downs as you would guess with the writer of this calibre and culminating in the arrest of those responsible
The book was full of ups and downs as you would guess with the writer of this calibre and culminating in the arrest of those responsible
November 25, 2023
Excellent writing once again, and very gripping plot, nice to see the introduction of a new character too
June 3, 2024
Brilliant book and a great series
Read
April 1, 2025Another great story. As I near the end of this series, I look forward to starting the author's Railway Detective series.
June 25, 2025
The best Marston book I've read
December 29, 2024
Great series
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews