The Great Darkness

Kelly creates an atmospheric setting. Sunday Times

'A strong, effective plot and characters' Historical Novels Review

1939, Cambridge. The opening weeks of the Second World War, and the first blackout - The Great Darkness - covers southern England, enveloping the city. Detective Inspector Eden Brooke, a wounded hero of the Great War, takes his nightly dip in the cool waters of the Cam. The night is full of alarms, but in this Phoney War, the enemy never comes.

But daylight reveals a corpse on the riverside, the body torn apart by some unspeakable force. Brooke investigates, calling on the expertise and inspiration of a faithful group of fellow 'nighthawks' across the city, all condemned, like him, to a life lived away from the light. Within hours The Great Darkness has claimed a second victim. War, it seems, has many victims. But what links these crimes of the night?

Perfect for readers of Mark Ellis, Chris Lloyd and Jacqueline Winspear.


Readers love Jim Kelly:

'A totally satisfying read. There were new twists in the plot all the way to the finish. Jim Kelly never disappoints.'

'I cannot praise this writing too highly, nothing jars, nothing disappoints, I haven't read books as good as these for a long, long time.'

'The writing is beautiful, bringing the reader great visuals of the historical city at night. It is evident that a lot of research went into the books.'

'Storyline blends fact and fiction seamlessly, a joy to read.'

Kelly's Cambridge wartime mysteries are atmospheric and fascinating tales with twists and turns aplenty. They can be enjoyed in sequence, as standalones and in any order.