My Review of Death Makes No Distinction by Lucienne Boyce

My Review:

Death Makes No Distinction by Lucienne Boyce is the third Dan Foster mystery and works well as a standalone novel. I can vouch for this as it's my first foray with Dan Foster but certainly won't be my last. Boyce nimbly introduces salient events from Dan's past enabling new readers to easily feel involved with the character's arc.

Foster is an interesting character, he easily resonates with readers who have had to deal with inept superiors and his frustration is palpable on the page.  He's an intriguing character, a principal officer of the Bow Street Runners and Boyce portrays him with a dogged determination to solve both the murder of a beggar woman and 'a beautiful writer' Louise Parmeter. Boyce subtly makes an important social comment with the beggar woman, she remains nameless but Foster ignores those who refer to her as 'it' and an someone who had it coming. The alliteration of Death and Distinction in the title also easily apply to Foster, he has a real sense of avenging injustice no matter what your rank in society. The two murder victims are equally important to him even if not to his Chief Magistrate.

Foster is also a complex character, his home life is the antithesis of his profession. He's somewhat of a fallen hero with a complicated love life but he's commendably doing his best and you can't help but warm to him.

Boyce depicts a Victorian London that is easily recognisable in a Dickensian way without ever being a poor imitation. All walks of life are depicted with flair from the Prince of Wales to a street arab. Foster moves amongst all walks of society and this allows him to investigate the murders thoroughly. His doing so highlights the interconnections between the haves and the have nots.

I enjoyed Death Makes No Distinction and have no trouble in recommending it.

Thanks to Rachel Gilbey for my gifted copy of the book.