The Limehouse Text

The Limehouse Text (2006) Will Thomas

Set in London in 1885.

Inspector Bainbridge has come to Barker with new evidence in the case of the murder of Barker’s former assistant, Quong: a pawn ticket.

This reopens a year-old case, and leads to several new murders before Barker and Llewellyn discover the murderer.

“What exactly is a triad?” I asked.

“They are criminal fraternities that control the opium trade and other interests in China. They began as benevolent organizations whose purpose was to overthrow the Manchu dynasty. They have been corrupted from their original purpose, and their influence is beginning to grow beyond China.

One of the things I like about this series is that unlike a lot of mysteries where the main characters are police, Llewellyn has not come to see crime and death and ordinary and expected.

I was in awe of death then, and now after many years and experiences, still am. I have never grown jaded about it. One minute we are sentient beings and the next, fodder for worms.

A wooden chair on casters was pulled up to the desk, a chair which had been worn down by the seat of (character)’s trousers for years but would be worn down no farther.

The story also takes a look at bare-knuckle fighting, which has been outlawed in England.

The sport of bare-knuckle or old rule boxing had been declared illegal and could not now bring together champions from all over England as it once had.
…
I had boxed a little when I was in school, and I had seen a few matches as well. This wasn’t like those fights at all. It was more like fighting against a bully when I was a lad. The fists slamming into jaws and stomachs were mostly bone with a thin layer of tissue over it. It hurt to see it. The skin of both men began to turn an angry red. Surely it wouldn’t last long.

The mystery is one that had needed cleared up, and it is an interesting look into the Chinese area of London (and how segregated many areas of London were from one another).

It’s a fine mystery. Nothing spectacular, but the mystery of Baker’s past builds, as we learn a few more bits and pieces.
Rating: 7.5/10

Publisher: Touchstone

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