Death in Blitz City

Book Overview: "Death in Blitz City" by David Young

Plot Summary

"Death in Blitz City" by David Young is a murder mystery set in Hull, East Yorkshire, during the Second World War. The story begins in May 1942, after a bombing raid, when the mutilated body of a young woman is discovered in the ruins. The initial assumption is that she was killed by a bomb, but it soon becomes clear that she was the victim of a deliberate act of murder and mutilation.

The investigation is led by Detective Chief Inspector Ambrose Swift, a one-armed former WW1 cavalryman, who is assisted by DS Jim Weighton, a part-time bare-knuckle boxer, and WPA Kathleen Carver, a Dales farmer's daughter. As they delve deeper into the case, they uncover a series of sadistic killings that are wrongly blamed on locally-stationed black American GIs.

The investigation reveals a complex web of racism, corruption, and perversion that goes to the very top of the power structures in both the US and Britain. Swift, Weighton, and Carver must navigate these treacherous waters to uncover the truth, despite the danger and opposition they face from powerful forces that seek to protect the war effort at all costs.

Key Themes

1. Racism and Discrimination: The book explores the deep-seated racism and discrimination faced by black American GIs stationed in Hull. The killings are wrongly blamed on these soldiers, highlighting the prejudices of the time.
2. Corruption: The novel delves into corruption at high levels, where powerful forces are willing to go to great lengths to protect the war effort and maintain their own interests.
3. War and Its Impact: The story is set in a city heavily bombed during the war, showcasing the devastating impact of war on civilians and the psychological toll it takes on those involved in the investigation.
4. Investigative Thriller: The book is an action-packed investigative thriller with a focus on time-sensitive battles against various forces, keeping the reader engaged with twists and turns.

Critical Reception

The book has received positive reviews for its gripping plot, well-developed characters, and historical context.

• Goodreads: The book is described as a thrilling mystery that captures the dangerous and altered setting of wartime Hull. Reviewers praise the writing style and the ability to keep readers engaged with its twists and turns.
• Aspects of History: The review highlights the historical accuracy and the compelling narrative, noting that the characters are well-introduced and established despite their relatively small roles. The investigation is praised for its complexity and the danger faced by the characters.
• Northern Reader: This review emphasizes the terrifying element of danger introduced into the war-torn city. It praises the writing style for carrying the reader along and keeping them turning the pages. The characters, including Swift, are described as thoughtfully introduced with real compassion for those they encounter.
• Books by Bindu: This summary emphasizes the setting of Hull as the most heavily-bombed city outside of London, kept top secret for national morale. It highlights the sadistic killings wrongly blamed on black American GIs and the investigation's focus on uncovering the truth amidst racism, corruption, and perversion.

Overall, "Death in Blitz City" by David Young is a gripping and historically rich thriller that explores themes of racism, corruption, and the impact of war on civilians. The critical reception highlights its engaging plot, well-developed characters, and the author's ability to weave a compelling narrative set in a unique historical context.