‘A historically astute, skilfully developed crime drama.’ Kirkus Reviews

When a brilliant emigré scientist is killed by a hit-and-run driver and the body of a female employee of the American Embassy is washed up in the Thames, DCI Frank Merlin and his team investigate.

Merlin's investigations soon ruffle feathers at the Foreign Office as the American ambassador, Joseph Kennedy, is a well-known supporter of appeasement, and many powerful and influential Britons favour the pursuit of a negotiated peace settlement with Hitler.

The death of another embassy employee leads Merlin into some of the seedier quarters of wartime London. His investigations are hampered by interfering superiors fearful of their impact on Anglo-American relations. This at a time when, to many, America represents Britain's only hope of salvation.

Capturing the atmosphere of Britain in January 1940 Princes Gate is an enthralling detective novel.

Mark Ellis