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Arrowood

Arrowood, Book 1

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About this listen

‘Crackles with energy and wit’ – The Times

London Society takes their problems to Sherlock Holmes. Everyone else goes to Arrowood.

1895: London’s scared. A killer haunts the city’s streets. The poor are hungry; crime bosses are taking control; the police force stretched to breaking point.

While the rich turn to Sherlock Holmes, the celebrated private detective rarely visits the densely populated streets of South London, where the crimes are sleazier and the people are poorer.

In a dark corner of Southwark, victims turn to a man who despises Holmes, his wealthy clientele and his showy forensic approach to crime: Arrowood – self-taught psychologist, occasional drunkard and private investigator.

When a man mysteriously disappears and Arrowood’s best lead is viciously stabbed before his eyes, he and his sidekick Barnett face their toughest quest yet: to capture the head of the most notorious gang in London…

In the bestselling tradition of Anthony Horowitz and Andrew Taylor, this gloriously dark crime debut will haunt listeners long after the end.

©2017 Mick Finlay
Crime Crime Thrillers Detective Fiction Historical International Mystery & Crime Mystery Private Investigators Suspense Thriller & Suspense England Thriller Exciting Sherlock Holmes Murder

Critic reviews

‘Arrowood is a flawed but engaging hero and the plot spins from peril to twist and back with real panache’ The Times

‘A fantastic creation’ The Spectator

‘Richly inventive’ Daily Telegraph

‘Compelling’ Seattle Times

‘Strongly reminiscent of Robert Galbraith’s Cormoran Strike novels…a memorable detective who can stand among the best’ Harrow Times

‘Arrowood feels… like he's always existed, we're only now being treated to an introduction. Mick Finlay's atmospheric, detailed, singular London is a terrifying place I hope to return to again and again.’ Ross Armstrong, bestselling author of The Watcher

‘If you ever thought the Sherlock Holmes stories might benefit from being steeped in gin, caked in grime and then left unwashed for weeks…Mick Finlay’s 1895-set detective debut is for you.’ Crime Scene

‘A book with enough warmth, charm, humour, and intrigue to signal the start of an excellent new series.’ Vaseem Khan, author of The Unexpected Inheritance of Inspector Chopra

‘Stunningly dark and atmospheric crime debut. This is a story that packs a powerful punch. With murder, intrigue, dark humour, compelling characters and an extraordinary backdrop, it’s to be hoped that Arrowood is just the opener for a thrilling and original new series.’ Lancashire Evening Post

‘Readers of historical detective fiction will enjoy this well-set, darkly humorous addition to the canon.’ Historical Novel Society

All stars
Most relevant
enjoyable trash, filled full of every cliche you can think of and then a few more.

Enjoyable trash

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A gripping and fantastically well told story. Wonderfully complex and satisfying. Thoroughly recommended if you like great characters, twists, turns and surprises!

Fantastically entertaining!

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Good narration, and the story certainly gives an insight into the late 1800s.
Give it a go!

Excellent story

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Excellent story, with interesting characters. Good plot. Really nice to find a detective who is both flawed and humane. Told through the eyes of his assistant develops the characters through the relationship. The resentment that Arrowood feels for the celebrated Sherlock Holmes is a great sub-plot. The ending is very satisfying, without the overblown and unbelievable endings of so many detective stories. I would recommend this to anyone who is bored with the usual, jaded detective stereotype or of unrealistic heroics. I was gripped from beginning to end and look forward to Arrowood's next case. Oh, and the narration is excellent.

Great debut of a new detective

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Arrowood clever cunning as was I think a line in the hustler a student of human moves and not as brave as he thinks he is hence need for trusty assistant Barnett.
A great ensemble cast and sense of time and place a great listen the narration is amazing
I really enjoyed it

Poor man's Sherlock

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