Death message: Collins and Griffiths #2 is a cracker

This is my first go at reading Kate London's police detective series featuring DS Sarah Collins and PC Lizzie Griffiths. I was intrigued to see what a former detective constable with a Major Investigation Team on the Met's Homicide Command would produce as a writer. Also, gritty female detectives are totally my jam 😉.

Death message | Published April 2017 | Read October 2024

First off, Kate London's experience as a homicide detective is definitely apparent in Death message. The book felt authentic to me and a terrific example of British crime writing. I connected with London's writing and I thought the pacing, suspense, and plotting were on point. Her characterisations of all the players was detailed, sensitive and genuine, taking the book to another level in a crowded genre.

DS Sarah Collins is investigating a cold case from 1987, when 15-year-old Tania Mills disappeared after The Great Storm. Sarah is also pulled into a contemporary case involving domestic violence. This case didn't need solving so much as bringing the perpetrator to justice. PC Lizzie Griffith is drawn into the case as she tries to help a young woman and her daughter in an increasingly volatile situation.

Death message is book 2 in a series of four. I understand there is some difficult history between Sarah and Lizzie that was explored in Book 1. It probably would have been better to have read it first, but I still managed to connect to the two main characters. I didn't have much time for Lizzie, who seemed immature and made questionable decisions, but I couldn't fault her concern to the young woman at the heart of the contemporary case.

I loved Sarah, though, and I assume she is the literary version of the author. She is a compelling character, confident and determined to find the truth in the face of opposition from male colleagues. I loved the way she took an intelligent approach to investigating the cold case. I was impressed with the sensitive way Kate London explored Sarah's investigative techniques, allowing the case to be solved by removing prejudice and asking the right people the right questions. As a side note, it was great to see authentic lesbian representation, where Sarah's sexuality was not the most interesting thing about her, just a part of who she is.

Also, thumbs up to Elaine, Sarah's snarky colleague, juggling family and a career, and coming up with the goods. Kate London gets my vote for advancing the sisterhood, that's for sure! All of her characters were convincing, and that takes some skill, especially for the minor players who only contribute a small amount to the story.

Death message has been written with the voice of experience and with integrity. It's gritty and grim, but well constructed and compelling. I look forward to reading the other books in the series.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Since reading Death message, I've read the next book in the series, Gallowstreet Lane. Read my review here.