Reviewed By: Donna M - RAM
The Smoke
Amazon US HC Amazon Canada HC
Tony Broadbent
Class/Genre: Mystery
2002, Thomas Dunne, 302 pages
It's 1947. London is in the grip of a freezing cold winter, made all the more miserable by rationing and unrest. The only way to survive is to bend the rules a little, and there's a thriving Black Market in practically everything. Skilled cat burglar Jethro is trying to persuade everyone he's gone straight following his release from the Merchant Navy at the end of World War II, and he's spending his days gainfully employed as a stagehand in London's theatres. Secretly, however, his nights are spent out on the tiles, as he creeps over London's rooftops looking for a nice lucrative job.
Jethro is a man who doesn't take unnecessary risks, doesn't act hastily, and doesn't flash his cash all over London. When he breaks into the Soviet Embassy to steal jewellery belonging to the Ambassador's wife and daughter, he's done some careful preparation. Unfortunately, as well as the jewels, he also picks up two intriguing and very dangerous little black books, which bring him under the spotlight of MI5 and secret agents of all descriptions - as well as having to cope with the usual annoyances of London's rival criminal underworld bosses.
I really liked Jethro - he's a chirpy cockney character who's sensible and charming. He's a bit of a wide boy - cheeky, streetwise, and with his own morality. He struck me as being a less suave and sophisticated version of The Saint. There are also some very well done secondary characters - particularly Jethro's fence, Ray Karmin. Another strength of the book is the wonderful atmosphere and the evocative descriptions of post-War London. On occasion the book felt like a Boys Own adventure but for me that fitted in well with what was a lively caper novel, and I was happy to suspend disbelief and go along for the ride. I shall definitely be looking out for more books by Tony Broadbent, and hope that this isn't the only outing for Jethro.
Donna M - RAM
Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Donna M - RAM
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