Tab Article

Ratings: ★★★★☆ (4.1/5)
Genre: Historical Fiction, Mystery, Crime, Detective Fiction, WWI Fiction

Book Review:
Edward Marston's ''Five Dead Canaries'' is a gripping and meticulously researched entry in his acclaimed Home Front Detective series. Set against the gritty, anxious backdrop of Britain in 1916, the novel brilliantly explores the social upheaval caused by the war, particularly through the lives of the ''munitionettes'' – the women working in dangerous munitions factories, nicknamed ''canaries'' for the yellowing of their skin from chemicals. When a birthday party for one of these women ends in a catastrophic explosion killing five, Detective Inspector Harvey Marmion and Sergeant Joe Keedy are called in. Marston excels at weaving a classic ''whodunnit'' with rich historical detail. The investigation uncovers not just a potential murderer, but the simmering class and gender tensions of the era, where these newly independent women faced both admiration and resentment. The central detectives are a compelling duo, and the plot moves at a brisk pace with plenty of twists. While the mystery itself is engaging, the book's true strength is its vibrant portrayal of a society under immense strain. Fans of historical mysteries, especially those interested in WWI and its social impact, will find this a thoroughly satisfying and intelligent read.