A mystery thriller mixing pugalism, etomology, Nazi memorabilia and sex might not be your first choice of reading material, but if you can get over your inhibitions this ambitious debut is well worth it.
Switching between the present day and 1930s London, Beauman eases us into the narrative by way of introduction to an affable young collector who confounds our pre-conceptions and quickly finds himself at the centre of a murder mystery so unlikely that his 'fishy' nickname is probably part of the joke. The hidden history that he discovers, linking an East End Jewish boxer and an upper class fascist entomologist, is equally bonkers, yet Beauman's description of pre-war London, with it's protection rackets, dive bars, gentleman's clubs and their denizens, is so compelling that you're pulled right through. On the way there's some surprising sex, a few more murders and an (un)healthy dose of Ayran conspiracy theory.
The only time I really felt let down was the last third of the book in which everything culminates far too neatly. My disbelief grounded as soon as the mystery dissolved. I suspect this is intentional though. Conspiracy theories are all a bit too neat aren't they? It's as if Beauman's suggesting that if you can buy into this, you're as susceptible as the mad Ayran eugenicists of the early 20th century. A great tongue in-cheek read and well executed idea. Look forward to the next one.
Like: Not much that I've read before
Read: At speed on trains, August 2012
Time on bookshelf before reading: 10 months
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