Book Description
Detective Chief Inspector Harriet Martens is nicknamed the "Hard Detective" because of her tough stance. In Detective Under Fire, she must turn attention from the criminal world to her own police department, as she is put in charge of an internal investigation.
About the Author
H.R.F. Keating is well-versed in the fiction, and non-fiction, worlds of crime. He was the crime books reviewer for The London Times for fifteen years, as well as serving as the Chairman of the Crime Writers Association and the Society of Authors. His repertoire is expansive and includes the well-known Inspector Ghote serires. He lives in London.
A Detective under Fire FROM THE PUBLISHER
After a newspaper article hints at major scandal in the prestigious Maximum Crime Squad, Harriet Martens is surprised to be chosen head of the investigation. Martens got the nickname the "Hard Detective" for her reputation for being tough on crime, but she is still relatively lowranking, especially for such an ultrasensitive case. She later learns she got the job because one of the powers above considers her "a female gentleman." Her crew unfortunately has a different view of her character, which doesn't help her get to the bottom of the scandal.
FROM THE CRITICS
Publishers Weekly
Det. Supt. Martens must conduct a delicate probe into possible scandal in the Maximum Crimes Squad. Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.
Kirkus Reviews
When a pesky London newspaper threatens to expose major corruption at the highest levels of the London force, the call goes out to the Hard Detective from the Midlands to investigate. Why pull DCI Harriet Martens (A Detective in Love, 2002, etc.) away from the Greater Birchester Police to root through the Maximum Crime Squad's dirty laundry? She's convinced it's because C.A.G.D. Anstruther, the grand old Inspector of Constabulary charged with clearing up the case, thinks that her brand of old-fashioned rectitude makes her a kindred spirit, "a female gentleman." But the description that accompanies her to London-"the dozy northern tart"-is more indicative of her prospects. Neither the Maximum Squad's chief, Commander Charles Boxall, nor any of his suspect subordinates bothers to hide the contempt and hostility they feel for the comparatively low-ranking provincial sent to check out the Sunday Herald's rumors. Slimy Herald reporter Frank Parkins is equally uncooperative in providing details that might substantiate his innuendo, and his boss, sleek Althea Raven, is positively threatening. So all Harriet can do is what Keating's detectives do best-ask everybody all the obvious questions, and then ask again and again until silences yield to mutual recriminations and finally to the truth. Readers will certainly feel for dogged Harriet, though the punchline, as so often in Keating's civilized entertainments, might better have suited a short story. Agent: Michael Sissons/PFD
Art & Photography
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