He is the creator of DCI Frank Merlin, an Anglo-Spanish police detective operating in World War 2 London. His books treat the reader to a vivid portrait of London during the war skillfully blended with gripping plots, political intrigue and a charismatic protagonist.
The newest title in the DCI Frank Merlin series is Death Of An Officer.
At The Strand Magazine Ellis tagged ten great crime novels set in London, all pre-dating the current century (to indicate that they have have stood the test of time). One title on the list:
Asta’s Book by Ruth Rendell writing as Barbara Vine (1993)Read about the other entries on Ellis's list.
Ruth Rendell is most famous for her Inspector Wexford detective series but, under the pen name of Barbara Vine, she also wrote a series of wonderful stand-alone psychological thrillers. Asta’s Book is my favourite of these. The book of the title is the diary of a Danish immigrant who came to London in 1905 and then raised a family. Many years later the diary falls into the hands of her grand-daughter who finds significant gaps in her grandmother’s life story. She investigates and discovers terrible secrets. A brilliant book.
--Marshal Zeringue
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