For those who don't know, the winter of 63 was a real winter, of arctic cold and ice, and copious amounts of snow. Not a winter most people were used to then, in times that still saw the shadow of post-war hardship. The setting is the East End, where many war-damaged buildings were still waiting for demolition, until the first tower blocks went up.

Snow can cover a multitude of sins. Including murder. Local cop Jack White (White? Not Frost? - the is writer has a sly wit in the background) is on it as he discovers buried corpse at the bus stop with an axe buried in his back, then another body, similarly despatched, is found.

We are introduced to White and his excellent bedside manner as he foils a jumper suicide attempt. These were tougher times. He is paired with rookie family man Peter Campbell, who does not share White's enthusiasm for pubs. But work together they must. A shop owner is savagely beaten, a guy on bonfire night is found to be a guy, literally. A dead guy. Could it be gangsters?

He is reminded that in the case of all crimes and mysteries, the most important step in solving the current crop of felonies. Luckily, White also has the help of a detective colleague who is happy to snoop in a building observing what the immediate neighbours are up to whilst remaining, well, undetected.

The unmasking of the main killer makes for a decently satisfying reveal in itself but in keeping with the original advice to look at the beginning, there are other surprises in store too, as might befit a city that is really a collection of very closely knit village communities. A small and colourful world of characters indeed.

This book is the second in what appears to be part of a standalone series of novels featuring Jack White. Hopefully there will be more.

. I remember the winter of ‘63 and how very very cold it was. I am not sure if I will search out other books by Stephen Ainsley but nevertheless it was an interesting storyline.

I enjoyed reading this, it had that historical mystery element that I was looking for. The overall story was being told worked with the setting and thought it worked well overall. The characters had everything that I wanted and enjoyed figuring out what was going on in this crime thriller element. Stephen Ainley has a great writing style and can’t wait for more.

My first read by this author and he didn't disappoint. A very good example of a police procedural set in the London of the sixties during the worst cold England had ever experienced, and a frozen corpse. With this as a backdrop the book is already on a winner. Jack White is a great character, the one liners and quips are an unexpected pleasure and they help to bond the coppers who work with him as well as Peter his DI. It stands alone as a story as we gain a bit of insight into his former life before Betty. One criticism I have which became more annoying as I read on, mom is not a word any English person would use now or then. I have become accustomed to authors using Americanisms when writing British set books but this continued use of MOM bothered me more than is probably warranted. Overall a good crime novel and will likely read more of Stephen Ainleys' series of Jack White. Sorry but he loses a star for the mother issue. Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for an advance copy of The Winter of '63.

A very quick read indeed! I enjoyed it but I expected more wit as promised on the blurb. I sometimes felt the author tried to be funny but it did not really work. The two main policemen were likeable. I could relate to them. The plot was very light due to the shortness of the novel. The conclusion was surprising and might lead the reader to read the next book.
I received a digital copy of this novel from NetGalley and I am leaving voluntarily an honest review.