Absence of Mercy is the first book in a new historical mystery series by S.M. Goodwin. Released 10th Nov 2020 by Crooked Lane Books, it's 320 pages and available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats lately.

This is an intricately crafted and well engineered mystery wrapped around an accurate historical framework. The characters are well established with realistic and believable internal motivations and agendas. The setting, pre-civil war New York is gritty and believable, with palpable desperation side by side with almost unimaginable wealth and privilege. The author is skilled enough that it's sometimes difficult to distinguish where history ends and the fiction begins.

There are a number of potentially distressing themes included in the narrative including child prostitution, slavery, rampant sexism, abuse (and murder) of vulnerable people, drug abuse, rape, graphic depictions of war, and a few others. They are used in context, but I found it tough going in some places.

The writing itself is very good and the author can certainly tell a compelling story. I would recommend this ones to readers of the historical mystery genre. I think that fans of C. S. Harris (and I am one such) will find a lot to enjoy here. Four and a half stars.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

A good start to a mystery series. The characters are interestingly flawed but compelling, and I look forward to learning more about them and their backstories in future volumes. The mystery was complex, and the author pulled in fascinating details about New York City politics from this time in history. There were a lot of minor characters to keep track of, and that got a little confusing at times. Historical mystery fans will like this one.

This is a great start to a new series and a very good historical police procedural. It is dark and gritty and very atmospheric of pre-civil war New York. I really liked the characters of Jasper and Hy and look forward to the next book.
Many thanks to Crooked Lane Books and to NetGalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.

4.5 stars! Pre-Civil-War New York City - one of my favorite settings for novels and this one was right up my alley. Absence of Mercy is a captivating historical mystery, featuring an English lord/detective inspector, Jasper Lightner, who is sent to New York City in 1857 to help train detectives. But NYC is in the midst of a police crisis (true story) - the Municipal Police is being replaced by the Metropolitan Police and no love is lost between the two groups. Settings range from the glorious mansions of the upper crust to the miserable hovels of the lower classes, especially the notorious Five Points neighborhood. Lightner had been wounded seriously in the Crimean War (made famous in the poem The Charge of the Light Brigade) and also he stutters (unrelated to his injuries). He also has a taste for opium, which helps with the headaches caused by his head wound. He teams up with an out-of-favor NYC detective, ironically named Law. They make an interesting pair indeed, as they investigate a series of murders of rich and powerful men. I was surprised that this is Goodwin’s debut novel because it’s done so well. I bounced between the e-book and the audiobook. The narrator of the audiobook, Rupert Degas, did a splendid job with all the different accents and voices. I am really looking forward to whatever S.M. Goodwin writes next and I hope it will be another story featuring Lightner and Law!

Thank you to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for the opportunity to read an advance reader copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

S.M. Goodwin launches a new series with Absence of Mercy. Jasper Lightner, a Crimean War hero and London inspector in London's Metropolitan Police, is seconded to the New York Police to train them in new police methods in 1857, He works with policeman Law to solve a series of murders that have upset the powerful in New York City. Corrupt city politics and crime make solving the crimes difficult. Enjoy this historical mystery.

Although this isn't my usual genre, I thought to give it a try because the author is one of my favourite.
I was caught in a world of mystery, murder and intrigue. The author has done a fabulous work in giving us a very picturesque description of the places where the action takes place.
I liked the characters of both jasper n law.
There are a lot of themes like relationships,murder,poverty,child abuse etc. Not your usual murder mystery.
Worth a try.
It seems the author has more in store for us in the next book.

A faced paced mystery with a wonderful plot. Interesting and complex characters, with lots of twists and turns in this page turner make this a must read!

Jasper is not the run of the mill detective found in the British forces. He is a decorated war hero, much admired for his skills, also a Lord of the peerage and detested and disliked by his father.

Being a second son was not easy growing up with the Duke as a father who made every meeting a taunting one, especially since Jasper had a stammer. His mother was indifferent and subsequently Jasper realised that the Duke was actually not his father and this could account for his attitude (at least in part)

Being a detective was abhorent to the Duke but he had no control over this but he maneuvred things in such a way that Jasper had no option but to take up a post in the New York Police force, apparently to teach them a few detecting skills.

On arrival when he was thrust into a murder investigation which involved the aristocracy of New York society and with the twin spectres of finding out who the murderer/s were and also not allowing the media to splash it over the papers was a herculean task. Dealing with gangs, corruption both within the police force and the municipality, thuggery, intimidation from the Police force itself and to top it all a divided police force made Jasper realise his job was no sinecure and his father had deliberately sent him there, hoping he would fail.

Using all his skills Jasper encounters adversity after adversity and overcomes them with politeness and clarity - things unknown to the New York detectives!

With a fabulous Paisley (valet) in the background this was a totally gripping read.

Absence of Mercy by S. M. Goodwin
A Lightner & Law Mystery #1

Splendid Story ~ I was hooked and could not put it down! This may be a debut novel but a stellar one for sure! With a sympathetic hero, wonderful supporting characters, history, a bit of romance, excellent plotting & writing, well, it was a riveting read!

What I liked:
* Lord Jasper Lightner: detective, war veteran, traumatic brain and other injuries from the war, son of a duke, likeable, observant, unflappable, multilingual, skilled fighter, and very human – I really like him.
* Detective Hieronymus Law: detective, falsely accused, interesting, intelligent, a man I want to know more about.
* The writing, plot, historical aspects
* Paisley: Jasper’s valet but also much more…he is a force to be reckoned with. Looking forward to hearing more about him in the future
* John: a young boy with a stammer that I hope will grow into more within the book
* Jasper’s ability to understand the best way to interact with others – no matter who they might be
* The twists and turns
* Feeling as if I was “in the story” with all senses engaged
* The canes…each one different and equally deadly…in the right hands
* Character development of main and supporting characters
* The way all the threads of the story were drawn tightly together to conclude the story
* That I thought, felt, and wondered about “what if” I had been various characters in the story
* All of it really except…

What I didn’t like:
* Jasper’s father – an unlikable man…though his wife didn’t seem much better
* The “powers that be” within New York
* The corruption of police and politicians
* being reminded of the rough life so many endure…wealthy and poor alike

Did I enjoy this book? Yes
Would I read more in this series? Definitely!

Thank you to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for the ARC – This is my honest review.

5 Stars

First off, I will say this is a gritty historical mystery. If you like Anne Perry's Monk series, Caleb Carr and the mysteries written by C.S. Harris, give this one a try. I enjoy historical mysteries just as much as I'm happy to read a cozy with a small town and cats. As long as they are well researched, have a challenging puzzle, are well written and have engaging characters, I'll give it a try. This is realistic and not gratuitous. I'm so glad I requested this ARC. Set in New York just before the Civil War, the city is dazzling by day and dangerous by night. The gap between the rich and the poor is vast and that is the New York that Jasper Lightner finds when he calls his father's bluff and leaves England to spend the next year teaching the NYC police the methods practiced by the. London Metropolitan Police Force. Jasper is a war hero and the second son of a Duke but has the nerve to work for a living....as a policeman, no less. Daddy is not pleased with him and tells him he has two choices - leave the force and live the life of the son of a Duke or move to New York. Out of sight, out of mind. Jasper hightails it for the Colonies and is handed his first case right out of the gate. Oh, and he isn't welcomed with open arms. The police are a rough and corrupt bunch. It's a grim new world Jasper has entered.
Along with dealing with police corruption and a very high crime rate, Jasper reluctantly joins forces with Hieronymus Law, a man with an equally complicated past. Between them they enter the really gritty, ugly streets owned by criminals, immigrants and the impoverished. When their case connects the upper and lower classes, Jasper and Hy have quite a challenge in front of them. I won't give anymore details for fear of spoilers. Bottom line, if you like well crafted historical mysteries with strong characters, give this one a try.
My thanks to the publisher, Crooked Lane and to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.

1857 Lord Jasper Lightner, hero of the Crimean war, and Detective Inspector of the London Metropolitan Police has embarrassed his father for the last time, so he is sent to New York City to train detectives. Arriving just as the dead body of a Alard Janssen has been discovered, murdered. He meets disgraced detective Hieronymus Law and they partner up to investigate a series of murders but with no motive, and no hint of a suspect.
An entertaining well-written Victorian murder mystery with two likeable but flawed main characters. A very good start to a new series.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Jasper Lightner is a decorated Crimean War hero and the most admired inspector in London's Metropolitan Police. Along with a chest full of medals, he's got a head injury that's left large chunks of his memory missing. But Jasper's biggest problem is his father, the Duke of Kersey. Jasper is sent to New York City on a year-long assignment to train detectives, and discovers a police department hovering on the brink of armed conflict. Assigned to investigate the murder of philanthropist and reformer Stephen Finch, Jasper joins forces with a man who might be even more of an outsider than he is: Hieronymus Law, a detective who had investigated two almost identical killings--and who is rumoured to have taken money to help frame an innocent woman for murder. Hy is bent on restoring his good name. But can Jasper trust Hy enough to bring him into the investigation? As the city devolves into madness and law enforcement falls into the hands of dangerous gangs, this unlikely team has no choice but to work together to pursue an adversary more sinister than either has faced alone.
WOW! this is the author’s debut historical murder mystery & boy is it good. Strong, complex characters, a story that is fast paced & engrossing. There were twists & turns & some revelations had me gobsmacked as I certainly didn’t see some coming. I was totally drawn in from start to finish. I really liked Jasper who was a veritable terrier & I loved how the partnership with Hy developed. My favourite character was Paisley who was an absolute gem. I look forward to more books in the series
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

When all the traps will close on him, which path will he decides for ...

It has been a while since I have read a true mystery (I mean one with no romance as the main leading plot-line), but as I follow the author under her other aliases and love her very unusual approach in the historical romance genre, I could not pass this one too.
And right, I just loved to renew with her incredible talent with words, how she paints vivid scenes and flesh and blood characters. How with just ink and paint she creates a 3D world, bringing it to life in my mind.
Lord Jasper Lightner has tried to forge his path out the London’s society, but as the spare of a duke, he is impeded in his pursuit of justice by his father’s interferences.
After a honorable career as a soldier, he came back from war a hero and with shrapnel in his skull as souvenir. And while his brain and memories work on their own accord, as he can’t even recoil the man he was prior to his injury, it does not deter him from entering the London police forces. Until his father threw a new stone on his path.
I just loved him, he never falls in the many traps or tricks set for him. All the while being always the perfect English gentleman, keeping his emotions closed and using his clever mind to outflank the cunning hoaxes thrown on his path.
Yet he is far from perfect, battling his own demons, but he plays the same game as the others with him, just with a higher hand. After all he learned under the best tutelage thanks to his obnoxious and heartless father how to be sneaky and shrewd, but he is such and more, highly clever and educated, yet he needs for justice and answers can come with a cost.
While the story is mainly told from Lightner’s point of view, I loved Law’s part, he is as much damaged as Lightner but in a different. But his youth and upbringing make him a good challenger next too Lightner, good but in need of guidance to canalise his thoughts and energy.

And last, Paisley, Lightner’s valet is quite a figure too, more royalty than a king, he is like a mother hen but with an iron hand with the velvet glove.

In all, this tale has a taste of P.D. James, and I just adored it, with her two unlikely and mismatched detectives roaming the lowest streets of NY city and its ragged populace. They together explore the darkest sides of the human nature, its basest aspects and the shrewdness of some evil beings.
And while Lightner could be compared to Holmes, the likenesses stop with his lording upbringing and his addiction as Lightner has his very unique personality, a ability to make enemies everywhere he goes but also an empathy Holmes always lacked, he cares for people. Plus Law is no Watson.
5 stars.

I now can’t wait to know where the author will lead them next.

I was granted an advance copy by the publisher Crooked Lane Books, here is my true and unbiased opinion.

With regards to the debut of Absence of Mercy, S.M. Goodwin’s background as a college history professor and a criminal prosecutor helped immeasurably. The story was a well-crafted, interesting fiction and non-fiction mix with likable MCs. Minus some gruesome moments, but necessary to the plot, I was surprised how much I enjoyed this literary puzzle in 1857 New York City.

Jasper Lightner had many titles. At the age of 34, he was the second son of the Duke of Kersey so many unsuspecting people referred to him as ‘my lord’. He preferred a different designation. He was a lifelong stammerer but had long ago learned to accept his speech impediment. He studied medicine before buying a commission and serving in the Crimean War. During the combat and battles, he was known as Lord Major. But the love of his job as the much-admired Detective Inspector with London’s Metropolitan Police, was what he preferred to be called.

It also earned his father’s rage.

They never got along so when Jasper circumvented the Duke’s current plans, he was forced to make a choice. Leave London’s police force and remain under his sire’s thumb or accept a year-long assignment training detectives in NYC. He chose the latter.

~~~~~
A real-life incident was the backdrop to this historical mystery/thriller. I was captivated by Jasper, an internally complex character, and the Americans he met; some good and some very, very bad. Even the stiff-rumped Paisley, Lightner’s valet and go-to man, kept my interest.

Goodwin provided both shock and thought-provoking moments. It was literary entertainment while giving its readers a peek at corrupt America. I was pleasantly surprised at how much I wanted Lightner and his side-kick, Detective Hieronyus Law, to put an end to all of the sinister mayhem.

So from an unknown beginning to a finish with a twist, such are the things worthy journeys and reading experiences embraced. It is easy to see why the launch of Lightner and Law has so many fans.

Thank you to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for this wonderful ARC in exchange for an honest review.

An excellent historical mystery, gripping and gritty.
The plot is complex and tightly knitted, the characters are fleshed out and interesting, the historical background is well researched and vivid.
I loved the solid mystery that kept me guessing and the descriptions of the life in New York in the middle XIX century.
I hope it's the first in a series and there will be another one out soon.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine

As a reviewer, few things are more exciting than reading a debut novel from a debut author – although it’s also a cause for some apprehension as you never know what you’re going to get. When I was scrolling through NetGalley looking for some reading material, I couldn’t resist the description of S.M. Goodwin’s debut novel, Absence of Mercy. It comes out on November 10, and the purchase links can be found at http://www.smgoodwin.com/. Even though I don’t usually read books set in the U.S. (I’m an English girl, at heart and in blood), I am so glad I gave this a try.

Jasper Lightner, after a showdown with his father, a Duke, has opted to take a year’s assignment in New York, where he’ll be training the newly formed metropolitan police force in scientific detection. Met with extreme hostility on his arrival, due to the new police force and old police force in fierce competition, he’s given the most difficult case they have in order to scare him away. Never one to shy away from a challenge – indeed, his whole life has been a challenge with his unforgiving father and uncontrollable stutter – he accepts the case and approaches it head on.

Lightner’s only ally in finding the killer of several(?) wealthy men is Hieronymus Law (Hy), a detective imprisoned for supposedly accepting bribes in the same case. Hy knows he didn’t take any bribes, but no one else believes his word over those in authority. The pair, both being outcasts, find common ground in the hunt for a killer.

Usually, I can tell within the first chapter of a book whether I’m going to like it or not, and I knew after the prologue that I wouldn’t want to put Absence of Mercy down. It has all the elements I’m looking for in a mystery novel, first and foremost being the quality of the mystery.

Mystery/Plot: The puzzle throughout this book was unbelievably good. At one point, Law and Lightner were debating whether there were 3 different killers! Add in the political intrigue, between the two police forces and with slavery laws, and this was one heck of a mystery. I was kept guessing until the very end, and then there was another twist that went another unexpected direction. The solution to the mystery became even better when I realized that it was based on teeny tiny details that I’d known throughout the story but hadn’t realized were relevant.
Characters: I found both Lightner and Law to be unique and interesting characters throughout this novel. While we learn more about Lightner than Law, I have no doubt that Law’s past is just as intriguing and waiting for us in a book down the road. What I really enjoyed was the uniqueness of both main characters.
Jasper Lightner has troubled family relationships, which aren’t unusual to find in a mystery novel, but his stutter, attitude towards his stutter, detecting skills and origins, and personality and combative style round out into a fascinating and original character.
We meet Hy Law in an unusual way, which, combined with his full name, already makes him an interesting character. However, he takes actions that we might not expect for a detective with a tarnished reputation, and although he doesn’t reveal as much about his past as we might like, becomes a character that is far from being pulled out of someone else’s book.

Aside from the two basic elements of plot and characters, there are a couple of other elements that I’d like to touch on in this novel:

Language: the F-bomb is dropped <10 times in this book (I’d estimate), which surprised me because the rest of the book is fairly cleanly written. It’s not a complaint, by any means – it was contextual – but something to keep in mind if you’re sensitive to language.
Promiscuity: what’s a better source of information in 1800’s New York than a brothel? Lightner and Law use several brothels as sources of information, and, yes, there is sex involved. It’s not too explicit, readers are just teased with the introduction to the act (much like in Sebastian St. Cyr novels), and then the curtain closes. But, again, another thing to keep in mind depending what kind of reader you are. I like this approach because it teases the reader and the imagination.

The official synopsis for this book says that fans of C.S. Harris and Will Thomas will enjoy this read, and I think that’s a good conclusion. I found the pace, style, and content of the book to be a well-done mystery, but political, dark, and multilayered enough to be removed from the Cozy category. I liked this novel a lot, and will absolutely read the second one. This was an excellent debut novel, and if you’d like to read more about S.M. Goodwin, the website is http://www.smgoodwin.com/.

Fans of historical mysteries should pick this one up asap! Jaspar Lightner suffered a TBI in the Crimean War and now, in 1857, he's working with the police in London, albeit with the disapproval of his father, He takes an opportunity (which is not meant to be one, really) to go to New York to work with the police there, to train them in investigative techniques and there finds a new home and mission. Almost immediately, he's got a case on his hands- who killed Alard Janssen and, btw, several others in a gruesome fashion. And he meets Hieronyous Law, who has a shadow of alleged corruption hanging over him. These two-Lightner and Law- make a wonderful pair, especially because both of them are struggling with their own issues but they also have respect for science. Goodwin has written Lightner's TBI realistically and it's good to see this acknowledged. The plot is well crafted, the atmospherics good (1857 NYC was not a nice pace), and the characters terrific. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. I'm looking forward to the next one.

Set in 1857, Absence of Mercy brings a disaffected English aristocrat to New York City, ostensibly to help the New York Police raise their detection standards. In actuality, a multi-level feud between Tammany supporters, the mayor and the Metropolitan Police makes for an impossible situation for the talented Jasper, Lord Lightner. An unlikely partnership with Hieronymus Law, disgraced former detective, gives him valuable insight into the politics and workings of the criminal class in the city.

Recommended for fans of historical whodunnits.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This is a gritty historical mystery that transports the reader to New York, circa 1857. The city is rife with corruption & poverty (not to mention a lack of sanitation) & the Civil War is just around the corner.

Among recent arrivals is Englishman Jasper Lightner, the disgraced second son of the Duke of Kersey. At least that’s how his dear old Dad would describe him. Jasper fought in the Crimean War & came home with a chest full of medals & a weakness for opium. A severe head injury left him plagued by memory loss, nightmares & a persistent stutter. Instead of resuming his life of privilege, Jasper took a job consulting with the Met & solved some of their toughest cases. The resulting publicity (plus the fact he has an actual job) horrified his snobbish father & he was given an ultimatum. Give it up & adopt a “proper” lifestyle or hop the pond to work with the New York P.D. Out of sight (out of the headlines) & out of mind.

Jasper is a progressive investigator who employs the latest scientific techniques. The police force in NYC is well known for its corruption & political reformers decided to create a new force based on London’s famous Met. They’re aware of Jasper’s exploits & invited him to teach his methods to their detective squad. The timing couldn’t be better & after calling his father’s bluff, he packs his bags, grabs Paisley the butler & heads to America.

On his first day, it takes him about 4 minutes to realize no one wants him there. They couldn’t give a hoot about his experience or title & only speak to mock his stutter. Which is a tad inconvenient as he’s already been handed his first murder case. A prominent businessman had the nerve to be killed behind a brothel. So if he could solve it quick like, that would be grand.

Turns out the only detective that can help is in jail himself. And so Jasper meets Hieronymus Law, an Irishman with a dodgy past. They couldn’t be more different but each will gain a grudging respect before the investigation is over.

I won’t get into the story line. It’s complex & features a set of grisly murders set against the backdrop of all the issues a budding democratic society deals with. It was a time of rapid growth due to floods of immigrants leaving Europe & the UK looking for (but seldom finding) a better life. Jasper comes from a country built on tradition & hierarchy & it provides a stark contrast to the culture of this former colony. Some of the characters proudly tell Jasper America has no class system but don’t kid yourself….it’s alive & well as the chasm between rich & poor.

Jasper & Law end up in unsavoury parts of the city & descriptions of how women in particular survived are not pretty. Many of the female characters are prostitutes & the author doesn’t shy away from describing their desperate & dangerous lives. It’s clear both MC’s have led interesting lives but there are no big info dumps. Instead, we gradually learn of their backgrounds as they get to know each other.

This is a edgy, fast paced & intricate story set in turbulent times. It’s marketed as being for fans of C.S. Harris & Will Thomas & in terms of the period setting, I agree. However, just a heads-up for readers of those excellent series: this is a much grittier version of the time with profanity & sexual content. Perhaps a more realistic picture? Anyhoo, it didn’t detract from the story & I look forward to following these compelling MC’s on their next case.

3.5 stars

After having enjoyed the author’s historical romances under a different nome de plume, I thought I’d give her mystery a try. I’m not entirely sure how I feel after reading it. The subject matter is heavy, which isn’t surprising since the author often pushes the envelope, but this is the first time I feel oppressed by a physical weight. It took me a week to get through it, which is saying a lot for me. But all that said, I think I really enjoyed it. Enjoyed it enough that I’m looking forward to the next installment.

(It reminds me of how I feel toward the Sebastian St. Cyr mystery series - I have to read them spaced out. Reading them all at once would be sensory overload.)

I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.