Well crafted police procedural that takes history and location seriously.
WPC although it should be Policewoman Armstrong (We'll let that pass) is one of two policewomen in Leeds. An absconder from a home for unmarried mothers leads to murder and suicide. There's plenty of excitement and plenty of realism in this book ( )

Leeds 1924 and WPC Cathy Taylor and Lottie Armstrong are the only two women constables in Leeds. That morning they are sent out to a home for unmarried mothers not knowing that this investigation will lead to murder and expose the criminal underworld of Leeds.
A very enjoyable mystery, an easy read and likable characters. Can't ask for more.
A NetGalley Book ( )

It's 1924 and Lottie Armstrong and her offsider, Cathy Taylor, are the only women in the Leeds, UK, police. Policewomen were considered good only for patrols and minor crimes. But Lottie's persistence enables her to show her detecting and people skills when a girl goes missing. And she goes way beyond that when she shows she is braver than her chauvinist male colleagues.

Modern Crimes has lots of period detail that will transport you to 1924 Leeds. There's plenty of suspense that will keep you turning the pages. The narrative has a friendly flow in parts reminiscent of Alexander McCall Smith. The main characters are likeable; Lottie's husband, Geoff, is way ahead of his time.

The injustice of the appalling male culture had me seething. Gender equality now is more prevalent than in 1924 but there's still a long way to go.

Novels are about escapism and engendering emotion; Modern Crimes does both. ( )

Modern Crimes by Chris Nickson is the first book in A WPC Lottie Armstrong Mystery series. Charlotte “Lottie” Armstrong is a WPC (Women’s Police Constable) in Leeds, England. It is 1924 and Lottie is one of two female constables at the Millgarth Police Station. Lottie and her partner, Cathy Taylor are assigned the case of a missing, pregnant eighteen-year-old Jocelyn Hill. Jocelyn disappeared from Mrs. Allen’s home for unwed girls where she was staying (forced to stay by her mother). When the case leads them to Ray Coleman, the pair are forced to turn the case over to male detective. Female constables are only allowed to investigate cases involving women and children. Lottie gets a great opportunity when she gets to tag along with Constable Tennison to question Mr. Coleman. It is the first time that a male and female constable have been paired together. Constable Tennison discovers Lottie’s ability to ask intelligent and probing questions (and to know when a suspect is lying). This provides Lottie the opportunity to work with CID (Criminal Investigation Division) and Sergeant McMillan. This case will take Lottie across Leeds from one of the richest homes to an establishment that makes Sgt. McMillan extremely uncomfortable. Lottie will need to keep her wits about her as she sets out to find the perpetrator and fight against male prejudice. See how WPC Charlotte Armstrong fares in Modern Crimes.

Modern Crimes is an intriguing story that captured my attention from the very first page and held it until the very end. The novel is well-written, easy to read, and has a good pace. I found Modern Crimes to be well researched. The author did a splendid job at capturing time and place. I liked that Lottie Armstrong is a strong main character with keen intelligence. I give Modern Crimes 4.5 out of 5 stars. Modern Crimes has a good mystery that will keep most readers guessing until the reveal. The only thing that I found disappointing was the ending (I cannot say more without spoiling it for you). Modern Crimes is a British novel so it contains British terminology and slang. I cannot wait to read the next book in A WPC Lottie Armstrong Mystery series (it will be out in the fall of 2017). ( )