Very good entry in series, still like the conceit of the series, Mrs Mallowan was a very interesting character who knew some really interesting people. ( )

Agatha Christie tracks down a killer during the London Blitz. Excellent story by Max Allen Collins who has a series of stories that combine celebrity sleuths and historical events, which includes in this case a rather well-known series of murders little-heard-of in the US. I'm a sucker for this stuff and was quite entertained. ( )

M.A. Collins may be better known for his CSI series, but this was well done. Enjoyable and with twists, set during wartime. A good Brit read. ( )

This novel involves Agatha Christie helping the police to solve the real life Blackout Ripper sequence of murders, involving the slaying of several women, some (though not all) of whom were prostitutes, in London in 1942. Unlike in the case of his much more famous namesake, one or two of his intended victims managed to escape his clutches, thus facilitating his easy identification and capture (indeed, the murders, investigation, capture, trial and execution all took place over a total period of only four months). Agatha Christie was in London at the time, though her involvement in the investigation is fictional; indeed, it seems rather offhand and it is difficult to believe that the police would ever believe it would help their efforts to track down the killer by involving a celebrity author. I found the novel a bit slow to start and there were some slightly tedious theatrical episodes in the first third, but it took off in the second half which I raced through quickly. Most of the characters were real people, including the murder victims and near victims. Interesting for the light it sheds on Christie, though I didn't enjoy this as much as the author's Titanic Murders. 3.5/5 ( )

Collins inserts into the WWII London air raids the London serial killer who strikes women during the forced blackouts ala Jack the Ripper. The detectives from Scotland Yard are assisted by Agatha Christie (Mrs. Mallowan) who befriends the world renowned pathologist Bernard Spilsbury investigating the case. Great mix of facts and fantasy for a suspenseful story although the scene near the end with Mrs. Mallowan and the killer was a little hard for even a AC fan to swallow. Great, great book! ( )