Although there is a murder mystery in the book, the important story here is about two brothers in working class Newcastle as the 60s opens. Leslie is leaving school and finding a job, but he can't see himself in the traditional factories in the area. His brother has learning difficulties and is threatened with being put in an institution. Then two twin girls are found brutally murdered. Leslie knows his brother is innocent but will anyone else believe it?
This historical crime novel is also worth a read for its setting - a whole area of working class housing is about to be demolished and its residents relocated in the new high rise flats, the brainwave of a Council led by T Dan Smith. This real Labour politician was later found to be really corrupt, and the flats to be less than the brand new future that they were promoted as.
It's not a spectacular read but it's an interesting story which I was moved by and I'm still thinking about.
Luci