Meet Peter Diamond – the “last detective.” Suspicious of technology, he is irritated at the forensic and computer science taking over his profession. He prefers interrogating witnesses and psyching out suspects. Fat, clumsy, bald, and irascible, he does not immediately impress in this first title in a series. He eschews fine literature, music and poetry, preferring detective stories (preferably with . . . of the Yard in the title). He is certainly no brooding Dalgliesh, debonair Lynley, or calm, stolid Barnaby. He lacks even the bawdy grandiosity of a Dalziel. In fact, I found it difficult to like him at first. He seemed stubborn, impatient, and lacking in imagination. Yet something made me stick with him, and I’m glad I did. Lovesey is an expressive writer, and he makes Diamond’s character grow in appeal quite naturally. Expressive descriptions of people and situations, often subtly humorous, add to the appeal.
In the first entry in the series, a woman’s body is found in a local lake. After several false leads, she is identified as Geraldine Snoo, better known as Candice on The Milners, a popular soap opera. She is married to Professor Gregory Jackman, who identifies her body. Suspicion immediately falls upon him, as he took an inordinately long time to come forward and had never reported her missing. The story he tells of his wife trying to kill him adds to the intrigue, as does a blooming friendship with a widowed woman whose son he has recently saved from drowning. Diamond begins the process of interrogation, following up leads, checking alibis, and asking questions, determined to solve the crime with good old-fashioned police work.
Though he is entertainingly Ludditian, Diamond’s methods do demonstrate the importance of human interaction in the solving of crimes. Having finished the follow-up title, I can say that this seems to be the strength of the series. I’ve grown quite fond of Peter Diamond and am delighted to have found another mystery series to indulge in.
Check the WRL Catalog for The Last Detective
