Set in New York in the 1890s, this book tells the story of the formation of NY’s first official police force. It’s well-written, with a good blend of almost everything: violence, romance, mystery, humour, but perhaps most of all, realism. The author clearly knows her history and the book is full of little snippets that demonstrate just how brutal and gritty life was in those days.
   I liked the characters, and their dialogue was convincing. Added to the horror of the basic mystery and the realistic depiction of life in the 1890s, I found this to be a thoroughly good read. Don’t get it if you’re faint of heart, but otherwise I can thoroughly recommend The Gods of Gotham.