Maurice Procter was an English novelist celebrated for his exciting procedural novels, distinguished by authentic detail drawn from his nineteen years as a police officer. His narratives are set in Granchester, a fictionalized 1950s Manchester, and are renowned for their compelling series characters. Procter's mastery lay in his ability to blend thrilling plots with realistic portrayals, immersing readers in the intricacies of crime investigation. His work achieved considerable popularity in the UK and US, marking him as a significant voice in crime fiction.
The story revolves around a successful businessman who accuses Inspector Martineau of blackmail, presenting compelling evidence that leads to the inspector's suspension. This situation raises questions about integrity and justice, as Martineau must navigate the challenges of proving his innocence while dealing with the fallout from the accusations. The narrative delves into themes of trust, power dynamics, and the complexities of law enforcement.
Chief Inspector Martineau stands out as a remarkable detective in fiction, showcasing his skills and determination in solving complex cases. Known for his keen intuition and methodical approach, Martineau navigates the intricacies of crime with a blend of intelligence and tenacity. His character embodies the essence of a dedicated investigator, making him a compelling figure in the genre and a favorite among readers who appreciate intricate mysteries and strong character development.
The story opens with McCool discovering an open safe and a disheveled scene that includes a heap of stained gabardine clothing, hinting at a crime or mystery. The contrast between the expensive trousers and the chaos suggests a deeper narrative involving wealth, deception, or intrigue. This intriguing setup sets the stage for unraveling the circumstances surrounding the scene and the characters involved.
The discovery of an unidentified and battered body in the morgue leads Inspector Martineau to suspect he knows the victim's identity. As he delves into the investigation, he must unravel the mystery surrounding the circumstances of the death and confront the implications of his suspicions, setting the stage for a gripping tale of crime and intrigue.
The story unfolds with an anonymous tip about two murders and a bank robbery, creating a tense atmosphere in the community. The next day, a mysterious advertisement in the local paper claims that £10,000 in cash has been discovered on the street, raising questions about its origin and connection to the crimes. As the plot develops, the intertwining of crime and unexpected fortune leads to suspenseful twists and turns, inviting readers to unravel the truth behind these events.
The story follows Bill Knight, a fresh college graduate and newly inducted policeman, who faces disillusionment with his first assignment. Tasked with going undercover in a troubled slum, he grapples with the challenges of his mission and the isolation from police headquarters, highlighting the gritty realities of law enforcement and the moral dilemmas he must confront.
The story follows Chief Inspector Martineau and Sergeant Devery as they seek justice for their murdered colleague, Inspector Robert McQuade, while grappling with the threat to Martineau's own life. As they delve deeper, they uncover a web of deceit involving a crooked stockbroker and a potential frame-up for bribery against Martineau. The investigation intensifies, raising concerns about the safety of his family, intertwining personal stakes with the pursuit of a dangerous killer.
The story follows Guy Rainer, who has just escaped after serving seven years for the murder of his fiancée's lover. As he navigates his newfound freedom, Detective Inspector Martineau is determined to track him down, leading to a tense cat-and-mouse chase. Themes of justice, revenge, and the consequences of past actions intertwine as Rainer confronts his past and the motivations behind his crime.
The story revolves around a clever burglar known as the Dog Man, who manages to break into homes undetected, even with fierce dogs present. The tension escalates when a wealthy resident is murdered, prompting authorities to shift their focus from theft to a more dangerous pursuit: capturing a killer. As the investigation unfolds, the connection between the burglaries and the murder deepens, creating a gripping narrative filled with suspense and intrigue.
Set in the gritty backdrop of Manchester, this novel introduces Inspector Martineau as he navigates a tense and atmospheric mystery. The story unfolds in the city’s shadowy streets, combining elements of suspense and crime. Its compelling narrative and vivid setting contributed to its adaptation into a gripping film by Hammer Studios in 1959, highlighting the tension and drama of Martineau's investigation.