Set in the grimy, industrial town of Wigan, England, in the late 19th century, the story follows Jonathan Blair, an opium-addicted mining engineer who is reluctantly drawn into investigating the mysterious disappearance of a young cleric named John Maypole. As Blair delves deeper into the case, he encounters a web of deceit, corruption, and class struggle, all while grappling with his own personal demons. The investigation leads him to Rose, a spirited and enigmatic barmaid, whose own secrets and resilience become pivotal in unraveling the truth behind Maypole's vanishing.
The 12174th greatest book of all time
Martin Cruz Smith (born Martin William Smith), American novelist, received his BA in Creative Writing from the University of Pennsylvania in 1964. He worked as a journalist from 1965 to 1969 before turning his hand to fiction. His first mystery (Gypsy in Amber – 1971) features NY gypsy art dealer Roman Grey and was nominated for an Edgar Award. Nightwing was his breakthrough novel and was made into a movie.
Smith is best known for his series of novels featuring Russi…
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