Playing with Fire

Playing with Fire by Patricia Hall is a large print edition published by Severn House on April 30, 2019. This 320-page novel unfolds in London during the tumultuous year of 1964, where Detective Sergeant Harry Barnard is called to investigate the mysterious death of a young girl who has fallen from a club window in Soho. As the story progresses, the narrative intertwines with the life of Kate O’Donnell, Harry’s photographer girlfriend, who is drawn into the investigation when her ex-boyfriend seeks her help regarding his missing girlfriend, a hopeful musician.

Readers will find themselves immersed in a world filled with simmering tensions and threats as Harry and Kate navigate the vibrant yet dangerous streets of Soho. The plot delves into the complexities of crime and mystery, exploring themes of violence and the darker aspects of the music scene during this era. As they search for answers, the characters confront not only the challenges of their investigation but also the personal stakes involved, making for a compelling narrative that captures the essence of historical crime fiction.