A book written 15 years ago not published initially because London in Lockdown felt too far fetched. Cue 2020 where anything goes…
Lockdown – the blurb
A CITY IN QUARANTINE
London, the epicenter of a global pandemic, is a city in lockdown. Violence and civil disorder simmer. Martial law has been imposed. No-one is safe from the deadly virus that has already claimed thousands of victims. Health and emergency services are overwhelmed.
A MURDERED CHILD
At a building site for a temporary hospital, construction workers find a bag containing the rendered bones of a murdered child. A remorseless killer has been unleashed on the city; his mission is to take all measures necessary to prevent the bones from being identified.
A POWERFUL CONSPIRACY
D.I. Jack MacNeil, counting down the hours on his final day with the Met, is sent to investigate. His career is in ruins, his marriage over and his own family touched by the virus. Sinister forces are tracking his every move, prepared to kill again to conceal the truth. Which will stop him first – the virus or the killers?
Right place, right time
If ever there was going to be a right time for a book entitled Lockdown it is now and publisher Riverrun have certainly caught on. Lockdown by Peter May is currently in every book shop, every supermarket and its success is showing no sign of slowing down. Peter May is an established crime writer with novels set all over the place (we recommend Coffin Road). This one is set in London where the remains of a little girl are found in a building site (for a temporary hospital non the less.) Jack MacNeil’s last job before he takes early retirement is to investigate. The overworked white, male detective formula isn’t totally on display here – Jack has no sidekick, and his girlfriend (Asian and disabled) hints at a softer, gentler side, even if she is slightly shoe-horned into the plot.
Realistic enough for you?
The book was originally rejected for not being realistic. Oh if only it were! There are plot holes but maybe I’m only seeing them as we are currently living the reality. Somethings are so on point (the prime minister contracting the virus!) that I’m willing to overlook the endurance of a severely burnt human.
No coming back from this
The book was clearly written as a one off. I’ve seen detectives come back from stranger scenarios but with MacNeil retiring from the force and the ending May supplied I think it’s a fair bet were not on for book number 2. I’m also not sure how the lockdown theme could even continue. I found myself wanting to read more about the lockdown elements than the murder aspect and that brings me to my main point. I’m not sure if I would want to read this book in a few years time. Now, as lockdown is easing, it appeals to me but do I want to be reminded of face masks and curfews when I’m sat on a beach somewhere hot? It’s a talking point certainly and a stereotypical detective you can sink your teeth into without having to invest in another 10 in the series. But if you buy it, maybe don’t leave it too long in your to be read pile.
