If you like visceral, immersive, historical novels, you might like this. 1781, a body hangs upon a hook in Deptford dock. This sets the scene for a macabre whodunnit. More importantly however is the real subject matter - slavery and the part Britain played in the trade. There are gut wrenching moments when 300 slaves, men, women and children are thrown overboard (based on a true story) to the more subtle, "I could not bring myself to have sugar in my tea". The body count is high, the abuse of slaves real and the menace towards any who choose to confront the evils of the trade palpable. An important if unsettling book.
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