She shows every evidence of being a gifted and sensitive writer in the same league as such historical novelists as Charles Palliser. That the mystery's eventual resolution depends a bit too much on a deus ex machina in no way detracts from Clark's considerable achievement in bringing her chosen slice of Victoriana to life. May's vague recollection of a murder he may have witnessed in the depths of the sewer system results in his becoming the prime suspect and being incarcerated in an asylum. But thats entirely appropriate for her fantastic thriller set in mid-19th century. When he courageously decides not to rubber-stamp the use of inferior brick, he puts his life, his sanity and his family at risk. Clare Clarks first novel starts in the gutter and goes downhill from there.

That immense public works project is a natural magnet for the corrupt, and engineer William May, a psychologically scarred Crimean War veteran, soon finds his ethics challenged. Dickens fans should devour British author Clarks debut novel, a gripping and richly atmospheric. A mystery that offers a gripping and richly atmospheric glimpse into the literal underworld of Victorian Englandthe labyrinthine London sewer system ( Publishers Weekly, starred review). When the 'great stink' of the title-the product of an oppressive heat wave combined with putrid sewage overflow-threatens to shut down the British capital in 1855, the politicians agree to fund massive repairs. Harcourt, 25 (356pp) ISBN 978-0-15-101161-2. Dickens fans should devour British author Clark's debut novel, a gripping and richly atmospheric glimpse into the literal underworld of Victorian England-the labyrinthine London sewer system.

The Great Stink by Clare Clark