Innocents to the Slaughter

Set against the grimness of the lives of mill of mill workers in Bingly, West Yorkshire, the second book in the Hudson and Laws trilogy opens in 1839 almost exactly a year after the affair at Seddon workhouse in Suffolk where the two men first met. Characters now familiar from the first in the trilogy, on the house reappear and play integral roles in the story. Increasingly recongnised as a successful investigative journalist, Ambrose Hudson is convassed by an overseer in a Woollen mill to follow up his suspicions of illegal child labor in the North-East. The man is also concerned that the heinous practice of baby farming is operating in the same area. During the investigation the friends meet an old adversary and Ambrose sets out on the beginnings of a tragic love affair.

Just like 'On the House', this book gave a great insight into a not even very distant history. It started a bit slow and was somewhat too descriptive sometimes in my opinion. On the other hand, I think it is good that the writer does not assume things to be known to her readers that are important for the story.

Even though it is the second book in the trilogy, you do not necessarily have to have read the first to follow the story.

The characters were developed well & there was a good amount of mystery where you were always guessing what might happen next.

Set in Victorian Britain, it was interesting to see how the author underpins the importance of women keeping the families together and the struggles which faced those having to send their children to work.

It was well-written & I wouldn’t hesitate to read the final instalment!