The Detective Wore Silk Drawers

Sergeant Cribb Investigation, Book 2

By: Peter Lovesey

Narrated by: David Thorpe

Forbidden in Victorian England, the grim and violent world of bare-knuckle fighting has gone underground. So when a headless body is found floating in the Thames, his hands "pickled" for fighting, Sergeant Cribb knows he is facing a challenge. Desperate for information, they select the young constable Henry Jago to infiltrate the gang, subjecting him to a rigorous program of purging, pickling, and training. Cribb is certain that the losing fighters are being killed, or worse, so getting Jago out just in time is crucial....

©1971 Peter Lovesey (P)2020 Recorded Books

Wry violent

Sgt. Cribb was particularly odious in this book. The real hero was the young man who went undercover. I generally like this author but I am abandoning this series.

gross violence

I was terribly disappointed by Lovesey, who certainly can write short stories without resorting to the gross violence, including rape, in this book. I didn't finish because it was a waste of my time and money.