Rennie Airth, RIVER OF DARKNESS

Another mystery set in England in the aftermath of WWI. Scotland Yard Inspector John Madden, haunted by his traumatic memories of the war, is an investigator involved in a brutal multiple murder in a country house. It's more savage and dark than the Maisie Dobbs novels and includes a passionate and racy romance plot between Madden and the brilliant Dr. Helen Blackwell, a proto-profiler. At times I had a hard time keeping track of all the characters--there are many investigators and officers, including the youngster Billy whom Madden must take in hand. But some of the descriptions of place are beautifully written, and it's a good, quick read.