The Long Firm

A tough, efficient, well written crime novel set in London during the 60's. Harry Starks is a contemporary of The Krays and runs his own firm with a rod of iron. Arnott paints a complex character, plagued by black moods yet matter-of-fact about his homosexuality. The prose is economical and keeps the story moving along at a good pace.

The rise and fall of Starks is told in five episodes, from the point of view of five different people who encounter Harry, either as friend, lover, employee or all three. Arnott brings to life the seedier side of ‘Swinging London' and Starks's calculated brutality is described simply as his way of being in control. We are invited to make our own moral judgements.

A good read.