Oxford 1883. It is a most unjust and unequal world. Young men think they own the world and the young women working there are fair game. When a few young men turn up bound and gagged it is only a matter of time when anger turns deadly. A young shop girl is arrested and imprisoned for talking to a man. She seeks help from a young fearless journalist and an older lady who will help in anyway she can. When the Chancellor calls in Basil Rice to investigate the matters which are beginning to get attention and call Oxford into disrepute, it is too late. The discovery of a private club which aids and abets these young men adds to the mix.
Corruption amongst senior staff is rife, and everyone will cover up for boys who are from aristocratic families. The police do not want take action for fear of reprisal and Basil is fearful of discovery of his homosexuality, which will end in disgrace and any chance of a career. It is only Non who will work for justice for the young woman and very slowly the story comes to light. Helped by the Police who have to work very carefully, the whole system of injustice against the working class and the historical importance and rigidity of class is very apparent in the story.
The outcome of the case is far below of what is just but one takes what one gets.
Sent by Canelo for an unbiased review, courtesy of Netgalley.
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