To the Shades Descend

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Pathologist Dr Jack Cuthbert returns to investigate a deadly political rally, this time in 1931 Glasgow, bringing with him his brilliance, intuition and shiny shoes.  

To the Shades Descend is the third in the series written by Allan Gaw, a retired pathologist. 

Cuthbert, who works for Scotland Yard in London, is in Glasgow for a job interview at the university. While visiting, a bomb goes off at a political rally of a right-wing politician, killing 24 people and injuring more than 50. He is called in to lead the forensic investigation and identify the victims. With body parts scattered around Glasgow Green– including “half a head” noted at one point– he has much to investigate.  

1931 Glasgow, struggling amid the Depression, is brilliantly depicted, with tenements, gas lamps, expensive telephone calls, and the much slower pace of life and news. The rising political tensions and bigotry that are a hallmark of the period play a role, as does Sir Oswald Mosley, leader of the New Party, the fascist anti-semetic movement.

All the books in the series, including this one, display the best attributes of a good detective series, with a captivating central character, and the best qualities of a good historical novel, with a keen eye for detail. But those with weaker stomachs may need to learn how to skim, as Gaw does not hesitate to describe the gruesome aspects of the job. 

To the Shades Descend was the best novel in the series yet, and reading the previous two is not required. Cuthbert’s shiny shoes, a personal point of pride for him, were once again witness to his investigative prowess. 

Reviewed by Maureen Stapleton
Maureen Stapleton, a writer and journalist, has written for The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, Radio Times, Heat, and many others.
More reviews by Maureen Stapleton

About To the Shades Descend

The dead all have stories to tell. Giving them back their names is one thing; giving them justice is quite another.

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