Frederick Troy is the central character in John Lawton’s acclaimed historical crime series. A detective with the Metropolitan Police, Troy investigates murders that draw him into the political and social upheavals of mid-20th century Britain.
Troy’s background shapes his character. His father was a Russian journalist who fled to England and built a media empire. Growing up wealthy and educated, Troy chose police work over his family’s expectations. His Russian heritage makes him an outsider in some ways, while his family’s prominence opens doors that would be closed to ordinary detectives.
The series follows Troy from his early career during World War II through decades at Scotland Yard. His cases bring him into contact with historical figures and events, from wartime intelligence operations to the spy scandals that rocked postwar Britain.
Read the Inspector Troy series in order.