A British Library Crime Classic which is subtitled “A Second World War Mystery” is actually set after that conflict, as several of the characters are desperately looking back to find the truth behind a more recent murder.This is a dramatic novel which uses the device of a murder trial to frame and inform much of the action; a woman stands liable to the death penalty unless her legal team can find out what really occurred in this sealed unit mystery. As the correct legal niceties are exercised in the court as a result of Gilbert’s own considerable expertise and experience, a thriller plot unrolls as Nap, solicitor and inexperienced amateur detective hunts through France for the vital clues that will help to establish identities and motives. This is a murder which indeed has deep roots in an occupation and resistance which has spilt into the narrow streets of London several years later. In his typically informative introduction Martin Edwards not only establishes Gilbert’s unique knowledge of the forms and background to this excellent novel, but also the vital difference between a thriller and a murder mystery which he seems to combine so effortlessly. I was so pleased to be given the opportunity to read and review this excellent addition to the British Library set. As the Central Criminal Court fills for the trial of Mademoiselle Victoria Lamartine, there is much eager anticipation of a spectacle. There is to be a surprise, however, as a different lawyer steps up for her defence. The judge agrees to move the case to the end of his list in order to allow a different emphasis to be given to the facts and a different plea to be entered, and thus eight days are granted for investigations into a matter which necessitates no little danger for those who undertake to find out more. As firm of solicitors is instructed who are more used to steady questions of law than murder trials, a young lawyer meets with the young woman and begins to assemble the facts. The roots of the matter surround the activities of landowners, farmers and crucially resistance fighters in Occupied France. If it can be proved that Lamartine had motive for the killing of Major Eric Thoseby, the case against her seems likely to be proved.It is this aspect of the case that Nap must go and investigate, which proves to be no light matter as for some, the brutality of war is not just a memory. Happily he has some help, even if that seems very suspicious. Investigations into the death of Thoseby in a small London hotel seem safer, until a brutal bar room brawl leaves even the most experienced of investigators nursing wounds. Much hinges on the ability of a murderer to gain access to a hotel room which was seemingly under surveillance at all times. Also the wandering eye of a young man which may have fixed on several women could provide an alternative explanation for many events, if only he can be found as time ticks past. This is a complex yet satisfactorily explained book which combines the tension of a thriller with the clever courtroom drama of a true master of the art. The actual murder which seems impossible for anyone else to have committed is relatively straightforward, but the background and explanations are complex. As famous lawyer Macrea pulls out all the stops to defend his client, I was intrigued as to how he could convince the jury to try to understand how a woman who had survived capture by the Gestapo was innocent of brutal and effective violence. It was good to read a novel in which women were active participants and not just hapless victims or extra witnesses,and all things considered this is a well balanced book. As part of an excellent series of Michael Gilbert books this is an excellent book, and a satisfactory read on many levels.

Very good novel from Gilbert. I found it intriguing with good characters and locations. The courtroom sections are good if a little dry in comparison to the investigation in France but the book is well written and I enjoyed it.

An absolutely riveting historical novel exposing crime in the aftermath of war. The events of this novel could be true today as in the period it was set, after the second world war. The plot is built up cleverly during the trial of Victoria Lamartine - a French refugee living in London after the war. Her crime, the murder of Major Thoseby, a British officer known to Victoria during her time in the French Resistance. All the evidence points to her guilt, and the trial is set for one week only. Gilbert sets the racing tone of the story as more and more intricate details and people are introduced. Deep roots are very apt in this case because on the surface the trial goes on, but underneath more and more details are uncovered to get you wondering who exactly did kill Major Thoseby. The investigation by the defence goes back in time to discover the deeper truth which might possibly be found in the past in France. This investigation in France runs parallel to the trial in England. The race against time is riveting, and the adventurous digging reveals other crimes that eventually lead to the golden nugget of the plot. I highly recommend this book - you won’t be able to put down until the end. BonnieK Breakaway Reviewers received a copy of the book to review.

This novel was first published in 1951 by Mr Gilbert, a lawyer and a prolific writer. He passed away in 2006 leaving behind quite a legacy of published works which are fortunately being reissued for today's reader. "Death Has Deep Roots" is in no way a dated piece and will take it's place among current day novels in the mystery and conspiracy genre. The only difference the reader will find is that it was written shortly after the end of World War II and is grounded in an event that was than fresh in the minds of the entire world. Victoria Lamartine a young lady that was very active in the French resistance during the war is on trial for her life accused of the murder of Eric Thoseby a major in the British army. The crime committed in England is being tried in British court, but the background and causative factors stem from events in France in 1943 as the French underground fought the Nazi army of occupation. The murder weapon is a knife that was shown to have been used in a manner reminiscent of skills taught to the members of the French underground. The novel presents two continuing events to tell the story. First, there is the trial of Ms Lamartine; very well described and carefully illustrating the work of both the prosecutor and the defense attorney. Second Nap Rumbold, member of the defense team is granted just 8 days to travel to France and the areas where events pertinent to the association of Lamartine and Thoseby occured in 1943. Also brought out in the story is the fact that Victoria became pregnant and had a boy in an affair during the period. The child died due to conditions experienced in fleeing the Germans. It is thought that Thoseby was the father with Victoria seeking him out and killing him when he did not acknowledge the child. The novel is absolutely one that will grab the reader and make him or her stay glued to the book until finished. It will also be of interest that more of the author's works will be reissued in the next few years making him a gifted writer for today's readers as well as those that began when he first started publishing.