In the original dustsheet. Black cloth binding with silver title on the spine.

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Why was Billy Blake, a homeless alcoholic, found dead from starvation in one of the richest areas in one of the richest capitals in the world? Six months on, Amanda Powell is eager to talk to journalist Michael Deacon. But Deacon’s interest in Blake has more to do with his own past.

Review: I remember watching the BBC adaptation of this novel which was broadcast around Christmas 1998 I believe. I really enjoyed that, and wonder why it has taken me so long to read the novel. The echo of the title refers to how one crime (possibly a murder) ultimately leads to the uncovering of a more recent murder, unrelated to the first. But the murder isn’t revealed by detective work but rather by the deeply troubled consciousness of a now homeless alcoholic, who takes a pseudonym of Billy Blake (after William Blake). Billy is intent on the salvation of his true love, and believes this can only be done by saving someone else’s soul. This is ultimately uncovered by Michael Deacon, a journalist. Deacon is clever, highly unlucky in love but actually a very decent person troubled by events in his life. We also have a glimpse of homelessness in London and the harshness of life for people living on the streets. I thought it very fine to make redemption and salvation a main part of a crime novel. Highly recommended.