Terrier

I’m never sure with Tamora Pierce, because some of her books are dull; but this, like her Trickster series, was great. Beka is a “puppy”, which is a trainee police officer in this alternate world; she’s got to survive the streets of the Low City, which is ruled by slavers, thieves and child-killers. She also has to deal with the way her family sees the low status of her job, the new relationships she’s forming, and the ghosts that she hears in dust-devils and pigeons.

Pierce has got a good feel for the messiness of life. The job isn’t perfect, the relationships are untidy, and the way things pan out isn’t going to suit everyone. Yes, Beka’s a hero, but she does make mistakes. The “dogs” take bribes, and the man she likes is a Rogue, which is something like a thieves’ guild (I think – it wasn’t so clear to me). The writing was fast-paced and full of fun Aiken-like language, and the world was believable. This is one of her best, and I’m hoping there’ll be a sequel.