Detective Inspector John Templeman is a policeman in 60s London. He is a detective but rarely investigates crimes; he is a Special Branch officer. He had been a National Service soldier, then stayed on; he left the Army and joined the Police.
Special Branch was a department of the Metropolitan Police, responsible for anti-terrorism and counter espionage policing, VIP protection, and counter subversion. Branch officers often worked alongside or at the direction of the Security Service, notably during the Cold War.
London in the 60s: swinging, sordid, and secret. Welcome to John Templeman’s world.