sally_evans_xx's review
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
indydriven's review against another edition
3.0
I knew very little about Claude Monet’s life prior to reading this book other than I loved his water lily paintings. The setting for this book is Giverny, France which was not only Monet’s home but also where he painted his famous waterlilies. Until I read this book, I didn’t realize that he created the Japanese garden at his home in Giverny and painted all his waterlilies there. Each year tourists flock there to see the famous gardens and some of his paintings.
The story begins with a body, Jerome Morval, being found in Monet’s gardens. He has been murdered and the new police inspector, Laurenc Serenac, is on the case. At first this seems to be a rather methodical, but quite boring mystery. At times I was tempted to DNF it but because I had really looked forward to purchasing it, I carried on until I finished. About 85% of the way through I was sure that I was going to end up rating it two stars, however, very close to the end of the book, there is a twist. A marvelous twist that I did not see coming - my respect to the author for being able to pull this story line off. I did increase my rating to three stars due to the twist, however, I did find that the story moved very slowly and I easily became distracted by other books simply because this story did not keep my attention for long.
The story begins with a body, Jerome Morval, being found in Monet’s gardens. He has been murdered and the new police inspector, Laurenc Serenac, is on the case. At first this seems to be a rather methodical, but quite boring mystery. At times I was tempted to DNF it but because I had really looked forward to purchasing it, I carried on until I finished. About 85% of the way through I was sure that I was going to end up rating it two stars, however, very close to the end of the book, there is a twist. A marvelous twist that I did not see coming - my respect to the author for being able to pull this story line off. I did increase my rating to three stars due to the twist, however, I did find that the story moved very slowly and I easily became distracted by other books simply because this story did not keep my attention for long.
penguinna's review
3.0
Until the last chapters I thought that it was the worst book I've read in my life, getting ready to finish it as soon as possible and give it a "1/5": my first impression was that the horrible plot was saved only due to the fascinating facts about life of Claude Monet and wonderful picturesque descriptions of Giverny village where he lived.
I was very disappointed by some (fake) plot holes, lack of logic, empty and boring characters, incredibly awkward and dry love scenes. Additionally, starting from the middle of the book I was sure to know who the main antagonist was, but... I was both right and wrong! The last chapters blew my mind but at the same time connected all the dots and made everything clear and obvious. However, not in a very honest way.
So, to sum up, the first half of the book was making me suffer, but the final chapters changed my impression. I recommend the "Black Water Lilies" to people who like slow narrations and nature descriptions, and at the same time who can tolerate some imperfect writing skills and little inconsistencies. Not for the classic detectives lovers.
I was very disappointed by some (fake) plot holes, lack of logic, empty and boring characters, incredibly awkward and dry love scenes. Additionally, starting from the middle of the book I was sure to know who the main antagonist was, but... I was both right and wrong! The last chapters blew my mind but at the same time connected all the dots and made everything clear and obvious. However, not in a very honest way.
So, to sum up, the first half of the book was making me suffer, but the final chapters changed my impression. I recommend the "Black Water Lilies" to people who like slow narrations and nature descriptions, and at the same time who can tolerate some imperfect writing skills and little inconsistencies. Not for the classic detectives lovers.
stinajohanns's review
4.0
A really interesting book but rstherhardto follow sometimes. It could have been cut down in length without losing anything.
pryngols's review against another edition
4.0
Based on the novel of Michel Bussi of the same title, Black Water Lilies is a compelling crime thriller comics featuring three fascinating women. The setting is in the picturesque Giverny, home of the famous gardens of Claude Monet.
I loved how the mystery is somewhat centered on a rumored lost painting of Monet, and how the narrative gave the reader some insight to the artist’s works and history. The art style of the graphic novel more than gave justice to the renowned painter’s as well. I usually encounter dark tones when it comes to reading crime graphic novels, but this one is so colorful and almost whimsical, without sacrificing the suspense and violence (where needed).
This also gave me one of the best plot twists I’ve ever read in a crime novel, one I know I wouldn’t forget even years from now. I would have given this a perfect 5⭐️ rating, but I did feel a bit unsatisfied with one element of the whole story. I couldn’t say which one, specifically, in fear of spoilers. But it has to do with a certain character’s motivations for his/her actions that did not seem clear or well explained to me. I would still say that I am only that more excited to read the original novel to see if I will get more answers from there.
All in all, an awesome work of art and crime mystery that I would recommend to all fans of the genre. Big thanks to NetGalley and Europe Comics for providing a copy of this wonderful book in exchange for an honest review.
I loved how the mystery is somewhat centered on a rumored lost painting of Monet, and how the narrative gave the reader some insight to the artist’s works and history. The art style of the graphic novel more than gave justice to the renowned painter’s as well. I usually encounter dark tones when it comes to reading crime graphic novels, but this one is so colorful and almost whimsical, without sacrificing the suspense and violence (where needed).
This also gave me one of the best plot twists I’ve ever read in a crime novel, one I know I wouldn’t forget even years from now. I would have given this a perfect 5⭐️ rating, but I did feel a bit unsatisfied with one element of the whole story. I couldn’t say which one, specifically, in fear of spoilers. But it has to do with a certain character’s motivations for his/her actions that did not seem clear or well explained to me. I would still say that I am only that more excited to read the original novel to see if I will get more answers from there.
All in all, an awesome work of art and crime mystery that I would recommend to all fans of the genre. Big thanks to NetGalley and Europe Comics for providing a copy of this wonderful book in exchange for an honest review.
adam_tries_books's review against another edition
5.0
A true masterpiece just like the artwork referenced throughout!
A story packed with culture. From the breathtaking descriptions of the village of Giverny to the numerous mentions of Impressionist artists.
Without giving too much away this book has one of the most amazing and brilliantly crafted endings that I’ve ever read! Once you’ve read it you’ll appreciate just how intelligent Bussi is as an author!
The story centres around a murder and 3 women in the village of Giverny. I loved how the story followed a lot of different characters from the 3 women to the detectives working on the murder case! One element of the book which I enjoyed was the relationship between the two main police officers on the murder case. It was great to see their relationship develop over the course of the book and it added some slight humour to the story!
Overall a truly amazing story of love, art and murder! I will definitely be checking out more Bussi’s books after this! I encourage everyone to read this book, the ending will blow you away!
A story packed with culture. From the breathtaking descriptions of the village of Giverny to the numerous mentions of Impressionist artists.
Without giving too much away this book has one of the most amazing and brilliantly crafted endings that I’ve ever read! Once you’ve read it you’ll appreciate just how intelligent Bussi is as an author!
The story centres around a murder and 3 women in the village of Giverny. I loved how the story followed a lot of different characters from the 3 women to the detectives working on the murder case! One element of the book which I enjoyed was the relationship between the two main police officers on the murder case. It was great to see their relationship develop over the course of the book and it added some slight humour to the story!
Overall a truly amazing story of love, art and murder! I will definitely be checking out more Bussi’s books after this! I encourage everyone to read this book, the ending will blow you away!
ssmith1407's review
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5