Reviews

Pretty good book. Nothing super exciting but it messes with the traditional format in a neat way while still having a satisfying and interesting actual mystery.

It's set up sort of like a "reverse whodunnit" but even stronger - it takes a long time for you to find out who's going to get murdered with multiple false hints as to who the victim will be and things only really get going like... halfwayish through? It works well, things get set up nicely and the build-up is well done. His character writing is hardly Nobel Literature level but the characters make sense and you get a good idea of their distinct personality and motives - they're more than flat stereotypes. The mystery itself is built around a single conceit but it's pretty ingenious and I liked it

MASSIVE ending spoiler

Spoiler

The very ending is hilarious in a very grim way. The main character is redeemed by confessing to being an accessory to murder, and so he's going to be hanged. But it's ok cause he's come right with God! Incredible. I love it

nithilakumar's review against another edition

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adventurous dark mysterious fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

vondav's review against another edition

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3.0

I wanted a gentle mystery to relax my brain and this fitted the bill. Whilst it was written in the 30s it didn't feel outdated and was a pleasant read. George was a gentleman, but it all went horribly wrong. As you read, you know who the intended victim and what will kill them but that is it. The police officers in the story were not your blundering fools and I enjoyed watching them try and solve the case. The execution of the murder was ingenious and I would never have guessed how he did it.
I will look for some other stories published by the British Crime Library

bmip666's review against another edition

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dark funny mysterious sad tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

vsbedford's review against another edition

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3.0

I received an ARC from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Unfortunately, this one just wasn't for me. A well done character study of a man on a slow descent into trouble - the inevitability of his demise can be a bit of a slog - but picks up once Inspector French enters the story. If you enjoy some of the slower Colombo episodes, this is probably nearer your alley.

verityw's review against another edition

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3.0

An interesting take on the detective novel. I thought it was clever and readable - but I think I prefer a more traditional format/structure.

naomi2022's review

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mysterious relaxing medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? N/A
Diverse cast of characters? N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

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