kiramke's review against another edition
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
3.0
Listen, it's very hard to write a golden age mystery in the modern era, so I have a little sympathy for those who try earnestly. I prefer that to the smarmy winking of tony-who-we-shant-name. That said this is fairly jarring at first and I don't really buy the tone. I'm fine with a three-star murder mystery, so I'm fine with this. An entertaining listen while cleaning.
oneoflifeslollopers's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
susanatherly's review against another edition
4.0
This murder mystery takes place at the manor estate of Lord Edgerton, a retired London DI, on his 75th birthday. In attendance is his extended family, including his 16 year old grandson, whom he enlists in solving the crime.
No new ground is broken here and there are strong nods to Agatha Christie and Dorothy Sayers. I figured out who did it halfway through. And I did not care. I liked the writing. I liked the characters. I liked the dynamic between the grandfather and grandson.
If you want a cozy British historical mystery you could do worse than this. It's the first in a series that I personally want to continue.
No new ground is broken here and there are strong nods to Agatha Christie and Dorothy Sayers. I figured out who did it halfway through. And I did not care. I liked the writing. I liked the characters. I liked the dynamic between the grandfather and grandson.
If you want a cozy British historical mystery you could do worse than this. It's the first in a series that I personally want to continue.
jedabooks's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
jeep8read's review against another edition
4.0
I was looking for a lighthearted mystery and this is just what I wanted: Interesting characters, if sometimes predictable; a good non-bloody murder with many possible candidates; an unlikely pair of detectives; and good fun. Set on a 1925 British country estate, generations of the family are gathered to celebrate in a well told story that kept me guessing all the way. I've ordered the sequel.
ssejig's review against another edition
4.0
Former police superintendent Lord Edgington of Cranley Hall is holding a ball. He has chosen his grandson, Christopher, our narrator, as the person to help him plan it. No one understands why. He defines himself as no genius but, at sixteen, to be fair, he is still finding his place in the world. Christopher has been at Cranley Hall for six months (at least on the weekends) but hasn't spoken to his grandfather since he's arrived. So he is also somewhat surprised that his grandfather is starting to come out of the cocoon that has enveloped him since his wife died.
Coming out of his cocoon includes holding a ball. Too bad someone dies. Someone in Christopher's family. Was the murder pointed or is someone trying to get the whole family? Inspector Edgington is about to come out of retirement.
Coming out of his cocoon includes holding a ball. Too bad someone dies. Someone in Christopher's family. Was the murder pointed or is someone trying to get the whole family? Inspector Edgington is about to come out of retirement.
lazobl's review against another edition
adventurous
informative
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.5
maryclaire92's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
hopeful
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
A perfectly pleasant little murder mystery solved by the likable outcast Christopher and his grandfather. I enjoyed seeing the relationship between these characters grow and it kept me guessing!
lakea's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
Content Warnings
Moderate: Grief, Murder, and Alcohol
Minor: Mental illness, Classism, Death of parent, Sexism, Blood, and Misogyny
licensetoshelbs's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.25