Scan barcode
mariahmmm's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
A collection of six gothic, dreary stories recounting murders fuelled by revenge. Many felt unsatisfactory, with immoral justice and a reliance on the unnecessary silence and corruption of children.
The Yo-Yo - 3 stars
A forgotten yoyo pulls an old man into the past as he remembers the night he witnessed a murder.
An unconvincing story on morals and revenge, with the lingering question of justice and childish capabilities.
The Victim- 3 stars
A divorced husband recounts his "delicious" murder of his ex-wife's new husband.
An interesting viewpoint, peeking into a murderer's motive and walking in his footsteps, but an unsatisfactory ending.
The Murder of Santa Claus- 4 stars
Young Charles Mickledore reflects on a long forgotten Christmas holiday at his uncle's manor where Santa Claus was murdered.
A good atmospheric mystery with a dabbling of clues marred by unjustified childish choices.
The Girl Who Loved Graveyards- 4 stars
A young girl, unloved and orphaned twice over, becomes fascinated with graveyards and the idea of visiting her father's grave.
Such a well written story, but also what a horrid, sad little life.
A Very Desirable Residence- 2 stars
A schoolteacher reflects on the motives behind the crime involving a sadist colleague and his downtrodden wife.
This would have been a great crime retelling of justice and rescue were it not for the sad twist at the very end.
Mr Millcroft's Birthday- 5 stars
Elderly Mr Millcroft makes the case to his stubborn child of his retiring to Maitland Lodge rather than the insipid Meadowsweet Croft.
A fantastic story of cunning with double twists and turns!
The Yo-Yo - 3 stars
A forgotten yoyo pulls an old man into the past as he remembers the night he witnessed a murder.
An unconvincing story on morals and revenge, with the lingering question of justice and childish capabilities.
The Victim- 3 stars
A divorced husband recounts his "delicious" murder of his ex-wife's new husband.
An interesting viewpoint, peeking into a murderer's motive and walking in his footsteps, but an unsatisfactory ending.
The Murder of Santa Claus- 4 stars
Young Charles Mickledore reflects on a long forgotten Christmas holiday at his uncle's manor where Santa Claus was murdered.
A good atmospheric mystery with a dabbling of clues marred by unjustified childish choices.
The Girl Who Loved Graveyards- 4 stars
A young girl, unloved and orphaned twice over, becomes fascinated with graveyards and the idea of visiting her father's grave.
Such a well written story, but also what a horrid, sad little life.
A Very Desirable Residence- 2 stars
A schoolteacher reflects on the motives behind the crime involving a sadist colleague and his downtrodden wife.
This would have been a great crime retelling of justice and rescue were it not for the sad twist at the very end.
Mr Millcroft's Birthday- 5 stars
Elderly Mr Millcroft makes the case to his stubborn child of his retiring to Maitland Lodge rather than the insipid Meadowsweet Croft.
A fantastic story of cunning with double twists and turns!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood and Murder
Moderate: Death, Gun violence, Infidelity, Misogyny, Violence, Death of parent, War, and Classism
Minor: Animal death, Bullying, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, and Car accident
snowcitygirl's review against another edition
challenging
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
clomo's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
biolexicon's review against another edition
4.0
The short story “A Very Desirable Residence” is especially excellent.
rereader33's review against another edition
1.0
Wow, this is the most dry, emotionless, uninteresting story-telling I have ever witnessed. It really feels like no passion or effort went into writing this collection. This is my first time reading P.D. James's work and I can assure it'll be the last. I've read reviews of this collection saying that this isn't her usual writing and this was disappointing for long time fans, but I have NO interest in reading any of her other work. The only saving grace of this collection was how short it is because this was beyond boring and dry. Skip this collection, it's not worth your time.
darwinista's review against another edition
3.0
While these stories are all fine in themselves, as a collection they don't work well. I don't fault P.D. James for this--this anthology was assembled by her estate from previously published stories. Side by side, the plots are too similar, making the "surprise" endings predictable. Content warning about "The Girl Who Loved Graveyards": really distressing treatment of a pet.