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maxitoo's review against another edition
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.5
Enjoyed the description of the building and House of Commons proceedings. I found the solution not plausible but still enjoyable
streberkatze's review
funny
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
I’ve discovered over years that I really enjoy GAD novels for the atmosphere. The mystery is kind of secondary. And atmospheric this story was! I’m completely unfamiliar with the ins and outs of the British system of government (beyond what I learned in English class in like middle school and have forgotten since), but the author did a *stellar* job of bringing the place to life on the page! Part of how she did it, I think, was including just enough astute observations to show the reader she knew what she was talking about without being too “heavy-handed” in her criticism. And while I did not find any of the chatacters (except maybe Gracie) particularly intriguing, I highlighted lots of passages with observations regarding anything from gender roles to the colonies, which I guess goes to show once more which elements of the book worked best for me. If Ellen Wilkinson had writen more fiction, I would definitely read it! However, after reading up on her, I think she lived such a rich and impactful life, that reading more *about* her might prove just as worthwhile
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexism and Colonisation
Minor: Antisemitism and Murder
1mpossiblealice's review against another edition
5.0
I loved this, it's one of the best Crime Classics I've read.
It's really well written, very funny at times, and very satirical on the House of Commons/civil service etc. Really interesting reflection of the changing times it was written in, and the commentary on class and sexism is sharp and witty.
The characters are great and have some nuance, and the mystery was good too. A really enjoyable and well written book. Bit gutted this was her only mystery!
It's really well written, very funny at times, and very satirical on the House of Commons/civil service etc. Really interesting reflection of the changing times it was written in, and the commentary on class and sexism is sharp and witty.
The characters are great and have some nuance, and the mystery was good too. A really enjoyable and well written book. Bit gutted this was her only mystery!
rachelshhhh's review against another edition
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.75
mckeanja's review against another edition
challenging
informative
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
cimorene1558's review against another edition
4.0
Well worth reading if you like early 20th century mysteries. It's good, and I'm sorry she didn't have time to write more, but she was a busy lady!
frankatzenzungen's review against another edition
4.0
Written by Ellen Wilkinson a female MP in 1932, this murder mystery is set in the Houses of Parliament.
Sadly this was the only novel she wrote (being too busy being an MP which I guess lets her off the hook), it provides a fascinating look into the inner workings of the political system in 1932. In the background is the Wall Street crash, unemployment marches, socialist opposition, and (of course) early female MPs.
The plot begins with the murder (or was it?!) of an international financier inside Westminster and held my interest throughout.
Overall I really enjoyed this book and would give it 4 out of 5 stars. The main reason is that the plot is average, but the setting is absolutely fascinating. I would definitely recommend.
Sadly this was the only novel she wrote (being too busy being an MP which I guess lets her off the hook), it provides a fascinating look into the inner workings of the political system in 1932. In the background is the Wall Street crash, unemployment marches, socialist opposition, and (of course) early female MPs.
The plot begins with the murder (or was it?!) of an international financier inside Westminster and held my interest throughout.
Overall I really enjoyed this book and would give it 4 out of 5 stars. The main reason is that the plot is average, but the setting is absolutely fascinating. I would definitely recommend.
aphraclare's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
informative
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No