ichirofakename's review against another edition
3.0
Exceptionally breezy tale, with delightful voices in the two main characters, Wolfe and his assistant, the narrator, Archie Goodwin. Plot is involved without being intriguing. Written in 1938, with consequent social attitudes that are rather offputting, but not dominant. It's worth reading one of the series.
dllh's review against another edition
2.0
This one started off really slowly, and though I guess part of its intent was to portray Wolfe as a man above petty racism, some of the language and attitudes in this one bothered me (even granting it was set in 1937). It did leave me with a smile on my face in the end.
alice_horoshev's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
5.0
jdcorley's review against another edition
mysterious
medium-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
1.5
Sorry man. Wolfe giving his view of race relations halfway into the book can't erase Archie's casual slurs and the honestly deranged racial landscape of this book. A pity too because the environment for the murder is not half bad. "Skip it," as Archie often says.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racial slurs and Racism
Moderate: Murder
jwalner's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
mysterious
relaxing
fast-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
3.5
As good as any mystery Christie of Doyle put out
tombomp's review against another edition
2.0
Decent enough mystery story. Not stellar, just OK all round - enjoyable, just nothing that stands out among other books. The denouement doesn't have the force it should because there are too many named characters who don't really do anything but you need to be aware of - I honestly didn't really recognise the culprit and I got a couple of place names mixed up. I'm well aware this is more my own fault than the books, but I do feel it could have been pared down.
Also I feel it's important to note the way race is handled in this book is... dodgy. I can buy that the use of the n-word by several southern sheriffs is intended as character rather than endorsing the use of it, but the way Wolfe treats the black characters in the book is at best pretty patronising although it's clearly intended to be a "non-racist" contrast. In addition, "blacking up" is a plot point. It's not down-right awful, but it's definitely not very good.
Also I feel it's important to note the way race is handled in this book is... dodgy. I can buy that the use of the n-word by several southern sheriffs is intended as character rather than endorsing the use of it, but the way Wolfe treats the black characters in the book is at best pretty patronising although it's clearly intended to be a "non-racist" contrast. In addition, "blacking up" is a plot point. It's not down-right awful, but it's definitely not very good.
courthompson's review against another edition
4.0
This was much too fast paced for me, to the point of being rushed. Regardless, the familiar characters and quirks make up completely for the fast pace
jercox's review against another edition
4.0
Nero out of the house, but for a good cause, food! A fun story.
Some definite indications of the time period this was written in, in language used about African Americans. But Wolfe himself was presented as quite progressive for that time.
Some definite indications of the time period this was written in, in language used about African Americans. But Wolfe himself was presented as quite progressive for that time.
2readornot2read's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-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
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexism, Racial slurs, and Racism
me2brett's review against another edition
4.0
I greatly enjoyed reading this work, especially as the story is mentioned in A Right To Die, a later book which again deals with racism. It's wonderful as a period piece, a reminder that the world of the 1930s had different assumptions and attitudes than today (at least, I hope)