richardmcartney's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
kudeern1's review against another edition
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.0
poachedeggs's review
2.0
I was hoping to discover a new mystery writer but after having read two of Carr's books, I don't think I am that interested in continuing...
jimmypat's review against another edition
3.0
This was a fun locked-room mystery from the Golden Age. While not quite at the level of Carr’s Devil in Velvet, this one gets points for using GK Chesterton as the model for the sleuth, Professor Gideon Fell.
gabitheaustrian's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
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
4.0
howie904's review
4.0
Nice short creepy whodunit.
The atmosphere and setting were fantastic so that as the heroes are hunting the murderer you feel they are also watching out for ghosts.
The detective taking the form of G.K. Chesterton, the a jolly fat smart-ass is a lot of fun and he seemed able to dispel fear from other characters and instill bravery.
I would certainly read another mystery by John Dickson Carr.
The atmosphere and setting were fantastic so that as the heroes are hunting the murderer you feel they are also watching out for ghosts.
The detective taking the form of G.K. Chesterton, the a jolly fat smart-ass is a lot of fun and he seemed able to dispel fear from other characters and instill bravery.
I would certainly read another mystery by John Dickson Carr.
mbondlamberty's review against another edition
4.0
A fine and easy read.
A different kind of detective tale to be sure.
While I enjoyed it I don't think I will be seeking other books in the Fell series.
A different kind of detective tale to be sure.
While I enjoyed it I don't think I will be seeking other books in the Fell series.
jobinsonlis's review
4.0
Carr is great at creating a creepy atmosphere, which for me makes up for the fairly standard murder mystery in this book and in how Dr. Fell just feels like an amalgamation of pudgy, slightly fussy small-town detectives. I actually find his wife more interesting, if only because these archetypes always seem to be bachelors and I wonder what she thinks about all his meddling.
jonathanrobert's review against another edition
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.75
bmip666's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0