Reviews

Die Bernsteinverschwörung - Ein Dandy ermittelt by Mark Gatiss

slipperbunny's review against another edition

4.0

All the mystery novels I read seem to be really serious so it's nice to read something from Mark Gatiss who has such a funny way to write. For me this wasn't as good as the first volume but it was almost as good. Too many betrayals maybe? But it's interesting to read a mystery novel whose main character is bi. That happens rarely.

cmbohn's review against another edition

1.0

I found this at the library, a sort of between World Wars spy romp. I just couldn't get into it. The main character was obviously so in love with himself that I couldn't agree enough. Very self-consciously affected. Not my style.

brittaniethekid's review against another edition

3.0

Not nearly as good as the first one. This still was a fun read if a bit disappointing.

bookishdragon's review against another edition

5.0

I loved it. it was fun, gripping and adventurous!!
just as Stephen Fry says..' seedy, stylish, the high and low with such grace' I love Lucifer Box..even if he is a tad naughty ;)

baileybird's review against another edition

3.0

As usual a rip-roaring read. Very easy to complete in a short space of time- not quite as good as book 1

cathepsut's review against another edition

5.0

If you don't know Mark Gatiss, you should probably check out the British TV show A League of Gentlemen first, just to get into the right frame of mind for this romper. You don't have to read [b:The Vesuvius Club|838668|The Vesuvius Club (Lucifer Box, #1)|Mark Gatiss|http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1348057213s/838668.jpg|824241] first, although it is set about 20 years prior to this one. It might add to the amusement.

First sentence of the book:
"He was an American, so it seemed only fair to shoot him."

And the 5th sentence of page 23 (I'm pretty sure you've done that before, too....):
"Vetting recruits for evidence of transvestism?"

So be prepared for a very silly, gay and entertaining crime novel delving into the supernatural just a wee bit. Good fun! Next one is on my wishlist already.

emlo's review against another edition

adventurous dark funny mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.75

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Violence and Blood

gwentolios's review against another edition

3.0

Great quick read, but I'm having trouble deciding if I like it or not. I bounced between enjoying myself and Mr. Box's commentary and not quite knowing what he was talking about but I'm going to chalk that up to not being British like the book is. Still, I enjoyed reading it.

kat_kin's review against another edition

4.0

Full Review Here - http://anamateurslibrary.blogspot.co.uk/2013/12/the-devil-in-amber-by-mark-gatiss.html

Didn't like it as much as the first one but only by a hairs breadth. Lucifer box is a hilarious main character despite being a total douche the majority of the time. Not so keen on the aging of Box but liked the 1920's setting. Some emtional moments in there as well once old characters resurfaced from Vesuvius Club. Nice short read full of action and adventure with a protagonist like no other.

sixxinski's review against another edition

adventurous dark emotional funny mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0