grimbo's review against another edition
dark
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
1.0
It's too slow and wordy for me
greenblack's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
teenytinylibrary's review against another edition
2.0
I didn't really love or hate this. This read much more like a literary book rather than a thriller or a mystery. Dr. Quirke begins to investigate the death of a young woman who appeared in (and quickly disappeared from) his morgue. What he finds is secrets, secrets close to the heart of his family and secrets that cut at his own heart. Overall, I found the book to be very flat - lacking substantive climaxes or suspense. Timothy Dalton's narration was superb, but didn't make the book unforgettable. I would hope that it's better on the page, because it was definitely lackluster on audio.
evelyn727's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
bengthesnowball's review against another edition
3.0
I quite liked the writing of this book and the storyline/plot was presentable. My main gripe is that the characters did not feel at all suited to the historic period the novel is meant to be set in which continually shattered the immersion. If I hadn't read 'The Ha'penny Place' by Gemma Jackson, I would've thought it was just the period which didn't resonate but I really enjoyed that and enjoyed this far less. Regardless, I don't regret reading this book, just wouldn't be eager to read more.
mattstebbins's review against another edition
4.0
John Banville's quickly become one of my favorite authors; this, the first of his Benjamin Black penned mysteries, though not particularly great as a mystery, has only confirmed my love for his way with words.
drippydots's review against another edition
3.0
Atmospheric, dark noir.
While it was well-written, it didn't really sink it's teeth into me very far. I appreciated it for what it was and while we dip into Quirke's personal history it make a personal connection with me.
If you like well-written noir, check it out.
While it was well-written, it didn't really sink it's teeth into me very far. I appreciated it for what it was and while we dip into Quirke's personal history it make a personal connection with me.
If you like well-written noir, check it out.
woodlandglitter's review against another edition
4.0
At its best, this one reminded me of a book by Graham Greene (specifically Brighton Rock, I guess).