Reviews

This was the first Famous Five book I ever read (yes, I started with book 2...) and will always be one of my favourites. It’s unusual for a Famous Five book in that the Five don’t travel anywhere, but all the action takes place inside Kirin Cottage over Christmas while the family are snowed in, giving it a sort of ‘cabin fever’ feel. A new tutor charms all of the grown ups and children, just as strange things behind to happen... and only George seems to see the truth. it’s essentially as close to a psychological thriller as our Enid got.

The only thing which surprised me, upon adult reading, was everybody’s cavalier attitude towards Timmy the dog, who is made to live outside for several days during a snowstorm, to punish George, which everybody seems to be morally fine with, even after Timmy starts to develop a bad cough. After several chapters of this the book had me shouting ‘JUST LET THE BLOOMING DOG INSIDE’ As with any Enid Blyton book, you’ll find the odd attitude or two that is of its time.

koko09's review against another edition

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adventurous funny inspiring lighthearted mysterious sad fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

Immensely readable book, and I loved George and Timmy’s characterisation in this one. Excellent read.

__wander_inpages_'s review against another edition

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adventurous funny lighthearted 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? No

5.0

kirstym25's review against another edition

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adventurous lighthearted medium-paced

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

3.5

varshiniramaraj's review against another edition

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5.0

I actually remembered parts of this book. It's really interesting for me to think about what I remember vs what's new to me. Also, this is going to end up being 21 books in 3 days, at the pace I'm going through it.

crookedrat's review against another edition

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adventurous mysterious fast-paced

3.0

multidimensionalsock's review against another edition

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adventurous lighthearted fast-paced

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

4.0

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