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ianl1963's review against another edition
3.0
Robin Bailey reading, so not too bad.
Same formula different location, cast list altered slightly but the same traits displayed.
I guess formula not taxing for authoress or reader/listener.
Same formula different location, cast list altered slightly but the same traits displayed.
I guess formula not taxing for authoress or reader/listener.
agentbird's review against another edition
4.0
This is one of the better Wexford books, I think because he's mostly on his own, and I loved being pulled along by Rendell's writing as he works through the case by himself.
slipperose's review against another edition
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
hpuphd's review against another edition
5.0
Just brilliant. Some crime writers apply their energies to bringing to life the characters. Here Wexford is out of his element (in London visiting family to recuperate), as he tries to solve a case his nephew is working on. The human element is fully on display with all his ups and downs. Other crime writers are content to focus on the ingenuity of the crime and its detection. Rendell puts in amazing effort at both elements. Has she ever written a bad book? The last third of this novel unfolds so beautifully as we have come to care about Wexford’s need to succeed with the case and then see how elusive discovering what really happened seems to be. A wonderful novel!
bucherca49's review against another edition
4.0
The book title and the book and chapter epigraphs are all taken from Thomas More's "Utopia." Rendell seems to be exploring English society of the late 20th century in terms of "Utopia." Wexford's doctor tells him to take a few weeks to relax. He and Dora stay with Reg's nephew, Howard Fortune, and his wife, Denise, while Wexford recovers from an embolism in his eye. His nephew is a Detective Superintendent with CID, and after a frustrating day or two of being a tourist in London, Wexford gets involved in a murder case Howard is working on, but one of the first things Wexford does is visit a statue of Sir Thomas More--reinforcing the theme of "utopia." What I enjoyed the most about the novel is Wexford's loss of self-confidence and his successful regaining of confidence in his ability to investigate a crime. The London detectives treat him as old, sick, and "from the sticks," but Wexford demonstrates his ability to investigate a case and to learn from his mistakes.
carolsnotebook's review against another edition
3.0
Wexford is out of his comfort zone and still feeling a little shook up by his recent medical issue. He's not as sure of himself here as he usually is, not as confident. And he's not treated with the same deference he is in his own town. It's a different look at the detective, but in the end after a misstep or two, his intuition and perseverance get them to the killer, even though it's a twisty road.
If I have one complaint about this book, it's the identity of the killer. In most mysteries, the killer is one of the at least semi-major characters. Here's that's not so much the case. On the other hand, there are plenty of suspects and at least one with a reasonable motive and I really thought I knew who the killer was until I was totally wrong.
If I have one complaint about this book, it's the identity of the killer. In most mysteries, the killer is one of the at least semi-major characters. Here's that's not so much the case. On the other hand, there are plenty of suspects and at least one with a reasonable motive and I really thought I knew who the killer was until I was totally wrong.
ju__lgn's review against another edition
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
I read a french translation.
ceeceerose's review against another edition
4.0
Rendell’s Chief Inspector Wexford is at it once again…this time in London, where he’s recuperating after a heart attack. But Wexford doesn’t know the meaning of the word REST, especially when he stumbles into a case of multiple murders.