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ashleyboatman's review against another edition
mysterious
sad
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? No
2.5
alexsprice's review against another edition
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
lambsears's review against another edition
3.0
Another read from Griffiths that didn't wholly satisfy - I'm still pining for Ruth Galloway.
The story in this one was based around the last days of the British variety performances, and so didn't hold much charm for me.
However, on reading the authors notes at the end, I find that Griffiths grandfather was one of these performers, she had done extensive research into the period, and based much on his experiences as a performer.
It's a shame those notes weren't at the beginning - it would have impacted upon my reading experience.
The story in this one was based around the last days of the British variety performances, and so didn't hold much charm for me.
However, on reading the authors notes at the end, I find that Griffiths grandfather was one of these performers, she had done extensive research into the period, and based much on his experiences as a performer.
It's a shame those notes weren't at the beginning - it would have impacted upon my reading experience.
lunaseline's review against another edition
3.0
Okej, vi kan nog slå fast att jag kan läsa Griffiths, så länge jag låter serien om Ruth Galloway. Inte för att den är rent dåligt, men för att jag alltid hittar saker att klaga på.
Sådana saker finns det här också (kvinnoroller, det faktum att man fattar vem som är förövaren knappt halvvägs, löjligt "upplösningssnack") - men den här post WWII-boken känns ändå betydligt... elegantare... än arkeolog-ditona. Det är fortfarande en klassisk deckarhistoria, med sedvanliga stereotypa grepp, men idéen om före detta-krigskamrater som möts i ett mysterium i anslutning till varité-scenen bjuder ändå på lite originalitet.
Till skillnad från stand-alone romanen "The Stranger Diaries" blir jag inte överraskad av Griffiths, och därför blir betyget lägre. Men det är stabilt skrivet och underhållande så länge det varar (faktiskt även efter att man räknat ut det detektiven inte lyckas med).
P.s. 50-talstemat bidrar, förmodligen även med att jag inte ska vara fullt lika upprörd över könsrollerna som jag är när det gäller Ruth-historierna. D.s.
Sådana saker finns det här också (kvinnoroller, det faktum att man fattar vem som är förövaren knappt halvvägs, löjligt "upplösningssnack") - men den här post WWII-boken känns ändå betydligt... elegantare... än arkeolog-ditona. Det är fortfarande en klassisk deckarhistoria, med sedvanliga stereotypa grepp, men idéen om före detta-krigskamrater som möts i ett mysterium i anslutning till varité-scenen bjuder ändå på lite originalitet.
Till skillnad från stand-alone romanen "The Stranger Diaries" blir jag inte överraskad av Griffiths, och därför blir betyget lägre. Men det är stabilt skrivet och underhållande så länge det varar (faktiskt även efter att man räknat ut det detektiven inte lyckas med).
P.s. 50-talstemat bidrar, förmodligen även med att jag inte ska vara fullt lika upprörd över könsrollerna som jag är när det gäller Ruth-historierna. D.s.
raelovestoread's review against another edition
4.0
From the cover, I was expecting a noir thriller, but the first Stephens & Mephisto mystery was as jovial and upbeat as a story about a serial killer can get.
I particularly enjoyed Edgar's cynical commentary. Griffiths writes in a very readable voice and although the underlying mystery (and its resolution) was just OK, the tone pace and dry, observational humour made it a 4 star read for me.
I particularly enjoyed Edgar's cynical commentary. Griffiths writes in a very readable voice and although the underlying mystery (and its resolution) was just OK, the tone pace and dry, observational humour made it a 4 star read for me.
jayney21's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
4.0
tiedyedude's review against another edition
3.0
I haven't read many mystery novels, but this was decent enough. A slow start, lots of character backstory and flashbacks, seemed a little bloated in the middle. Certain threads left hanging for a long time, though they all wrap up in an okay conclusion.
afender's review against another edition
lighthearted
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? No
3.0
deesoupdragon'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? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0