amalia1985's review
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
fernandie's review against another edition
3.0
Note: I received a digital review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
rouge_red's review
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
4.0
Another great mystery by E.C.R. Lorac aka Carol Carnac. I've finally gotten to another book by her after reading "Crossed Skis" last December. I really enjoy her writing and although I didn't solve this one, it was still an enjoyable read. I liked the tension she instilled in the story with everything that was happening during wartime- blackouts, rationing coupons, bombed out places, the general darkness in the atmosphere and he threat of something bigger in the background. It was quite palpable at times and was more devasting towards the end of the novel. Can't wait to get to the next. And I guess it's ok to read these out of publication order?
vsbedford's review
4.0
A brief glimpse into London during the blackouts that also happens to include the murder and attempted murder of several thoroughly rotten characters. There's a lot of not overly subtle indictments against those who could not or would not keep the wartime, chin up spirit here, and the usual class and nationality biases of the time are sprinkled throughout, but the core mystery is interesting (as long as one thinks of time as a flat circle)and Ms. Lorac has a lovely hand at character description, so I recommend for sure.
I received an ecopy from the publishers and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I received an ecopy from the publishers and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
farmgirlwrites's review
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
critterbee's review
4.0
Murder by Matchlight is a fascinating and challenging mystery set in Word War II London.
A murder that seems rather impossible. Competent and methodical police detectives. A wide variety of suspects and people of interest, including magicians, doctors, historians, out-of-work snoops and a commando. All set among bombing runs and the blackout.
On an inky November night of compulsory blackout in wartime London, a chemist takes an impromptu jaunt through the park after hearing news that his lady is unable to attend their dinner meeting. Hoping the cool air will alleviate his pensiveness, he sits for a while to think when bizarre events commence.
The setting is thoroughly connected to the where, when, why and how of the mystery, and quite nicely rounds out the characters of all involved. Detective Macdonald capably takes facts and people in hand with no bravado or eccentricity. Overall, an enjoyable read with no weak points.
**eARC netgalley**
A murder that seems rather impossible. Competent and methodical police detectives. A wide variety of suspects and people of interest, including magicians, doctors, historians, out-of-work snoops and a commando. All set among bombing runs and the blackout.
On an inky November night of compulsory blackout in wartime London, a chemist takes an impromptu jaunt through the park after hearing news that his lady is unable to attend their dinner meeting. Hoping the cool air will alleviate his pensiveness, he sits for a while to think when bizarre events commence.
The setting is thoroughly connected to the where, when, why and how of the mystery, and quite nicely rounds out the characters of all involved. Detective Macdonald capably takes facts and people in hand with no bravado or eccentricity. Overall, an enjoyable read with no weak points.
**eARC netgalley**
bookaneer808's review
adventurous
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
I read this mainly for the atmosphere, which is vividly realised. London during the Blitz, with sirens wailing, incendiary bombs falling, Civil Defence men on bikes, hoping to evade the bombing in the local shelter - all these are clearly evoked.
The murder itself is striking - wandering through Regent's Park during blackout, Bruce Mallaig sees a man on a bridge light a cigarette and is struck by his handsome, good-humoured face. Seconds later a sinister face looms from the dark and the man is struck down....murder with a witness!
I found the solution quite unsatisfactory - the clues pointing to the killer aren't very clear, and some questions about other suspects are left unanswered.
Also I was taken aback by the strong vein of anti-Irish sentiment; one character tells the detective that the victim - who we already know is a wrong un -
"had the wit, the versatility, the charm and the good looks of the real Southern Irishman-and he had the illogical, rebellious, thriftless lying habits of that type."
Nowhere does anyone try to refute this sweeping generalisation of an entire country, so it is tacitly accepted as true.
Also the short story at the end, The Permanent Policeman, is appallingly anti-Traveller as well as anti-Irish, and approves an illegal search of a caravan...it's also a bloody boring story.
The murder itself is striking - wandering through Regent's Park during blackout, Bruce Mallaig sees a man on a bridge light a cigarette and is struck by his handsome, good-humoured face. Seconds later a sinister face looms from the dark and the man is struck down....murder with a witness!
I found the solution quite unsatisfactory - the clues pointing to the killer aren't very clear, and some questions about other suspects are left unanswered.
Also I was taken aback by the strong vein of anti-Irish sentiment; one character tells the detective that the victim - who we already know is a wrong un -
"had the wit, the versatility, the charm and the good looks of the real Southern Irishman-and he had the illogical, rebellious, thriftless lying habits of that type."
Nowhere does anyone try to refute this sweeping generalisation of an entire country, so it is tacitly accepted as true.
Also the short story at the end, The Permanent Policeman, is appallingly anti-Traveller as well as anti-Irish, and approves an illegal search of a caravan...it's also a bloody boring story.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Racism
verityw's review
3.0
Really good. Clever and twisty and atmospheric. Lots of potential murderers, plenty of suspense and a really attractive detective figure. I enjoyed a lot.