lorimichelekelley's review against another edition
4.0
Audible version: I was looking for a cozy mystery set in the 21st century and this series has made me so happy! It's perfect with intelligent writing, fun characters, and a balance between the mystery and the character's lives. While Max is an Anglican priest, he isn't a judgy Christian. And his flock isn't a bunch of prudes, so even though you feel like you're in this old timey conservative scene, one of the parishioners will pipe up with a string of expletives or wear a racy dress to a holiday party celebrating all the holidays of the season, no matter the faith. I hope the titles don't determine the number of books in this series, because I need more than four if they continue to be this entertaining! (and no, they aren't quite as good as the Gamache series, but pretty close)
judyward's review against another edition
4.0
Agatha Christie fans rejoice, G. M. Malliet is in the house. I have grown attached to the mysteries of G. M. Malliet and this book is no exception because it has everything that I love--a remote English village, a murder (or two) that take place mostly off-scene, and a very likeable sleuth. Max Tudor is the Anglican priest in the village of Nether Monkslip. When a host of long-lost relatives descend their greedy selves on Chedrow Castle for the Christmas holidays, you just know that the "peace on Earth, good will toward men" is going to be in short supply. And, predictably, someone, most probably a member of the family, stabs elderly Lord Footrustle to death while he is asleep and then his twin sister is found dead, likely of shock. Tudor, who is a former M15 agent, is sent by the police to the Castle to comfort the grieving, help plan the funerals, and find out what the devil is going on. A wonderful read.
hkburke2's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
slow-paced
3.0
This was a nice background listen - the narrator has a lot of character and created an atmosphere that was enveloping. Despite being right up my alley in basic elements, this book just wasn't for me. The focus on how desirable the vicar was felt distracting and the side plots didn't feel integrated.
melissagomis's review against another edition
2.0
This book appealed to me b/c I was looking for a mindless holiday cozy for my holiday travels. I listened to the audiobook version of this book and honestly, I can't believe I finished it. The narration was enjoyable, which is a big reason I kept listening. This is a standard British cozy and the dialogue and character banter was entertaining, but the book really dragged on. When the mystery was solved and the murderer revealed it felt very anti-climactic and I was more than ready for it to be over. I won't be reading or listening to anything else in this series.
quietjenn's review against another edition
3.0
More literate than your average, run-of-the-mill cozy, although I don't think it's always successful. Meaning, it's super wordy and could really have been edited down by at least fifty pages, perhaps more. At times, the murder(s) at hand seemed to be entirely forgotten, while we dwelt endlessly on what a pensive dreamboat Father Max is. The romance that he becomes involved in - and the other bits that tried to meld events in town with the mystery at the castle - felt a bit awkward and forced to me, although I'm sure it's all about building the series as a whole. And the revelation of the killer wasn't entirely surprising. Still, it was entertaining enough and I'll read further books in this series
bethnellvaccaro's review against another edition
2.0
This series are pretty terrible but for some reason I keep reading them. I enjoy a cozy mystery, but this book is almost like a parody of the genre.
henrismum's review against another edition
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
nonna7's review against another edition
5.0
Sometimes there's nothing better than a good old fashioned British "cozy." In this case, there's more than a bit of tongue-in-cheek despite the setting in a village known as "Nether Monkslip." (Doesn't that make you want to visit? It did it for me.) Then there's the main character, Father Max Tudor, very handsome - even dashing? - former MI5, now an Anglican priest and vicar of St. Edwolt's. Father Max has become an unofficial investigator for the local inspector who is a terrier in his own way - he will "worry" any murderer out of hiding. This is a classic closed mystery. There's a houseful of people in for Christmas. Two elderly people- twins - who have lived together for years after widowhood and divorce are entertaining their assorted children and an ex spouse. Meanwhile, there is romance in the air. What I enjoy about these book is the "wit." You don't often see that anymore. GM Malliet has become one of my yearly "go to" writers. However, if you haven't read any of her books before, start at the beginning. It's worth it.