jessh12's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
secretbookcase's review against another edition
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Diverse cast of characters? No
3.5
noveldeelights's review against another edition
4.0
There’s no getting away from this series lately. It seems quite a lot of people are talking about it and I’m not immune to a bit of FOMO. On top of that, these covers are so pretty that they’ll look magnificent on any bookshelf so yes, the cover love won big time in this case and I bought five of these in one go. I’m not sorry. The lovely Emma at Emma’s Bookish Corner suggested I start with Death Makes a Prophet and so my journey through the British Library Crime Classics began.
Set in the town of Welworth Garden City, the shenanigans of the residents were reminiscent of an episode of Midsomer Murders, which I absolutely adore. Chief among these are the members of the Children of Osiris, a cult also known as Coo. But life in the cult isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. There’s an abundance of jealousy and rivalry, secrets and people pretending to be someone they’re not. And then there’s a murder.
Considering this story was first published in 1947, it has stood the test of time remarkably well. While I was worried I might find it a tad too old-fashioned, I actually found the change of pace incredibly refreshing and the setting absolutely delightful. It took me a while to get used to the writing style but I soon found myself completely engrossed.
It takes a while for the murder to happen and for Inspector Meredith to arrive on the scene but that didn’t bother me one bit. I thoroughly enjoyed the time the author spent on getting the reader acquainted with the cast of quirky and eccentric, yet quite realistic characters. The investigation into the murder is complex and highly interesting, with some twists I didn’t see coming. Every time I thought I had the whole thing figured out, the author very deftly guided me towards a dead end and I ended up suspecting everyone.
I thoroughly enjoyed this foray into the British Crime Classics and I very much look forward to my next read in this collection.
Set in the town of Welworth Garden City, the shenanigans of the residents were reminiscent of an episode of Midsomer Murders, which I absolutely adore. Chief among these are the members of the Children of Osiris, a cult also known as Coo. But life in the cult isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. There’s an abundance of jealousy and rivalry, secrets and people pretending to be someone they’re not. And then there’s a murder.
Considering this story was first published in 1947, it has stood the test of time remarkably well. While I was worried I might find it a tad too old-fashioned, I actually found the change of pace incredibly refreshing and the setting absolutely delightful. It took me a while to get used to the writing style but I soon found myself completely engrossed.
It takes a while for the murder to happen and for Inspector Meredith to arrive on the scene but that didn’t bother me one bit. I thoroughly enjoyed the time the author spent on getting the reader acquainted with the cast of quirky and eccentric, yet quite realistic characters. The investigation into the murder is complex and highly interesting, with some twists I didn’t see coming. Every time I thought I had the whole thing figured out, the author very deftly guided me towards a dead end and I ended up suspecting everyone.
I thoroughly enjoyed this foray into the British Crime Classics and I very much look forward to my next read in this collection.
fictionfan's review against another edition
3.0
Quirky crime...
Eustace K Mildmann is the unlikely founder of a new religion based on Egyptian gods, new age mysticism, vegetarianism, short trousers and general silliness. Even more unlikely is that this religion – The Children of Osiris, or Cooism – has attracted thousands of followers, including some of the wealthier residents of Welworth Garden City. Now, however, Eustace’s position as Head Prophet is in danger, with the rise of the charismatic fez-wearing Peta Penpeti, who may (or may not) be the reincarnation of an Egyptian priest. Penpeti has the advantage of appearing exotically foreign, which appeals greatly to the female members of the cult. Poor Eustace risks losing not only control of the cult but also the woman he worships to this usurper. Factions abound, secrets are hidden, rivalries fester. And when the whole cult is invited to take part in a festival in the grounds of the cult’s wealthiest benefactress, Mrs Alicia Hagge-Smith, all this simmering passion leads to murder...
The first half concentrates on describing the cult and its various adherents, and is mildly amusing. But although it goes on for a long time – too long – I never got any real feel either for what the religion was offering its followers, nor why so many people were attracted to it. It seemed to need a heftier suspension of disbelief than I could summon up. The second half becomes more serious after the murder is committed and Bude’s recurring detective, Inspector Meredith, is called in to investigate. The reader is privy to hints about the backgrounds of various characters so to some extent is ahead of the police. The actual murder method is nicely contrived and provides more of a mystery perhaps than the simple question of whodunit.
John Bude is apparently one of the most popular of the “forgotten” authors the British Library has resurrected, but for some reason I never find myself loving his books. They are well written, and this one in particular has a lot of humour around the quack religion and the various eccentric characters who are drawn towards it. But I think it’s that very eccentricity that stopped me from feeling involved – these are characters to laugh at, not to care about. And while I can enjoy a supporting cast of quirky characters, I prefer the central characters to have a greater feeling of realism. Unfortunately, I also find Inspector Meredith a rather bland detective – this is the third book I’ve read in this series and I would find it difficult to give any kind of character sketch of him.
Not one that stood out for me then – in fact, I’ll admit to skim-reading most of the second half because I had pretty much lost interest in the outcome by then. But, since other people clearly enjoy his style more than I, I accept my reaction is clearly subjective. If you like your crime fiction to be laced with humour and especially if you’ve appreciated Bude’s other books, then I expect you would enjoy this one too. Personally, I’ve preferred him when he’s been in more serious mode, but I don’t think I’m ever going to become a die-hard fan.
NB This book was provided for review by the publisher, Poisoned Pen Press.
www.fictionfanblog.wordpress.com
Eustace K Mildmann is the unlikely founder of a new religion based on Egyptian gods, new age mysticism, vegetarianism, short trousers and general silliness. Even more unlikely is that this religion – The Children of Osiris, or Cooism – has attracted thousands of followers, including some of the wealthier residents of Welworth Garden City. Now, however, Eustace’s position as Head Prophet is in danger, with the rise of the charismatic fez-wearing Peta Penpeti, who may (or may not) be the reincarnation of an Egyptian priest. Penpeti has the advantage of appearing exotically foreign, which appeals greatly to the female members of the cult. Poor Eustace risks losing not only control of the cult but also the woman he worships to this usurper. Factions abound, secrets are hidden, rivalries fester. And when the whole cult is invited to take part in a festival in the grounds of the cult’s wealthiest benefactress, Mrs Alicia Hagge-Smith, all this simmering passion leads to murder...
The first half concentrates on describing the cult and its various adherents, and is mildly amusing. But although it goes on for a long time – too long – I never got any real feel either for what the religion was offering its followers, nor why so many people were attracted to it. It seemed to need a heftier suspension of disbelief than I could summon up. The second half becomes more serious after the murder is committed and Bude’s recurring detective, Inspector Meredith, is called in to investigate. The reader is privy to hints about the backgrounds of various characters so to some extent is ahead of the police. The actual murder method is nicely contrived and provides more of a mystery perhaps than the simple question of whodunit.
John Bude is apparently one of the most popular of the “forgotten” authors the British Library has resurrected, but for some reason I never find myself loving his books. They are well written, and this one in particular has a lot of humour around the quack religion and the various eccentric characters who are drawn towards it. But I think it’s that very eccentricity that stopped me from feeling involved – these are characters to laugh at, not to care about. And while I can enjoy a supporting cast of quirky characters, I prefer the central characters to have a greater feeling of realism. Unfortunately, I also find Inspector Meredith a rather bland detective – this is the third book I’ve read in this series and I would find it difficult to give any kind of character sketch of him.
Not one that stood out for me then – in fact, I’ll admit to skim-reading most of the second half because I had pretty much lost interest in the outcome by then. But, since other people clearly enjoy his style more than I, I accept my reaction is clearly subjective. If you like your crime fiction to be laced with humour and especially if you’ve appreciated Bude’s other books, then I expect you would enjoy this one too. Personally, I’ve preferred him when he’s been in more serious mode, but I don’t think I’m ever going to become a die-hard fan.
NB This book was provided for review by the publisher, Poisoned Pen Press.
www.fictionfanblog.wordpress.com
annarella's review against another edition
5.0
It was the third John Bude's mystery I read and, as usual, it is really entertaining it has a solid plot. The description of the cultists is really entertaining and the sequence of events that leads to the murders is well written and funny to read.
I would advice this book to whoever is interested in traditional british mysteries.
Many thanks to Netgalley and Poison Pen for giving me the chance to read and review this book
I would advice this book to whoever is interested in traditional british mysteries.
Many thanks to Netgalley and Poison Pen for giving me the chance to read and review this book
chewdigestbooks's review against another edition
4.0
That's it, I was born not only in the wrong era but the wrong country as well. Ok, so there was the Battle of Britain and the whole nightly bombing thing in London, still, the books and authors get me or I get them. Plus-have you seen the styles and heard the music? Awesome.
Moving right along to Death Makes a Prophet, there have always been weird religious cults everywhere and at every time. This time Superintendent Meredith is called to the scene of what looks like a murder-suicide at a cult's mighty posh retreat until one looks deeper. Then there are suspects galore and the proverbial red herring or three.
Inspector Meredith and this book have a lot of dry wit that was so sadly needed postwar, although I don't think that Meredith means to be funny. (Which makes it all the funnier.) Sometimes he seems to be turning in circles and as new clues come in, he has to reshuffle all of his thoughts.
As to characters in this individual mystery, they are some cooky people, even for a post-war British cult. I nearly died laughing with the truth of one statement by the largest donor.
“Had Mr. Mildmann any enemies?” asked Meredith practically. “What a ridiculous question!” exclaimed Mrs. Hagge-Smith. “It’s quite exhausting enough to find out who are one’s own enemies. How can I conceivably give you a list of poor Eustace’s? Hostility is also a matter of degree. Dislike and hatred are poles apart.”
God help you, if you have that many enemies!
Anyway, this was my first introduction to John Bude and Inspector Meredith and I'll be trying to find the rest of the series. It's also the fourth in the series that I've read from the British Museum/ Poisoned Pen re-release of British detective fiction from the Golden Era and the thrid that knock it out of the park so far. If you like the more traditional and less gory mysteries, you need to check these out.
Moving right along to Death Makes a Prophet, there have always been weird religious cults everywhere and at every time. This time Superintendent Meredith is called to the scene of what looks like a murder-suicide at a cult's mighty posh retreat until one looks deeper. Then there are suspects galore and the proverbial red herring or three.
Inspector Meredith and this book have a lot of dry wit that was so sadly needed postwar, although I don't think that Meredith means to be funny. (Which makes it all the funnier.) Sometimes he seems to be turning in circles and as new clues come in, he has to reshuffle all of his thoughts.
As to characters in this individual mystery, they are some cooky people, even for a post-war British cult. I nearly died laughing with the truth of one statement by the largest donor.
“Had Mr. Mildmann any enemies?” asked Meredith practically. “What a ridiculous question!” exclaimed Mrs. Hagge-Smith. “It’s quite exhausting enough to find out who are one’s own enemies. How can I conceivably give you a list of poor Eustace’s? Hostility is also a matter of degree. Dislike and hatred are poles apart.”
God help you, if you have that many enemies!
Anyway, this was my first introduction to John Bude and Inspector Meredith and I'll be trying to find the rest of the series. It's also the fourth in the series that I've read from the British Museum/ Poisoned Pen re-release of British detective fiction from the Golden Era and the thrid that knock it out of the park so far. If you like the more traditional and less gory mysteries, you need to check these out.
ssejig's review against another edition
4.0
Some mysteries start with a murder and then build in the backstory of how the murder came to be. In this Inspector Meredith story, the story starts with a buildup of the cult known as the Coo (Children of Osiris). We meet the current leader, his controlling patron, and the man who would take his place. Tensions are built until the middle of the book when the murders (yes, more than one) finally occur.
Though firmly set contemporary to the time it was written (1947), the story could definitely be set in the current day. A fast read, it will delight any classic mystery reader.
Though firmly set contemporary to the time it was written (1947), the story could definitely be set in the current day. A fast read, it will delight any classic mystery reader.
annarella's review against another edition
5.0
It was the third John Bude's mystery I read and, as usual, it is really entertaining it has a solid plot. The description of the cultists is really entertaining and the sequence of events that leads to the murders is well written and funny to read.
I would advice this book to whoever is interested in traditional british mysteries.
Many thanks to Netgalley and Poison Pen for giving me the chance to read and review this book
I would advice this book to whoever is interested in traditional british mysteries.
Many thanks to Netgalley and Poison Pen for giving me the chance to read and review this book
chewdigestbooks's review against another edition
4.0
That's it, I was born not only in the wrong era but the wrong country as well. Ok, so there was the Battle of Britain and the whole nightly bombing thing in London, still, the books and authors get me or I get them. Plus-have you seen the styles and heard the music? Awesome.
Moving right along to Death Makes a Prophet, there have always been weird religious cults everywhere and at every time. This time Superintendent Meredith is called to the scene of what looks like a murder-suicide at a cult's mighty posh retreat until one looks deeper. Then there are suspects galore and the proverbial red herring or three.
Inspector Meredith and this book have a lot of dry wit that was so sadly needed postwar, although I don't think that Meredith means to be funny. (Which makes it all the funnier.) Sometimes he seems to be turning in circles and as new clues come in, he has to reshuffle all of his thoughts.
As to characters in this individual mystery, they are some cooky people, even for a post-war British cult. I nearly died laughing with the truth of one statement by the largest donor.
“Had Mr. Mildmann any enemies?” asked Meredith practically. “What a ridiculous question!” exclaimed Mrs. Hagge-Smith. “It’s quite exhausting enough to find out who are one’s own enemies. How can I conceivably give you a list of poor Eustace’s? Hostility is also a matter of degree. Dislike and hatred are poles apart.”
God help you, if you have that many enemies!
Anyway, this was my first introduction to John Bude and Inspector Meredith and I'll be trying to find the rest of the series. It's also the fourth in the series that I've read from the British Museum/ Poisoned Pen re-release of British detective fiction from the Golden Era and the thrid that knock it out of the park so far. If you like the more traditional and less gory mysteries, you need to check these out.
Moving right along to Death Makes a Prophet, there have always been weird religious cults everywhere and at every time. This time Superintendent Meredith is called to the scene of what looks like a murder-suicide at a cult's mighty posh retreat until one looks deeper. Then there are suspects galore and the proverbial red herring or three.
Inspector Meredith and this book have a lot of dry wit that was so sadly needed postwar, although I don't think that Meredith means to be funny. (Which makes it all the funnier.) Sometimes he seems to be turning in circles and as new clues come in, he has to reshuffle all of his thoughts.
As to characters in this individual mystery, they are some cooky people, even for a post-war British cult. I nearly died laughing with the truth of one statement by the largest donor.
“Had Mr. Mildmann any enemies?” asked Meredith practically. “What a ridiculous question!” exclaimed Mrs. Hagge-Smith. “It’s quite exhausting enough to find out who are one’s own enemies. How can I conceivably give you a list of poor Eustace’s? Hostility is also a matter of degree. Dislike and hatred are poles apart.”
God help you, if you have that many enemies!
Anyway, this was my first introduction to John Bude and Inspector Meredith and I'll be trying to find the rest of the series. It's also the fourth in the series that I've read from the British Museum/ Poisoned Pen re-release of British detective fiction from the Golden Era and the thrid that knock it out of the park so far. If you like the more traditional and less gory mysteries, you need to check these out.
rachaelbee's review
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.0