No spoilers in this review. Those who have read my reviews will know that I reserve 5 stars for books I consider outstanding. That a book in this genre gets 5 stars from me shows just what a high-quality book this is. At the risk if sounding repetitive, this book is beautifully written and very well-edited which always makes the reading so much more pleasurable. Molly Thynne's command of the English language is superb and it is wonderful to read a book so intelligently written and yet so accessible. However, one thing that did grate on me was her constant use of the word "ground" when it should have been "floor"! A bugbear of mine.
The author uses such colourful adjectives that my attention was constantly caught; yet the syntax kept the story flowing. The pace of the story is more sedate than modern murder mysteries, but this is a plus rather than a minus as it allows time for plot and character development. There is one derogatory remark about Jews but, sadly, that comes with the era. There is also an amusing little aside about women police - watch out for it. The main plot line seems straightforward enough. A man is murdered and all the evidence points to one person, but the Detective in charge of the case knows the suspect and can't bring himself to an arrest. As the story progresses, various other shady characters come to light and suspicion falls on one in particular, but Chief Inspector Fenn still isn't satisfied that he has the right man. I was quite pleased with myself for coming up with a solution to one mystery quite early in the story, but confirmation didn't come until quite near the end. With a complex cast of characters and plot lines, with some delightful little cameos thrown in, the story could have become hopelessly entangled, but with consummate skill, the author teased out each one, bringing each to a satisfactory conclusion. Central to all the 'minor' plots, is the original murder and I admit the identity of the murderer took me by surprise. The book ended splendidly with one of the author's numerous little descriptive gems. I recommend this book. Read it slowly and savour it and you won't be disappointed. PS. my favourite character is Miss Webb.
Enjoy fast, free delivery, exclusive deals, and award-winning movies & TV shows with Prime
Try Prime
and start saving today with fast, free delivery
Loading your book clubs
There was a problem loading your book clubs. Please try again.
Not in a club? Learn more
Join or create book clubs
Choose books together
Track your books
Bring your club to Amazon Book Clubs, start a new book club and invite your friends to join, or find a club that’s right for you for free.
Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.
Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.
Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.
Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.
Frequently bought together
$10.59
Get it as soon as Tuesday, May 14
In Stock
Total price:
To see our price, add these items to your cart.
Choose items to buy together.
Customers who bought this item also bought
Page 1 of 1 Start overPage 1 of 1
About the author
Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Top reviews from the United States
There was a problem filtering reviews right now. Please try again later.
Reviewed in the United States on November 2, 2016
Reviewed in the United States on January 16, 2017
Reviewed in the United States on October 29, 2022
Reviewed in the United States on March 24, 2020
Reviewed in the United States on September 27, 2019
Top reviews from other countries
Credit Man
Good example of the Golden Age of Crime
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 21, 2017Mr. A.J. PENDLEBURY
This artist comes to a quick end.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 8, 2016