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alibi313's review against another edition
2.0
While it has all the trappings of a police procedural, all the sleuthing of the titular characters leads to nothing but assorted red herrings. The motive is dropped suddenly into their laps in the 28th chapter (out of 32), the murderer in the 29th (who is then promptly confronted and dispensed with in the 30th), and they spend the last two chapters dithering about whether one of these characters will suddenly move to China??!! Very weirdly constructed whodunnit. Reading reviews, it sounds like the series used to be better and people are now only reading (and highly rating) out of habit. Unfortunately, this was my first (and now last) Barker & Llewelyn novel.
rosescottagee's review
dark
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.5
naluju's review against another edition
adventurous
informative
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
mslaura's review
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
lommelun's review
adventurous
dark
funny
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
ogrebattle's review
adventurous
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
I enjoyed that immensely.
dilliemillie's review against another edition
3.0
Receiving my first introduction to the Barker & Llewelyn series via book thirteen was much less ominous than it sounded at first!
Although I'm sure reading books one through twelve first would have added depth to the characters and settings, I never felt as if I were lacking key details or unable to follow the story. The book has strong Sherlock Holmes parallels, but feels more socially aware than I remember Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's stories being. The variety of settings and characters broadens the scope of the story and makes it come alive. For fans of the historical mystery genre, Fierce Poison will be a winner!
Plus, Antony Ferguson's narration makes the audiobook experience worth a listen.
Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Although I'm sure reading books one through twelve first would have added depth to the characters and settings, I never felt as if I were lacking key details or unable to follow the story. The book has strong Sherlock Holmes parallels, but feels more socially aware than I remember Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's stories being. The variety of settings and characters broadens the scope of the story and makes it come alive. For fans of the historical mystery genre, Fierce Poison will be a winner!
Plus, Antony Ferguson's narration makes the audiobook experience worth a listen.
Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
stunoelle's review
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
4.5
jonie_rich's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75