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staticdisplay's review against another edition
3.0
the story is told through Mordecai's observations, so it does read like a lot of telling with little showing. Mordecai's character is also fairly simple; he's a seemingly harmless older man who is sentimental but (within the story) ruthlessly observant in the pursuit of justice. it makes sense to have him accompanying his police officer friend rather than having friends and acquaintances dropping dead around him all the time. we're repeatedly told that he speaks gently or anticipated some piece of information. the story does give plenty of clues, fairly, so the reader can sleuth along. I enjoy these for the sense of old-timeyness.
magdon's review against another edition
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.0
fernandie's review against another edition
3.0
Note: I received a digital review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
oliviaamyturton's review against another edition
3.0
A good introduction to Francis Duncan. The plot and the reveal didn’t blow my mind but do like his style of writing. Excited to explore more of his work in future.
kristinarr's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
friar_tropico's review against another edition
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
carolsnotebook's review against another edition
3.0
I've been reading a lot of vintage mysteries lately. Mordecai Tremaine is one of the lesser-known detectives of the era, at least now, I'm not sure about when the stories were originally published. I like him though; I'm glad the books are being reissued. Mordecai is a retired tobacconist, a bachelor, and a bit of a romantic. He's an amateur detective who solves mysteries by observing, by understanding people. He also blends in well, he's unobtrusive and people tend not to notice him or not be threatened by him, which allows him to sometimes learn things quicker and easier than the police.
In In at the Death, Mordecai is actually invited by his friend Chief Inspector Jonathan Boyce to tag along on an investigation, beginning to end. Mordecai can be rather introspective too. "It was when you came up against the thing in its actuality that its atmosphere changed; from being a a fascinating problem to intrigue the brain, it turned into a dreadful darkness in which your mind was squeezed in a dry, numbing horror."
The dead man was a fairly successful doctor who is found dead at an empty house. Boyce and Mordecai work together well to solve the mystery. Mordecai does not consider the detective stupid and the detective for the most part respects Mordecai's contributions, which makes it a little different from so many of the amateur detective series.
The plot is good, with several suspects and enough clues that you can see how the detectives came to the right conclusion. It wasn't my favorite of the series, but still a fun read.
annarella's review against another edition
5.0
I love Francis Duncan's mysteries and I love Mordecai Tremaine, a wonderful character.
This is a bit different from the other books I read as it's more a police procedural than Mordecai sleuthing.
It was a wonderful and enjoyable read, a bit slow at the beginning but once you're hooked it was impossible to put it down.
I loved how the psychology of the different suspects was analysed and how the plot kept you guessing till the unexpected discovery of the culprit.
Highly recommended!
Many thanks to You Like Them Sourcebooks Landmark and Netgalley for this ARC
This is a bit different from the other books I read as it's more a police procedural than Mordecai sleuthing.
It was a wonderful and enjoyable read, a bit slow at the beginning but once you're hooked it was impossible to put it down.
I loved how the psychology of the different suspects was analysed and how the plot kept you guessing till the unexpected discovery of the culprit.
Highly recommended!
Many thanks to You Like Them Sourcebooks Landmark and Netgalley for this ARC
vesper1931's review against another edition
4.0
When the body of a doctor is discovered in the town of Bridgton, the local police call in Scotland Yard and Chief Inspector Jonathan Boyce. Amateur detective and friend Mordecai Tremaine has permission to travel with Boyce and become involved in the inquiry.
I enjoyed this well-written mystery and liked the style of writing. The author did provide clues so that it was possibly to find the guilty party. The two main characters are interesting ones, and I may prefer Boyce to Tremaine.
Originally written in 1952 before all the modern forensics were available to the police force.
A NetGalley Book
I enjoyed this well-written mystery and liked the style of writing. The author did provide clues so that it was possibly to find the guilty party. The two main characters are interesting ones, and I may prefer Boyce to Tremaine.
Originally written in 1952 before all the modern forensics were available to the police force.
A NetGalley Book
annarella's review
5.0
I love Francis Duncan's mysteries and I love Mordecai Tremaine, a wonderful character.
This is a bit different from the other books I read as it's more a police procedural than Mordecai sleuthing.
It was a wonderful and enjoyable read, a bit slow at the beginning but once you're hooked it was impossible to put it down.
I loved how the psychology of the different suspects was analysed and how the plot kept you guessing till the unexpected discovery of the culprit.
Highly recommended!
Many thanks to You Like Them Sourcebooks Landmark and Netgalley for this ARC
This is a bit different from the other books I read as it's more a police procedural than Mordecai sleuthing.
It was a wonderful and enjoyable read, a bit slow at the beginning but once you're hooked it was impossible to put it down.
I loved how the psychology of the different suspects was analysed and how the plot kept you guessing till the unexpected discovery of the culprit.
Highly recommended!
Many thanks to You Like Them Sourcebooks Landmark and Netgalley for this ARC