Reviews

Enter a Murderer by Ngaio Marsh

magicalrocketships's review against another edition

4.0

Impeccable cover, delightful choice of mystery novel for the start of the Christmas holidays (nb no Christmas content just ACTING and a perfect edition).

eososray's review against another edition

3.0

I like these mysteries that Ngaio sets in the theater world, it's obviously one she knows and loves and it shows in her writing.

I really liked the conclusion to this one, it was fun and a bit convoluted.

liahecht's review against another edition

lighthearted mysterious medium-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

3.5

rissaleighs's review against another edition

2.0

I didn't enjoy this one anywhere NEAR as much as the first. I think it was mainly the setting and cast of characters that was a miss for me--theater troop and all--although I can see how that might be a draw for someone else. The dialogue also seemed somewhat inscrutable, and Nigel rather an irritating sulk. Oh well. Better luck next time

we_are_all_mad_here26's review against another edition

3.0

 Finished this a couple of days ago and completely forgot to update here. It was fine aside from dialogue here and there that made no sense to me (unclear as to whether it was over my head or genuinely confusing).

Ngaio Marsh is considered to be one of the 'Queens of Crime' along with Agatha Christie, Dorothy Sayers and Margery Allingham. So far in my experience there's really only one queen, and that is my idol Agatha. 

rebeccamink's review against another edition

medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

shellystilger's review against another edition

3.0

It has been a while since I’ve read an early Alleyn. He started out a somewhat insufferable prig. Troy was definitely the beat thing to happen to him. Still, a ho-hum Ngaio Marsh is better than most other folks any day.

criminally_yours's review against another edition

adventurous challenging mysterious fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

author_d_r_oestreicher's review against another edition

4.0

Ngaio Marsh is a New Zealand author and one of the Four Queens for Crime. Enter a Murder (1935) might be the first occurrence of a real on-stage murder co-opting the dramatic scripted murder using the prop murder weapon. The deceased is Arthur Surbonadier, degenerate nephew of rich theater owner Jacob Saint. Arthur is part of a love triangle including leading-lady Stephanie Vaughan, and leading-man Felix Gardener. Since everyone saw Felix shot Arthur, the question is who replaced the dummy bullets in the stage gun with live ordnance.

Many critics credit the Four Queens with the creation of the “cozy mystery” genre. If you are interested in a mystery without tough guys, sex, or violence, Ngaio Marsh is an author to investigate.

For the complete book club report: http://1book42day.blogspot.com/2017/10/enter-murderer-by-ngaio-marsh.html

maggiekms's review against another edition

adventurous mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5