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3.84 AVERAGE
3.84 AVERAGE
We’re in 1965 Brighton and theatrical impresario Bert Billington has been poisoned. Superintendent Edgar Holme’s team is investigating, but Bert’s widow has also hired a private investigation team: Holme’s wife (and former colleague) Emma and her partner. The two teams work independently at first but after there’s another murder, they gradually start to co-operate and Emma forms a bond with junior police officer Meg Connolly.
This is the 6th book in Elly Griffith’s “Brighton Mysteries” series. Technically you could read this as a standalone (and there is a guide to the main characters and their back stories at the end of the book), but you’ll enjoy it far more if you have at least read [b:Now You See Them|42958878|Now You See Them (Stephens & Mephisto Mystery, #5)|Elly Griffiths|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1556803022l/42958878._SY75_.jpg|66771406] and have a sense of who everyone is. I felt like I was catching up with old friends.
I really like this series which has a endearingly retro feel to it and which occupies the middle ground between crime and cosy crime. Even though there are murders there is no serious tension or unpleasant violence. The appeal lies in the engaging characters, the interesting setting and the insight into life at that time. If you’ve read the Ruth Galloway series this is not quite - but almost - as good.
This is the 6th book in Elly Griffith’s “Brighton Mysteries” series. Technically you could read this as a standalone (and there is a guide to the main characters and their back stories at the end of the book), but you’ll enjoy it far more if you have at least read [b:Now You See Them|42958878|Now You See Them (Stephens & Mephisto Mystery, #5)|Elly Griffiths|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1556803022l/42958878._SY75_.jpg|66771406] and have a sense of who everyone is. I felt like I was catching up with old friends.
I really like this series which has a endearingly retro feel to it and which occupies the middle ground between crime and cosy crime. Even though there are murders there is no serious tension or unpleasant violence. The appeal lies in the engaging characters, the interesting setting and the insight into life at that time. If you’ve read the Ruth Galloway series this is not quite - but almost - as good.
medium-paced
adventurous
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
I received a free ARC copy of this via NetGalley and the publishers in return for an unbiased review. I do love this series, and that it references history and contemporary things without beating you over the head with “look, I’ve done research!”. I think I need to re-read the ending to get that straight in my head, but that’s on me, not the author. All the favourite characters are here, and I liked that this one let Emma and Meg take front stage, in a plausible way. A great addition to the series and if you’ve already read earlier books, you’ll be very happy with this latest one. Elly is definitely one of my favourite authors.
This is book 6 of the series and while I have read the first book, I've not read the previous 4. Nevertheless I enjoyed this story and didn't feel I was missing any important information on the characters.
I liked that this story was set in the past and it was the female characters that were the centre of this story.
I liked that this story was set in the past and it was the female characters that were the centre of this story.
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I'm always excited when there are more women added to this book series, and I was also jazzed about the female narrator. (Although, I did miss being able to recognize Max's voice from the male narrator.) I just want everyone to be happy and doing what they want to do (even if that means some people need to get divorced sooner rather than later). Also very into this whole private investigator vs the police thing.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent, Murder
Moderate: Death, Emotional abuse, Infidelity, Toxic relationship, Alcohol
Minor: Racism, Grief
I made the mistake of reading this out of order which meant I wasn’t familiar with the back stories of characters
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No