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bibliobethreads's review against another edition
2.0
Couldn't decide between a two or a three star rating for this book. The mystery is complex which is enjoyable but the story didn't really hit the spot with me. However, I enjoyed the way it came together at the end.
majkia's review against another edition
3.0
Good start to the Inspector Appleby series. Great setting, interesting detective, confusing mystery. My only beef was I thought the denouement was a bit too contrived. I'll read the rest of the series though.
sadiqua_fatima's review against another edition
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
bev_reads_mysteries's review against another edition
4.0
From the back of the book: At St. Anthony's College, Inspector John Appley must contend with academic intrigues, scholarly scandals, and one very clever killer.
Murder in the sanctity of an english university was bad enough; but such a vulgar, ungentlemanly murder--bones scattered about the room, a grotesque drawing of grinning death's-heads scrawled on the wall, and poor President Umpleby's head wrapped in an academic robe--was a serious blot on the college's reputation. In this complex and brilliantly resolved mystery Inspector John Appleby matches withs with some of the smartest--and most devious--suspects he has ever encountered.
My take: My favorite Appleby...with an academic setting! Four and a half stars.
Murder in the sanctity of an english university was bad enough; but such a vulgar, ungentlemanly murder--bones scattered about the room, a grotesque drawing of grinning death's-heads scrawled on the wall, and poor President Umpleby's head wrapped in an academic robe--was a serious blot on the college's reputation. In this complex and brilliantly resolved mystery Inspector John Appleby matches withs with some of the smartest--and most devious--suspects he has ever encountered.
My take: My favorite Appleby...with an academic setting! Four and a half stars.
exurbanis's review against another edition
3.0
This is the first in Innes’ Inspector Appleby series and was published in 1936.
I expected perhaps something akin to Agatha Christie but Innes is very different. Or perhaps I only think so because this particular mystery was set in an Oxford/Cambridge-based university and I have no understanding whatever of dons/underdons/proctors and so on and found it difficult to wade through all of those issues (which are pertinent to the crime).
The mystery was solid but although I may read more Innes, given the number of untried mystery series out there, I doubt that it will be soon.
Read this if: you like a really ‘academic’ mystery, British, straight-up; or, like I did, you need an “I” author for an A-Z Reading Challenge. 3 stars
I expected perhaps something akin to Agatha Christie but Innes is very different. Or perhaps I only think so because this particular mystery was set in an Oxford/Cambridge-based university and I have no understanding whatever of dons/underdons/proctors and so on and found it difficult to wade through all of those issues (which are pertinent to the crime).
The mystery was solid but although I may read more Innes, given the number of untried mystery series out there, I doubt that it will be soon.
Read this if: you like a really ‘academic’ mystery, British, straight-up; or, like I did, you need an “I” author for an A-Z Reading Challenge. 3 stars
readingactually's review against another edition
3.0
This was an okay read for me. The plot was well written and the premise was one that I enjoyed. There is nothing like a good old fashioned mystery and that was exactly what this book was.
blacklake's review against another edition
3.0
A little too dry for me, but I would read another in the series if I found it. I rather liked Gott, and hope he shows up again.
ssejig's review against another edition
3.0
I heard about this on theClassic Mysteries Podcast. And he pretty much nailed it. The unliked president of a university is found surrounded by bones. The university is described as a submarine, tightly sealed making it hard for anyone to get in or out without someone noticing.
I get that this is probably a very good book, which is why it got three stars. It was not a book that I particularly enjoyed with it's many, many twists and turns and so many people. So many.
I have another Appleby book lined up so I will try this classic author again but we'll see how it goes.
I get that this is probably a very good book, which is why it got three stars. It was not a book that I particularly enjoyed with it's many, many twists and turns and so many people. So many.
I have another Appleby book lined up so I will try this classic author again but we'll see how it goes.
jessica_sim's review
1.0
This book did not appeal to me, although I really hoped it would. It surely is intelligently written. It is a golden age mystery favorite! It is set in the academic world, which I work in (as junior manager) and I just cannot resist any work that takes a humorously cynical view on it. It is also teeming with literary and psychological references. I thoroughly enjoyed the night time stalking about scene and giggled many times (up to chapter 10).
Yet...
The heralded detective brought in from London did not bring it. Making inexcusable mistakes as leaving the safe unguarded, leaving the gates unguarded, being seduced by the fluent professors.
The role of the students? Still unclear to me, found them to be very annoying.
And leaving the murderer free to commit suicide as a form of justice amongst "gentlemen"... Not the wrap up I fancy.
Maybe the audiobook format let this book down. Though the narrator was very good and has a lovely proper English voice, there are too many things going on and paper would have the benefit of easily going back and reread and to skip skip skip skip ahead in those super annoying last chapters.
Yet...
The heralded detective brought in from London did not bring it. Making inexcusable mistakes as leaving the safe unguarded, leaving the gates unguarded, being seduced by the fluent professors.
The role of the students? Still unclear to me, found them to be very annoying.
And leaving the murderer free to commit suicide as a form of justice amongst "gentlemen"... Not the wrap up I fancy.
Maybe the audiobook format let this book down. Though the narrator was very good and has a lovely proper English voice, there are too many things going on and paper would have the benefit of easily going back and reread and to skip skip skip skip ahead in those super annoying last chapters.
abarrile's review against another edition
3.0
My first foray into the world of pretty much prehistoric (1930s) mysteries has been a resounding success! Can't wait to get more Appleby :)