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gulshanbatra's review against another edition
4.0
This is a terrific police procedural, filled with fairly deep detailed characterizations and a somewhat convoluted whodunit.
I actually heard this one on Audible, narrated by Simon Prebble, and that man is a genius narrator. He made the book - I'm convinced - much more interesting than it would have been had I been reading it. But, more on that later.
The plot is quite loopy, and it twists and turns in all directions, and the story is divvied up into different characters' perspectives. Only one part is first-person narrative, but none of that really takes away from the story, which is deliciously intricate, and reminded me more than once of some of the best Jane Marple novels. Meandering, and having a life and mind of their own, the stories had a habit of amusing you, intriguing you, and surprising you too - every now and then. Overall, speed was a problem with this story as well - at least for me. The plot went around in circles at times, and I thought briefly of relegating this book to DNF pile.
This is where the brilliant Mr. Prebble came to the rescue. His narration was like listening to a radio play, the classic episodic broadcasts, filled by not just narrators but by performers. Despite being by himself, Mr. Prebble made it very easy to separate the different characters, and vastly enhanced the enjoyment of the story.
Speaking of which (the story), the book does have its moments when it gently peels back a layer, only to reveal another layer of questions and doubts. The fact that it is a police procedural makes the story move along rather slowly at times, but the interaction between the characters (especially, any scene with Mr. Diamond) fills up the story quite amply and you don't feel like nothing is happening - almost ever. Mr. Diamond is shown to be a force to reckon with, but still there were times when I would have been happy seeing more of him and his actions. Like when he discovers key evidence - towards the end - there was an abrupt cut-to-the-next-scene, that felt as if the author had made up his mind to speed things up a bit, to make up for the slack.
Other than those minor quibbles, this is a good yarn.
I'd definitely look for the next book in the Peter Diamond series.
I actually heard this one on Audible, narrated by Simon Prebble, and that man is a genius narrator. He made the book - I'm convinced - much more interesting than it would have been had I been reading it. But, more on that later.
The plot is quite loopy, and it twists and turns in all directions, and the story is divvied up into different characters' perspectives. Only one part is first-person narrative, but none of that really takes away from the story, which is deliciously intricate, and reminded me more than once of some of the best Jane Marple novels. Meandering, and having a life and mind of their own, the stories had a habit of amusing you, intriguing you, and surprising you too - every now and then. Overall, speed was a problem with this story as well - at least for me. The plot went around in circles at times, and I thought briefly of relegating this book to DNF pile.
This is where the brilliant Mr. Prebble came to the rescue. His narration was like listening to a radio play, the classic episodic broadcasts, filled by not just narrators but by performers. Despite being by himself, Mr. Prebble made it very easy to separate the different characters, and vastly enhanced the enjoyment of the story.
Speaking of which (the story), the book does have its moments when it gently peels back a layer, only to reveal another layer of questions and doubts. The fact that it is a police procedural makes the story move along rather slowly at times, but the interaction between the characters (especially, any scene with Mr. Diamond) fills up the story quite amply and you don't feel like nothing is happening - almost ever. Mr. Diamond is shown to be a force to reckon with, but still there were times when I would have been happy seeing more of him and his actions. Like when he discovers key evidence - towards the end - there was an abrupt cut-to-the-next-scene, that felt as if the author had made up his mind to speed things up a bit, to make up for the slack.
Other than those minor quibbles, this is a good yarn.
I'd definitely look for the next book in the Peter Diamond series.
raesofsun's review against another edition
mysterious
medium-paced
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
3.75
cantwelljr's review against another edition
2.0
A bit too full of old school detective tropes for my liking. I also felt the description was a bit misleading, but perhaps I mislead myself with wishful thinking. The main detective was also very annoying. Overall thoroughly mediocre, and disappointing.
crazeedi73's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
slow-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? Yes
4.0
lizdesole's review against another edition
4.0
This was a fun murder mystery with the added bonus of being tied to the history of Jane Austen in Bath.
angrygreycatreads's review against another edition
4.0
The Last Detective is the first novel in the Peter Diamond mystery series. I saw it mentioned as a recommendation and picked it up from the library and I am so glad that I did. The character of Peter Diamond was engaging in his own way. I am not normally a fan of the “anti-technology” quirk but it works for him. He has an earnest manner about him and his lack of arrogance is quite endearing. I also liked the changing points of view as the book progressed. It was handled very well. I have read books in which changing points of view can be confusing or just a device that adds nothing to the plot, but that is not the case here.
I did know who the “villain” was prior the reveal but that didn’t take away from my enjoyment of the book. I am definitely going to continue this series. Great mystery read!
I did know who the “villain” was prior the reveal but that didn’t take away from my enjoyment of the book. I am definitely going to continue this series. Great mystery read!
longtimereader's review against another edition
4.0
This book is a British murder mystery. So if you like British, humor that is British, then you should like this book. It's the first in a series.
What is a dead woman from Bath, missing letters written by Jane Austin herself, and old school courtroom drama have in common? Answer: This book.
It's like several old TV series rolled into one. Over all, it worked out ok for me. It might be a series I read more of later we shall see.
My copy came from Net Galley in exchange for my honest review and nothing more.
What is a dead woman from Bath, missing letters written by Jane Austin herself, and old school courtroom drama have in common? Answer: This book.
It's like several old TV series rolled into one. Over all, it worked out ok for me. It might be a series I read more of later we shall see.
My copy came from Net Galley in exchange for my honest review and nothing more.
fablejack's review against another edition
3.0
A bit dry, but a nice introduction to Peter Diamond. It has promise that was not quite fulfilled in this first in the series. Not sure whether I will continue or not.
c713914's review against another edition
3.0
Not sure about this one... Peter Diamond has to be one of the most obnoxious/unlikeable “good guy” characters I’ve ever read. The story was decent and I liked the way the author flipped perspectives, but it went on a little too long.
kimmerp's review against another edition
3.0
Good read with appropriate red herrings. Repetition of scenes as recounted by numerous people was a bit boring with no payoff. Will likely read another in the series.