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moiram's review
3.0
Gervase Fen is an irritating sort and not terribly likeable, but then I feel the same way about Hercule Poirot. Both are too full of themselves. Written during the War, our heroes have to confront Nazis as well as murderers. The comments about marijuana and witches both grate a bit on modern sensibilities.
kudeern1's review against another edition
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
rosieclaverton's review against another edition
4.0
Fun twisty read with a rich cast of characters and the continued joy of the terrible, insufferable Fen.
nuthatch's review against another edition
I love these classic mysteries. I guess it is because more time is spent on the puzzle and suspects than on the details of a gruesome murder. This one has a priceless scene involving a certain bird.
donrepollo's review against another edition
4.0
Crispin tiene una manera bien particular de narrar el misterio.
_jose__'s review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
3.5
judyward's review against another edition
3.0
Oxford don, Gervase Fen, is eccentric, sarcastic, absent-minded, childish and vain--as well as utterly delightful. Edmund Crispin, the pseudonym of Robert Bruce Montgomery, first began to write mystery stories featuring Gervase Fen because of a bet. The rumor is that Gervase Fen is based on Oxford professor, W.E. Moore and this book, like Crispin's others, is full of references to English literature, poetry, and music. Set in the World War II era, there is a murder of a cathedral organist and Fen dives right in to figure out what happened. Are witches involved? German spies? Fen, of course, is miles ahead of everyone else and impatient with them as they try to catch up. A super fun read.
iceangel9's review against another edition
funny
mysterious
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
The second in the Gervase Fen mystery series. Geoffrey is a composer. He is summoned, by his friend Gervase Fen, to the remote town of Tolnbridge to cover for a church organist who has been attacked in the church. He is attacked along the way, and when he arrives discovers the former organist has been murdered. He and Gervase must now discover who is behind the murder and a possible coven of witches, and a group of German spies. Fans of the series will love this installment. Gervase rocks!
alexactually's review against another edition
mysterious
medium-paced
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
quietjenn's review against another edition
3.0
not such good fun as "the moving toyshop." moved a bit slowly, but i do like fen and a large portion of it took place on a train, which i'm keen on.