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3.78 AVERAGE
3.78 AVERAGE
Thoroughly enjoyed this mystery (set in a place I used to live in which gave it a whole extra dimension!). Thought it was a standalone story so I was surprised to discover it was actually the second book and I now have that to look forward to
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
emotional
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
hopeful
informative
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
The characters are quirky and engaging. I'd love to read about more of their adventures.
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
This second mystery featuring Harbinder Kaur is better than the first. There is still the shifting POV but now spread between 4 characters. Very enjoyable
THE POSTSCRIPT MURDERS by Elly Griffiths combines death and authors within a novel that is a police procedural and almost a cozy mystery hybrid set in England and Scotland. The death of ninety-year-old Peggy Smith seems to be one of natural causes, but is it? One of her caretakers, Natalka Kolisnyk, thinks it is murder. While helping to clear out Peggy’s apartment, she notices the large number of murder mysteries; many of which have mentioned Peggy in their acknowledgement section. Detective Sergeant (DS) Harbinder Kaur doesn’t see anything out of the ordinary initially, but is willing to listen to Natalka. When a gunman breaks into Peggy’s apartment and steals a book, the situation rapidly changes and escalates.
Natalka and friends Benedict Cole and Edwin Fitzgerald decide they have to help Harbinder solve the case and take on the roles of amateur sleuths. DS Kaur seems to interact with the amateurs a little too freely, but it made for an enjoyable read. The characters of Harbinder and Natalka are well developed and showed growth. The supporting characters of Cole and Fitzgerald were not quite as well developed, but were adequate for their role. I felt that Harbinder’s partner, DS Neil Winston took too much of a backseat to be realistic.
The book changes point of view frequently, but the chapters are labeled with the character’s name and it is never confusing. The author did a great job of world-building. A strong sense of place made me feel like I was transported to Shoreham-by-Sea and Aberdeen. The plot is somewhat intricate with several subplots. There are lots of twists and turns and a few surprises along the way. The author’s sense of humor came through in the dialogue. Several themes are woven into the novel including death, murder, loneliness, elder care, religion, cultural differences, racism, and much more. Additionally, it also deals with books, authors, agents and publishers.
Overall, it was an entertaining book that approached an investigation with a serious, hardworking, and kind investigator that was willing to listen to some quirky amateur detectives. This is the second book in the Harbinder Kaur mystery series, and I recommend it to those that enjoy the genre. It was a fun read and I am looking forward to the next book featuring Harbinder as well as other series by this author. This is the first book that I have read by Elly Griffiths, but it won’t be the last.
Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and are not biased in any way. Publication date is currently set for March 2, 2021.
Natalka and friends Benedict Cole and Edwin Fitzgerald decide they have to help Harbinder solve the case and take on the roles of amateur sleuths. DS Kaur seems to interact with the amateurs a little too freely, but it made for an enjoyable read. The characters of Harbinder and Natalka are well developed and showed growth. The supporting characters of Cole and Fitzgerald were not quite as well developed, but were adequate for their role. I felt that Harbinder’s partner, DS Neil Winston took too much of a backseat to be realistic.
The book changes point of view frequently, but the chapters are labeled with the character’s name and it is never confusing. The author did a great job of world-building. A strong sense of place made me feel like I was transported to Shoreham-by-Sea and Aberdeen. The plot is somewhat intricate with several subplots. There are lots of twists and turns and a few surprises along the way. The author’s sense of humor came through in the dialogue. Several themes are woven into the novel including death, murder, loneliness, elder care, religion, cultural differences, racism, and much more. Additionally, it also deals with books, authors, agents and publishers.
Overall, it was an entertaining book that approached an investigation with a serious, hardworking, and kind investigator that was willing to listen to some quirky amateur detectives. This is the second book in the Harbinder Kaur mystery series, and I recommend it to those that enjoy the genre. It was a fun read and I am looking forward to the next book featuring Harbinder as well as other series by this author. This is the first book that I have read by Elly Griffiths, but it won’t be the last.
Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and are not biased in any way. Publication date is currently set for March 2, 2021.
challenging
funny
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes