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3.46 AVERAGE
3.46 AVERAGE
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
The cast of characters is less hateful, generally, than in some of Heyer's mysteries, but most of them are not very closely engaged with the developing plot. The central ruse is clever and the references to past cases rewards the faithful reader. The depiction of class during a time of change and the exigencies of the landed gentry are nicely woven into the story.
Hemingway was good in this one. It's not anything special, but the victim is appropriately vile and the murderer rather clever. There's the obligatory romance subplot, but it's not as pronounced as those in some of Heyer's other mysteries.
This had some enjoyable characters and a lovely small village setting similar to a Ngaio Marsh or Miss Marple mystery, but it lacked a coherence that a modern reader will want. The wrap up was too fast to be remotely satisfying. If you've read all of Marsh and Christie and are REALLY craving more, go for it. Otherwise, go with Heyer's romances, which seem a little better plotted.
not sure how many stars i would give this,,, i enjoyed most of it a lot, but i'm not at all okay with the only disabled character being villainized and cast in the murderer's role.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism
Very good mystery with lots of suspects and a few twists. Hemmingway is in fine form and has a fun give and take relationship with his second in command. There is a wonderful humorous lady who breeds Pekes and is running out of names starting with 'U'. She has very definite ideas regarding who did the murder. I am sorry this is Heyer's last mystery.
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I love Heyer's story-telling and also enjoy golden age mysteries. This novel was not an enjoyable example of either. Heyer's typical charm is absent. I found it difficult to finish reading this frankly boring story. The slow-paced narrative is set at a remove from village life, which we see almost entirely through lengthy monologues of people's opinions of whodunit. The cast of characters is depicted with a heavy hand. Slim on action and visuals, the book is completely missing any kind of suspense. For example, consider that one of the main plot threads involves a gravel pit. Nothing of any interest happens with the gravel pit, or near the gravel pit. The main message almost seems to be that English villages aren't worth visiting.
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No