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3.48 AVERAGE
3.48 AVERAGE
I liked this one. Two narrators, interesting mystery, worth reading more.
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Not too bad, but not as much sparkle as I expected. This author’s books are really hit or miss. I will say the mystery was good even if the cast of characters were a little flat. I already have the next book, so I’ll read that and hopefully things will pick up!
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
This was fun! I was really intrigued by how the themes of showbiz/theatre would meld with detective concepts and was genuinely satisfied. It wasn’t rushed and it didn’t take forever to build assumptions and hypotheses along with the characters themselves. Even with the right amount of twist and turns, it did seem to lead only to one possible ending, which was somewhat disappointing but still a pleasure to read. Griffiths has a great grasp of mystery, though this series (so far), errs to the side of cozy which doesn’t always spark my interest. Again, I was pleasantly surprised with how much it stayed in my hands and off the bedside table.
I’m not sure I’ll continue with the whole series; I am a completion driven reader but I don’t know that I created a strong enough relationship with the main characters in this series to commit to the next five books. We’ll see!
I’m not sure I’ll continue with the whole series; I am a completion driven reader but I don’t know that I created a strong enough relationship with the main characters in this series to commit to the next five books. We’ll see!
Enjoyed this, the first book in the series. Totally different to Elly Griffiths other 2 series. this is set 5 years after WW2 around Brighton. The story flowed well and kept me interested.
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:
No
When the body of a girl is found, cut into three, Detective Inspector Edgar Stephens is reminded of a magic trick, the Zig Zag Girl.
The inventor of the trick, Max Mephisto, is an old friend of Edgar’s. They served together in the war as part of a shadowy unit called the Magic Men.
Max is still on the circuit, touring seaside towns in the company of ventriloquists, sword-swallowers and dancing girls. Changing times mean that variety is not what it once was, yet Max is reluctant to leave this world to help Edgar investigate. But when the dead girl turns out to be known to him, Max changes his mind.
Really very dull which was surprising for Elly Griffiths. There was a definite lack of pace, I guessed the murderer very early on and none of the characters gripped me. Sadly disappointing and I'm being generous giving 2 stars.
The inventor of the trick, Max Mephisto, is an old friend of Edgar’s. They served together in the war as part of a shadowy unit called the Magic Men.
Max is still on the circuit, touring seaside towns in the company of ventriloquists, sword-swallowers and dancing girls. Changing times mean that variety is not what it once was, yet Max is reluctant to leave this world to help Edgar investigate. But when the dead girl turns out to be known to him, Max changes his mind.
Really very dull which was surprising for Elly Griffiths. There was a definite lack of pace, I guessed the murderer very early on and none of the characters gripped me. Sadly disappointing and I'm being generous giving 2 stars.
I enjoyed it overall and the characters were fairly engaging. It really sagged in the middle and it took me a while to get around to finishing it. Worth a read but needed more excitement.