Reviews

A Death in the Parish by Richard Coles

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melodywithbass's review against another edition

emotional hopeful mysterious reflective relaxing sad fast-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

4.5

A number of twists and turns, and real character development in a number of cases. Touching, life affirming, and contemplative inner-monologue of the main character is a restorative joy to read. I am not a Christian but enjoy the setting and the philosophical/humanitarian aspects of this story, and the Christian setting is not unpleasant.

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caterinaanna's review

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mysterious reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

jmatkinson1's review

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4.0

His parish of Champton is now merged with the Badsaddles and Daniel Clement has a new partner in God. The vollage is trying to get back to normal after the events of the previous year but then a boy is found murdered in a horrific way. Now Daniel is dealing with issues both secular and also around his vocation.
The first book in this series was a really enjoyable read and this is no different. It's so gently and warming that it's difficult to remember that it is really a crime novel! I love the setting in the 1980s and the characters are all cliches and yet so correct. Now love is raising it's head and setting the scene of the next installment.

hillersg7's review against another edition

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dark emotional funny mysterious tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

I love Richard Coles' writing - he has a lovely, sometimes poetic style. And I love the churchy and theological bits, partly because I think my theology/experience/hope for church is similar to his. (or how he expresses the central character's theology - which sounds like the author's). There is some great humour woven through. I wish there had been a bit more about Daniel Clements' (the central clergy character) thinking about solving the crime/thriller aspect of the story and finding the culprit. Great cliffhanger ending - so already looking forward to the next instalment.