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3.79 AVERAGE
3.79 AVERAGE
mysterious
slow-paced
informative
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
•3.5•
This was tricky to read, but super interesting and clever.
This was tricky to read, but super interesting and clever.
informative
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
funny
informative
fast-paced
informative
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
The convention of an investigator solving a mystery used to put forward the author’s belief in the dangers of the bias in written history, specifically that of Richard III and the morality of his character, and who really murdered his nephews. The writing is good and humorous, and Tey creates caricatures of the cast which work well to interact with Inspector Grant. In this story, he is laid up with a broken leg, which means the setting of the entire book is in his hospital room, as various nurses and friends visit. I have a hard time agreeing with the accolades of “greatest mystery of all time” because to me this ‘academic investigation’ read more as a study in sociology than an actual mystery. I may be compelled to pick up an earlier novel featuring Inspector Grant to see how Tey handles the pacing and action of a ‘practical investigation’. I suppose I had mixed feelings on this book, but it led to good discussion with book club and I believe my reading life has been enriched checking it off as read.
This book was written in 1951 and the conversational language seems very dated and 'jolly hockey sticks' to me. But that aside, I really enjoyed this book.
I went to the Richard III exhibition recently and my interest was aroused as to the man versus the Shakesperian monster; I was erring on the side of the man and this book has definately pushed me across the line into the Richard was maligned after is death camp. History is written by the victors isn't it. I would love to know the validity of all the quoted sources though.
An entertaining book with interesting theories about a historical mystery.
I went to the Richard III exhibition recently and my interest was aroused as to the man versus the Shakesperian monster; I was erring on the side of the man and this book has definately pushed me across the line into the Richard was maligned after is death camp. History is written by the victors isn't it. I would love to know the validity of all the quoted sources though.
An entertaining book with interesting theories about a historical mystery.
I'm abashed to rate this best-regarded of Tey's mysteries a mere three stars—and I a history lover!—but honesty compels. Grant discussing 15th century politicking with his hospital visitors is just so very dry compared to the rich characterization that enlivens her other works. Give me Miss Pym Disposes or A Shilling For Candles any day of the week. I know it's meant to be one of the greatest mystery novels of the 20th century, but de gustibus &c.
A cute and clever "mystery" wherein the famous inspector is laid up in the hospital and bored, so he tackles an historical mystery. A fun way to gain a new perspective on Richard III, one of Shakespeare's great villains.
Q: 3
E: 3
I:3
qxe +I = 12
Q: 3
E: 3
I:3
qxe +I = 12