Reviews

Crook o' Lune: A Lancashire Mystery by E.C.R. Lorac, Martin Edwards

thenovelbook's review against another edition

2.0

A methodical detective story set in a rural agricultural community. I didn't find it very interesting or memorable, but it was solidly written. Somewhat unique among Golden Age mysteries, the problems involve sheep-stealing and some centuries-old legal provisions made for the local church and school. I suppose I prefer my mysteries to have a bit more personality on the part of the investigator, which wasn't the case here. Still, if you enjoy a pastoral setting and a methodical police-detective approach, this one might be for you.

Thanks to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for the digital review copy!

rachremmes's review against another edition

adventurous funny mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

silkmoth's review against another edition

adventurous mysterious medium-paced

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

3.75

I've been wanting to explore some of the British Library Crime Classics, and chose this one as I live near where it is set.

I enjoyed it much more than I expected to, and found it a quick read. The plot was interesting and I enjoyed the detail of the setting. 

milewideinchdeep's review against another edition

mysterious

5.0

melissa_who_reads's review against another edition

4.0

Enjoyable. Didn't follow the deductions, but had a vague glimmering of part of it. Nice blend of historical sins having long shadows and "modern" - 1950s England - sins as well.

jkeenereads's review against another edition

mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Older British literature.  Involves lots of sheep/shepherding terms.  I could have used a small dictionary for terminology at the front, but still easy enough to understand most of what it’s referring to.  

krobart's review against another edition

4.0

See my review here:

https://whatmeread.wordpress.com/2022/10/13/review-2044-crook-olune/

backpackfullofbooks's review against another edition

adventurous funny hopeful informative lighthearted mysterious relaxing medium-paced

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

4.0

robinwalter's review against another edition

hopeful mysterious relaxing slow-paced

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

4.0

The setting is definitely the star of the story. The mystery is built slowly, and entirely around the locale. A very measured pace, Mcdonald blending right in to the rural landscape 

vesper1931's review against another edition

mysterious slow-paced

• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

5.0

1953. Inspector Robert MacDonald is on holiday at the home of the Hoggetts in Lancashire when he becomes interested in several events before becoming involved officially. That of sheep theft, and a house fire resulting in a death.
An entertaining and well-written slow paced, historical mystery with its likeable characters. Another enjoyable addition to this series.