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3.92 AVERAGE
3.92 AVERAGE
Starting a mystery with the detective waking up from amnesia: so fabulous. And a romance doesn't hurt either!
Allingham's only book without the farcical elements...and a magnificent WWII thriller, mystery, and action novel as a result!
After being underwhelmed by Crime at Black Dudley and China Governess, I asked a friend for advice on which are the most interesting Campion mysteries. They recommended this book, along with two others I'll be trying next.
I did enjoy Traitor's Purse more than the first two Campion books I've read. For most of the books Campion is amnesiac, desperately trying to solve the mystery his cognizant self had been working on while not betraying his current predicament to anyone, putative friend or possible foe. This experience not only lends itself to a storytelling experience with a bit of dizzying flair, but to character development (for Campion's amnesiac personality is somewhat different than his usual one).
I confess I enjoyed amnesiac!Campion's personality rather more than that of the usual Campion. It's rather fascinating to watch Campion on absolute tenterhooks, walking a tightrope without knowing where each foot will fall. He can only rely on his innate wits, the preconceptions of those around him, and shadowy glimpses of ingrained habit to stay 'in character' and avoid being hauled off on a murder charge. It makes for quite the dramatic tension!
Amanda is lovely and I adore her 100000% more than Campion, haha.
I did enjoy Traitor's Purse more than the first two Campion books I've read. For most of the books Campion is amnesiac, desperately trying to solve the mystery his cognizant self had been working on while not betraying his current predicament to anyone, putative friend or possible foe. This experience not only lends itself to a storytelling experience with a bit of dizzying flair, but to character development (for Campion's amnesiac personality is somewhat different than his usual one).
I confess I enjoyed amnesiac!Campion's personality rather more than that of the usual Campion. It's rather fascinating to watch Campion on absolute tenterhooks, walking a tightrope without knowing where each foot will fall. He can only rely on his innate wits, the preconceptions of those around him, and shadowy glimpses of ingrained habit to stay 'in character' and avoid being hauled off on a murder charge. It makes for quite the dramatic tension!
Amanda is lovely and I adore her 100000% more than Campion, haha.
adventurous
challenging
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-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:
Yes
Ok, I'm back in the Campion camp. After the infuriating and disappointing misogyny of "the Fashion in Shrouds", I swore off Allingham for several months. But sick with food poisoning, and wanting to listen to something reassuringly finite and comprehensible, I took a chance with "Traitor's Purse" - and was well rewarded.
I thought this a terriffic book - my favorite next to the thrill ride of "Miracle Mile". The mystery is engaging, but not nearly so much as the device - no spoilers! - Allingham uses to tell the story and keep the plot moving along.
I could nitpick about the characterization of Amanda Finton, and the manner her relationship with Campion is resolved of during the story, but am willing to overlook it given my enjoyment of this book.
I thought this a terriffic book - my favorite next to the thrill ride of "Miracle Mile". The mystery is engaging, but not nearly so much as the device - no spoilers! - Allingham uses to tell the story and keep the plot moving along.
I could nitpick about the characterization of Amanda Finton, and the manner her relationship with Campion is resolved of during the story, but am willing to overlook it given my enjoyment of this book.
adventurous
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
mysterious
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Albert Campion mystery where he has amnesia and comes to an important decision
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
I love the Queens of Crime, but must admit that Allingham presents her mystery in ways that are a little tricky for me to understand. Granted in this book Campion is quite lost himself, but I still found it difficult to keep up with the revelations and clues, and I didn’t find the end very satisfying because of this. HOWEVER, that could just be me, and it was still a fun adventure of a book.
See my review here:
https://whatmeread.wordpress.com/2016/08/08/day-949-traitors-purse/
https://whatmeread.wordpress.com/2016/08/08/day-949-traitors-purse/