Reviews

Behold, Here's Poison by Georgette Heyer

bhnmt61's review against another edition

4.0

I am a fan of Heyer's regency novels, but I think they are an acquired taste. I didn't care much for them until I'd read a second and then a third--and I probably wouldn't have kept reading them if it hadn't been for the persistent prodding of many friends who adore her. I'm now a convert, and I've read nearly all of her romance novels. This is the first Heyer mystery I've read, though. Gregory Matthews, a wealthy and mean-spirited head of an almost as unlikable family, is found dead in his bed. When it turns out to be poison, pretty much everyone in the house has a motive. There is a romance side-story, which--after reading all those Heyer romances--I predicted within the first 30 pages, but the solution to the mystery caught me completely by surprise. Kept me thoroughly occupied on a day of plane travel, and sometimes that's all I ask.

barbarajean's review against another edition

mysterious medium-paced

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

4.0

paigestooksbury's review against another edition

slow-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

2.0

Meh. Maybe the worst love interest I’ve ever read and the mystery was just okay. 

smunro's review against another edition

mysterious 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? Yes

3.25

artmajorese's review against another edition

mysterious fast-paced

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

4.5

rebroxannape's review against another edition

3.0

Listened to the audible edition last month after reading it multiple times years ago. I mis-remembered who the murderer was, so it was a surprise. The character of sharp-tongued, witty, cynical Randall is the main attraction in this book. The reader did a good job of conveying his "amiable snake" personality. A little over the top at first, but settled down just enough later. Randall is very much a modern version of the author's Duke of Avon from her beloved These Old Shades. He was as entertaining as ever, although part of the initial attraction on first read was the delightful surprise

Spoiler

when he made a match with Stella, who was not as appealing as I remembered, and certainly does not have the strong personality and intelligence to stand up to Randall. I fear he will grow bored with her sooner rather than later.

This is a typical English country house murder-mystery. And the mystery, both the method and the murderer, is top notch. It is set in the 1930's and written in the 1930's, so it is awash with authentic period detail, customs, manners, and attitudes. As such, it should be a delight to those who might be attracted to those times.

krobart's review against another edition

3.0

Georgette Heyer wrote several witty and engaging mysteries set in the time they were written. Gregory Matthews is found dead in his home. His death looks like one of natural causes, but the police find traces of nicotine poisoning. Inspector Hannasyde and Sergeant Hemingway must first figure out how Matthews was poisoned.

See my complete review here:

http://whatmeread.wordpress.com/tag/behold-heres-poison/

cimorene1558's review against another edition

4.0

So very funny and such a fine light read!

sneha65594's review

mysterious medium-paced

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

4.0

drneevil's review

emotional funny lighthearted mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No

4.0