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reubengood's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
helenh1975's review against another edition
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.75
thebookboy's review against another edition
4.0
A really enjoyable piece of fiction that's difficult to categorise. In essence it's a thriller - there's a dead husband, a widow being accused of murder, mysterious house guests, sinister visits in the night and all sorts of other sinister plot points. However, there's a real lightness of tone, lots of humour and wonderfully witty insights into the life of being a widow/ the behaviour of children/ general domestic things that it's difficult to view this in quite the same category as something truly serious.
In many ways this is a delight - I was absolutely hooked and raced through the book in less than a day. On the other hand, the conclusion is a bit silly, and even when the sinister truth comes to the surface it can't help but seem quite ridiculous despite the awfulness of the situation. Luckily this didn't really diminish my enjoyment, and instead I think it's made me want to read more Fremlin as her narrative voice is so refreshing - think Agatha Christie but funnier and with less logic.
Definitely recommend this to anyone who enjoys a good crime novel or whodunnit.
In many ways this is a delight - I was absolutely hooked and raced through the book in less than a day. On the other hand, the conclusion is a bit silly, and even when the sinister truth comes to the surface it can't help but seem quite ridiculous despite the awfulness of the situation. Luckily this didn't really diminish my enjoyment, and instead I think it's made me want to read more Fremlin as her narrative voice is so refreshing - think Agatha Christie but funnier and with less logic.
Definitely recommend this to anyone who enjoys a good crime novel or whodunnit.
harleyjade's review
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.25
gnomeo's review
lighthearted
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? No
2.0
Disappointing
gailmckelvie's review
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
lenaryn's review against another edition
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
This was my first Celia Fremlin novel, and I picked it up from the thriller table on a whim over Christmas.
To describe this book as a thriller is somewhat misleading, I would describe it more of a domestic mystery.
Ivor, a celebrated and wealthy academic, has died in a car accident, the novel opens with his 3rd wife Imogen returning from his funeral. What follows is various relatives and hanger's on moving into Imogen's house, including the ghost of Ivor himself. Meanwhile Imogen is threntend with blackmail after being accued of murdering her husband.
This is a slow paced read, but an enjoyable charater study of a blended 1970's family and how people behave after a bereavement. The language and sociey standards may appear dated but are accurate for the 1975 publication date.
To describe this book as a thriller is somewhat misleading, I would describe it more of a domestic mystery.
Ivor, a celebrated and wealthy academic, has died in a car accident, the novel opens with his 3rd wife Imogen returning from his funeral. What follows is various relatives and hanger's on moving into Imogen's house, including the ghost of Ivor himself. Meanwhile Imogen is threntend with blackmail after being accued of murdering her husband.
This is a slow paced read, but an enjoyable charater study of a blended 1970's family and how people behave after a bereavement. The language and sociey standards may appear dated but are accurate for the 1975 publication date.
Content Warnings
This book was written in the mid 70's, and the language and family member stereotypes reflect that. Should be read as a historical reflection
geralddaniels's review against another edition
mysterious
slow-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
3.0
A weak denouncement when it eventually comes.
jackdeegan's review against another edition
mysterious
fast-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
3.5
Surprisingly fun book to read, wouldn’t take it too seriously, but like most mystery novels, the ending is never able to live up to the building plot.