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3.95 AVERAGE
3.95 AVERAGE
The sequel to Magpie Murders. Really excellent mystery within a mystery. Enjoyed this book as much as the first in the series. Rich characters and excellent writing.
adventurous
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Even though it's been a few years since reading Magpie Murders, the first book in the series, it was no problem getting back into the groove with this follow up. Like the first, this is two murder mysteries for the price of one, a book within a book. Books within a book can be a hit or miss based on how the structure if played out. This one generally works because, after about two-thirds into the narrative, the main character sits down to read Atticus Pünd Takes the Case, and you're treated to the entire story before going back into Susan's story. It's cleverly done because it allows you to get absorbed in the narrative. Chopping it up throughout would have ruined the pacing and made it extremely difficult to follow either mystery. If anything, the only part that was a bit difficult was just how similar the two mysteries are, and distinguishing between all of the different characters in my head took a little extra effort. This is acknowledge by Susan's character, and she conveniently lays everything out for the reader at that point. I guess Horowitz has thought of everything.
As an editor who was almost killed in the first book after investigating her late author's most recent book, Susan has found solace living with her partner in Crete as hotel owners. But when she gets a call from a couple in Suffolk about their missing daughter, a murder eight years ago, and the connection to a previous book by late author Alan Conway, she can't help but feel intrigued. And so the story takes an interesting turn as she discovers secrets and mysteries galore. It's a gripping page turner that I think would make a great adaptation. Little did I know that the first two books have already been adapted into a BBC series.
If you like cozy mysteries, I definitely recommend this series.
As an editor who was almost killed in the first book after investigating her late author's most recent book, Susan has found solace living with her partner in Crete as hotel owners. But when she gets a call from a couple in Suffolk about their missing daughter, a murder eight years ago, and the connection to a previous book by late author Alan Conway, she can't help but feel intrigued. And so the story takes an interesting turn as she discovers secrets and mysteries galore. It's a gripping page turner that I think would make a great adaptation. Little did I know that the first two books have already been adapted into a BBC series.
If you like cozy mysteries, I definitely recommend this series.
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
adventurous
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
At first I was annoyed to have the narrative interrupted by a “book-within-a-book” but then I liked trying to figure out the mystery with the additional layer of intrigue. I did feel like a bit of a dullard not picking up on all of the Easter eggs, but I did enjoy this read overall, but didn’t find Susan the type of protagonist I wanted to lead the story.
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
challenging
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
adventurous
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated