Scan barcode
hthacher's review against another edition
lighthearted
mysterious
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
2.5
retiredlibrarylady's review against another edition
3.0
This was originally published in 1950 and now issued as part of the British Library Guide Classics. The details of the chambers of London solicitors are integral to the story, and probably as dated as they seem! Nevertheless, it's quite readable and I for one did not solve the mystery before it was revealed (always a good thing!).
cimorene1558's review against another edition
4.0
Oh, how I adore the writings of Michael F. Gilbert. People who can write unobtrusively beautiful English, terrific characters, interesting and sometimes diabolical plots and always get their facts straight are very rare, but he was one such. This is a murder mystery about an English firm of solicitors, and is funny, interesting, and not at all obvious.
nik_reads02's review against another edition
5.0
Such an enjoyable read. Well written, witty and cleverly plotted. Great characters. Really recommend if you’re looking for a good example of Golden Age of crime
johnnyforeign's review against another edition
5.0
It's not surprising that "Smallbone Deceased" shows up on a lot of best mystery lists. It has everything: precise, economical, witty prose, a fascinating mystery puzzle, humor, an interesting setting (a distinguished law firm), and nicely rounded characters. I will definitely try another mystery by Michael Gilbert soon.
tombomp's review against another edition
3.0
Overall the book is pretty lightly witty and written well with a strong sense of place around the solicitors office this all takes part in, and the mystery does work well mechanics wise and ties in cleverly with lots of minor scattered clues but... I admit I found the ending a little unsatisfying emotionally even though technically it's totally fine. I think the problem is that there are so many characters in the book which inevitably means they only get so much attention and even though the writer handled each character deftly enough that they all gave a good impression it's still hard to keep track of them and they don't really get a chance to have any particular emotional depth. The ending really doesn't go into any sort of depth with the wrapping up and the motive although technically legitimate doesn't feel satisfying.
3 stars is maybe a bit mean but the denouement is so important in mystery novels and I just didn't get that sense of satisfaction and understanding and emotional payoff that I really look for even though the rest of the book is technically highly proficient and deftly handled.
3 stars is maybe a bit mean but the denouement is so important in mystery novels and I just didn't get that sense of satisfaction and understanding and emotional payoff that I really look for even though the rest of the book is technically highly proficient and deftly handled.
caroparr's review against another edition
3.0
When a client turns up dead inside a deed box at the office, new hire Henry Bohun helps Inspector Hazlerigg to figure out the murderer. Quite entertaining, except for one use of the n-word, which was probably entirely unremarkable at the time of publication. I'm glad to see that Bohun, who exists on almost no sleep, thus allowing him to learn law, medicine and other specialties in record time, appears in several short stories. 3.5
siria's review against another edition
4.0
The London legal firm of Horniman, Birley and Craine is a respected one which caters largely to the aristocracy—except then the body of a client is found crammed inside a deed box. Between them the newly qualified John Bohun, who's recently joined the firm, and Inspector Hazlerigg of Scotland Yard must figure out who killed the aptly named Mr Smallbone, and why. A classic puzzle mystery with some good dry humour and some neatly observed characters. A really solid way of scratching the whodunnit itch.