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A review by crazygoangirl
A Trace of Poison by Colleen Cambridge
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Strong character development? No
3.0
This is the second book in the Phyllida Bright series by Colleen Cambridge. Binge read it after finishing the first book, Murder at Mallowan Hall. I listened to the audiobook alongside for a while but I don’t like the narrator Rachel Atkins, especially the voice she uses for Christie.
I like the premise and the numerous overt and subtle references to Christie’s plots (past & future) and characters. What I don’t like unfortunately is the main character, Phyllida Bright herself 🤷🏼♀️ I find her condescending and smug and it irritates me when she compares herself to Poirot, because, let’s be honest, she’s nowhere near his genius in observation nor in deduction. And yes, she still doesn’t love dogs, has no problems interfering with crime scenes and bullying the law. Yes Poirot could be smug too, but he was a professional with long years of experience in law enforcement. Phyllida is an amateur on her second case. She has NO reason to treat the law in the way that she does. Cambridge’s characterisation of the police also annoys me. They seem so inept and inefficient that it’s unbelievable!
I read this series for its supporting cast. They’re interesting and normal. In her attempt to make Phyllida stand out, Cambridge I fear gives her too much latitude- she doesn’t dress like a housekeeper would neither is her relationship with her employer as a regular housekeeper’s would be. I’m aware this is nitpicking and I’ve accepted it in other series like the Lady Hardcastle series by T. E. Kinsey, but it is what it is. I wish there was more Agatha. I just don’t like Phyllida and I don’t see that changing ever. Also, I see a love triangle being set up which is already annoying the hell out me!
In my opinion, this one was overly plotted, with Cambridge trying to cram too many twists and turns into one narrative. The Detection Club was fun, but I wanted more of Chesterton, Sayer and Berkeley. The concept of a village ‘Murder Writers Club’ and the Murder Fete afforded an intriguing context to the crimes but the motive was really rather thin in my opinion. Without giving away details, I can only say that Cambridge didn’t convince me and that I had guessed the murderer much before Phyllida had her Poirotesque denouement in the end.
Will be taking a break from this series for now. Don’t think I can stand another serving of smug Phyllida at the moment!
I like the premise and the numerous overt and subtle references to Christie’s plots (past & future) and characters. What I don’t like unfortunately is the main character, Phyllida Bright herself 🤷🏼♀️ I find her condescending and smug and it irritates me when she compares herself to Poirot, because, let’s be honest, she’s nowhere near his genius in observation nor in deduction. And yes, she still doesn’t love dogs, has no problems interfering with crime scenes and bullying the law. Yes Poirot could be smug too, but he was a professional with long years of experience in law enforcement. Phyllida is an amateur on her second case. She has NO reason to treat the law in the way that she does. Cambridge’s characterisation of the police also annoys me. They seem so inept and inefficient that it’s unbelievable!
I read this series for its supporting cast. They’re interesting and normal. In her attempt to make Phyllida stand out, Cambridge I fear gives her too much latitude- she doesn’t dress like a housekeeper would neither is her relationship with her employer as a regular housekeeper’s would be. I’m aware this is nitpicking and I’ve accepted it in other series like the Lady Hardcastle series by T. E. Kinsey, but it is what it is. I wish there was more Agatha. I just don’t like Phyllida and I don’t see that changing ever. Also, I see a love triangle being set up which is already annoying the hell out me!
In my opinion, this one was overly plotted, with Cambridge trying to cram too many twists and turns into one narrative. The Detection Club was fun, but I wanted more of Chesterton, Sayer and Berkeley. The concept of a village ‘Murder Writers Club’ and the Murder Fete afforded an intriguing context to the crimes but the motive was really rather thin in my opinion. Without giving away details, I can only say that Cambridge didn’t convince me and that I had guessed the murderer much before Phyllida had her Poirotesque denouement in the end.
Will be taking a break from this series for now. Don’t think I can stand another serving of smug Phyllida at the moment!