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verosnotebook 's review for:
The Mangle Street Murders
by M.R.C. Kasasian
Sherlockian figures abound in literature, as in films, displaying their superior intelligence while being more or less socially inept, but I must admit that Sidney Grice is probably the most obnoxious one yet! Here is a totally dislikeable character - so why did I read and enjoy this novel?
Well, Kasasian also gives us the fascinating Miss March Middleton, narrator of the story, who is indeed much more palatable, but a conundrum herself. There is much more to the lady than what is visible and the author reveals little, mostly by exposition. The interactions between these two strong-willed protagonists is of course full of sparks, neither conforming to Victorian norms, and thus very entertaining (and sometimes not devoid of humour). In between these two, let's not forget Inspector Pound who provides some normalcy.
The crime/mystery element leads us into the darker and brutal side of London, from the morgue to the slums. The plot is nicely put together, with plenty of twists and turns, great dialogue and gritty details.
Apart from wanting to find out more about Middleton, I do wonder if Grice will change, or rather our perception of him. So, yes, I shall read the next instalment.
Well, Kasasian also gives us the fascinating Miss March Middleton, narrator of the story, who is indeed much more palatable, but a conundrum herself. There is much more to the lady than what is visible and the author reveals little, mostly by exposition. The interactions between these two strong-willed protagonists is of course full of sparks, neither conforming to Victorian norms, and thus very entertaining (and sometimes not devoid of humour). In between these two, let's not forget Inspector Pound who provides some normalcy.
The crime/mystery element leads us into the darker and brutal side of London, from the morgue to the slums. The plot is nicely put together, with plenty of twists and turns, great dialogue and gritty details.
Apart from wanting to find out more about Middleton, I do wonder if Grice will change, or rather our perception of him. So, yes, I shall read the next instalment.