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A review by arisbookcorner
The Widening Stain by W. Bolingbroke Johnson, Nicolas A. Basbanes
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.25
I have discovered I really enjoy bibliomysteries and this was recommended as a classic of the genre. It didn't disappoint, the list of suspects was sizable enough to keep me guessing but not overwhelming with possibilities and most of the secondary characters were satisfactorily developed with the exception of Sandys. The book is very clearly of its time which led to me approaching it also as a historical fiction mystery and I enjoyed learning more about academia and libraries in the 1940s. Although much of the book pokes fun at the quirks of university academia and those who chose to pursue it as a profession rather than focusing on educating the reader about the ins and outs. Which was completely fine by me. What was less fun was the internalized sexism present in Gilda which was annoying, most of it present in how she views her female underlings. It was disappointing to read but shouldn't have been unexpected. And of course the mystery is very white. But if you're prepared for all that going in this is still a diverting read that concludes with the discovery of a murderer with a fascinating motivation. I'm not sure if it would hold up today but it also didn't seem implausible.
Gilda was a well developed main character although the introduction of her potential love interest was not handled well and made me glad this didn't continue as a series because I would have been extremely skeptical at the authenticity of the relationship. I was surprised by the somewhat risqué limericks and innuendos dropped in casual conversation, having been led to believe everyone was prudish and stuffy at the workplace during this time. Discovering this was not the case was amusing and added some additional gusto to the mystery. There's also an incompetent police force to contend with which was hilariously portrayed.
THE WIDENING STAIN is an inventive, sardonic and entertaining 1940s bibliomystery that stars an enterprising Chief Cataloguer who turns into an amateur sleuth and investigates an eccentric suspect list. Occasionally the narration switches which was initially confusing and while I eventually got used to it I think it could have been written more smoothly. And aside from the whiteness and sexism of the novel I did want Gilda to have a woman confidant in her life but that wasn't the case. The ending was a true surprise and I particularly relished the celebration post reveal because it was unexpectedly charming and sweet. The grand reveal itself was also engaging and felt authentic to Gilda. This was the ideal covid read, a book that allowed me to think but also to be wholly swept away to a different time and appreciate the journey and historical detail.
Gilda was a well developed main character although the introduction of her potential love interest was not handled well and made me glad this didn't continue as a series because I would have been extremely skeptical at the authenticity of the relationship. I was surprised by the somewhat risqué limericks and innuendos dropped in casual conversation, having been led to believe everyone was prudish and stuffy at the workplace during this time. Discovering this was not the case was amusing and added some additional gusto to the mystery. There's also an incompetent police force to contend with which was hilariously portrayed.
THE WIDENING STAIN is an inventive, sardonic and entertaining 1940s bibliomystery that stars an enterprising Chief Cataloguer who turns into an amateur sleuth and investigates an eccentric suspect list. Occasionally the narration switches which was initially confusing and while I eventually got used to it I think it could have been written more smoothly. And aside from the whiteness and sexism of the novel I did want Gilda to have a woman confidant in her life but that wasn't the case. The ending was a true surprise and I particularly relished the celebration post reveal because it was unexpectedly charming and sweet. The grand reveal itself was also engaging and felt authentic to Gilda. This was the ideal covid read, a book that allowed me to think but also to be wholly swept away to a different time and appreciate the journey and historical detail.