This was such an amazing book, I hardly know what to say. Most of my thoughts are about how did the author think of this situation, how did he construThis was such an amazing book, I hardly know what to say. Most of my thoughts are about how did the author think of this situation, how did he construct the parallel characters and their interactions, how does he know so much about the immense variety of subjects he includes in the book. The ideas really made me ponder our existence....more
Lengthy and circuitous but every question is answered by the end of the book. Well crafted, gives nothing away, kept me curious and questioning througLengthy and circuitous but every question is answered by the end of the book. Well crafted, gives nothing away, kept me curious and questioning throughout. But...gothic novels are not really my thing. The depth and substance I like is almost non-existent or at least out thin and insubstantial....more
This novel is a wonderful diversion in these unsettled times! However, I find it highly unlikely that Flavia de Luce, a preeminent youthful sleuth, wiThis novel is a wonderful diversion in these unsettled times! However, I find it highly unlikely that Flavia de Luce, a preeminent youthful sleuth, with the chemical knowledge of a professor, would not know what chloroquine phosphate is used for. Her prodigious scientific mind would surely have known that common fact. Otherwise, a marvelous caper through the case at hand, er digit!...more
Wonderful Jimmy, Sandy, Willow investigation into a Shetland double murder and potential third. I guessed the murderer but could only dance around theWonderful Jimmy, Sandy, Willow investigation into a Shetland double murder and potential third. I guessed the murderer but could only dance around the motives. I look forward to the 8th in the series, just recently released! Keeping me on my intellectual toes!...more
Cleeves certainly keeps me thinking and I guess that is the draw for me around mysteries, intellectual stimulation! Lots of twists and turns in this oCleeves certainly keeps me thinking and I guess that is the draw for me around mysteries, intellectual stimulation! Lots of twists and turns in this one, for example, a phone call made in the very beginning that doesn't get resolved until the end; three questions asked of a suspect of which we get to hear two, and the third at the end; knowing why the second person is killed but not of course who the murderer is; identical postcards sent to or in the possession of various people, and so on. And, then there's Shetland, the islands, the ocean, the towns, a new place to get to know, admire and aspire to visit!...more
Bradley knows how to draw one in with his prose and the crime mysteries. This, coupled with the engaging banter about chemistry, English motherless-faBradley knows how to draw one in with his prose and the crime mysteries. This, coupled with the engaging banter about chemistry, English motherless-family dynamics, odd village characters and events, post WWII era, all promise and deliver a romping good read!...more
Ann Cleeves continue to engage me with her plots and characterizations. A huge bonus is the setting and learning about the Shetland Islands. That certAnn Cleeves continue to engage me with her plots and characterizations. A huge bonus is the setting and learning about the Shetland Islands. That certainly creates the desire in me to revisit Scotland and go to Shetland....more
I'm getting better at picking up the clues/non clues and was able to identify the person who had done the evil deeds, but didn't figure out the motiveI'm getting better at picking up the clues/non clues and was able to identify the person who had done the evil deeds, but didn't figure out the motive. Good summer listen for the long drives in my life! Due to availability on Overdrive I listened to this out of order in the series, now I have to go back and pick up the personal story of Jimmy Perez. More ahead!...more
Another whodunit from Cleeves, and who could have imagined the killer would be revealed so soon and then suspicion deflected away from? I was wrong agAnother whodunit from Cleeves, and who could have imagined the killer would be revealed so soon and then suspicion deflected away from? I was wrong again! A sign of a great mystery writer I suppose! I wonder how many skilled readers of mysteries predict correctly?...more
When I listen to the next in the series I'll be sure to pay attention to whom Cleeves gives no red herrings! Fun summer listen! When I listen to the next in the series I'll be sure to pay attention to whom Cleeves gives no red herrings! Fun summer listen! ...more
A mystery within a murder mystery, told from two perspectives, makes this about the most complicated mystery I've ever read! Well done Mr. Horowitz, IA mystery within a murder mystery, told from two perspectives, makes this about the most complicated mystery I've ever read! Well done Mr. Horowitz, I'd like more like this!...more
This novel really builds tension and suspense but has a tidy ending. Nothing left unresolved or questioned. It kept my attention and kept me wonderingThis novel really builds tension and suspense but has a tidy ending. Nothing left unresolved or questioned. It kept my attention and kept me wondering what next in the sequence of events....more
Countryside descriptions make me want to revisit Bulgaria, especially the rural areas. Interesting mystery, woven backwards in time and forwards to thCountryside descriptions make me want to revisit Bulgaria, especially the rural areas. Interesting mystery, woven backwards in time and forwards to the present effectively. ...more
Another romp with Flavia, this time over the snowy roof top of Buckthorn, including a spectacular homemade fireworks display. As a new convert to pyroAnother romp with Flavia, this time over the snowy roof top of Buckthorn, including a spectacular homemade fireworks display. As a new convert to pyrotechnics I loved the fact that, despite being in a near coma, and having survived a perilous plunge, Flavia manages to intuit her fireworks! As this series progresses we are able to also witness a bit more appreciation being shown for this young sleuth and a bit more love being expressed among the family members! What fun, a pleasant diversion!...more
Champion writer, engaging book, escapism at it's best, charming character - the brilliant and brash 11 year-old we'd all want to be. So much fun in a Champion writer, engaging book, escapism at it's best, charming character - the brilliant and brash 11 year-old we'd all want to be. So much fun in a book!...more
Impecable writing, tight plot, but about as entertaining as watching my plastic, pint, blood donation bag fill. My dislike could partially be attributImpecable writing, tight plot, but about as entertaining as watching my plastic, pint, blood donation bag fill. My dislike could partially be attributed to the reader, as I listened to this as a Book on CD, flat, unengaging reader that left me wanting to knock him out and find a stand-in. I won't be reading or listening to any more Dan Brown....more
"Smashing good time!" A marvelous diversion for those long miles on the road we logged this summer, 6,540 to be exact since July 12th! "Smashing good time!" A marvelous diversion for those long miles on the road we logged this summer, 6,540 to be exact since July 12th! ...more
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