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chelsealeigh's review
challenging
informative
lighthearted
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.25
dhrutigopaluni's review
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
3.5
crazygoangirl's review
4.0
The Scarlet Pimpernel by Baroness Orczy being one of my favourite books as a kid, I had to read this when I came across it on Booktube. The book is a collection of mysteries set in the late Victorian era - in which an old man in a corner in a tea shop solves the ‘unsolved’ crimes of his day for Ms. Polly Burton, journalist. As the book progresses, Polly develops an affectionate respect of sorts for the old man, as did I.
Written with her characteristic flair and charm, Orczy brings to life, this anonymous armchair sleuth, a precursor of Poirot - a fascinating, mysterious, eccentric, about whom we learn next to nothing throughout the book, other than that he obsessively makes knots in strings and his sharp brain & deductive powers make up for his unremarkable appearance and conceited attitude. He felt very much like a low-brow version of Christie’s Mr. Satterthwaite to me, with his knack for being invisible himself while being sharply observant of everyone and everything around him.
As he presents solutions to robberies, disappearances and murders from his little corner in the tea shop, the mystery surrounding him remains untouched. The mysteries are not exceptional, but are cleverly plotted with some refreshingly engaging twists and turns. I enjoyed trying to solve them - some were easier than others!
All in all, a light yet engaging read, recommended for readers of cosy mysteries. I look forward to reading the second volume in the series in the near future.
Written with her characteristic flair and charm, Orczy brings to life, this anonymous armchair sleuth, a precursor of Poirot - a fascinating, mysterious, eccentric, about whom we learn next to nothing throughout the book, other than that he obsessively makes knots in strings and his sharp brain & deductive powers make up for his unremarkable appearance and conceited attitude. He felt very much like a low-brow version of Christie’s Mr. Satterthwaite to me, with his knack for being invisible himself while being sharply observant of everyone and everything around him.
As he presents solutions to robberies, disappearances and murders from his little corner in the tea shop, the mystery surrounding him remains untouched. The mysteries are not exceptional, but are cleverly plotted with some refreshingly engaging twists and turns. I enjoyed trying to solve them - some were easier than others!
All in all, a light yet engaging read, recommended for readers of cosy mysteries. I look forward to reading the second volume in the series in the near future.
annarella's review
4.0
I'm a fan of Baroness Orczy since I read the Scarlet Pimpernel and I think I already read this book years ago.
This book aged well and I was happy to reading again this stories and thought they aged quite well.
They're not Golden Age but they're clever and curious cases, well devised and engaging.
Recommended!
Many thanks to the publisher and Edelweiss for this ARC, all opinions are mine
This book aged well and I was happy to reading again this stories and thought they aged quite well.
They're not Golden Age but they're clever and curious cases, well devised and engaging.
Recommended!
Many thanks to the publisher and Edelweiss for this ARC, all opinions are mine
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