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krisin95's review against another edition
challenging
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.5
Beware of the racism in some of the stories. You can most certainly tell it’s the way of thinking of the 1910s and 1920s but still irritating to read. This is also a very dry read and not at all love the show.
mikegprint's review
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
sonofthunder's review against another edition
4.0
This is only my second Father Brown book I've read, but I can say this is for sure my favourite thus far! Per the usual format, it's a series of short mysteries, charmingly and beautifully told. The crimes are usually quite horrid and grim, but Chesterton spares us the grisly details and instead focuses on the people at the hearts of it all. And speaking of hearts...Chesterton does more than simply try and tell good stories - he attempts to examine the hearts of men and women and understand why they do what they do - what motivates us? There are definitely a few words and phrases used by Chesterton that dates him a bit, but all in all, this was a delight to read. The Secret of Father Brown indeed. This is a remarkably humane, compassionate book - and it sparkles with joy and dry wit. As I've said before, Chesterton's descriptions of scenes and setting - natural and unnatural alike - are beautifully put to page. And each story is pretty much perfect for a pre-bedtime read! The last chapter of this book was unexpected and hit me harder than I expected. The author is unflinching in his belief that there are both good and evil forces in this world, and that people themselves have both deep capacities for love as well as reservoirs of grimmest darkness. While this is not exactly always a popular opinion these days, I appreciate the fact that Chesterton is attempting to philosophically explore the depths of humanity in this shadowed world in which we live.
fernandie's review against another edition
3.0
More references to lynching and uses of the n-word, as well as just racist sentiments in general.
kelchup's review against another edition
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
1.0
Chesterton writes some of my favourite detective fiction but I don't think the father brown series is for me
vesper1931's review against another edition
2.0
While visiting Flambeau in Spain, Father Brown is asked by a neighbour the secret to his investigative skills.
Enjoyable enough short story
Enjoyable enough short story
pinknantucket's review against another edition
3.0
I bought this while I was on holiday, and it was pretty good for a holiday read. Father Brown really IS unassuming, which makes it a bit hard to bond with him sometimes, but they were nifty little mysteries nonetheless. Not necessarily an exciting read, but pleasant.
My copy: bought new, in pounds.
My copy: bought new, in pounds.