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marlisenicole's review against another edition
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
cathaldon1's review against another edition
3.75
Mostly a good book with an intriguing mystery and some well-paced twists, but sure does deliver its final reveal with a muffled thud. Some great tense action immediately before though. Overall, I enjoyed it and would read more of James’s work!
(Also worth noting there’s a disabled character who’s kind of horrifically written - It’s a 60-year old book so of its time caveats and all, but if you’d want to avoid it based on that I couldn’t blame you.)
(Also worth noting there’s a disabled character who’s kind of horrifically written - It’s a 60-year old book so of its time caveats and all, but if you’d want to avoid it based on that I couldn’t blame you.)
sara_ann_martin's review against another edition
2.0
I very much enjoyed the quality of the prose but found it difficult to sympathize with any of the characters. Even Dalgliesh and his Aunt–both of whom seem to have more dimension that the other flat, insipid, self absorbed residents of Monksmere Head–were provided with so little context and backstory that I felt very little connection. Aunt Jane seemed to be someone I would like to know better, but James never provides the reader with the chance in this book. And the revelation of the murderer at the conclusion seemed contrived–how convenient that the confession tape was in that bag Dalgliesh grabbed–and gratuitously ugly. And even the best language cannot redeem that sort of letdown at the end of a novel, especially a mystery. I'm not writing James off, but I'm certianly not racing out to get another Adam Dalgliesh novel–he's no Peter Wimsey.
kari13's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
sueann's review against another edition
3.0
I enjoyed this, especially the descriptions of the settings. The main character is very likable, so I'm sure I'll be reading more of the series. This is #3 and the first one I've read (thank you, Book Bub.)
chantale's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
llkendrick's review against another edition
3.0
I loved the setting of this book - an English coastal town famous for its bird-watching and as a writer's retreat from the busyness of London. I need a place like that in my life, but instead of writing I would be reading. Overall, this was my least favorite book in the series and I think it was mainly because Detective Dalgleish wasn't the lead detective in the case, so it was hard to follow along with the case. Still, it was enjoyable and I'll keep reading the series.
mbondlamberty's review against another edition
3.0
Not as enjoyable as some others in the series.
That is, it is a good read and fast and thrilling at times.
It just doesn't leave one feeling quite as satisfied as other times.
That is, it is a good read and fast and thrilling at times.
It just doesn't leave one feeling quite as satisfied as other times.