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daisy_ih5's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.5
mike_baker's review against another edition
3.0
Ultimately a bit of a disappointment, for reasons that are sadly spoilerific but involves characters and the plot working against type to deliver a conclusion that is in places rather convenient and occasionally downright nonsensenical. A shame. Ben Elton clearly knows his stuff about life and warcraft in the trenches of World War One, and his writing is at its strongest - it's good work, very evocative - when describing the sheer grind of being on the front.
maisiejane's review against another edition
5.0
This book took me completely by surprise, it was absolutely amazing. WW1 is my favourite thing to learn about in history, particularly the Western Front. Ben Elton wrote with such accuracy and so heartbreakingly I almost felt like I was there. 100% picking up one of his other books (I know this took me ages to read - blame exams)
rabspur's review against another edition
5.0
Without giving too much away this is set during the first world war 1917 the main character is s Police Inspector currently serving in the Metropolitan Police considered to be the best Detective in the force, however he has been called up to serve his country, but being a conscientious objector refuses to enlist, and after a trial is sent to Wandsworth prison for two years, however a murder has occurred at the front, which the Army tried to cover up, so the case requires investigation, so who do they call for ????????????????????????????????? read it to find out, a brilliant read, first book I have read by the author Ben Elton (Comedian), a real page turner which keeps you enthralled and guessing right up until the end, a highly recommended read for anyone interested in crime and not just the military.
acraig5075's review against another edition
3.0
An easy 'whodunit' read with interesting insights into the trenches of WW I. The blurb claims deep moral questions, but they're really loosely forced into the story and not integral to it. It's essentially a simple single-threaded plot with few characters, but still fun.
maxwellstarkey's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
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
2.0
frakalot's review against another edition
4.0
A ripping yarn, indeed. I enjoyed this story a great deal. I can't speak to historical accuracy at all, although aside from what seemed to be some out of place turns of phrase I thought that the grit and emotion of the war was quite palpable.
The murder mystery takes up a smaller portion of the book than you would expect and doesn't actually begin until at least a third of the way in. But there's plenty of great character building and the lead in to it is rather engaging.
There were two or maybe three preposterous scenarios which didn't seem plausible but that's artistic license for you and it did add to the adventure. Despite the miserable setting, this story did keep a high spirited sense of adventure throughout.
This is my second Elton story and just like the first time, I had pegged the murderer right away. The First Casualty was nonetheless a pleasure to read and for the few days that I was engaged with it I was genuinely thrilled to keep it open.
The murder mystery takes up a smaller portion of the book than you would expect and doesn't actually begin until at least a third of the way in. But there's plenty of great character building and the lead in to it is rather engaging.
There were two or maybe three preposterous scenarios which didn't seem plausible but that's artistic license for you and it did add to the adventure. Despite the miserable setting, this story did keep a high spirited sense of adventure throughout.
This is my second Elton story and just like the first time, I had pegged the murderer right away. The First Casualty was nonetheless a pleasure to read and for the few days that I was engaged with it I was genuinely thrilled to keep it open.