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mbondlamberty's review
4.0
A fine and easy read.
A different kind of detective tale to be sure.
While I enjoyed it I don't think I will be seeking other books in the Fell series.
A different kind of detective tale to be sure.
While I enjoyed it I don't think I will be seeking other books in the Fell series.
jobinsonlis's review against another edition
4.0
Carr is great at creating a creepy atmosphere, which for me makes up for the fairly standard murder mystery in this book and in how Dr. Fell just feels like an amalgamation of pudgy, slightly fussy small-town detectives. I actually find his wife more interesting, if only because these archetypes always seem to be bachelors and I wonder what she thinks about all his meddling.
jonathanrobert's review against another edition
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.75
bmip666's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
jdelloso's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
robinwalter's review against another edition
challenging
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
An excellent start to the famous series - "pusillanimous pachyderms" was priceless. I look forward to seeing more mysteries solved in one Fell swoop
dan78's review
4.0
Dark, spooky, atmospheric murder mystery that kept me turning the pages! I'd whole heartedly recommend this book! And I'm going to seek out more by the author.
ssejig's review
4.0
The first book in the Gideon Fell series clearly exemplifies why this author would become so famous for his "locked room" (or unexplainable) mysteries.
Ted Rampole is a recent, American, college graduate touring England. He's going to stop off in the English countryside, specifically the home of Dr. Gideon Fell. Before Ted even gets there, he bumps into a girl that he finds fascinating, Dorothy Starberth. Fortunately, it turns out that her home (a former prison)is visible from Dr. Fell's study.
The mystery begins when Dorothy's brother comes back from America for his 25th birthday. It seems that all the men of their family have to spend an hour in the old keep on their 25th birthday. Her brother is of a nervous disposition and is terrified that the family legend of the male heir breaking his neck is going to come true. When it does... it's up to Dr. Fell to find out what's really going on.
Ted Rampole is a recent, American, college graduate touring England. He's going to stop off in the English countryside, specifically the home of Dr. Gideon Fell. Before Ted even gets there, he bumps into a girl that he finds fascinating, Dorothy Starberth. Fortunately, it turns out that her home (a former prison)is visible from Dr. Fell's study.
The mystery begins when Dorothy's brother comes back from America for his 25th birthday. It seems that all the men of their family have to spend an hour in the old keep on their 25th birthday. Her brother is of a nervous disposition and is terrified that the family legend of the male heir breaking his neck is going to come true. When it does... it's up to Dr. Fell to find out what's really going on.
rainnbooks's review against another edition
3.0
Crafty mystery with a little bit of spooky writing. Well, rats always makes my skin crawl so reading this really chilled me in places. With an unusual detective in Dr.Fell, it was well written and mysterious!
peanotsilent's review against another edition
3.0
Not perhaps the best mystery, but an amazing setting and atmosphere. Creepy thrills of horror everywhere.