Scan barcode
ruth's review
adventurous
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
micrummey's review
2.0
Brothel Madame Jean Brash discovers a body in her Edinburgh establishment. Decides not to involve the police especially James McLevy and goes in search of the murderer, this I couldn't understand as in the radio series, Brash and McLevy have some sort of relationship and she might mention something. The book certainly portrays Edinburgh victorian society well and certain scenes have a unique tense atmosphere. But what lets the book down is its disjointed nature. The action takes place over 3 days and it seems much longer. Brash and McLevy are fantastic characters, this book needed a bit more of McLevy. A book that could of been so much better.
kikiandarrowsfishshelf's review
4.0
One of the reasons that I loved the Mclevy series on the BBC radio was Siobhan Redmond’s portrayal of Jean Brash, mistress of the best bawdy house in Edinburgh (actually most likely the world). This book, written by the BBC series’ creator/writer David Ashton, takes place before the close of the series and focuses mainly on Jean Brash solving a crime that occurred in her business. She is not happy about this. Hannah Semple, of course, is Watson to Brash’s Sherlock. Mclevy and Mulholland make appearances as well. We get more about Jean’s past as well as how she runs her business. The lives of some of her staff also get some more development.
It would be fair to say that my enjoyment of this book was enhanced because my mind read it to me in the voice of Siobhan Redmond (and honesty that is a reason to get the audio), so this is a good companion to the radio series. I would recommend listening to at least some of the series’ first.
Like the series, the book does an excellent job bringing the reader to Leith, to the stews. You are not hanging out with Christie’s Marple or Poirot, or even the great detective himself. You are with a much earthy company who, as Ashton notes, use razors instead of Excaliburs. The drug of choice isn’t the Seven Percent solution but a more caffeinated beverage.
If we can’t have more BBC radio series of Mclevy, this series is a worthy successor.
It would be fair to say that my enjoyment of this book was enhanced because my mind read it to me in the voice of Siobhan Redmond (and honesty that is a reason to get the audio), so this is a good companion to the radio series. I would recommend listening to at least some of the series’ first.
Like the series, the book does an excellent job bringing the reader to Leith, to the stews. You are not hanging out with Christie’s Marple or Poirot, or even the great detective himself. You are with a much earthy company who, as Ashton notes, use razors instead of Excaliburs. The drug of choice isn’t the Seven Percent solution but a more caffeinated beverage.
If we can’t have more BBC radio series of Mclevy, this series is a worthy successor.
krisrid's review
2.0
This was too dark for me. Not a bad book, in fact the writing is excellent, and the story is exciting and action-packed, right from the start. But it is also very intense and gritty and bloody. There is intense violence, and it is detailed, again right from the start of the story. It was too much for me.
wyvernfriend's review
3.0
Brothel owner to detective Not content with playing with the detective James McLevy, Ashton turns his attention to Jean Brash, Mistress of the Just Land, a high class brothel. After the New Year's Day celebrations a body is found in the Just Land, one of their clients. Well aware that this could lead back to them they decide to investigate, while McLevy is investigating first one and then more similar deaths.
It's complex and interesting and the reasoning is pretty good.
It's complex and interesting and the reasoning is pretty good.
More...