Reviews

Black Ship by Carola Dunn

talucas24's review against another edition

mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.75

cooeeaus's review

4.0

Published 2008.

This was actually very good, I can say that because I did not work out the killer! At the end I had settled on up to 5 different possibilities, all with motives. That is always the sign of a good mystery for me.
I really like Daisy, she is fun to have as a character. In this story the plot involves the U.S. illegal liquor and the rum trade between British liquor suppliers and the U.S. gangs.
I never really know what the star ratings are really worth so I will say that I enjoyed the book of course it is not a bestseller or great work but it is entertaining reading.

mamasquirrel's review

4.0

I picked this book up on a whim--because the cover is cute--and because I wanted to expand my knowlege of detective fiction, and was pleased with what I read. The characters are likable and believable; the setting is interesting and British (for the Anglophile in me); the plot is historically accurate (as far as I am aware) and had enough twists and turns to keep me interested. This is my first Daisy Dalrymple mystery and I think I will likely read more.

chrissa10's review against another edition

adventurous funny lighthearted mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

growintogardens's review

1.0

I tried to give this series another go because I did enjoy some of them, but I just can't get over how much I dislike Alec. Also, the extra characters in this book were boring and the story felt like it dragged on despite the short length.

croscot's review against another edition

adventurous funny mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

drizcoll's review

lighthearted mysterious relaxing medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.25

cmbohn's review

2.0

On rereading, I found the mystery in this one really, really slight. The Fletchers are moving into a new house, an American acquaintance comes to stay, and Daisy finds another body. Actually, the dog finds the body this time. Right in their new neighborhood. And the next door neighbors are the prime suspects.

The solution is painfully obvious, but the American is not quite such a cliche this time around. Still, not really worth the reread.

staceylynn42's review

3.0

Daisy & family have moved into a new, large house that Alec inherited from an unknown great-uncle. While they are making preparations for the move and old acquaintance from America turns up in need of help. Agent Lambert, now working with the Treasury Dept to stop people smuggling booze into the US, has had his papers & money stolen and has turned to the Fletchers as the only people in the UK he knows.
The Fletchers' new neighbors, the Jessups, are wine merchants who do have dealings with US bootleggers. Their younger son has been in the US to arrange shipments & the day after he returns a body is found in the park in front of the Fletchers' home. Lambert has disappeared. The Jessups' eldest son has suddenly left town.
Alec & Daisy investigate.
It's a decent story but not one of my favorites

fern17's review

lighthearted mysterious relaxing medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0