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billymac1962's review against another edition
3.0
I think this may have been Ruth Rendell's first novel.
It was pretty good, and considerably more literate in style than her more recent works. I don't know if that's a good thing or a bad thing, depending on your tastes. But one thing has remained constant, and that is her ability to construct an interesting story.
I just noticed as I type this that I have used the term "construct" again as I did in the previous review. Interesting. This wasn't a conscious effort, really, and it's odd that Ruth Rendell
is the only writer I have described this way.
But her predominant strength is in this, particularly given the fact the the first line opens the novel with who killed whom, and why.
Even though you know what will happen, she can still hold your interest through the events leading up to this.
It was pretty good, and considerably more literate in style than her more recent works. I don't know if that's a good thing or a bad thing, depending on your tastes. But one thing has remained constant, and that is her ability to construct an interesting story.
I just noticed as I type this that I have used the term "construct" again as I did in the previous review. Interesting. This wasn't a conscious effort, really, and it's odd that Ruth Rendell
is the only writer I have described this way.
But her predominant strength is in this, particularly given the fact the the first line opens the novel with who killed whom, and why.
Even though you know what will happen, she can still hold your interest through the events leading up to this.
laila4343's review against another edition
4.0
One of the creepiest books I've ever read. Unsettling but brilliant.
wenjoy's review against another edition
4.0
A classic study of character, using beautiful language that's not used often enough.
lizzynotbennet's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
arollinskoons's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
greybeard49's review against another edition
3.0
Very well written book and appreciated prose, structure, storyline etc.- just found it difficult to really enjoy - dearth of likeable characters and powerful but inexorable rollout a put off for me. Pity!
carolann331's review against another edition
5.0
Wow. I turned the last page and that's all I could say for several minutes. Wow.
Rendell is a master. When I'm in the mood for another mystery, I'll be returning to her works.
Just, Wow.
Rendell is a master. When I'm in the mood for another mystery, I'll be returning to her works.
Just, Wow.
spinstah's review against another edition
5.0
This was really fun book - you know from the very beginning what the crime is and who committed it. The book tells how it all came about, but not from the perspective of an investigator, just an anonymous third-person narrator. I enjoyed this quite a bit, as I never really manage to figure out the central mystery anyway.
sandin954's review against another edition
5.0
From the first sentence, Rendell tells what happened to the Coverdale family and why and then proceeds to show how the tragedy inevitably came about. Always listed as one of the top mysteries, and I totally agree.
marielor's review against another edition
3.0
Finally was able to read this book. Completely out of season but on my TBR for years, so when available to borrow, I clicked ok.
Funny enough to visualize the movie and actors but predictable and caricatural and very white suburban and doesn’t age well in today’s lens.
Still entertaining.
Funny enough to visualize the movie and actors but predictable and caricatural and very white suburban and doesn’t age well in today’s lens.
Still entertaining.