Reviews

Smallbone Deceased by Michael Gilbert

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trin's review against another edition

4.0

Really fun mystery set in a London law office -- the observational office humor reminded me very much of [b:Murder Must Advertise|351559|Murder Must Advertise (Lord Peter Wimsey, #8)|Dorothy L. Sayers|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1389232617l/351559._SY75_.jpg|1459650]. If Hazelrigg were as compelling as Peter Wimsey, this book would rival the best of Sayers! Sadly, he's...not. Still a fast-paced and highly enjoyable read.

Warning for: one use of the n-word in dialogue that came out of nowhere and alarmed me, as much as anything, by its casualness.

rodica_b's review against another edition

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adventurous funny mysterious

4.0

killingsnail's review against another edition

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dark mysterious slow-paced

3.0

mckeanja's review against another edition

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lighthearted reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot

4.25

lgarrity's review against another edition

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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? No

4.0

michelleful's review against another edition

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5.0

Loved this classic post-war mystery. The hilarity was apparent from the very first page, there was a lot of top-notch sleuthing spread out between Scotland Yard representatives and one intriguing amateur. The background of the law office and London of the time period was very evocatively brought to life. There are many characters rapidly sketched out in the beginning, but they were so well delineated that I had no trouble keeping them separate in my mind. While the mystery was eminently fair, I was too engrossed in the plot and language to take the time to try to figure out whodunnit, it was that engaging.

The only thing that gave me pause was a chapter where it becomes apparent that the women in the office (all secretaries, of course, not principals) are routinely sexually harassed at work and in other parts of their lives, and more or less resigned to it. Having just read Chanel Miller's memoir Know My Name, this especially stood out to me. I suppose it is at least a step forward that it's made clear that they do not enjoy it.

The dry humour in the dialogue was the main winner for me, though. Though the styles are completely different, it reminded me of another favourite - the Hilary Tamar series, which also features lawyers and combines my favourite genres of humour and mystery.

jopaterson's review against another edition

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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

3.0

Entertaining enough read. Some interesting reflections on the nature of detective stories peppered through the text. And some sobering reminders of the importance of getting the answer right (it’s not just a game, it’s not just a novel), in the context of the death sentence.