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michaeljmccann's review against another edition
4.0
Like most people, I'm inclined to think of probate as a dry area of the law not readily lending itself to mystery, but Ms. James has crafted an entertaining story with a protagonist, Hollis Morgan, who engages our attention and interest from the start of the novel.
The main storyline of THE BELL TOLLS involves Matthias Bell, a despicable man who dies suddenly and leaves instructions for the disposition of his estate. The reader learns that Bell has been blackmailing several victims throughout the years, and Hollis must now return the files to these victims and assure them that with Bell's death, they are no longer under threat of blackmail.
As the story unfolds, it becomes evident, however, that Bell was murdered, probably by one of his blackmail victims. In the tradition of Agatha Christie, Ms. James does a good job of having Hollis follow clues and finally expose the murderer with a lot of red herrings along the way.
THE BELL TOLLS is an enjoyable read and will appeal to fans of whodunits and cosy mysteries.
This is the fifth novel in the Hollis Morgan series, and you will no doubt want to check out the earlier books.
The main storyline of THE BELL TOLLS involves Matthias Bell, a despicable man who dies suddenly and leaves instructions for the disposition of his estate. The reader learns that Bell has been blackmailing several victims throughout the years, and Hollis must now return the files to these victims and assure them that with Bell's death, they are no longer under threat of blackmail.
As the story unfolds, it becomes evident, however, that Bell was murdered, probably by one of his blackmail victims. In the tradition of Agatha Christie, Ms. James does a good job of having Hollis follow clues and finally expose the murderer with a lot of red herrings along the way.
THE BELL TOLLS is an enjoyable read and will appeal to fans of whodunits and cosy mysteries.
This is the fifth novel in the Hollis Morgan series, and you will no doubt want to check out the earlier books.
mpr2000's review against another edition
5.0
Hollis Morgan is a fallen angel trying to change her life helping her clients at Triple D. Being a lawyer is not always easy, and when a client you don't like passes away and leaves some weird instructions with some mysterious envelopes, everything seems too weird not to talk to the police... What's really happening with the mysterious will?
After reading this book I just can say I loved it, it makes you feel empathy towards Hollis, her life and her curious clients, just saying that it kept me awake all night till I finished it!
Hollis is a good woman, she has a past, we all have a past, and she is ready to continue with her life, trying to be a good person and help all the people around her, even if they don't deserve it. I was quite surprised with her relation with her family, they didn't treat her with love or kindness, but she wants to be a good daughter, not for them, for her, something courageous and laudable.
It was interesting that the author not only centred the plot to one case but some other clients, Hollis family and friends problems and Hollis boyfriend John. It made the book more compelling and real, and more emotional if I have to say the truth.
There are a few twists in the book that left me without words, I will not make any spoilers, but the Epilogue was devastating, I can't wait to read the next book and know more!
This is the fifth book of the series "The Hollis Morgan Mystery", you can read it as standalone but I am sure you will love the book like I did and would want to read all the series.
Really, this is a must read mystery!
After reading this book I just can say I loved it, it makes you feel empathy towards Hollis, her life and her curious clients, just saying that it kept me awake all night till I finished it!
Hollis is a good woman, she has a past, we all have a past, and she is ready to continue with her life, trying to be a good person and help all the people around her, even if they don't deserve it. I was quite surprised with her relation with her family, they didn't treat her with love or kindness, but she wants to be a good daughter, not for them, for her, something courageous and laudable.
It was interesting that the author not only centred the plot to one case but some other clients, Hollis family and friends problems and Hollis boyfriend John. It made the book more compelling and real, and more emotional if I have to say the truth.
There are a few twists in the book that left me without words, I will not make any spoilers, but the Epilogue was devastating, I can't wait to read the next book and know more!
This is the fifth book of the series "The Hollis Morgan Mystery", you can read it as standalone but I am sure you will love the book like I did and would want to read all the series.
Really, this is a must read mystery!
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