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madmooney's review against another edition
3.0
I came upon this title via gift, and so had not read the earlier in the series - so my judgement is based on book 2 alone.
Bencolin feels like similar to the Kenneth Branagh's portrayal of Agatha Christie's Poirot (just as pompous as he is skilled as an investigator), and Castle Skull feels like a mystery that is wrapped up presented equally to its reading audience (alongside its protagonist).
I enjoyed the macabre & gothic setting of this title (which I am told is not [a:John Dickson Carr|5622|John Dickson Carr|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1593780988p2/5622.jpg] normal style, which probably means this is where Bencolin and I part for now).
Bencolin feels like similar to the Kenneth Branagh's portrayal of Agatha Christie's Poirot (just as pompous as he is skilled as an investigator), and Castle Skull feels like a mystery that is wrapped up presented equally to its reading audience (alongside its protagonist).
I enjoyed the macabre & gothic setting of this title (which I am told is not [a:John Dickson Carr|5622|John Dickson Carr|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1593780988p2/5622.jpg] normal style, which probably means this is where Bencolin and I part for now).
baxlotyl's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
Stunning!
camerontrost's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
4.5
annieb123's review against another edition
4.0
Originally published on my blog: Nonstop Reader.
Castle Skull is the second Henri Bencolin mystery by John Dickson Carr. Originally released in 1931 this reformat and re-release, out 5th May 2020 is part of the British Library Crime Classics series by Poisoned Pen Press. The new edition is 256 pages and available in paperback and ebook formats. (Other editions available in other formats).
This early Carr novel is well crafted, but quite lurid and, to me, a bit over the top. A large house full of very odd characters, a gothic skull shaped tower across the river which was the scene of a bizarre murder-by-fire on the ramparts, two competing detectives (one French, one German), and a twisty denouement which I honestly didn't see coming.
As the others in the series, there is an introduction by mystery history maven Martin Edwards. As engaging as these classic mysteries have been, I have also looked forward in equal measure to Mr. Edwards' insightful commentary.
Carr is well known (with good reason) for his 'impossible' locked room mysteries. Despite being almost 90 years old, it wears well, and still provides a load of atmosphere (in some places, positively creepy). The first murder is quite gory (an immolation) and there's a varied cast of suspects and a load of red herrings along the way.
The dialogue and style are admittedly a bit dated and true to the period, but I found it charming. For fans of golden age mysteries, it'll definitely be a plus, not a detraction.
Very well done. I have read a lot of Carr's work, but somehow had missed this one. Worth a read, especially for fans of the golden age.
Four stars.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
Castle Skull is the second Henri Bencolin mystery by John Dickson Carr. Originally released in 1931 this reformat and re-release, out 5th May 2020 is part of the British Library Crime Classics series by Poisoned Pen Press. The new edition is 256 pages and available in paperback and ebook formats. (Other editions available in other formats).
This early Carr novel is well crafted, but quite lurid and, to me, a bit over the top. A large house full of very odd characters, a gothic skull shaped tower across the river which was the scene of a bizarre murder-by-fire on the ramparts, two competing detectives (one French, one German), and a twisty denouement which I honestly didn't see coming.
As the others in the series, there is an introduction by mystery history maven Martin Edwards. As engaging as these classic mysteries have been, I have also looked forward in equal measure to Mr. Edwards' insightful commentary.
Carr is well known (with good reason) for his 'impossible' locked room mysteries. Despite being almost 90 years old, it wears well, and still provides a load of atmosphere (in some places, positively creepy). The first murder is quite gory (an immolation) and there's a varied cast of suspects and a load of red herrings along the way.
The dialogue and style are admittedly a bit dated and true to the period, but I found it charming. For fans of golden age mysteries, it'll definitely be a plus, not a detraction.
Very well done. I have read a lot of Carr's work, but somehow had missed this one. Worth a read, especially for fans of the golden age.
Four stars.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
brandonlang's review against another edition
mysterious
tense
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
3.5
A fun light read that has a neat twisting plot!
sanmarri's review against another edition
4.0
2-я книга Джона Диксона Карра. Готический герметичный детектив. Довольно интересно и неожиданно, но, как и первая книга "Под покровом ночи", несколько перегружена описаниями, отчего читать ее трудновато, - описания местности столько же, сколько и событийности. В этом смысле Агата Кристи сильно отличается от Карра - там все по делу, описания короткие, меткие и ценные, отчего ее произведения всегда держат в напряжении... Карра читать продолжу, - интересно, как будет развиваться его стиль дальше на протяжении библиографии.
mouthoflethe's review against another edition
dark
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
bmip666's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
abbienk's review against another edition
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.75
dan78's review against another edition
4.0
For some bizarre reason I bought this copy at a local book store as it was popped on the shelves in error! Lucky me.
Anyway a gripping, dark, mysterious read that takes the classic country house crime story and adds a more exotic twist.
A great atmospheric read, I'd highly recommend it! (and honestly if I'd not just been spoiled by Little Women I'd have marked this as a 5 star)
Anyway a gripping, dark, mysterious read that takes the classic country house crime story and adds a more exotic twist.
A great atmospheric read, I'd highly recommend it! (and honestly if I'd not just been spoiled by Little Women I'd have marked this as a 5 star)