Customer Reviews

Where Death Delights (A Richard Pryor Mystery)

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I have read the "Crowner (Coroner) John" series with much enjoyment not to mention other titles by Dr. Bernard Knight which include non-fiction (I wish I could find his 1960's titles). I saw one detractor speak of confusion and such. I can not address that, it is not my problem. However, I can say that this title is the first in a new series that takes place in Post WWII U.K. It is essential that the author, in the best interests of the reader, to set the stage, so to speak, for the time and circumstances in which events take place (a socio-cultural context). The younger U.K. reader, as well as the American reader, might not appreciate that it took a while for the U.K. to rebound from the WWII experience. Rationing was still practiced, if not officially, in need by many. The main character, and others, served in the war and their lives were still adjusting about a decade later (I won't give specifics because that would take away from a good read). In the first title of a series, I believe it is important for the author to "flesh out" the characters and provide details of life so that one can be in tune with the setting(s) as well as better understand future titles in the series. I may not always agree with Dr. Knight, but I can say that despite that I find his writing worth reading and most enjoyable. He wrote in such a way that I could not only associate with many things spoken of in the book, but better appreciate the characters and their trials and tribulations. I certainly hope that the good Doctor will be able to provide us with more titles in this new series. I was even surprised at how many things I was familiar with from my past associations with the British military and U.K. friends. I think you will find it satisfying if you like socio-cultural history mixed with your murder mystery. Knight still can pull off surprises for some in the last few pages and make the journey to the end of the book well worth it.

There are several different stories presented, the threads carried through and well resolved. The main character are well presented and I certainly hope that this will be an on-going series about a 1950's pathology team.

I enjoyed this book, especially the setting in the 1950's. It is a mystery will a taste of the past and a much more simplier lifestyle. Having lived in the UK for 2 years, I can appreciate the setting and the details. The use of local slang can be irritating if not for a dictionary available via the Internet. All in all, a keeper and I look forward to the next book.

I was very disappointed in this book. It is not a Crowner John mystery-just written by the same author. I found the book very confusing with all of the different characters. Otherwise I would not have bought the book. It is not an historical mystery to me.