Pictures of Perfection (Dalziel and Pascoe Mysteries) (Mass Market Paperback)

by Reginald Hill (Author) "It is the Day of Reckoning..." (more)
Key Phrases: non perfecta, second slip, Old Hall, Fat Man, Corpse Cottage (more...)

Editorial Reviews

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"Outstanding procedual series."
-- The New York Times -- Review

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"Outstanding procedual series."
-- The New York Times

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Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 352 pages
• Publisher: Dell (September 1, 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0440218004
• ISBN-13: 978-0440218005
• Product Dimensions: 6.8 x 4.2 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars See all reviews (21 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #95,208 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

22 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant Fun!, August 24, 1999

By	Diane Davis (San Ramon, CA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

In "Pictures of Perfection" Reginald Hill gives us both the terrific Daziel/Pascoe mystery we've come to expect and something totally unexpected as well.

The village of Enscombe has changed only superficially since the days of Jane Austen whose words just happen to introduce each chapter. One of the residents, Caddy Scudamore, is a talented artist given to painting over much of her crowded canvases. This is done, we are told, not so much to obliterate as to "relegate it to a kind of misty otherworld where it still continued to exert its existence."

Hill, too, offers us one thing - a contemporary mystery - beneath which lie all the sense and sensibilities of Austen. Social dynamics and entailments. Misunderstandings and love matches (at least one of which in its `90s incarnation might take even Jane by surprise!) But most of all, insight and humor and a joyous way with words that can make a reader laugh out loud. Austen could do it and so can Reginald Hill.

He leads us into the story through a scenario that we find all too easy to accept and ushers us out again with a reminder that appearances can be deceiving. Jane would have agreed.

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A masterpiece of wit and illusion., March 29, 1998

By	"sissylue" (Texas) - See all my reviews

For those of you who prefer the cozy British mystery, like myself, you will be promptly dismayed, perhaps even repulsed, by the first gruesome chapter. Persevere. Like the magician who saws the lovely lady in half its not about gore but smoke, mirrors and not one, but several, well drawn characters finding their heart's repose. Giving you a synopsis of the plot simply isn't possible, because what you think it is, it simply isn't. But this can be said: The book is full of satirical humour, fascinating characters and an actual mystery. Add to this that the author does wonderful things with the English language and the book is a winner all the way around.

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great:***wickedly Funny Twisted plot,and Happy SGT Wield!, September 7, 2002

By	"lynkfri13" (Waltham, MA United States) - See all my reviews

*****
This is a Dalziel/Pascoe mystery, with the usual careful plotting and great dialogue. However, this book is above and beyond even Reginald Hill's great usual: there's a bizarre shock in store for the reader. (Who will enjoy it later, very much) It has wickedly funny plotting, some of the most unusual characters, and to my delight an unexpected chance at happiness for poor sweet Sergeant Wield. Wield has suffered through plenty of Dalziel's bossiness and the dismay of "coming out" to his fellow detectives. In this story he meets a man he initially finds very annoying, but as the story develops, we can see the promise of love on the horizon.
~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ *
I thought this mystery was wonderful as a kind of "fun" romp with the characters. Hill is showing us he cares very much about them all.