The Bandersnatch

Doran Fairweather #4

by Mollie Hardwick

"The story's lively characters, antique lore, tension-laden plot, and feisty heroine add up to amiable entertainment."
THE KIRKUS REVIEWS
When antiques dealer Doran Fairweather purchases an ancient limewood carving of a rosy-lipped cherub in flight for her baby's nursery, it seems she excites a lot of unwanted interest. Someone ransacks her home for it, while she and her family are asleep, and anonymous collectors offer outrageous prices for the carving and utter curses when they are refused. Now Doran must use her investigative brilliance to save her family from these mounting acts of terror. Staunchly supported by her husband Rodney, and inspired by the works of Lewis Carroll, Doran risks her life and everything she loves in an all-or-nothing gamble with a madman....

Genres: Mystery

184 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 31, 1989

About the author

Mollie Greenhalgh Hardwick was an English author who was best known for writing books that accompanied the TV series Upstairs, Downstairs.

As well as writing many Upstairs, Downstairs, Thomas & Sarah and The Duchess of Duke Street novels, she was also the creator of the Doran Fairweather novels and wrote three Juliet Bravo books. Hardwick also wrote many books and plays based around the Sherlock Holmes novels. She married fellow author Michael Hardwick in 1961.

Series:
* Upstairs Downstairs
* The Duchess of Duke Street
* Thomas and Sarah
* Juliet Bravo
* Doran Fairweather

Reviews

[Wendroz · Rating 2 out of 5]

Pretty boring

[Kaz · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was the worst book of the year so far. Horrible mismatched plot, no characterization, no way to follow and solve the mystery. It was incredibly boring, really poorly written and I do not recommend.

[Wendy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really wanted to like the books as I adore older writing. The books was so slow and jumped around so much I couldn't be a detective as it didn't make sense.

[Lila · Rating 4 out of 5]

Delightful references to Lewis Carroll in this antiques-focused mystery--even Sylvie and Bruno. Plot is a bit weak with obsessed collectors.

[Rebecca · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you are a nerd like me, you will enjoy this series, if not, you may get bogged down, as these are more of a historical/cozy/mystery than a thriller/suspense/mystery.

An interesting mystery series; female antique dealer marries a parson and solves mysteries. They are very erudite, peppered with interesting literary quotes and historical references.

The Bandersnatch refers to a figment of Lewis Carroll's probable opium-induced imagination. This whole book quotes tons of Carroll's "Alice in Wonderland" plus some of his other weird poems and stuff.

[Beth · Rating 2 out of 5]

I frankly thought I would enjoy it because I generally like English cozy type mysteries but I had a hard time with several parts. I slogged on through but I probably won't read any more of hers unless someone convinces me one is better.... Because of the tough winter we are having I am doing a LOT of reading... but no more like this I hope.