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Fest
At the start of the Mold-on-Wold literary festival, eminent critic Bryce Peabody is found dead in his hotel bed. Natural causes – or something more sinister, involving one of the writers he has insulted in print? Or is there a more personal reason? Bryce’s private life has never been simple, and at least two of his exes are also up in Mold on this summer weekend.
Unable to help himself, crime writer Francis Meadowes soon finds himself being drawn into a role he knows only from fiction, that of amateur sleuth …
Fest is a murder mystery set at a literary festival in the UK, where writers of all kinds have gathered to talk about their lives, careers and books over a weekend in the English countryside: this novel is both a wry look at the contemporary British literary scene and a gripping whodunnit that will keep you guessing till the very end.
Unable to help himself, crime writer Francis Meadowes soon finds himself being drawn into a role he knows only from fiction, that of amateur sleuth …
Fest is a murder mystery set at a literary festival in the UK, where writers of all kinds have gathered to talk about their lives, careers and books over a weekend in the English countryside: this novel is both a wry look at the contemporary British literary scene and a gripping whodunnit that will keep you guessing till the very end.
- GenresMystery
300 pages, Paperback
First published June 13, 2014
3 people are currently reading
18 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
February 8, 2015
Read all my reviews on http://urlphantomhive.booklikes.com
After reading this I can conclude once again that I'm not a fan of cosy mysteries. The amateur sleuth is not really my cup of tea. It's all a bit too convenient to me.
When a famous literary critique is murdered at a literary festival, a mildly successful crime writer decides to solve the crime by harassing people and asking them questions which for some reason, they all answer. Suspects enough, but who did it?
I don't know what to think of this novel. Like I stated, I'm not a fan of cosy mysteries. This one turned out not to be any different. After a good start (before the murder took place) the story became quite boring fast and became more and more unbelievable. The main character interviews everyone and no one seems to be able to resist his charm as they all answer all of his questions. Some manage to first state some concern as to why he's asking these questions, others don't, but in the end they provide all the answers.
Convenience is yet another thing. Everything in this novel seemed so convenient to me. Like it was all to easy. The eventual solution was far-fetched and presented in classical style: bringing everyone together in the same room and spreading to solution out over 30 pages.
Unfortunately, I wasn't impressed with the story, a little bored even. It disappointed me a bit...
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
After reading this I can conclude once again that I'm not a fan of cosy mysteries. The amateur sleuth is not really my cup of tea. It's all a bit too convenient to me.
When a famous literary critique is murdered at a literary festival, a mildly successful crime writer decides to solve the crime by harassing people and asking them questions which for some reason, they all answer. Suspects enough, but who did it?
I don't know what to think of this novel. Like I stated, I'm not a fan of cosy mysteries. This one turned out not to be any different. After a good start (before the murder took place) the story became quite boring fast and became more and more unbelievable. The main character interviews everyone and no one seems to be able to resist his charm as they all answer all of his questions. Some manage to first state some concern as to why he's asking these questions, others don't, but in the end they provide all the answers.
Convenience is yet another thing. Everything in this novel seemed so convenient to me. Like it was all to easy. The eventual solution was far-fetched and presented in classical style: bringing everyone together in the same room and spreading to solution out over 30 pages.
Unfortunately, I wasn't impressed with the story, a little bored even. It disappointed me a bit...
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
August 19, 2014
If you have read any other reviews of Fest you don't need another re-cap of the story outline other than the barest bones: murder at Brit lit festival, who did it?
This captures the feel of a lot of peculiarly English affairs - sleepy summer," let's not make a song and dance out of this but let's get it right" and all wrapped up in a process story. I enjoyed Fest right from the get-go and was particularly engaged by the tone of the writing. There is an undercurrent of somewhat affectionate teasing for the participants in affairs of this nature mixed with a slight snarkiness - which may not appeal to US readers but definitely does to anyone who appreciates the English sense of humor. The writing is understated and has a quiet tongue-in-cheek charm which carries the reader along very handily. I liked the various red herrings that were thrown in the water and was glad that the denouement wasn't telegraphed until close to the end. There was an air of homage to Agatha Christie and Colin Dexter which was very appealing even though the author maintained his own voice throughout. Mr. McCrum also managed to insert some genuine humor into the story - a deft move.
This book certainly kept me up reading it when I should have been doing other things - no small feat.
This captures the feel of a lot of peculiarly English affairs - sleepy summer," let's not make a song and dance out of this but let's get it right" and all wrapped up in a process story. I enjoyed Fest right from the get-go and was particularly engaged by the tone of the writing. There is an undercurrent of somewhat affectionate teasing for the participants in affairs of this nature mixed with a slight snarkiness - which may not appeal to US readers but definitely does to anyone who appreciates the English sense of humor. The writing is understated and has a quiet tongue-in-cheek charm which carries the reader along very handily. I liked the various red herrings that were thrown in the water and was glad that the denouement wasn't telegraphed until close to the end. There was an air of homage to Agatha Christie and Colin Dexter which was very appealing even though the author maintained his own voice throughout. Mr. McCrum also managed to insert some genuine humor into the story - a deft move.
This book certainly kept me up reading it when I should have been doing other things - no small feat.
June 5, 2017
Quite fun and definitely for anyone who thinks the whole literary festival scene combines the worst aspects of literary snobbery and desperation. Light as air with a cruel streak.
did-not-finish
July 6, 2020This is so boring lol
July 22, 2014
I’ve never been one to find the mechanics of murder mysteries very interesting, and I’m a very bad guesser so as you can guess I’m not a big fan of whodunits. I however did at least like it, I wasn’t impressed but I enjoyed the setting and the reason behind the murder enough to be glad that I read it.
Fest takes place at an annual fair of writers where drugs and other literary devices are in constant use. As indie authors, renowned authors, and literary critics all cultivate to celebrate novels and bad reviews. This years has a particularly bad review, later that reviewer ends up dead. A mystery writer takes it upon himself to find out who killed this man who was rooming right next to him, because he was the second one on the scene after listening to the reviewers girlfriends scream for help. As he follows the leads of the case more suspects come into play and many aren’t dropped until the end. Now the only question is Whodunit?
I like the writer culture that the novel describes, it’s something that you hardly ever witness being discussed in books, or if they are being discussed it’s just a briefing, this submerges you in that world of Editors, Authors, Critics and such. It’s interesting and a big turn on to anyone who is interested in writing, because this may soon be your world.
This is a hard book to get into, it take a few pages to get into it, if I have to use the bathroom and come back to reading it takes a while to force myself back into the story. I think this is on account of the dull voice of the story, not quite boring but it’s not exciting you have to fight for your own interest it’s not given to you. However, the voice of the story is also steady and reeling with insights, giving the book its backbone, matching the pace and storyline perfectly.
I’m use to reading American literature, and had no problems with reading this book, which is set in the UK, so when you see where this is set my fellow Americans, let it be known that the accents are easy going and the setting of the story will not hinder your ability to read it. I know that that is a concern of mine when reading books set in other countries.
Fest gives you really good and juicy leads for whoever did it, it chases after literally every person that you can think of and gives evidence supporting that almost anyone could have done it. I liked that about this it was suspenseful up until the end. Especially with all of the revelations that the book concocts, for paternity, love affairs, and last but not least the grim reminder that hell hath no fury like a woman’s scorn.
Copy from Netgalley, and a 3 and a half star rating.
Fest takes place at an annual fair of writers where drugs and other literary devices are in constant use. As indie authors, renowned authors, and literary critics all cultivate to celebrate novels and bad reviews. This years has a particularly bad review, later that reviewer ends up dead. A mystery writer takes it upon himself to find out who killed this man who was rooming right next to him, because he was the second one on the scene after listening to the reviewers girlfriends scream for help. As he follows the leads of the case more suspects come into play and many aren’t dropped until the end. Now the only question is Whodunit?
I like the writer culture that the novel describes, it’s something that you hardly ever witness being discussed in books, or if they are being discussed it’s just a briefing, this submerges you in that world of Editors, Authors, Critics and such. It’s interesting and a big turn on to anyone who is interested in writing, because this may soon be your world.
This is a hard book to get into, it take a few pages to get into it, if I have to use the bathroom and come back to reading it takes a while to force myself back into the story. I think this is on account of the dull voice of the story, not quite boring but it’s not exciting you have to fight for your own interest it’s not given to you. However, the voice of the story is also steady and reeling with insights, giving the book its backbone, matching the pace and storyline perfectly.
I’m use to reading American literature, and had no problems with reading this book, which is set in the UK, so when you see where this is set my fellow Americans, let it be known that the accents are easy going and the setting of the story will not hinder your ability to read it. I know that that is a concern of mine when reading books set in other countries.
Fest gives you really good and juicy leads for whoever did it, it chases after literally every person that you can think of and gives evidence supporting that almost anyone could have done it. I liked that about this it was suspenseful up until the end. Especially with all of the revelations that the book concocts, for paternity, love affairs, and last but not least the grim reminder that hell hath no fury like a woman’s scorn.
Copy from Netgalley, and a 3 and a half star rating.
July 31, 2014
I received an ARC from the Publisher and NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
The story centers around the annual Mold-on-Wold literary festival. Everyone seems to be having a wonderful time until the body of Bryce Peabody, a literary critic, is found. Francis Meadows, a writer of mysteries decides to investigate this murder. As you are reading you find yourself following the path he takes during his investigation.
You have many possible characters presented to you who might have committed the crime and you, as the reader, are left guessing right to the very end of the story as to the identity of the murderer.
Though this is a decent read, I will admit to having had difficulties staying interested and engaged. There was a lack of excitement throughout the story and probably why I struggled to finish reading.
The story centers around the annual Mold-on-Wold literary festival. Everyone seems to be having a wonderful time until the body of Bryce Peabody, a literary critic, is found. Francis Meadows, a writer of mysteries decides to investigate this murder. As you are reading you find yourself following the path he takes during his investigation.
You have many possible characters presented to you who might have committed the crime and you, as the reader, are left guessing right to the very end of the story as to the identity of the murderer.
Though this is a decent read, I will admit to having had difficulties staying interested and engaged. There was a lack of excitement throughout the story and probably why I struggled to finish reading.
July 8, 2014
The annual Mold-on-Wold literary festival is here, and anyone who’s anyone in the literary world will be there. Attending the festival is critic Bryce Peabody, a man who has shredded a few writers hopes and dreams throughout the years. When he is found dead in his hotel room, rumors go flying. Was it natural causes or something more cynical? Did one of the authors he ripped apart finally decide to take matters into their own hands? Or did one of Bryce’s exes decide to take care of it themselves? Francis Meadows, an author who specializes in crime novels, decides to emulate his fictional hero and solve this crime himself.
I was really entertained getting a closer look at the hard, cold world of the publishing industry. I look forward to reading more from McCrum in the future.
I was really entertained getting a closer look at the hard, cold world of the publishing industry. I look forward to reading more from McCrum in the future.
July 9, 2014
Fest
An entertaining mystery about a literary festival where authors and critics gather to give talks about their books or their genre, etc.
When a famous (and often brutally cruel) critic is murdered, Francis Meadows, a crime writer, can't help but begin his own investigation.
A nice light read that provides an interesting look at the literary scene and an engaging writer/sleuth playing amateur detective.
Who killed the critic who killed so many careers? And who killed the young woman who had been filming and interviewing some of the people who knew him?
A cozy with a little spice. Forget the cover pic. Poor choice.
NetGalley/Prospero Press
Mystery. July 2014. 279 pages.
An entertaining mystery about a literary festival where authors and critics gather to give talks about their books or their genre, etc.
When a famous (and often brutally cruel) critic is murdered, Francis Meadows, a crime writer, can't help but begin his own investigation.
A nice light read that provides an interesting look at the literary scene and an engaging writer/sleuth playing amateur detective.
Who killed the critic who killed so many careers? And who killed the young woman who had been filming and interviewing some of the people who knew him?
A cozy with a little spice. Forget the cover pic. Poor choice.
NetGalley/Prospero Press
Mystery. July 2014. 279 pages.
March 6, 2016
Everyone so willing to talk candidly to this small time writer with 20 in his tent. Nope. Too easy. Two dimensional.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews