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Detective Murdoch #3
La carne e il sangue
È una tetra giornata di novembre, nella Toronto di fine Ottocento, e un agente di pattuglia è scomparso. Del giovane Wicken, impegnato nel suo giro di ronda notturna, non si hanno più notizie da alcune ore. È il detective Murdoch a trovarlo, morto, in una casa vuota. Il colpo sparato alla tempia con l’arma d’ordinanza, la postura del cadavere, il biglietto d’addio: ogni dettaglio racconta di un gesto estremo, dovuto a una delusione amorosa. Al coroner l’evidenza appare indiscutibile. Il defunto lascia la madre e la sorella invalida, e questo è tutto. Eppure vale la pena di scavare più a fondo, un po’ perché alla polizia non va giù il disonore di annoverare un suicida tra le proprie file, un po’ perché qualcosa non convince. In fin dei conti la vittima non sembrava tipo da abbandonare così i familiari al loro destino. E a William Murdoch, nonostante il mal di denti che lo affligge, il fiuto funziona ancora bene. Ne avrà bisogno per seguire la pista di un’indagine difficile che lo condurrà ai segreti di un manicomio femminile.
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260 pages, Paperback
First published February 1, 2001
92 people are currently reading
921 people want to read
About the author
Maureen Jennings
55 books383 followersMaureen Jennings, now a Canadian Citizen, was born on Eastfield Road in Birmingham, England and spent her formative years there until she emigrated to Canada at the age of seventeen with her mother.
This has meant that she still feels a deep connection with her homeland. It has also no doubt been a strong influence in her love for, and her writing about, the Victorian period. She attended the University of Windsor where she attained a BA in philosophy and psychology.
A couple of years trying to decide what she really wanted to do with her life resulted in her returning to university, the University of Toronto, this time where she earned an MA in English literature.For the next eight years, she taught English at Ryerson Polytechnical Institute at a time when the English department seemed to be chock full of writers. Eric Wright, went on to write the highly successful Charlie Salter mystery series, Graeme Gibson, Peter Such, and others were writing both novels and poetry. An exciting time in so many ways but after eight years, another change of direction and in 1972, Maureen left Ryerson to become a psychotherapist, which was a long time interest. She has continued in private practice since then, although nowadays she mostly conducts creative expression groups and writes. Always passionate about dogs, she is happy to own a border collie named Jeremy-Brett and a mixed breed named Varley.
Series:
* Detective Murdoch
* Christine Morris
* Detective Inspector Tom Tyler
This has meant that she still feels a deep connection with her homeland. It has also no doubt been a strong influence in her love for, and her writing about, the Victorian period. She attended the University of Windsor where she attained a BA in philosophy and psychology.
A couple of years trying to decide what she really wanted to do with her life resulted in her returning to university, the University of Toronto, this time where she earned an MA in English literature.For the next eight years, she taught English at Ryerson Polytechnical Institute at a time when the English department seemed to be chock full of writers. Eric Wright, went on to write the highly successful Charlie Salter mystery series, Graeme Gibson, Peter Such, and others were writing both novels and poetry. An exciting time in so many ways but after eight years, another change of direction and in 1972, Maureen left Ryerson to become a psychotherapist, which was a long time interest. She has continued in private practice since then, although nowadays she mostly conducts creative expression groups and writes. Always passionate about dogs, she is happy to own a border collie named Jeremy-Brett and a mixed breed named Varley.
Series:
* Detective Murdoch
* Christine Morris
* Detective Inspector Tom Tyler
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 135 reviews
May 4, 2023
7/10
Carolyn, Kerri, and I start Detective Murdoch together, from the first novel till this one, 4 stories in which we all agree Poor Tom Is Cold became our least favorite!
Initially, I believed this book was an improvement over "Except the Dying" (which is my favorite so far!). The plot was engaging, and William's personal life was explored in more depth. However, I feel that the mystery was lacking the expected twist, and the ending felt unsatisfying. Additionally, was a bit harsher than what I typically enjoy.
Overall this was good and I enjoyed it but I hope the next be better!
Shipwreck 8/10
Except the Dying 9/10
Under the Dragon's Tail 8.5/10
Poor Tom Is Cold 7/10
Let Loose the Dogs to-read
Carolyn, Kerri, and I start Detective Murdoch together, from the first novel till this one, 4 stories in which we all agree Poor Tom Is Cold became our least favorite!
Initially, I believed this book was an improvement over "Except the Dying" (which is my favorite so far!). The plot was engaging, and William's personal life was explored in more depth. However, I feel that the mystery was lacking the expected twist, and the ending felt unsatisfying. Additionally, was a bit harsher than what I typically enjoy.
Overall this was good and I enjoyed it but I hope the next be better!
Shipwreck 8/10
Except the Dying 9/10
Under the Dragon's Tail 8.5/10
Poor Tom Is Cold 7/10
Let Loose the Dogs to-read
October 26, 2022
Although I continue to enjoy this series, this one has been my least favourite so far - though to be clear, three stars still means I liked plenty of it!
It started strong, as they always seem to, and I thoroughly enjoyed both the set up for the mystery and the further time spent with William Murdoch. He remains a brilliant character, the strength of the series. Most of the highlights of the book for me were the more everyday glimpses into his life - a trip to the dentist was full of relatable nervous anticipation, and was also fun and provided an interesting insight into what was, for the time, cutting edge dentistry. His near giddy walk home had me chuckling.
His almost-courtship with a fellow lodger is well done, both his pursuit and the arguments they each wrestle with when considering why it might be a poor idea - mostly different religious beliefs, though a separate point she makes near the end of the book was a nice inclusion, one I am glad the author included.
As for the mystery side of things, it was fine but less captivating. Despite the strong start I never found it really took off, and when later we get a classic case of someone losing their head (figuratively speaking) rather than simply conveying the required information I found my patience wearing a little thin. Although my sympathy remained with this character, I did wonder why she reacted so oddly despite having spent so long in much more trying situations remaining fairly calm. It allowed for drama I suppose, and if the conclusion of the book had leapt off of that incident to something a bit... More, I would have forgiven it. As it was, the ending was merely OK, and the build up to it not engaging enough to make it fully work, for me at least.
What I do love about this series is that, as it has been a buddy read with Carolyn and Shirin, it provides plenty to talk about. Carolyn has seen the show, which seems easier to access in Canada (in New Zealand my best be seems to be a streaming service called Acorn, which I don't currently have, or second hand DVDs, which seem a more likely option) and I think the TV version sounds especially appealing, with more humour.
In terms of the books though, it's the next in the series that I have most been looking forward to reading. I hope that with more pages, and a greater focus on William's family, I will find that book a stand out!
It started strong, as they always seem to, and I thoroughly enjoyed both the set up for the mystery and the further time spent with William Murdoch. He remains a brilliant character, the strength of the series. Most of the highlights of the book for me were the more everyday glimpses into his life - a trip to the dentist was full of relatable nervous anticipation, and was also fun and provided an interesting insight into what was, for the time, cutting edge dentistry. His near giddy walk home had me chuckling.
His almost-courtship with a fellow lodger is well done, both his pursuit and the arguments they each wrestle with when considering why it might be a poor idea - mostly different religious beliefs, though a separate point she makes near the end of the book was a nice inclusion, one I am glad the author included.
As for the mystery side of things, it was fine but less captivating. Despite the strong start I never found it really took off, and when later we get a classic case of someone losing their head (figuratively speaking) rather than simply conveying the required information I found my patience wearing a little thin. Although my sympathy remained with this character, I did wonder why she reacted so oddly despite having spent so long in much more trying situations remaining fairly calm. It allowed for drama I suppose, and if the conclusion of the book had leapt off of that incident to something a bit... More, I would have forgiven it. As it was, the ending was merely OK, and the build up to it not engaging enough to make it fully work, for me at least.
What I do love about this series is that, as it has been a buddy read with Carolyn and Shirin, it provides plenty to talk about. Carolyn has seen the show, which seems easier to access in Canada (in New Zealand my best be seems to be a streaming service called Acorn, which I don't currently have, or second hand DVDs, which seem a more likely option) and I think the TV version sounds especially appealing, with more humour.
In terms of the books though, it's the next in the series that I have most been looking forward to reading. I hope that with more pages, and a greater focus on William's family, I will find that book a stand out!
August 28, 2022
“Murdoch Mysteries” has thrilled us since 2008. My parents loved it and I am now a fan who affectionately calls our hero William. Books are enjoyed best by acquainting them first, so I avoided the show until I finished the PDF intro and first two full novels. The show is daringly relatable and modern. I gave the first 3 stories 4 stars. This one garnered 3.
Dear friends Kerri, Shirin, & I agree: “Poor Tom Is Cold” is less interesting and its plotting sloppy. To correct a broad trope as my example, I asked my nurse friend if the stereotype about sedating an agitated patient is allowed. She confirmed that if there is no danger, treatments need patient or family approval.
William needed to interview a woman who was herself, desperate to see police. It was stupid that when he was there, she vented until she got removed by nurses. William uselessly sat there and did nothing to obtain her story. My friends & I are certain this woman was free to call on neighbours, police, and send out messages before and after being hospitalized. Mystery revelations are what cinch my grades. This grade flopped for amounting to nothing but jealousy and greed on a juvenile scale.
The bright spots of this novel came entirely from William’s private scenes: going to a 1900s dentist couple with trepidation and relief. Afterwards, astute advice came from his housemate. She did not think he was smitten with her but only latching onto their convenient proximity.
The television program maintained William’s childhood, made rough by alcoholism. Since my friends & I relish Maureen Jennings’ personal portrayals, we anticipate that mystery novel #4 will be a treat: the Murdoch family in Nova Scotia! It is a tome with ample length for an emotional reunion and mystery.
Dear friends Kerri, Shirin, & I agree: “Poor Tom Is Cold” is less interesting and its plotting sloppy. To correct a broad trope as my example, I asked my nurse friend if the stereotype about sedating an agitated patient is allowed. She confirmed that if there is no danger, treatments need patient or family approval.
William needed to interview a woman who was herself, desperate to see police. It was stupid that when he was there, she vented until she got removed by nurses. William uselessly sat there and did nothing to obtain her story. My friends & I are certain this woman was free to call on neighbours, police, and send out messages before and after being hospitalized. Mystery revelations are what cinch my grades. This grade flopped for amounting to nothing but jealousy and greed on a juvenile scale.
The bright spots of this novel came entirely from William’s private scenes: going to a 1900s dentist couple with trepidation and relief. Afterwards, astute advice came from his housemate. She did not think he was smitten with her but only latching onto their convenient proximity.
The television program maintained William’s childhood, made rough by alcoholism. Since my friends & I relish Maureen Jennings’ personal portrayals, we anticipate that mystery novel #4 will be a treat: the Murdoch family in Nova Scotia! It is a tome with ample length for an emotional reunion and mystery.
May 13, 2021
Pare io abbia un altro libro di Murdoch. Come ho detto precedentemente, per quanto rara la cosa, preferisco la serie tv ma se ho dei libri li leggo. Ho quasi finito la pila dei gialli normali quindi non so se ci sarà un altro Murdoch in mezzo. (I prossimi di Murdoch, e mentre mi accingo a leggere questo sto vedendo la S08, saranno ebook. Mi scoccia un po' avere edizioni diverse ma mi scoccia di più essere sempre a controllare il blog del GM in attesa che riescano).
La cosa che quando c'è un omicidio chiami il coroner e poi ci devono essere almeno 12 testimoni, pescati tra gli sfigati che abitano da quelle parti e passino per caso, rimarrà sempre strana. Uomini ovviamente ma dico sfigati perchè metti che un cadavere ti faccia schifo ma comunque stai passando per quella strada (o abiti li vicino) e vieni reclutato senza poter rifiutare. Può farti vomitare l'anima per lo schifo ma una volta reclutato devi pure sorbirti il coroner che ti parla di come è morto. Ma tra l'altro questa cosa, nonostante siano ancora sotto l'Inghilterra, solo in Canada. (La donna non avrà diritti, per la cronaca il suffragio per il voto alle donne in Canada sta iniziando con la S08 ed è diversa la serie tv, ma almeno non doveva testimoniare per i cadaveri). Invece preferirei Julia ma purtroppo è diverso dalla serie tv. Le donne come medico legale neanche a morire o pochissimo ma era nel volume #2. Comunque non un ruolo principale come vediamo invece nella serie tv.
La cosa che quando c'è un omicidio chiami il coroner e poi ci devono essere almeno 12 testimoni, pescati tra gli sfigati che abitano da quelle parti e passino per caso, rimarrà sempre strana. Uomini ovviamente ma dico sfigati perchè metti che un cadavere ti faccia schifo ma comunque stai passando per quella strada (o abiti li vicino) e vieni reclutato senza poter rifiutare. Può farti vomitare l'anima per lo schifo ma una volta reclutato devi pure sorbirti il coroner che ti parla di come è morto. Ma tra l'altro questa cosa, nonostante siano ancora sotto l'Inghilterra, solo in Canada. (La donna non avrà diritti, per la cronaca il suffragio per il voto alle donne in Canada sta iniziando con la S08 ed è diversa la serie tv, ma almeno non doveva testimoniare per i cadaveri). Invece preferirei Julia ma purtroppo è diverso dalla serie tv. Le donne come medico legale neanche a morire o pochissimo ma era nel volume #2. Comunque non un ruolo principale come vediamo invece nella serie tv.
December 1, 2010
This was a mystery within a mystery within a mystery. The kind of story that makes a great PBS Masterpiece Mystery. I'd read Maureen Jennings first 2 books in the series quite awhile ago in paperback. Then I couldn't find them anywhere and then most of them popped up as Kindle editions on Amazon so I've some catching up to do! Detective Murdoch's "sleuthing" seems more accidental than purposeful, but nevertheless these are great historical mysteries with plenty of great Victoriana and quirky but oddly likable characters.
July 17, 2016
Meh. The books get progressively worse and frankly I'm tired of my 2 Murdochs being so different. I'd much rather stick to the tv show, thank you very much, where at least there's truly something to like about him.
February 5, 2015
(Reading these slightly out of order as I'm limited by what the library has available--but if you've seen the show, you can fill in the missing character details, at least about Murdoch.)
Not as good as the first book in the series. There was far too much going on here to really have a tight, coherent narrative: the treatment of Chinese immigrants, the use of hysterectomies, the role of psychiatric institutions, a conniving family, a lying prostitute, long scenes about juries, and so much more. The characterization of Murdoch and Crabtree (and their professional relationship), though, was very well done. I really got a feel for both men. (All the other characters kind of blended together...)
Can anyone explain the title? I was looking for a reference in the book, but I might have missed it.
Not as good as the first book in the series. There was far too much going on here to really have a tight, coherent narrative: the treatment of Chinese immigrants, the use of hysterectomies, the role of psychiatric institutions, a conniving family, a lying prostitute, long scenes about juries, and so much more. The characterization of Murdoch and Crabtree (and their professional relationship), though, was very well done. I really got a feel for both men. (All the other characters kind of blended together...)
Can anyone explain the title? I was looking for a reference in the book, but I might have missed it.
July 10, 2018
1895. Toronto. CSI? Science to study a crime scene? No. A bunch of jokers pulled in to give their opinion about liars and cons. Ridiculous. Also there are a LOT of loose ends not tied up. Why tell me about a toothache for 50 pages when it has NOTHING to do with the story ultimately. I would give this a half a star out of 10. Almost a DNF, but had to see if the idiots saw all the clues that we did. No they did not.
June 21, 2017
This one concentrates a lot on mental illness rather than physical nillness as a background to the plot. The soltion to the mhstery is revealed rieght at the end, as hyou githe expect, but it isn't a convincing solution.
And what the hell does the title mean? Cold barely features and there's no-one called Tom even in it!
I may have to re-read it to see if I missed something.
And what the hell does the title mean? Cold barely features and there's no-one called Tom even in it!
I may have to re-read it to see if I missed something.
July 18, 2019
Over the last nine weeks I have read as many books by Maureen Jennings. I have read books from all four of her series, and this is the fifth Murdoch story I have read. I really love Jennings historical pieces and consider her a master of the craft of writing. But after having watched all the current season of the Murdoch Mysteries on television, Murdoch even in this different form holds a special place for me. There is something about the way Jennings wraps these mysteries in and around Toronto at the beginning of the twentieth century. This was the third Detective Murdoch novel, and it is great to settle in with Murdoch and the other characters of Station Number 4 for another intense tale.
There are many great elements in this story. It begins with Murdoch at the station early, because of a raging toothache. He offers to go looking for Constable Oliver Wicken is off his beat. The initial inquest suspects and confirms suicide. But that does not sit well with Murdoch, and soon there is new evidence. Brackenreid give’s Will permission to keep investigating. And the more he investigates the more circumspect of the original verdict he becomes.
In this story we have a house of ill repute, and specifically the matron and one of the girls. We have a dead officer. We have a woman in an asylum. And men dressing up nags to sell as prize horses. And we have a stepson, who is twisted to his core. There was a lot going on in this story, and those multiple threads do not seem to come together, but when Murdoch realizes what is happening and flips the quilt over, the image is as clear as day. But only after dealing with his aching tooth that clearly played a part in him taking so long to gather the pieces together.
This book deals with the ideas around suicide, women’s rights, The father control over families, and even dental care. Looking back at some of these in historical perspective is very useful for us today. It was a book that was hard to put down.
I love the historical mysteries Jennings has written, and of the three series set in the past I love Murdoch, and this is one of the best of the Murdoch books I have read. A great story, wonderfully written. And it leaves me desperate for the next Detective Murdoch story!
Read the review on my blog Book Reviews and More and reviews of other books by Maureen Jennings.
There are many great elements in this story. It begins with Murdoch at the station early, because of a raging toothache. He offers to go looking for Constable Oliver Wicken is off his beat. The initial inquest suspects and confirms suicide. But that does not sit well with Murdoch, and soon there is new evidence. Brackenreid give’s Will permission to keep investigating. And the more he investigates the more circumspect of the original verdict he becomes.
In this story we have a house of ill repute, and specifically the matron and one of the girls. We have a dead officer. We have a woman in an asylum. And men dressing up nags to sell as prize horses. And we have a stepson, who is twisted to his core. There was a lot going on in this story, and those multiple threads do not seem to come together, but when Murdoch realizes what is happening and flips the quilt over, the image is as clear as day. But only after dealing with his aching tooth that clearly played a part in him taking so long to gather the pieces together.
This book deals with the ideas around suicide, women’s rights, The father control over families, and even dental care. Looking back at some of these in historical perspective is very useful for us today. It was a book that was hard to put down.
I love the historical mysteries Jennings has written, and of the three series set in the past I love Murdoch, and this is one of the best of the Murdoch books I have read. A great story, wonderfully written. And it leaves me desperate for the next Detective Murdoch story!
Read the review on my blog Book Reviews and More and reviews of other books by Maureen Jennings.
September 30, 2018
I enjoyed this although the ending let it down a bit as it finished remarkably abruptly. The theme of suicide at this historical point is interestingly dealt with and the multiple strands of the novel only come together in the last handful of pages. I certainly didn't see where it was going, although there are enough hints that it is intuitive enough that the twists and turns made sense even as you wonder where its going next. An additional final chapter would have left this feeling more complete, whereas that is really my only complaint - whilst the mystery is resolved, the novel doesn't feel like it finishes; instead it just stops.
May 30, 2023
The short description of the book is pretty enough to get the plot;
except it may add the starting point: one of Murdoch's colleagues at station 4, a constable, is found dead in one of those empty houses he must check on his beat, apparently a suicide - or so the jury summoned by the coroner decided anyway.
Well, Murdoch finds things not consistent with this suicide verdict, and of course things evolve into him finding the killer.
And, yet again, I don't understand the meaning of the title - I couldn't find anything related to any Tom that was cold :D
except it may add the starting point: one of Murdoch's colleagues at station 4, a constable, is found dead in one of those empty houses he must check on his beat, apparently a suicide - or so the jury summoned by the coroner decided anyway.
Well, Murdoch finds things not consistent with this suicide verdict, and of course things evolve into him finding the killer.
And, yet again, I don't understand the meaning of the title - I couldn't find anything related to any Tom that was cold :D
August 6, 2022
I really liked this one. It was interesting and pretty funny. The intrigue maybe was a bit dragged and didn't seem very good but the ending was better than I thought. Murdoch had quite a character, more than in the series. I'm curious about the other parts of his adventures.
August 9, 2022
Each time I read a Murdoch book, I am surprised at how different he is from the TV version. Still very enjoyable though. The setting is nicely described and the book was surprisingly funny. The plot was good, though the "riddle" part of it was way too simple and easily resolved, without much denounement. This is my biggest gripe with the book, apart from that, a very good read.
September 23, 2019
Good series and better than the TV series, altho I like it too.
January 13, 2020
So wonderfully gripping and gruesome that I had to put it down or forfeit sleep.
Anyone who is aware of the treatment of inmates in turn-of-the-century asylums will understand why. Ms Jennings' characters are so three-dimensionally crafted, that they tend to live in your head even while you are not reading.
Anyone who is aware of the treatment of inmates in turn-of-the-century asylums will understand why. Ms Jennings' characters are so three-dimensionally crafted, that they tend to live in your head even while you are not reading.
September 16, 2023
I was glad to read a Murdoch Mystery, but I think the TV show is better!
December 28, 2023
Review to come.
Read
August 26, 2023Solid murder mystery timepiece - does the show justice tbf
October 13, 2018
I am a big fan of the TV series of the Murdoch Mysteries and so while visiting Toronto on business I was happy to find this one in a bookstore there. As luck would have it, the hotel I was staying in was just at the corner of the area covered by Murdoch's police station and I had walked some of the streets described in the book, just a 125 years later.
Of course, the usual problem of reading a book after seeing a movie, or especially a long running TV series, is the mental picture of the actors versus the descriptions of the author but I'm happy to say they were not too far apart. All in all the story was good and it all came satisfyingly together at the end. I'm certainly going to look for another one in this series.
Of course, the usual problem of reading a book after seeing a movie, or especially a long running TV series, is the mental picture of the actors versus the descriptions of the author but I'm happy to say they were not too far apart. All in all the story was good and it all came satisfyingly together at the end. I'm certainly going to look for another one in this series.
April 10, 2009
My first Maureen Jennings novel and I really enjoyed it.
From back cover:
"Maureen Jenning's first two novels, Except the Dying and Under the Dragon's Tail, impressed readers and reviewers alike with their vivid portrayal of Toronto at the turn of the twentieth century.
In this third adventure featuring the amiable detective William Murdoch, he becomes involved with the apparent suicide of Constable Oliver Wicken - a man who was the sole support of his mother and invalid sister. The evidence, according to the coroner, is irrefutable. Wicken was shot in the temple with his own revolver and a farewell note has been found beside his body. When new and disturbing evidence is brought to light, however, Detective Murdoch is asked to investigate further. His inquiries take him far afield and he begins to suspect the suicide was not what it seemed.
Whether describing a tooth extraction, the unquestioning prejudice toward the few Chinese immigrants in the city, or the well-intentioned, but bizarre, treatment of the mentally ill, Manureen Jennings once again brings the period vividly to life."
From back cover:
"Maureen Jenning's first two novels, Except the Dying and Under the Dragon's Tail, impressed readers and reviewers alike with their vivid portrayal of Toronto at the turn of the twentieth century.
In this third adventure featuring the amiable detective William Murdoch, he becomes involved with the apparent suicide of Constable Oliver Wicken - a man who was the sole support of his mother and invalid sister. The evidence, according to the coroner, is irrefutable. Wicken was shot in the temple with his own revolver and a farewell note has been found beside his body. When new and disturbing evidence is brought to light, however, Detective Murdoch is asked to investigate further. His inquiries take him far afield and he begins to suspect the suicide was not what it seemed.
Whether describing a tooth extraction, the unquestioning prejudice toward the few Chinese immigrants in the city, or the well-intentioned, but bizarre, treatment of the mentally ill, Manureen Jennings once again brings the period vividly to life."
May 5, 2016
I've seen the Murdoch series on TV, so I wanted to give the source a try. I like Jennings's style. She has a good, rolling prose and it was quick to read, and she also has very good period detail and gives you facts and asides that are interesting and help the story. I knew all about Waterloo teeth, and her descriptions of mental asylums are grim and to the point. This isn't the TV Murdoch, and despite that, the story is gripping and always kept my interest, with well-developed, exciting characters. If I have one major criticism, it is that Murdoch is more an observer than participant, and it seems the novel is really about Peg. I think there should have been much more Murdoch, and more backstory on the murdered constable. Also, the ending was very abrupt, and Murdoch, as another reviewer put it, stumbled onto the resolution instead of really solving it. There could have been a better wrap up. I wanted to see Janet and Peg happy, and maybe Murdoch a little happier, too. But it was a good mystery and I really couldn't put the last fifty pages down (which kept me from writing!). I got my money's worth.
January 31, 2013
To start, a confession: I only discovered Murdoch through the television show, and am now starting in on the books (of which I mistakenly thought this was the first). As such, that's my frame of reference going into this.
The book was very different from the show I've grown to love - some characters are missing, others are very different, and the tonality of the entire story is completely different. Enough that it feels like a completely disconnected story from the Murdoch Mysteries television show.
And yet, I loved it in its own quirky way. The depiction of 1890s Toronto is gritty, without becoming anachronistically noir, and Jennings puts an amazing amount of detail into understanding the social structure and mentality of characters of the time period, without making it obvious or pointing out the differences.
The mystery itself - why a member of the Toronto constabulary would commit suicide during his shift, in an abandoned house - it's well told, and actually is a 'mystery', rather than a thriller that you're able to see coming from a mile away, which is nice.
The book was very different from the show I've grown to love - some characters are missing, others are very different, and the tonality of the entire story is completely different. Enough that it feels like a completely disconnected story from the Murdoch Mysteries television show.
And yet, I loved it in its own quirky way. The depiction of 1890s Toronto is gritty, without becoming anachronistically noir, and Jennings puts an amazing amount of detail into understanding the social structure and mentality of characters of the time period, without making it obvious or pointing out the differences.
The mystery itself - why a member of the Toronto constabulary would commit suicide during his shift, in an abandoned house - it's well told, and actually is a 'mystery', rather than a thriller that you're able to see coming from a mile away, which is nice.
August 1, 2016
The title comes from Shakespeare's "King Lear," and, as you might expect there is the death of a young police constable that is initially thought to be a suicide. The book mostly deals with an extremely dysfunctional family composed of a father, his son and daughter, a step-son, and father's third wife (younger than his daughter). Murdoch is dealing with a bad tooth and is dreading going to a dentist, is attracted to a young widow and her son who are boarding in the same house, and gathering evidence to determine whether the constable's death is suicide or murder.
This is a really good mystery, and it wasn't until the very end that I was able to determine what really happened to the young constable. I'm also enjoying how Ms. Jennings conveys us back into the late 1800s with the mannerisms, culture, and words used then.
This is a really good mystery, and it wasn't until the very end that I was able to determine what really happened to the young constable. I'm also enjoying how Ms. Jennings conveys us back into the late 1800s with the mannerisms, culture, and words used then.
January 2, 2014
Although I didn't find this novel as fast paced as the first two I read, I still enjoyed it. I love how Jennings does not gloss over awful and unfair things were in Victorian Toronto and for this reason I will continue to recommend her books.
April 28, 2014
This series improves with each book. I would have liked the wrap up to include what happened to Peg though. Murdoch is unfortunately still rather unlucky in love.
August 15, 2014
I wanted to give this a higher rating. I quite enjoyed it until the end. It seems to me, the whole thing wraps up very quickly. It was not a satisfying ending but it was still an enjoyable read.
July 19, 2015
Love the Murdoch Mysteries series!
January 19, 2018
Not really a who done it so much as will all these strands come together in time for Murdoch to keep anything worse from happening.
October 9, 2020
Acting Detective William Mudoch finds himself looking into a case involving the death of one the constables he works with when he finds the young man dead in an abandoned building. All evidence points to the fact that the constable committed suicide, but those who know him best don't believe that can be the case. Constable Owen Wicken was known to be upbeat, focused on his job, and he felt a responsibilty for his widowed mother and severely ill sister.
Murdoch decides to dig deeper by interviewing all the residents and business ownersin the area and finds the case drawing him more in more into the drama surounding a family with a wealthy and sickly older man, step children fighting over en eventual inheritance, and a new stepmother who is younger and seemingly struggling with mental illness. The result is a sad and dark story that will lead Murdoch to not only the truth about Wicken, but even further crimes.
As the case progresses, Murdoch is also dealing with a dental problem, which comes not only with pain, but the fear of having to get the services of a dentist. Apparently, this was something that came with a lot more concern at that time than what we confront today.
Jennings does a great job of building up an interesting set of characters for cases in each of her novels. Besides the ongoig presence of Murdoch, Breckenreide and Crabtree, the witnesses, victims, and suspects are all fairly unique and interesting. The more I read the books, I miss the fact that Mr. and Mrs. Kitchen are not as involved with the television show that I love so much. Murdoch's involvement with them is so endearing.
Murdoch decides to dig deeper by interviewing all the residents and business ownersin the area and finds the case drawing him more in more into the drama surounding a family with a wealthy and sickly older man, step children fighting over en eventual inheritance, and a new stepmother who is younger and seemingly struggling with mental illness. The result is a sad and dark story that will lead Murdoch to not only the truth about Wicken, but even further crimes.
As the case progresses, Murdoch is also dealing with a dental problem, which comes not only with pain, but the fear of having to get the services of a dentist. Apparently, this was something that came with a lot more concern at that time than what we confront today.
Jennings does a great job of building up an interesting set of characters for cases in each of her novels. Besides the ongoig presence of Murdoch, Breckenreide and Crabtree, the witnesses, victims, and suspects are all fairly unique and interesting. The more I read the books, I miss the fact that Mr. and Mrs. Kitchen are not as involved with the television show that I love so much. Murdoch's involvement with them is so endearing.
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