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Innocent Victims: Two Novellas
CHICKENFEED is a cracking tale based on the true story pf the “chicken farm murder” in East Sussex in 1924. Although Norman Thorne never confessed to killing his girlfriend, he was tried and hanged for the crime. Walters’s fictionalized account of their relationship is told from the points of view of Elsie and Norman, from their first meeting until the eve of Norman’s trial for murder four years later. Burrowing deep into an English legend, Walter creates a suspenseful tale of fiction based on fact, leaving it to the reader to decide whether Norman was guilty of the awful crime.
In THE TINDERBOX, Walters tells the story of Patrick O’Riordan, who has been arrested for the brutal murder of two women. As shock turns to fury, the village residents unite against the O’Riordan family while neighbour Siobhan Lavenham remains convinced that Patrick is innocent. Jeopardizing her own position within the bigoted community, Siobhan stands firmly in denfense of the O’Riordan name.
Yet when terrible secrets about the O’Riordans are revealed, Siobham is forced to ask herself if Patrick truly is capable of murder. And if so, what other lies have been hidden by the O’Riordans? As the truth unravels, it becomes clear that beneath a cunning facade, someone’s chilling ambition is about to ignite.
In THE TINDERBOX, Walters tells the story of Patrick O’Riordan, who has been arrested for the brutal murder of two women. As shock turns to fury, the village residents unite against the O’Riordan family while neighbour Siobhan Lavenham remains convinced that Patrick is innocent. Jeopardizing her own position within the bigoted community, Siobhan stands firmly in denfense of the O’Riordan name.
Yet when terrible secrets about the O’Riordans are revealed, Siobham is forced to ask herself if Patrick truly is capable of murder. And if so, what other lies have been hidden by the O’Riordans? As the truth unravels, it becomes clear that beneath a cunning facade, someone’s chilling ambition is about to ignite.
5 pages, Audible Audio
First published June 5, 2012
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About the author
Minette Walters
69 books1,453 followersMinette Walters (born 26 September 1949) is a British mystery writer. After studying at Trevelyan College, University of Durham, she began writing in 1987 with The Ice House, which was published in 1992. She followed this with The Sculptress (1993), which received the 1994 Edgar Award for Best Novel. She has been published in 35 countries and won many awards.
The Sculptress has been adapted for television in a BBC series starring Pauline Quirke. Her novels The Ice House, The Echo, The Dark Room, and The Scold's Bridle have also been adapted by the BBC.
The Sculptress has been adapted for television in a BBC series starring Pauline Quirke. Her novels The Ice House, The Echo, The Dark Room, and The Scold's Bridle have also been adapted by the BBC.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
June 20, 2016
I've never read a book by Minette Walters before now but what a pleasant surprise to discover this first rate author of gothic suspense. Good old-fashioned, can't put it down fun with excellent character development as well. I'm certainly looking forward to reading more of her books in the future.
October 31, 2014
This is brilliant: two high-interest crime novellas, written by one of my favorites in the field for her ability to twist the spaghetti, and, they're written to be accessible to adults only just becoming literate or fluent in English. There's no feeling that Walters has "written down" to her audience. The stories are complex and engrossing and if I didn't know going in that they were commissioned for a specific reason, I never would have guessed. The prose itself is straightforward and so functional as to be almost invisible, like the best kind of reporting. Highly recommended to reluctant adult readers, to people who think they don't like crime stories, and also a good introduction to Walters' work in particular. A good choice for anyone who really liked Gone Girl and is wanting something like that.
Library copy
Library copy
November 5, 2018
'Innocent Victims' contains two chilling novellas about seemingly normal people who are driven to commit the most heinous crimes imaginable.
The first tale, 'Chickenfeed' is based on the true story of the "chicken farm murder" that took place in east Sussex in 1924 and its main protagonists are Norman Thorne, aged 18, and Elsie Cameron, aged 22, who both lived in Kensal Rise, north London.
Norman worked at the Fiat factory and Elsie was a typist in the City and the pair met at their local Methodist Chapel. At first Norman was not too keen on Elsie but gradually they became friends. a relationship that Elsie wanted to progress but Norman was not too keen. However, when Norman lost his job at Fiat, Elsie's compassionate nature persuaded Norman that perhaps she was not too bad as a girlfriend.
Out of work and unsure what to do, Norman borrowed £100 from his father, who wanted him to sever his relationship with Elsie and thought a move to the country would achieve that end, and set off for east Sussex where he bought a plot of land and set up, without any prior knowledge, a chicken farm. His living conditions were very primitive but even so Elsie wanted to visit him. He eventually agreed and their relationship became more serious.
Elsie commuted at weekends to spend time with Norman but in due course Norman tired of the relationship, especially when he met a girl his own age, Bessie Coldicott. They began a close relationship so Norman told Elsie that their friendship was over but Elsie would not accept it. Rows follow and eventually the consequences were tragic as Elsie disappeared.
The police investigated her disappearance and, when a body is discovered, Norman is charged with murder. But was it a case of murder? The reader is left to decided for him/herself.
The second tale, 'The Tinder Box', is of Patrick O'Riordan who was charged with killing two women. The residents of Sowerbridge united against the O'Riordan family and local prejudices were rife. But amongst it all local resident Siobhan Lavenham was convinced that Patrick was innocent and not unnaturally this set her against the other locals.
A series of events seemed to possibly point the finger at other suspects and the local police have their work cut out investigating as nobody seemed to want to tell the truth or the whole story. So did Patrick O'Riordhan commit the murder or did he not ... who knows?
'Chickenfeed' is undoubtedly the better of the two stories, being more interesting and easier to empathise with the characters while 'The Tinder Box' is more of a rambling tale and more difficult to come to terms with the numerous characters therein. 'Chickenfeed', four stars, 'The Tinder Box', two stars, thus three stars overall!
The first tale, 'Chickenfeed' is based on the true story of the "chicken farm murder" that took place in east Sussex in 1924 and its main protagonists are Norman Thorne, aged 18, and Elsie Cameron, aged 22, who both lived in Kensal Rise, north London.
Norman worked at the Fiat factory and Elsie was a typist in the City and the pair met at their local Methodist Chapel. At first Norman was not too keen on Elsie but gradually they became friends. a relationship that Elsie wanted to progress but Norman was not too keen. However, when Norman lost his job at Fiat, Elsie's compassionate nature persuaded Norman that perhaps she was not too bad as a girlfriend.
Out of work and unsure what to do, Norman borrowed £100 from his father, who wanted him to sever his relationship with Elsie and thought a move to the country would achieve that end, and set off for east Sussex where he bought a plot of land and set up, without any prior knowledge, a chicken farm. His living conditions were very primitive but even so Elsie wanted to visit him. He eventually agreed and their relationship became more serious.
Elsie commuted at weekends to spend time with Norman but in due course Norman tired of the relationship, especially when he met a girl his own age, Bessie Coldicott. They began a close relationship so Norman told Elsie that their friendship was over but Elsie would not accept it. Rows follow and eventually the consequences were tragic as Elsie disappeared.
The police investigated her disappearance and, when a body is discovered, Norman is charged with murder. But was it a case of murder? The reader is left to decided for him/herself.
The second tale, 'The Tinder Box', is of Patrick O'Riordan who was charged with killing two women. The residents of Sowerbridge united against the O'Riordan family and local prejudices were rife. But amongst it all local resident Siobhan Lavenham was convinced that Patrick was innocent and not unnaturally this set her against the other locals.
A series of events seemed to possibly point the finger at other suspects and the local police have their work cut out investigating as nobody seemed to want to tell the truth or the whole story. So did Patrick O'Riordhan commit the murder or did he not ... who knows?
'Chickenfeed' is undoubtedly the better of the two stories, being more interesting and easier to empathise with the characters while 'The Tinder Box' is more of a rambling tale and more difficult to come to terms with the numerous characters therein. 'Chickenfeed', four stars, 'The Tinder Box', two stars, thus three stars overall!
January 13, 2021
I like Minette Walters' long fiction, but these two novellas based on two actual murder cases, one from the 1920's and one from 1999 are not up to her usual standards. There is generally something macabre about her stories that is lacking from these two tales. In my opinion they lack sparkle.
November 3, 2015
Two very readable novellas, one good and one okay.
The okay one is Chickenfeed (2006), originally published as part of a scheme to promote reading skills among those who lacked them by presenting sophisticated ideas in simple language. (Gotta confess, I didn't notice the language as being much simpler than the normal.) It's a fictionalized account of a classic murder case: nicely done, but that's about as much as one can say.
The other and far more interesting novella is The Tinder Box (1999), written for a roughly similar Dutch scheme. In a smug little chichi village in the English Southeast the O'Riordan family stick out a mile, especially with all the rusty, decrepit cars filling up the yard. When the family scion, Patrick, is arrested for the brutal murder of two old ladies, it's time for the hate crew to begin their campaign of persecution against the other O'Riordans -- and even the well heeled local businesswoman Siobhan Lavenham, not so much because she questions Patrick's guilt (although she does) but because she too is Irish. The whole novella manages to square up to the kind of everyday bigotry we tend not to notice while at the same time turning the tables effectively on our preconceptions.
This collection isn't one of Walters's stronger works -- not even close -- but it's still very readable and, in the case of the latter novella, full of Walters's trademark richness of characterization (she manages to make one character among the strongest in the tale despite that character never appearing onstage!) and overall quite thought-provoking.
The okay one is Chickenfeed (2006), originally published as part of a scheme to promote reading skills among those who lacked them by presenting sophisticated ideas in simple language. (Gotta confess, I didn't notice the language as being much simpler than the normal.) It's a fictionalized account of a classic murder case: nicely done, but that's about as much as one can say.
The other and far more interesting novella is The Tinder Box (1999), written for a roughly similar Dutch scheme. In a smug little chichi village in the English Southeast the O'Riordan family stick out a mile, especially with all the rusty, decrepit cars filling up the yard. When the family scion, Patrick, is arrested for the brutal murder of two old ladies, it's time for the hate crew to begin their campaign of persecution against the other O'Riordans -- and even the well heeled local businesswoman Siobhan Lavenham, not so much because she questions Patrick's guilt (although she does) but because she too is Irish. The whole novella manages to square up to the kind of everyday bigotry we tend not to notice while at the same time turning the tables effectively on our preconceptions.
This collection isn't one of Walters's stronger works -- not even close -- but it's still very readable and, in the case of the latter novella, full of Walters's trademark richness of characterization (she manages to make one character among the strongest in the tale despite that character never appearing onstage!) and overall quite thought-provoking.
July 9, 2012
Two novellas and I really liked the first one "Chickenfeed", which was based on a true case. The second one I did not like as well, really couldn't get into any of the characters. Short read but I am a big Walters fan.
May 16, 2019
Walters is a fantastic writer. This novella is well worth reading if you’ve never heard of her before. It’s a good introduction into her ability to weave a compelling tale.
August 25, 2012
Two shorter works from my favorite British crime writer, Minette Walters, combined in this edition which I somehow got hold of in an uncorrected proof copy. The first story, Chickenfeed, was based on an actual, gruesome event in which possibly an innocent man was convicted of murder and eventually executed. Ms Walters provides a scenario that fit with the case as reported in the court records and the press of the time and with the declarations of the condemned man. The second, The Tinder Box, seems a pure fiction but one with the signature female sleuth working to clear a family of a crime charged to one of its members largely on the strength of a prejudiced view of the Irish. I thoroughly enjoy the way she weaves a tale that keeps one guessing and usually guessing wrong until the final reveal and does it in a way that one never feels cheated. She is a master of the genre who never fails to deliver.
July 21, 2012
I'm not usually a fan of novellas because there usually isn't enough meat in them for me. Minette Walters did a great job with both of the novellas in this volume. The first is better because it seems complete as is. I think the second could have benefitted from a longer format, but the writing in both is excellent. While this book won't change my preference for full-length novels, I think Walters deserves praise for these stories. Her last comment in the Author's Note tells the reader what to expect:
"Justice is as much about exonerating the innocent as it is about convicting the guilty, but the lines of responsibility become blurred when victims share the blame for what happens to them. How guilty is the perpetrator in those circumstances?
And how innocent the victim?"
"Justice is as much about exonerating the innocent as it is about convicting the guilty, but the lines of responsibility become blurred when victims share the blame for what happens to them. How guilty is the perpetrator in those circumstances?
And how innocent the victim?"
September 22, 2012
Innocent Victims includes two novellas, "Chicken Feed" and "The Tinderbox." As a new reader of mystery, I may not be a good judge of whether this is good mystery or not. What I do know is that the story (have only read Chicken Feed) is written in a straightforward style that seems to magnify the strangeness of the events. Though havent been able to identify what it is about their writing style that makes me want to read more, I seem to particularly enjoy reading UK authors. This was a very quick read, so made nice summer by the pool reading...well that is if you dont mind a gruesome twist.
August 13, 2012
Chickenfeed and Tinderbox are the two novellas in this book. As a reader I enjoyed the Chickenfeed more than the Tinderbox because it held more suspense until the end of the telling. Walters book is well worth checking out at the library and reading. Enjoy.
January 10, 2020
I was happy to remake Minette Walters' acquaintance. I'd been a huge fan for quite a while--I can't think of another writer who can top the trifecta of her first three books, THE ICE HOUSE, THE SCULPTRESS, and THE SCOLD'S BRIDLE, the last of which is in my "Ten Best Mysteries of All Time" list. She's quite a writer with a devious little mind. It wasn't until I went hunting around that I realized that she hasn't published a full-length book for quite some time (and I didn't really care for the last one I read, THE CHAMELEON'S SHADOW).
INNOCENT VICTIMS is composed of two novellas, CHICKENFEED and THE TINDER BOX, two very different books that show what a versatile writer she is. CHICKENFEED reminds me a bit of Norah Lofts' books, in that it based on a historical incident that Walters "solves" after the fact. This one is pretty steady; no real moments when you'll gasp, but a good read. What I found most interesting was Walters' portrayal of a character with borderline personality disorder--which I recognized as such in the book (Walters then explains it in her afterword).
The real star here is THE TINDER BOX, which shows Walters in top form as a quiet English village turns against an Irish family and makes their lives hell when one of the members is accused of killing two old ladies. This is vintage Walters, with a stunning conclusion that is reminiscent of her best work. My only complaint is that the ending seems a bit rushed ... almost as if a light switch is flipped and we go from exposition to solution. But I seem to recall that's a trademark of Walters; everything comes together, but not without some leaps in logic that the author waves her hands around. I almost wish this had been a full-length work, but I really enjoyed it and it's a reminder of what Walters can do.
INNOCENT VICTIMS is composed of two novellas, CHICKENFEED and THE TINDER BOX, two very different books that show what a versatile writer she is. CHICKENFEED reminds me a bit of Norah Lofts' books, in that it based on a historical incident that Walters "solves" after the fact. This one is pretty steady; no real moments when you'll gasp, but a good read. What I found most interesting was Walters' portrayal of a character with borderline personality disorder--which I recognized as such in the book (Walters then explains it in her afterword).
The real star here is THE TINDER BOX, which shows Walters in top form as a quiet English village turns against an Irish family and makes their lives hell when one of the members is accused of killing two old ladies. This is vintage Walters, with a stunning conclusion that is reminiscent of her best work. My only complaint is that the ending seems a bit rushed ... almost as if a light switch is flipped and we go from exposition to solution. But I seem to recall that's a trademark of Walters; everything comes together, but not without some leaps in logic that the author waves her hands around. I almost wish this had been a full-length work, but I really enjoyed it and it's a reminder of what Walters can do.
June 2, 2017
Got to read two very engaging novellas by the British Crime / Thriller fiction author - Minette Walters, under the title 'Innocent Victims' ... The first one, 'Chicken feed' - is a true story that took place in England in the 1920s.This novella was written by Minette Walters for a quick reads initiative in England, to motivate and initiate more people into the joy of reading - after I read the book, I am completely convinced that the initiative would have been very successful !
Disclaimer - this story is a tragedy and has a couple of gory / violent scenes..
The second story 'The tinderbox' is also set in England, and revolves around a murder. As the title says, both stories involve an innocent being wrongly framed for a crime.
Both novellas are only about 125 pages long, and so much is packed within these thin books! Chicken feed is surely a masterpiece- excellent story telling, old fashion style of writing and highly engaging !!! I'd definitely read a longer work by the same author soon !!
August 1, 2023
I didn't realize when I bought this that it is a compilation of two smaller books: Chickenfeed and The Tinder Box. I had just recently read Chickenfeed so I did not reread it, but it had been a while since I read The Tinder Box. So I reread that.
Chickenfeed is about a man who is obsessed with a young woman, in the 1920s. She is a friend and does not have the same feelings for him. He buys a chicken farm and invites her to visit, all very prim and proper. Separate beds and so on. But one day her body is discovered at the chicken farm and he is arrested and tried. But did he do it? Walters takes a true story from the newspapers and invents the relationship between the two, and leaves it to us to decide.
The Tinder Box is about the arrest of Patrick O'Riodan for the murder of two elderly women. A neighbor, Siobhan Lavenham, is not convinced that he is guilty and tries to figure out what happened. She runs into advanced bigotry, making it difficult to separate the true from the untrue.
Chickenfeed is about a man who is obsessed with a young woman, in the 1920s. She is a friend and does not have the same feelings for him. He buys a chicken farm and invites her to visit, all very prim and proper. Separate beds and so on. But one day her body is discovered at the chicken farm and he is arrested and tried. But did he do it? Walters takes a true story from the newspapers and invents the relationship between the two, and leaves it to us to decide.
The Tinder Box is about the arrest of Patrick O'Riodan for the murder of two elderly women. A neighbor, Siobhan Lavenham, is not convinced that he is guilty and tries to figure out what happened. She runs into advanced bigotry, making it difficult to separate the true from the untrue.
July 26, 2018
I liked both of the novellas very much - easy read as they are both very short and direct, but also compelling. "Innocent victims" asks us to think about the roles when the victims have also contributed to their own situation through not speaking honestly/not knowing one's self, biases that keep one from hearing or seeing what's actually going on ... lots of food for thought here. First novella was based on a true story from 1924 in East Sussex, England.
January 4, 2023
What a read!
Love the two novellas , especially the second one, THE TINDER BOX, a very amusing story; didn’t expect the turn of the story.
Secrets were such fragile things. Little parts of oneself that couldn’t be exposed without inviting changed perceptions towards the whole. - Page 99-100
Love the two novellas , especially the second one, THE TINDER BOX, a very amusing story; didn’t expect the turn of the story.
Secrets were such fragile things. Little parts of oneself that couldn’t be exposed without inviting changed perceptions towards the whole. - Page 99-100
January 26, 2018
I read this book in one sitting.
Both stories where gripping and fun but easy and quick reads. Not exactly what I was expecting after reading The Cellar, more mystery thrillers and less creepy than I had anticipated.
I would really recommend Walters to any thriller / horror / mystery fans
Both stories where gripping and fun but easy and quick reads. Not exactly what I was expecting after reading The Cellar, more mystery thrillers and less creepy than I had anticipated.
I would really recommend Walters to any thriller / horror / mystery fans
June 2, 2020
I read an article that referred to Minette Walters as "new Agatha Christie", and yes, the first novella was brilliant and suspenseful , although the killer was revealed in the beginning.. The second story did not engage me as much.
January 1, 2019
two novellas about murder mysteries that ponder on the meaning of justice in these situations
April 28, 2020
I wouldn't call these "suspenseful" since we already know the outcome. I prefer her stories from her imagination rather than these two novellas that try to create a "reason" for and a back ground to the murders.
March 30, 2013
Walters is one of the best psychological thriller/mystery writers in the business, so I'll pick up anything she's written. It's useful for the potential reader to know that Walters was commissioned to write the two novellas collectively titled Innocent Victims. The first, Chickenfeed, was written for a scheme "designed to help non-fluent adult readers improve their literary skills through access to grown-up ideas in easy-to-read language."
Her fictionalized account of a true "crime" story from the 1920's certainly fulfills the assignment. Walters uses unambiguous language and short sentences that happily suit the characters in this heartbreaking tale of two people unable to step out of the traps they've created for themselves, as well as the needs of her intended audience. Chickenfeed was voted the Best Quick Read of 2006.
The second novella, The Tinder Box, was commissioned by the "Organization for the Promotion of Books in the Netherlands" in 1999. It was given away as part of a ploy to get readers to sample genres they don't normally read - in this case, crime novels. Walters' treatment of the story here leaves us wondering if the lies we prefer to see as truths - because we are too prejudiced or bigoted or simply too "chippy" to recognize them - aren't more criminal than the criminal behavior they're meant to disguise. They certainly create a lot of mayhem and in this small community setting. Personally, I think Walters' goes a bit overboard with the Irish protagonist's chippiness in this tale but, on the other hand, plenty of people walk this earth with blinders on.
Her fictionalized account of a true "crime" story from the 1920's certainly fulfills the assignment. Walters uses unambiguous language and short sentences that happily suit the characters in this heartbreaking tale of two people unable to step out of the traps they've created for themselves, as well as the needs of her intended audience. Chickenfeed was voted the Best Quick Read of 2006.
The second novella, The Tinder Box, was commissioned by the "Organization for the Promotion of Books in the Netherlands" in 1999. It was given away as part of a ploy to get readers to sample genres they don't normally read - in this case, crime novels. Walters' treatment of the story here leaves us wondering if the lies we prefer to see as truths - because we are too prejudiced or bigoted or simply too "chippy" to recognize them - aren't more criminal than the criminal behavior they're meant to disguise. They certainly create a lot of mayhem and in this small community setting. Personally, I think Walters' goes a bit overboard with the Irish protagonist's chippiness in this tale but, on the other hand, plenty of people walk this earth with blinders on.
August 8, 2012
I enjoyed reading these two novellas by Minette Walters. She's a master storyteller and both these stories are examples of her ability to create page turning suspense. Neither of these stories will disappoint a Minette Walters fan.
And yet, I've read several reviews of this book that really trash Ms. Walters for these stories. I honestly can't understand why.
If you read the Author's Note you'll see that the first, CHICKENFEED, was written for the UK's Quick Read program. To quote Ms. Walters, "Quick Reads are designed to help non-fluent adult readers to improve their literacy skills through access to grown-up ideas in easy to read language." In my opinion Ms. Walters accomplished the agenda and did a good job to boot.
The second novella, THE TINDER BOX, was originally published as a Dutch translation. Quoting Ms. Walters, "The aim was to persuade fluent readers to try a different genre." Again, she accomplished the task. THE TINDER BOX exhibits Ms. Walters wonderful voice and her ability to build suspense. Being a novella, it simple reads as a shorter version of one of her excellent novels.
Don't be put off by whiny readers. If you like Minette Walters you won't be disappointed by INNOCENT VICTIMS.
And yet, I've read several reviews of this book that really trash Ms. Walters for these stories. I honestly can't understand why.
If you read the Author's Note you'll see that the first, CHICKENFEED, was written for the UK's Quick Read program. To quote Ms. Walters, "Quick Reads are designed to help non-fluent adult readers to improve their literacy skills through access to grown-up ideas in easy to read language." In my opinion Ms. Walters accomplished the agenda and did a good job to boot.
The second novella, THE TINDER BOX, was originally published as a Dutch translation. Quoting Ms. Walters, "The aim was to persuade fluent readers to try a different genre." Again, she accomplished the task. THE TINDER BOX exhibits Ms. Walters wonderful voice and her ability to build suspense. Being a novella, it simple reads as a shorter version of one of her excellent novels.
Don't be put off by whiny readers. If you like Minette Walters you won't be disappointed by INNOCENT VICTIMS.
May 31, 2013
I loved this book it has 2 novellas in it and my favorite of the two is Chickenfeed which is about a couple who plans on getting married but then he gets sick of her and decides to be with someone else. Well she finds out about the other woman and tries to win her man back by saying that she is pregnant. It doesn't work and she ends up dead. Everyone thinks that he did it but the case is strange and she is found hung naked and everyone knows that she would not do that especially in the winter anyway the story is actually based on a true story and know one will ever know what actually happened because it happened in the 1920's. The other story is called The Tinder Box and I really don't remember to much about that one but like I said Chickenfeed is my favorite and is worth a couple of hours of reading.
November 24, 2013
The first of these, Chicken Feed was so well-written, but quite flawed: you know what happens right up front, so the suspense is all in how a mild-mannered young man could have been driven to murder. Walters, in an epilogue debates the facts briefly, as it's based on an actual crime.
The second story, Tinderbox, was much better, in that there is a mystery that unravels. Two elderly women have been murdered and the suspect is a Irish man. He lives with his parents in an English village, where there's plenty of anti-Irish sentiment. An Irish woman, Siobhan, often comes to the family's defense, and tries to figure out what truly happened. The story is told in flashbacks and with a conversation she has with the detective inspector on the case. The true villians are wonderfully surprising--Siobhan's nanny and a local guy who stands to inherit a lot of money due to his grandmother's death.
The second story, Tinderbox, was much better, in that there is a mystery that unravels. Two elderly women have been murdered and the suspect is a Irish man. He lives with his parents in an English village, where there's plenty of anti-Irish sentiment. An Irish woman, Siobhan, often comes to the family's defense, and tries to figure out what truly happened. The story is told in flashbacks and with a conversation she has with the detective inspector on the case. The true villians are wonderfully surprising--Siobhan's nanny and a local guy who stands to inherit a lot of money due to his grandmother's death.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 1, 2016
I like the idea for these two novellas - to make an interesting and accessible read for those who may be less than fluent readers. If I hadn't known about it before hand, I don't know for sure I would've guessed Ms. Walters was eschewing excessive verbiage (hahaha say that three times fast) with intent.
The stories she tells are simple and direct, but well written. The plots will involve the reader and draw them in.
Of the two novellas, I preferred Chickenfeed. The fact that it was based on a true story may have helped, but I especially like the way she approached it - from the murderer's point of view. Always absorbing to read from the mind of (maybe?) a killer. The ending didn't satisfy, but what about real life ever does?
All in all, a fun little read and easily accessible to readers of all levels. I'd recommend it for a rainy evening at home, alone.
The stories she tells are simple and direct, but well written. The plots will involve the reader and draw them in.
Of the two novellas, I preferred Chickenfeed. The fact that it was based on a true story may have helped, but I especially like the way she approached it - from the murderer's point of view. Always absorbing to read from the mind of (maybe?) a killer. The ending didn't satisfy, but what about real life ever does?
All in all, a fun little read and easily accessible to readers of all levels. I'd recommend it for a rainy evening at home, alone.
December 9, 2025
I picked up this book of two crime novellas this past summer while traveling. I was in the mood for something quick to pass the time.
The first of the stories - Chickenfeed - is based on the true story of the 1924 "chicken farm murder", and was very good. I was completely drawn into the storyline.
However, the second novella - The Tinder Box - was not as enjoyable, and I had difficulty remembering who the characters were and how they were connected in the story. It was as if the two stories were written by completely different authors.
After several attempts and reading, and re-reading portions of The Tinder Box, I finally gave up, and sadly have to mark the last novella as a DNF.
I highly recommend the first of the two stories.
Read Chickenfeed, then move on to your next book.
The first of the stories - Chickenfeed - is based on the true story of the 1924 "chicken farm murder", and was very good. I was completely drawn into the storyline.
However, the second novella - The Tinder Box - was not as enjoyable, and I had difficulty remembering who the characters were and how they were connected in the story. It was as if the two stories were written by completely different authors.
After several attempts and reading, and re-reading portions of The Tinder Box, I finally gave up, and sadly have to mark the last novella as a DNF.
I highly recommend the first of the two stories.
Read Chickenfeed, then move on to your next book.
November 1, 2016
send to Lily about SS
Her mother had taught her that only "loose" women made the first move. Let the man come to you, she had said. But it hadn't worked. Elsie's brother and sister had no trouble finding girls and boys to "walk out" with. But not Elsie. Elsie scared would-be husbands away. She was too intense, too swamping, too desperate.
She feared the things she wanted, and wanted the things she feared. She had nightmares about being left on the shelf -- unwanted and unloved -- but she couldn't bring herself to flirt the way other girls did. The perfect man would be content to worship her until he put a ring on her finger. And only afterwards would anything of that sort happen. (p. 6-7)
Her mother had taught her that only "loose" women made the first move. Let the man come to you, she had said. But it hadn't worked. Elsie's brother and sister had no trouble finding girls and boys to "walk out" with. But not Elsie. Elsie scared would-be husbands away. She was too intense, too swamping, too desperate.
She feared the things she wanted, and wanted the things she feared. She had nightmares about being left on the shelf -- unwanted and unloved -- but she couldn't bring herself to flirt the way other girls did. The perfect man would be content to worship her until he put a ring on her finger. And only afterwards would anything of that sort happen. (p. 6-7)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 16, 2012
Two short (100-ish pages) stories. Interesting and compelling stories about murder, but sadly none of the characters are likable.The author also seems to have some disturbing typical-English biases. Catholics and Irish need not apply.
I should also note that these stories are VERY liberal. Each story is set up to point to one individual as the murderer and then through a complicated/magical twist at the end, the author reveals a different person did it. The author seems to be bending the stories backwards to label readers with common sense as evil, racist or biased in some way for following the clues to their logical conclusion.
I should also note that these stories are VERY liberal. Each story is set up to point to one individual as the murderer and then through a complicated/magical twist at the end, the author reveals a different person did it. The author seems to be bending the stories backwards to label readers with common sense as evil, racist or biased in some way for following the clues to their logical conclusion.
February 25, 2016
2.5 stars.
After years of being into them, I don't read or listen to so much "classic" mystery fiction anymore. These were short novellas,really more like short stories. Only 4 discs, so a very quick listen. The reader was good the stories were okay. I liked the first story "Chickenfeed better than the second "Tinderbox" as the characters seemed more developed.
Note: I did not know until I posted the review that these novellas were commissioned as reading for people with English as a second language. I would not guessed that. In no way is the writing simplified or "dumbed" down. In that respect I think Walters did an excellent job.
After years of being into them, I don't read or listen to so much "classic" mystery fiction anymore. These were short novellas,really more like short stories. Only 4 discs, so a very quick listen. The reader was good the stories were okay. I liked the first story "Chickenfeed better than the second "Tinderbox" as the characters seemed more developed.
Note: I did not know until I posted the review that these novellas were commissioned as reading for people with English as a second language. I would not guessed that. In no way is the writing simplified or "dumbed" down. In that respect I think Walters did an excellent job.
July 16, 2012
Minette Walters is one of my favorite mystery writers. I love her work for the depth of her characters, and the way she can make unlikeable people interesting enough to follow. This book contains two novellas. Of the two, I think I liked the first one better, though with both, the endings seemed to come too abruptly. These offer a good introduction to Walters' work if you haven't read her before, but longer stories like The Ice House and The Shape of Snakes are stronger, in my opinion.
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