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Crow Court
Clever, elegantly constructed, utterly convincing' Daily Mail 'As gripping as Hilary Mantel and as convincing as Sarah Perry ... debut novels shouldn't be this perfectly formed' Ben Myers 'Clever, page-turning, original ... beautifully written' Jane Harris 'Exactly observed, densely textured and richly flavoured ... Crow Court is throbbing with life' Rick Gekoski Spring, 1840. In the Dorset market town of Wimborne Minster, a young choirboy drowns himself. Soon after, the choirmaster―a belligerent man with a vicious reputation―is found murdered, in a discovery tainted as much by relief as it is by suspicion. The gaze of the magistrates falls on four local men, whose decisions will reverberate through the community for years to come. So begins the chronicle of Crow Court, unravelling over fourteen delicately interwoven episodes, the town of Wimborne their a young gentleman and his groom run off to join the army; a sleepwalking cordwainer wakes on his wife’s grave; desperate farmhands emigrate. We meet the composer with writer’s block; the smuggler; a troupe of actors down from London; and old Art Pugh, whose impoverished life has made him hard to amuse. Meanwhile, justice waits…
336 pages, Paperback
First published January 21, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews
December 9, 2020
I am biased because my brother wrote this, but it is a beautifully observed story of nineteenth century life in Wimborne, where we lived when were young. Andy captures the Dorset accent and the places and countryside in an intriguing murder mystery. I even learned some things about my home that I never knew, (though he writes so convincingly that I did have to quiz him over some details to find out which elements were true and which fictional). Highly recommended.
December 28, 2020
Just finished this book. Which is really hard to write about, without giving some of the clever plot away - but I want to, while it's still in my head!
Basically - I think this is right - it's an imaginative reconstruction of a murder that actually took place in Dorset, mid 1800s. A choirmaster, who routinely abused boys in his choir, is found murdered.
Suspicion falls on four different people - so, yes, it IS a murder mystery - and there are certainly cleverly-plotted twists in it. But it transcends the mystery genre, partly because the writing is so good, partly because it's historically-based, partly because of the relationships involved - and partly, I suspect, because the author grew up in rural Dorset, and is pitch-perfect in dialogue.
A couple of other things I'd like to mention. (No spoilers, I promise. I hate spoilers, esp. in mysteries!!!)
1) Every character, however minor, has a persuasive presence. In short, it feels real.
2) It's richly-textured without ever being intrusive (descriptions of society and countryside etc.)
3) It contains an understated but beautiful love story.
4) Parts of it are very funny. It short, it's got the lot!!!
Hope I've recommended it without giving too much away. Enjoy!!!!
AM
Basically - I think this is right - it's an imaginative reconstruction of a murder that actually took place in Dorset, mid 1800s. A choirmaster, who routinely abused boys in his choir, is found murdered.
Suspicion falls on four different people - so, yes, it IS a murder mystery - and there are certainly cleverly-plotted twists in it. But it transcends the mystery genre, partly because the writing is so good, partly because it's historically-based, partly because of the relationships involved - and partly, I suspect, because the author grew up in rural Dorset, and is pitch-perfect in dialogue.
A couple of other things I'd like to mention. (No spoilers, I promise. I hate spoilers, esp. in mysteries!!!)
1) Every character, however minor, has a persuasive presence. In short, it feels real.
2) It's richly-textured without ever being intrusive (descriptions of society and countryside etc.)
3) It contains an understated but beautiful love story.
4) Parts of it are very funny. It short, it's got the lot!!!
Hope I've recommended it without giving too much away. Enjoy!!!!
AM
March 8, 2022
A cross between a historical crime novel and a collection of short stories, Crow Court is inventive in structure and style. If, like me, you don’t get on with the first chapter which is written in the present tense using short, clipped sentences, do stick with it because, with a few exceptions, subsequent chapters are more conventional in style.
Set in the small Dorset town of Wimborne, the story unfolds over 20 years starting in 1840 with the murder of a choirmaster. If you’re looking for a conventional whodunnit, you won’t find it here. Crow Court is less about finding the solution to the murder of Matthew Ellis, Wimborne’s choirmaster, than the consequences of the event over the months and years that follow. In fact, although the reader knows that a murder has occurred, the rest of the locals don’t. They just know the choirmaster has disappeared. Since he was known locally as ‘Buggermaster’ and was thought to have caused the suicide of a choir boy, not many people are that bothered by his disappearance. However rumours are the currency of a small village and because of their actions or their connection to the choirmaster, four men come under suspicion.
What follows is a kind of 6 Degrees of Separation as various characters appear in a series of interlinked stories. Some of the connections are quite tenuous – they know someone who knew someone else who got their boots made by the village cordwainer – whilst others are more direct. It was fun spotting names that sounded familiar and then thinking, ‘Ah, I remember, he’s the brother of so-and-so’s friend’. Along the way, we learn quite a lot about Dorset life in the 1840s and 1850s, as well as about the local landscape.
One of the interesting features of the book is the way the author plays with different narrative styles. A good example is in the chapter, ‘The Third Person’. Divided into three parts, the first is written in the second person, the second in the first person and the final part – you guessed it – in the third person. And some of the stories, such as ‘Art’s Last Laugh’, feature Dorset dialect. (There’s a helpful glossary at the end of the book for those who don’t know a gawk hammer from a doughbeaked cowheart.)
Some of the stories border on digressions and could easily be read as standalone short stories. ‘The Voice O’ Strangers’ which describes the experience of a ferocious storm in the South Atlantic is one example. However there’s (just) enough of the mystery threaded through each of them, or connections with key characters, to maintain the reader’s interest and they are all carefully crafted. When the culprit is revealed I suspect I won’t be the only reader to go back and read the opening chapters again.
Set in the small Dorset town of Wimborne, the story unfolds over 20 years starting in 1840 with the murder of a choirmaster. If you’re looking for a conventional whodunnit, you won’t find it here. Crow Court is less about finding the solution to the murder of Matthew Ellis, Wimborne’s choirmaster, than the consequences of the event over the months and years that follow. In fact, although the reader knows that a murder has occurred, the rest of the locals don’t. They just know the choirmaster has disappeared. Since he was known locally as ‘Buggermaster’ and was thought to have caused the suicide of a choir boy, not many people are that bothered by his disappearance. However rumours are the currency of a small village and because of their actions or their connection to the choirmaster, four men come under suspicion.
What follows is a kind of 6 Degrees of Separation as various characters appear in a series of interlinked stories. Some of the connections are quite tenuous – they know someone who knew someone else who got their boots made by the village cordwainer – whilst others are more direct. It was fun spotting names that sounded familiar and then thinking, ‘Ah, I remember, he’s the brother of so-and-so’s friend’. Along the way, we learn quite a lot about Dorset life in the 1840s and 1850s, as well as about the local landscape.
One of the interesting features of the book is the way the author plays with different narrative styles. A good example is in the chapter, ‘The Third Person’. Divided into three parts, the first is written in the second person, the second in the first person and the final part – you guessed it – in the third person. And some of the stories, such as ‘Art’s Last Laugh’, feature Dorset dialect. (There’s a helpful glossary at the end of the book for those who don’t know a gawk hammer from a doughbeaked cowheart.)
Some of the stories border on digressions and could easily be read as standalone short stories. ‘The Voice O’ Strangers’ which describes the experience of a ferocious storm in the South Atlantic is one example. However there’s (just) enough of the mystery threaded through each of them, or connections with key characters, to maintain the reader’s interest and they are all carefully crafted. When the culprit is revealed I suspect I won’t be the only reader to go back and read the opening chapters again.
February 14, 2021
This was a real labour of love and a huge research project spanning a decade or more for author Andy Charman. I know this because I was fortunate enough to be reading the book alongside other readers on the Pigeonhole platform and Mr Charman provided extremely fascinating additional notes on the history of the time and the meaning behind a crow court, where members of a group surround their own and metre out their own punishment.
It was definitely not my usual type of read given the historical nature (1840s) of a series of interconnecting short stories which were a mix of funny, shocking and intriguing. The use of the Dorset dialect for the period was well researched and an ambitious way to present parts of the story. For some, this could be off putting, but for me, I did not struggle to get the gist of the dialogue even though the words and grammar were not familiar. I like to think as I read so I found this enhanced my reading pleasure and immersed me more fully in the life and times of characters that were far from anything I have experienced myself.
What I did find a bit confusing was the sheer quantity of characters, some of whom are not mentioned very often or in great detail but which one must be determined to remember because all the characters are linked, some more tenuously than others. Reading with Pigeonhole, we were given a people map part way through to help and I think any reader would find this a necessary and useful addition given the complexity of the book.
I find any story with gallows featuring very hard to stomach and the ending is far from what anyone inclined to like things neatly wrapped up and served on a platter of Happiness and Justice, will be satisfied with. Deprived of timely fictional retribution withstanding, the ending is as it should be and most fitting given the title.
You can obviously read the synopsis of the book elsewhere, but in a sentence this is about one man escaping his sins and another man embracing, in a very convoluted manner, and ultimately in vain, the question of morality.
A noble novel with a thrilling element of who-really-dunnit.
Thank you to the author, publisher and the people at Pigeonhole for another fantastic read which has broadened my brain!
It was definitely not my usual type of read given the historical nature (1840s) of a series of interconnecting short stories which were a mix of funny, shocking and intriguing. The use of the Dorset dialect for the period was well researched and an ambitious way to present parts of the story. For some, this could be off putting, but for me, I did not struggle to get the gist of the dialogue even though the words and grammar were not familiar. I like to think as I read so I found this enhanced my reading pleasure and immersed me more fully in the life and times of characters that were far from anything I have experienced myself.
What I did find a bit confusing was the sheer quantity of characters, some of whom are not mentioned very often or in great detail but which one must be determined to remember because all the characters are linked, some more tenuously than others. Reading with Pigeonhole, we were given a people map part way through to help and I think any reader would find this a necessary and useful addition given the complexity of the book.
I find any story with gallows featuring very hard to stomach and the ending is far from what anyone inclined to like things neatly wrapped up and served on a platter of Happiness and Justice, will be satisfied with. Deprived of timely fictional retribution withstanding, the ending is as it should be and most fitting given the title.
You can obviously read the synopsis of the book elsewhere, but in a sentence this is about one man escaping his sins and another man embracing, in a very convoluted manner, and ultimately in vain, the question of morality.
A noble novel with a thrilling element of who-really-dunnit.
Thank you to the author, publisher and the people at Pigeonhole for another fantastic read which has broadened my brain!
January 22, 2021
1840, Wimborne in Dorset, a young choirboy Henry Cuff takes his own life in the river. The Choirmaster, Matthew Ellis is known to rule by fear and abuse and is blamed for the young boys death. Found murdered, relief and a sense of justice runs through the community, but the decisions of that night taint the lives of the four men who found him, and the community as a whole. Covering the years 1840-1863 Crow Court is the story of a community and the people whose lives are effected from that night.
It really is hard to believe that Crow Court is the debut novel from Andy Charman. It is so beautifully written, with attention to detail and wonderful observations of society, peoples character and the important issues of the mid nineteenth century. This books starts with a real puch with the suicide of a young boy and the subsequent murder of the man thought to be responsible for his death, and asks if it is ever alright to take justice in to your own hands. The question of who murdered Charles Ellis is much speculated, but the four men who found him, Charles Ellis, Jack Street, Bill Brown and his brother Cornelius are very much suspected. Charles Ellis the younger half brother of Matthew, is a merchant and pillar of the community. Both brothers disliked each other and spent very little time together. Charles sees his brother for the bully he is, using violence to control those in the choir, so there is no love loss when he finds Matthew murdered. Cornelius was punished by Matthew Ellis when he was a choir boy and knows the violent and horrific acts committed in the name of God. John and Bill, although manual workers, are still friends with Charles which is why they go with him to confront his brother, but find themselves with a murdered body on the hands. Charles doesn’t forget his childhood friends, even though he has gone up in the world, and will do anything to protect them from the fingers of suspicion, and in turn he has their respect and protection. The mystery is that none of these four young men were guilty, yet by actions and association all four find themselves at some point thought guilty, and some pay the ultimate price for it.
Andy Charman uses different voices from a diverse cast of characters to show how the tragic events weave through Wimborne’s rich tapestry of life over the next twenty three years. Evelyn, a composer with writers block, who eventually writes a song after a young squire returns to Wimborne after being cleared of his involvement. The Shakespeare players who come to perform at a wedding, and a Priest who begins to question his faith after reading Darwin. These very different stories show the everyday lives of those in Wimborne, the trials they face, their hopes and dreams and most importantly their very individual voices, speaking in the first, third and second person narratives. I also thought the use of colloquial language really added to the characterisation, and the vocabulary summary at the back of the book really helpful. There is also fact of the books title, Crow Court, referring to the fact that if a crow is killed the others will look for the one responsible and can attack any predator, just like to actions in this book.
As a debut novel Crow Court is exceptional in both plot and prose. Andy Charman’s skillfully weaves together the different, individual stories into a comprehensive whole, with the only link being the suicide and murder in 1840. Beautifully written, with attention to detail this is an origional piece of historical fiction with a feel of the classics about it. I’m really looking forward to seeing what Andy Charman writes next.
It really is hard to believe that Crow Court is the debut novel from Andy Charman. It is so beautifully written, with attention to detail and wonderful observations of society, peoples character and the important issues of the mid nineteenth century. This books starts with a real puch with the suicide of a young boy and the subsequent murder of the man thought to be responsible for his death, and asks if it is ever alright to take justice in to your own hands. The question of who murdered Charles Ellis is much speculated, but the four men who found him, Charles Ellis, Jack Street, Bill Brown and his brother Cornelius are very much suspected. Charles Ellis the younger half brother of Matthew, is a merchant and pillar of the community. Both brothers disliked each other and spent very little time together. Charles sees his brother for the bully he is, using violence to control those in the choir, so there is no love loss when he finds Matthew murdered. Cornelius was punished by Matthew Ellis when he was a choir boy and knows the violent and horrific acts committed in the name of God. John and Bill, although manual workers, are still friends with Charles which is why they go with him to confront his brother, but find themselves with a murdered body on the hands. Charles doesn’t forget his childhood friends, even though he has gone up in the world, and will do anything to protect them from the fingers of suspicion, and in turn he has their respect and protection. The mystery is that none of these four young men were guilty, yet by actions and association all four find themselves at some point thought guilty, and some pay the ultimate price for it.
Andy Charman uses different voices from a diverse cast of characters to show how the tragic events weave through Wimborne’s rich tapestry of life over the next twenty three years. Evelyn, a composer with writers block, who eventually writes a song after a young squire returns to Wimborne after being cleared of his involvement. The Shakespeare players who come to perform at a wedding, and a Priest who begins to question his faith after reading Darwin. These very different stories show the everyday lives of those in Wimborne, the trials they face, their hopes and dreams and most importantly their very individual voices, speaking in the first, third and second person narratives. I also thought the use of colloquial language really added to the characterisation, and the vocabulary summary at the back of the book really helpful. There is also fact of the books title, Crow Court, referring to the fact that if a crow is killed the others will look for the one responsible and can attack any predator, just like to actions in this book.
As a debut novel Crow Court is exceptional in both plot and prose. Andy Charman’s skillfully weaves together the different, individual stories into a comprehensive whole, with the only link being the suicide and murder in 1840. Beautifully written, with attention to detail this is an origional piece of historical fiction with a feel of the classics about it. I’m really looking forward to seeing what Andy Charman writes next.
June 4, 2022
I absolutely loved this book: a historical novel in stories set in Dorset, spanning the years 1840 to 1863, about the murder of a choirmaster and the repercussions for the community in the years that follow. Crow Court is formally inventive and historically rich - an intricate work of fiction and a compelling portrait of rural life in this period.
March 2, 2022
This was a satisfying read. Found it a little bit difficult at first to get to grips with how it was written. Don’t get me wrong, it was written beautifully, and his descriptions are stunning.
After a few chapters the author brought me into his world, even though it was a slow process at first, i had to keep reading to find out what happened. It was Very clever writing from the author.
It was a clever and unique storyline. Incredible research was put into this, truly amazing.
I absolutely loved the fact, it was set in Dorset 😍
Just for the record, I find crows or ravens very sinister at the best of times 🙄 they freaked me out a treat in this story.
In all, very good read, if you like a historical fiction/ mystery.
A very good start for this author, and can’t wait for more of your books.
After a few chapters the author brought me into his world, even though it was a slow process at first, i had to keep reading to find out what happened. It was Very clever writing from the author.
It was a clever and unique storyline. Incredible research was put into this, truly amazing.
I absolutely loved the fact, it was set in Dorset 😍
Just for the record, I find crows or ravens very sinister at the best of times 🙄 they freaked me out a treat in this story.
In all, very good read, if you like a historical fiction/ mystery.
A very good start for this author, and can’t wait for more of your books.
February 14, 2021
What a great book. A novel which is effectively a series of historical short stories which are all interconnected. They start in 1840 with worries about a choirmaster who is clearly not being very kind to his choristers. A death ensues, and a possible murder, and the following episodes take us on through the years with interwoven stories of the families involved at the start.
This novel is set very firmly in and around Wimborne Minster in Dorset, and the sense of place comes across very clearly - luckily there’s a glossary of dialect provided, but I found myself able to get to grips with it very easily and as someone with a Dorset family connection I found myself recognising some of the turns of phrase. The novel moves through time, showing the progress made during the period - the chapter with the train is fascinating.
Very extensively researched, clever, amusing and touching. The ending was really moving. I really loved this. Am off to buy a copy for my mum. Thanks to The Pigeonhole for this reading opportunity.
This novel is set very firmly in and around Wimborne Minster in Dorset, and the sense of place comes across very clearly - luckily there’s a glossary of dialect provided, but I found myself able to get to grips with it very easily and as someone with a Dorset family connection I found myself recognising some of the turns of phrase. The novel moves through time, showing the progress made during the period - the chapter with the train is fascinating.
Very extensively researched, clever, amusing and touching. The ending was really moving. I really loved this. Am off to buy a copy for my mum. Thanks to The Pigeonhole for this reading opportunity.
February 19, 2021
Set in Dorset during the Victorian era, this tale centres around the murder of a choirmaster. It chronicles the lives of those connected to this event in fourteen different interlinked chapters. These chapters are almost short stories in themselves.
I thought this was a very clever book. It’s beautifully written in different styles throughout, for example, it begins with a section written in short, choppy sentences and there’s another section written in the local Dorset dialect. This in no way detracts from the story, but rather adds to the whole ambience. It’s a very absorbing tale and I was completely immersed in the lives of all the characters. And what an array of colourful and believable characters there are! The amount of research that has gone into this novel is admirable. The author has done a great job in creating the wonderful world of Crow Court. I’ll never look at a corvid in quite the same way again!
A fabulous piece of historical fiction. It was a joy to read it!
I thought this was a very clever book. It’s beautifully written in different styles throughout, for example, it begins with a section written in short, choppy sentences and there’s another section written in the local Dorset dialect. This in no way detracts from the story, but rather adds to the whole ambience. It’s a very absorbing tale and I was completely immersed in the lives of all the characters. And what an array of colourful and believable characters there are! The amount of research that has gone into this novel is admirable. The author has done a great job in creating the wonderful world of Crow Court. I’ll never look at a corvid in quite the same way again!
A fabulous piece of historical fiction. It was a joy to read it!
February 12, 2021
While this might not appeal to everyone, those who enjoy an exceptionally well-written tale, that comes together in the form of different stories all converging to give clarity around a crime, will enjoy it. I must admit to personally struggling at times to follow the language in certain chapters.
Briefly, in 1840 in Wimborne Minster, Dorset, a young choirboy is found drowned. The murder of the atrocious choirmaster follows and thus kicks off a rollicking tale of who dunnit. Central to the various bits coming together is the theme of birds and ultimately a Crow Court. I read this in my online book club with the author present who generously created a character organogram which assisted in keeping track of who's who. The comparison of The Theory of Evolution(Darwin) and the Bible were interesting. The sadness of someone attempting to do what he considered to be the right thing, going off track, that resulted in so much unnecessary pain, was disturbingly realistic . 4 and a half stars!
Briefly, in 1840 in Wimborne Minster, Dorset, a young choirboy is found drowned. The murder of the atrocious choirmaster follows and thus kicks off a rollicking tale of who dunnit. Central to the various bits coming together is the theme of birds and ultimately a Crow Court. I read this in my online book club with the author present who generously created a character organogram which assisted in keeping track of who's who. The comparison of The Theory of Evolution(Darwin) and the Bible were interesting. The sadness of someone attempting to do what he considered to be the right thing, going off track, that resulted in so much unnecessary pain, was disturbingly realistic . 4 and a half stars!
February 8, 2021
Welcome to my stop on the Crow Court blog tour! Huge thanks to Random Things Tours for giving me the opportunity to take part in this! I was provided a copy of the novel in exchange for an honest review.
CW: sexual assault, child abuse, murder, suicide
Crow Court begins in 1840 in a small town of Wimborne Minster, Dorset, when a young choirboy is found drowned. Whispers and rumours flood the town that the choirmaster is far from the God-fearing man he should be, these escalate and soon he is found, to many’s relief, murdered. This story unfolds over several years with a vast array of characters who seemingly all have some kind of involvement with the events that shook the town.
There were quite a lot of characters in this story so I didn’t form a strong bond with most of them. That being said there were still a few characters who stood out for me, Charlie Ellis in particular was probably my favourite. As the novel continues and the novel spans several years, he becomes a really complex character going from a cheeky, and loveable, smuggler to someone more mature and considerate of others. Whilst he is only in the novel briefly, I really liked the way Charman characterised the choir boy. It was very clever to introduce him for the opening chapter and truly give the reader a sense of his personality which then never his death hit even harder especially when you learn the reasons behind it.
As I mentioned, this novel features many characters which span several years. There were times where I was slightly Confused and unsure on how certain chapters related to the original plot. However, there would be the odd subtle mention or a character that I recognised which kept me very intrigued as I just wanted to know what really happened to the choirmaster! There were also a couple of chapters that I was really fascinated by, in particular the vicar talking to his atheist nephew and the one with the little boy doing everything he can to imitate his hero: Lord Nelson. It was chapters like these which highlight how Charman has a talent for suspense and dialogue. A lot of the chapters had the detail and character development of short stories which I also enjoyed.
The main plot of the mysterious deaths felt slightly sidelined in the middle of the novel which did make it a little confusing for me at first, but I think this was there because I read the novel in several sittings rather than the writing of the novel. I found the main plot incredibly interesting and I really liked the reveal at the end, especially as there were several moments where I thought I had figured out what had happened to the choirmaster. There is a lot more I would like to say about this bittersweet ending, however I, of course, don’t want to spoil it.
Overall, this is a very interesting historical novel and a solid debut from Charman. I’m very curious as to what characters he crafts in the future!
CW: sexual assault, child abuse, murder, suicide
Crow Court begins in 1840 in a small town of Wimborne Minster, Dorset, when a young choirboy is found drowned. Whispers and rumours flood the town that the choirmaster is far from the God-fearing man he should be, these escalate and soon he is found, to many’s relief, murdered. This story unfolds over several years with a vast array of characters who seemingly all have some kind of involvement with the events that shook the town.
There were quite a lot of characters in this story so I didn’t form a strong bond with most of them. That being said there were still a few characters who stood out for me, Charlie Ellis in particular was probably my favourite. As the novel continues and the novel spans several years, he becomes a really complex character going from a cheeky, and loveable, smuggler to someone more mature and considerate of others. Whilst he is only in the novel briefly, I really liked the way Charman characterised the choir boy. It was very clever to introduce him for the opening chapter and truly give the reader a sense of his personality which then never his death hit even harder especially when you learn the reasons behind it.
As I mentioned, this novel features many characters which span several years. There were times where I was slightly Confused and unsure on how certain chapters related to the original plot. However, there would be the odd subtle mention or a character that I recognised which kept me very intrigued as I just wanted to know what really happened to the choirmaster! There were also a couple of chapters that I was really fascinated by, in particular the vicar talking to his atheist nephew and the one with the little boy doing everything he can to imitate his hero: Lord Nelson. It was chapters like these which highlight how Charman has a talent for suspense and dialogue. A lot of the chapters had the detail and character development of short stories which I also enjoyed.
The main plot of the mysterious deaths felt slightly sidelined in the middle of the novel which did make it a little confusing for me at first, but I think this was there because I read the novel in several sittings rather than the writing of the novel. I found the main plot incredibly interesting and I really liked the reveal at the end, especially as there were several moments where I thought I had figured out what had happened to the choirmaster. There is a lot more I would like to say about this bittersweet ending, however I, of course, don’t want to spoil it.
Overall, this is a very interesting historical novel and a solid debut from Charman. I’m very curious as to what characters he crafts in the future!
March 2, 2022
This is a fabulous debut by the author and it was one that I really enjoyed. It is historical fiction with a mystery surrounding events between 1840 - 1863 set in Wimborne, Dorset. A young choirboy drowns himself and the choirmaster disappears. Rumours about the horrible and vile way the master treats the boys are all around the community. No one knows for sure what happened to the master, but several others have left the country. This adds fuel to fire about who was involved in the disappearance.
This is a slower-paced mystery and a historical fiction story. It deals with some awful actions from the choirmaster. There are some in denial, some think justice may have been served but over the course of the next 23 years, there is always a suspicion hanging over people.
The author has done a great job with this story and I did enjoy the local dialect, a list of these words can be found at the end of the book, but most of them can be worked out from the context they are set in.
This is a story that really involves many people from the local community, you get an insight into certain people's lives and how they have carried on over the years. The chapters are laid out as the year's change, so a quick glance will show you how many years have lapsed with each new chapter.
There is a wonderful simmering speculative suspicion throughout this tale and it does have an impact of differing degrees over the various people. The author uses social class and culture to show how the disappearance affects or implicates. The story started with a suicide and a disappearance, it raised its head again towards the end, but, in the middle, it did get lost a bit. While at the time I did wonder about this, now as I write this review up it seems to me that the story just lay dormant for a few years. It is only when other things come to pass that it is reignited.
There are many characters in this story, only a few of them I can honestly say made an impact for me. Others were there and while they did have their roles I didn't feel any connection to them. There are, however, some good descriptions of the characters and I did like the use of the dialect for the more manual workers, and this was something that I enjoyed a lot.
This is one for those who like a slower-paced more literary style of historical fiction. It has a strong leaning towards the feel of a classic as well. It is a story of a community and of a mystery that spans over two decades. It is one I would happily recommend.
This is a slower-paced mystery and a historical fiction story. It deals with some awful actions from the choirmaster. There are some in denial, some think justice may have been served but over the course of the next 23 years, there is always a suspicion hanging over people.
The author has done a great job with this story and I did enjoy the local dialect, a list of these words can be found at the end of the book, but most of them can be worked out from the context they are set in.
This is a story that really involves many people from the local community, you get an insight into certain people's lives and how they have carried on over the years. The chapters are laid out as the year's change, so a quick glance will show you how many years have lapsed with each new chapter.
There is a wonderful simmering speculative suspicion throughout this tale and it does have an impact of differing degrees over the various people. The author uses social class and culture to show how the disappearance affects or implicates. The story started with a suicide and a disappearance, it raised its head again towards the end, but, in the middle, it did get lost a bit. While at the time I did wonder about this, now as I write this review up it seems to me that the story just lay dormant for a few years. It is only when other things come to pass that it is reignited.
There are many characters in this story, only a few of them I can honestly say made an impact for me. Others were there and while they did have their roles I didn't feel any connection to them. There are, however, some good descriptions of the characters and I did like the use of the dialect for the more manual workers, and this was something that I enjoyed a lot.
This is one for those who like a slower-paced more literary style of historical fiction. It has a strong leaning towards the feel of a classic as well. It is a story of a community and of a mystery that spans over two decades. It is one I would happily recommend.
May 22, 2021
Longlisted for 2021 Desmond Elliott Prize
I read this in audio and enjoyed it so much, I've ordered a copy from the publisher - Unbound. At the heart of the book is the murder of the choirmaster of a boys' choir at a private school. The murder is one that actually occurred in 1800's in Wimborne Ministe in Dover, England. I don't know if the murder was solved in real life. It is not solved in the book, although the reader will know who did it by the end of the book (many, as I did, will likely figure it out much earlier). But who did the deed is not really important. Everyone knew why the deed was done and at first everyone (clergy, magistrates, family, local people) was willing to just believe the choirmaster had left town because the choirmaster was a bully and sexual molester whose actions damaged many and caused one young boy to commit suicide.
The story is told in 14 chapters. Each chapter focuses on a one of more the people who live in the area and who are somehow connected, directly or indirectly, to the deed. Four men, in particular, are suspected of causing the disappearance, although none did (at least in this book). Those men appear at times in the chapters but there are many others lives of interest here. It was not easy to keep relationships among the characters straight in audio; I look forward to having the print copy in hand so as to be able to confirm connections.
As I understand it, each of the chapters was originally written as a short story. They are wonderfully atmospheric. One that stands in my memory is only loosely connected to the others. It involves three children left at home. The older girls are to keep watch over their young brother. Of course, he easily manages to set off on a journey, with a hen and a cat, that promises to end with him seriously injured. It is delightful. Other chapters are equally wonderful but totally different.
I read this in audio and enjoyed it so much, I've ordered a copy from the publisher - Unbound. At the heart of the book is the murder of the choirmaster of a boys' choir at a private school. The murder is one that actually occurred in 1800's in Wimborne Ministe in Dover, England. I don't know if the murder was solved in real life. It is not solved in the book, although the reader will know who did it by the end of the book (many, as I did, will likely figure it out much earlier). But who did the deed is not really important. Everyone knew why the deed was done and at first everyone (clergy, magistrates, family, local people) was willing to just believe the choirmaster had left town because the choirmaster was a bully and sexual molester whose actions damaged many and caused one young boy to commit suicide.
The story is told in 14 chapters. Each chapter focuses on a one of more the people who live in the area and who are somehow connected, directly or indirectly, to the deed. Four men, in particular, are suspected of causing the disappearance, although none did (at least in this book). Those men appear at times in the chapters but there are many others lives of interest here. It was not easy to keep relationships among the characters straight in audio; I look forward to having the print copy in hand so as to be able to confirm connections.
As I understand it, each of the chapters was originally written as a short story. They are wonderfully atmospheric. One that stands in my memory is only loosely connected to the others. It involves three children left at home. The older girls are to keep watch over their young brother. Of course, he easily manages to set off on a journey, with a hen and a cat, that promises to end with him seriously injured. It is delightful. Other chapters are equally wonderful but totally different.
February 14, 2021
From the format to the plot, this book defies labeling and categorization. A cross between a novel and a collection of short stories that should have its own name as a genre. The experimentation with form doesn't even stop here, as the author has played with various writing styles from story to story, enriching the reader's experience.
Crow Court could easily be considered a historical novel, Dorset and its dialect is almost a character in the book, evolving alongside human characters as we move through the years from 1840 to 1860. But it could easily be a crime/mystery story too, seen that what sets everything in motion is the unsolved murder of a choirmaster. Or it can be seen as a collection of short stories/linked vignettes. The transition between stories is so smooth, that they really work to create a plot: from introducing the characters, to story consolidation and character development, to the final revelations that will close the circle of life for the main characters.
I've read it on ThePigeonhole and I must admit I've hesitated before signing up to it. I was rather worried it was going to be just another historical novel. But let me tell you that Crow Court is definitely not 'just another historical novel', but a fascinating and unusual read! A delight! I've been so enthrall that every single day I've stayed up until midnight to read the next episode. I just couldn't get enough of it and wished it was longer. We've also been regaled with pictures and noted explaining some of the real events/historical details behind the stories and also insight into the author's writing/research process. I hope this is also available in the final version of the book as they really add a lot to the narrative.
Thank you Andy & PigeonHole for the opportunity to read this lovely novel :)
Crow Court could easily be considered a historical novel, Dorset and its dialect is almost a character in the book, evolving alongside human characters as we move through the years from 1840 to 1860. But it could easily be a crime/mystery story too, seen that what sets everything in motion is the unsolved murder of a choirmaster. Or it can be seen as a collection of short stories/linked vignettes. The transition between stories is so smooth, that they really work to create a plot: from introducing the characters, to story consolidation and character development, to the final revelations that will close the circle of life for the main characters.
I've read it on ThePigeonhole and I must admit I've hesitated before signing up to it. I was rather worried it was going to be just another historical novel. But let me tell you that Crow Court is definitely not 'just another historical novel', but a fascinating and unusual read! A delight! I've been so enthrall that every single day I've stayed up until midnight to read the next episode. I just couldn't get enough of it and wished it was longer. We've also been regaled with pictures and noted explaining some of the real events/historical details behind the stories and also insight into the author's writing/research process. I hope this is also available in the final version of the book as they really add a lot to the narrative.
Thank you Andy & PigeonHole for the opportunity to read this lovely novel :)
February 28, 2022
This is a great debut novel from this author set in his hometown of Wimborne Minster. Initial events take place in 1940, but over the next two decades the author recounts 14 tales of different people, all affected by one terrible event, with all the tales cleverly and seamlessly interwoven. Very descriptive in terms of the area, life in those days and the individual characters, partly written using dialect I assume true to Dorset during this period. Out of interest I asked Dr. Google about a Crow Court and it really is a thing!
Briefly, when choirboy Henry Cuff commits suicide by drowning himself the choirmaster, who was known to abuse the boys, is found murdered. Suspicion falls upon four local men, but many other lives are subsequently affected by these deaths. Will the murderer be found?
There are an awful lot of characters in the book and at times I found it a bit overwhelming particularly as there are so many links between them, albeit somewhat tenuous at times. I did also find some of the language confusing; whilst there is a glossary at the end it’s not so easy to refer to if reading on kindle. All that said it is so brilliantly constructed that you can forgive the little niggles. Pleasingly the identity of the murderer is revealed at the end, I was beginning to wonder! All in all a good historical murder mystery novel and I look forward to reading more from this author ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Briefly, when choirboy Henry Cuff commits suicide by drowning himself the choirmaster, who was known to abuse the boys, is found murdered. Suspicion falls upon four local men, but many other lives are subsequently affected by these deaths. Will the murderer be found?
There are an awful lot of characters in the book and at times I found it a bit overwhelming particularly as there are so many links between them, albeit somewhat tenuous at times. I did also find some of the language confusing; whilst there is a glossary at the end it’s not so easy to refer to if reading on kindle. All that said it is so brilliantly constructed that you can forgive the little niggles. Pleasingly the identity of the murderer is revealed at the end, I was beginning to wonder! All in all a good historical murder mystery novel and I look forward to reading more from this author ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
November 21, 2021
The setting of Wimborne Minster attracted me to this book when it was suggested to me on Goodreads. Having been born there, my parents were married in the Minster and as a baby, I was christened there and have subsequently been able to visit the chained library. The book is the first novel by Andy Charman and is published by Unfound a crowdfunded publisher. A good effort and to be encouraged.
There are some good characters that remind me of folk that I know in the local area and places such as the square, East Borough and West Borough where my family lived for many years. We hear of the evil choirmaster and his dealings with young choristers that leads to his death in the chained library and the men that are seeking him. The book then changes to the first person and the story leads us to the affairs of the characters involved over the next 20 years. two innocent men are brought to justice and the perpetrator of the murder goes free with only his conscience to hold him to account.
A good story. The drawback is that the plot does not account for how the murderer evaded the men. Although I did enjoy the book it did rather have a feel of several short stories linked together. This is borne out in the acknowledgements at the end.
4 stars.
There are some good characters that remind me of folk that I know in the local area and places such as the square, East Borough and West Borough where my family lived for many years. We hear of the evil choirmaster and his dealings with young choristers that leads to his death in the chained library and the men that are seeking him. The book then changes to the first person and the story leads us to the affairs of the characters involved over the next 20 years. two innocent men are brought to justice and the perpetrator of the murder goes free with only his conscience to hold him to account.
A good story. The drawback is that the plot does not account for how the murderer evaded the men. Although I did enjoy the book it did rather have a feel of several short stories linked together. This is borne out in the acknowledgements at the end.
4 stars.
January 26, 2021
Crow Court is set in 1840’s Wimborne, Dorset. A choirboy has taken his own life by jumping into the local river.
Then the abusive choirmaster is murdered. This small community feels justice has been done, but the effects ripple through for a long time.
The four men who found the man's body have suspicion fall on them, some believe they were responsible.
So, the story begins.
This is told in fourteen chapters, each one a separate tale involving different members of the community. It builds such a sense of time and place….you feel you know the area and the people of Wimborne.
You get to know these people, their lives, loves and struggles as the effects of these deaths trickle through everyone.
This is a beautifully written, almost poetic piece of historical fiction with a love of Dorset clearly coming through. A stunning and compelling read.
Thank you to Random Things Tours for the opportunity to be part of this blog tour, for the promotional material and an ARC of Crow Court.
Then the abusive choirmaster is murdered. This small community feels justice has been done, but the effects ripple through for a long time.
The four men who found the man's body have suspicion fall on them, some believe they were responsible.
So, the story begins.
This is told in fourteen chapters, each one a separate tale involving different members of the community. It builds such a sense of time and place….you feel you know the area and the people of Wimborne.
You get to know these people, their lives, loves and struggles as the effects of these deaths trickle through everyone.
This is a beautifully written, almost poetic piece of historical fiction with a love of Dorset clearly coming through. A stunning and compelling read.
Thank you to Random Things Tours for the opportunity to be part of this blog tour, for the promotional material and an ARC of Crow Court.
January 23, 2021
From the opening page of this book, I felt like I was reading poetry. The writing is rich, mesmerising, and evocative. The author, who is a Dorset native, has used his knowledge of the local area, its customs and dialect to creat a delightful story with great characters. I love the way that each chapter is a separate tale, focusing on a different character from the village and surrounding area, while still linking to the original event. This keeps the book interesting and fresh as it feels like you are starting a new story each time, while still finding out the consequences of the main theme. While reading I could imagine this making a successful transition to a television series in the same format as ‘Home Fires’, which I loved. This was a wonderful debut novel and I look forward to reading more of Andy Charman’s work.
Thank you to Andy Charman and Unbound for gifting me a copy in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to Andy Charman and Unbound for gifting me a copy in exchange for an honest review.
February 14, 2021
I have just finished reading Crow Court by Andy Charman, stave by stave with The Pigeonhole. What an unusual book! After having difficulty with the style of the first couple of chapters, I became engrossed in the different characters – each perspective written in a different style – and threads that wove together to make this story rich and intriguing, in which I heard echoes of Dickens and Hardy in the language. I enjoyed the use of dialect, the descriptions of characters and settings, and especially the excitement of the chapter that took place on a boat – so good it made me seasick. It was interesting to know that much of this book is based on thorough research, facts and real people, and I loved the geology lesson and the final twist at the end.
August 1, 2022
Picked this up from the library because I liked the cover, and I wasn't sure what to expect from the jacket blurb - almost thought there might be a bit of magical realism. That turned out not to be the case, but I did thoroughly enjoy this! The writing was excellent. So many characters who were so well intertwined. A great story and within it, lots of glimpses into other smaller stories of each character.
August 7, 2022
First chapter was awful. Full of "beautiful" sentences that didn't actually mean anything or make sense. After that it improved ^a lot*. In sf we call this a fix up novel: short stories strung like beads to make more than the sum of their parts. Some I found tedious, or in one case silly, but the whole stood up. Don't read it as a whodunnit tho: that's blindingly obvious from the start.
May 18, 2021
I am very glad that I had the chance to support this book with Unbound. I had thought it was going to be a series of short stories and was pleasantly surpised to find it was really both that and a novel.
I found the language and style quite exquisite and I struggled to read it slowly enough to really savour the word smithing as much as it deserved. There is such a depth to the pleasure of reading when you are carried along by the story but also just aware of the beauty of the crafted language upon which you lightly rest. The varied forms employed and the historical underpinning to the story were extra delights. I'm sad it's finished, but I suspect I will return to its pages.
I found the language and style quite exquisite and I struggled to read it slowly enough to really savour the word smithing as much as it deserved. There is such a depth to the pleasure of reading when you are carried along by the story but also just aware of the beauty of the crafted language upon which you lightly rest. The varied forms employed and the historical underpinning to the story were extra delights. I'm sad it's finished, but I suspect I will return to its pages.
March 1, 2021
Took me a while to get into this as it has an idiosyncratic structure which turns out to be quite clever and makes the plot more interesting than a more conventional narrative would. A riveting description of a storm at sea was a highlight for me and a child's watery adventure (accompanied by a cat and a hen) had me on the edge of my seat. But I found the dialect irritating and the characters difficult to distinguish.
July 5, 2021
An incredibly clever book, with each chapter unraveling more and more of these characters lives - what seemed like insignificant details in previous chapters were suddenly so incredibly relevant and important.
I did struggle to motivate myself to chose to read this book over others at times, but once I got going I remembered how much I enjoyed it and wish I hadn’t delayed returning to it sooner.
I did struggle to motivate myself to chose to read this book over others at times, but once I got going I remembered how much I enjoyed it and wish I hadn’t delayed returning to it sooner.
May 1, 2021
A lovely written piece of historical fiction following the cascading events following a choirboy's suicide and the disappearance of the choirmaster suspected of causing it.
Novels that follow a different person each chapter and often feel fraught with concern, there's inevitably some variation in how much you enjoy each chapter and a disconnectedness to the narrative that can distract from the overall enjoyment. I think Crow Court mostly dodges this though, it's certainly a leisurely paced book but that adds to the feel of the rural Dorset town which provides the setting and the variety of viewpoints added to the depth of the portrait with only a tiny number feeling less than fully compelling. What it definitely does is help emphasise the themes of consequences, intended and unintended, as the later characters interfere in the lives of former and you watch the events play out for good or ill.
Novels that follow a different person each chapter and often feel fraught with concern, there's inevitably some variation in how much you enjoy each chapter and a disconnectedness to the narrative that can distract from the overall enjoyment. I think Crow Court mostly dodges this though, it's certainly a leisurely paced book but that adds to the feel of the rural Dorset town which provides the setting and the variety of viewpoints added to the depth of the portrait with only a tiny number feeling less than fully compelling. What it definitely does is help emphasise the themes of consequences, intended and unintended, as the later characters interfere in the lives of former and you watch the events play out for good or ill.
March 7, 2022
It is an odd feeling to know that you are reading an exceptional debut, yet know that for me it didn’t quite sit right. I can’t emphasis enough that Crow Court by Andy Charman is a clever and beautifully written, but it left me wanting more! Firstly I will illustrate why I felt I needed something further and then, because this was a very personal reaction to the novel, layout the reasons you should still read it.
In Crow Court Andy Carman is less concerned with the murder of the choirmaster and more with the consequences of the event that ripple through the months and years following it. This is it’s greatest strength and one he carries off with great skill, for he is certainly a talent to look out for in the future. Why I was left a little disconcerted was I wanted a little more of the lives and events he covers. I wanted the story to feel a little more concentrated, so I could get a better feel for the characters and their emotions. But this is simply my own feeling, I love character heavy books and I felt it was lacking that for me.
But given that this was not the aim of the book, others rightly will read the same novel and not be bothered by this. So why should you read Crow Court?
It is an excellent look at how one event is not isolated from the natural passage of time, it creates ripples that stretch through years to come and has consequences for not just those involved, but the people they love, their families and friends. He deals with his main theme by following those who knew the murdered man and looks at how they deal with his death, leaving us to wonder who it is that killed him. The uncertainty is handled with accomplishment, leaving me full of apprehension about who amongst this essentially good group of men if any was driven to murder. He explores their morality, the things that connect them to the choirmaster and why the eye of the local magistrate falls upon them. Therefore it is the events more than the characters themselves, informed by their personal circumstances, that create the story. Andy Charman’s exceptional look at how human nature, both flawed and passionate, weak and strong informs the actions of these men, produces a narrative of depth and scope and ensures the reader never second guesses the eventual conclusion, because it is satisfying and clever.
The thriller element is drawn out over a long period of time and I really enjoyed that. Many modern thrillers allow the shock element to overpower the story completely. Here the story is teased out and the reader gets to embrace the era and the patterns of intrigue that flow out of one mans death. So many writers forget that readers like to be played with, teased, but they also want to wallow in a story that wraps them in a different time and era. Not Andy Charman, who writes a story that could inhabit anytime or space, but still be a utterly gripping page turner.
I’m looking forward to what the writer does next.
In Crow Court Andy Carman is less concerned with the murder of the choirmaster and more with the consequences of the event that ripple through the months and years following it. This is it’s greatest strength and one he carries off with great skill, for he is certainly a talent to look out for in the future. Why I was left a little disconcerted was I wanted a little more of the lives and events he covers. I wanted the story to feel a little more concentrated, so I could get a better feel for the characters and their emotions. But this is simply my own feeling, I love character heavy books and I felt it was lacking that for me.
But given that this was not the aim of the book, others rightly will read the same novel and not be bothered by this. So why should you read Crow Court?
It is an excellent look at how one event is not isolated from the natural passage of time, it creates ripples that stretch through years to come and has consequences for not just those involved, but the people they love, their families and friends. He deals with his main theme by following those who knew the murdered man and looks at how they deal with his death, leaving us to wonder who it is that killed him. The uncertainty is handled with accomplishment, leaving me full of apprehension about who amongst this essentially good group of men if any was driven to murder. He explores their morality, the things that connect them to the choirmaster and why the eye of the local magistrate falls upon them. Therefore it is the events more than the characters themselves, informed by their personal circumstances, that create the story. Andy Charman’s exceptional look at how human nature, both flawed and passionate, weak and strong informs the actions of these men, produces a narrative of depth and scope and ensures the reader never second guesses the eventual conclusion, because it is satisfying and clever.
The thriller element is drawn out over a long period of time and I really enjoyed that. Many modern thrillers allow the shock element to overpower the story completely. Here the story is teased out and the reader gets to embrace the era and the patterns of intrigue that flow out of one mans death. So many writers forget that readers like to be played with, teased, but they also want to wallow in a story that wraps them in a different time and era. Not Andy Charman, who writes a story that could inhabit anytime or space, but still be a utterly gripping page turner.
I’m looking forward to what the writer does next.
January 29, 2021
I love reading books with a local slant – I don’t know if it’s just me, but I get a real buzz when I am able to recognise where the characters are as I read along.
Although Andy Charman’s Crow Court is a historical novel that takes place in 1840s Wimborne, so much of today’s Wimborne is recognisable from his descriptions – new buildings and houses may have sprung up, but places like the Minster, the Square and Walford Bridge are still very much the landmarks they would have been then. In this respect, the place setting was excellent and I was immediately taken in to the novel.
Andy Charman’s approach to this novel is quite interesting as the main plot is that of a mystery novel – a young choir boy takes his own life and the Choirmaster disappears – but instead of focusing on a short period of time in which the mystery is resolved, the novel takes the form of shorter vignettes that allow us to see the repercussions of these terrible events over the next twenty years.
Although we find out what happened by the end of the book, that is almost the least important thing, as each story allows us to look into the lives of these interconnected residents, from lords and ladies to farmhands, and see how one shocking event can cause ripples throughout a community for many years.
I thought each episode of this book was beautifully written and structured – it was clear how each piece of the puzzle fit together, and yet any of these stories could stand up on its own.
Alongside the local connection, I appreciated the use of Dorset dialect (who knew a Sturminster accent was different to a Wimborne accent??) and I am always a big fan of a glossary (thank you!). The local dialect was all clearly researched in detail and the benefits of doing your homework is evident here!
From the gorgeous cover design, to the compelling characters within, this book was a definite winner for me…
Although Andy Charman’s Crow Court is a historical novel that takes place in 1840s Wimborne, so much of today’s Wimborne is recognisable from his descriptions – new buildings and houses may have sprung up, but places like the Minster, the Square and Walford Bridge are still very much the landmarks they would have been then. In this respect, the place setting was excellent and I was immediately taken in to the novel.
Andy Charman’s approach to this novel is quite interesting as the main plot is that of a mystery novel – a young choir boy takes his own life and the Choirmaster disappears – but instead of focusing on a short period of time in which the mystery is resolved, the novel takes the form of shorter vignettes that allow us to see the repercussions of these terrible events over the next twenty years.
Although we find out what happened by the end of the book, that is almost the least important thing, as each story allows us to look into the lives of these interconnected residents, from lords and ladies to farmhands, and see how one shocking event can cause ripples throughout a community for many years.
I thought each episode of this book was beautifully written and structured – it was clear how each piece of the puzzle fit together, and yet any of these stories could stand up on its own.
Alongside the local connection, I appreciated the use of Dorset dialect (who knew a Sturminster accent was different to a Wimborne accent??) and I am always a big fan of a glossary (thank you!). The local dialect was all clearly researched in detail and the benefits of doing your homework is evident here!
From the gorgeous cover design, to the compelling characters within, this book was a definite winner for me…
January 29, 2021
I was drawn to this book because of the links to Wimbourne, a place where I spent many happy holidays as a child, and it was brilliant to be transported back in time for this 'history mystery' that had me anxiously turning the pages to see how things would pan out for all the characters. And it was a novel experience not to be having much sympathy for the choirmaster victim!! His death shook the local community albeit tinged with relief, but as the story evolves and widens you see behind the facade and the beliefs, and get the reality of someone abusing their power but people keeping quiet about it.
When a choirboy drowns in Wimbourne, nobody has any idea of the chain of events that his death will lead to. But the whispers begin and we get to see various stories of local characters who are linked with the tragedy and how the gossip affects them and their behaviour.
The story is told in such a way that you get a real feel for the history of the times - the goings on, the way of life and the local dialect used, which has a handy glossary at the back of the book so you can understand phrase used a little more!
There are many secrets being kept and many 'naysayers' who won't even entertain the idea that the claims about the choirmaster and his 'indiscretions' - even as a reader, you are really left doubting the rumours at times, and struggle to pin down the accused as they all have seemingly good stories behind them! So what really did happen that night?! There's always more to the story than meets the eye!
I really loved the pace of this story. The language did take some getting used to, but once I was accustomed to it I really felt that I was on the fly on the wall watching the crime being solved in front of me. The different storylines are woven together very carefully and link brilliantly together! An impressive debut!
When a choirboy drowns in Wimbourne, nobody has any idea of the chain of events that his death will lead to. But the whispers begin and we get to see various stories of local characters who are linked with the tragedy and how the gossip affects them and their behaviour.
The story is told in such a way that you get a real feel for the history of the times - the goings on, the way of life and the local dialect used, which has a handy glossary at the back of the book so you can understand phrase used a little more!
There are many secrets being kept and many 'naysayers' who won't even entertain the idea that the claims about the choirmaster and his 'indiscretions' - even as a reader, you are really left doubting the rumours at times, and struggle to pin down the accused as they all have seemingly good stories behind them! So what really did happen that night?! There's always more to the story than meets the eye!
I really loved the pace of this story. The language did take some getting used to, but once I was accustomed to it I really felt that I was on the fly on the wall watching the crime being solved in front of me. The different storylines are woven together very carefully and link brilliantly together! An impressive debut!
June 24, 2022
Crow Court by Andy Charman and Narrated by: Mark Mitchinson and I was gripped from the beginning till the end I really enjoyed this book especially as it was very engaging funny in parts and very thoughtful written. Once you started listening to it I had to find my airpods and listen to it while I did things around my farmhouse.
The narrator Mark was very good. and he made this audiobook excellent to listen to.
I highly recommended
Big Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to listen this lovely audiobook.
The narrator Mark was very good. and he made this audiobook excellent to listen to.
I highly recommended
Big Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to listen this lovely audiobook.
January 27, 2024
4.5*
Such a good book.
A great read. Not sure why this hasn't gotten more traction as it has everything the reader of historical (or other) fiction could want.
There is excellent writing, excellent storytelling, and excellent research. Not to mention a great plot. Also, there is a bit of a mystery and even a bit of terror on the high seas. Who could want more?
Well worth the read, I thoroughly enjoyed this.
Such a good book.
A great read. Not sure why this hasn't gotten more traction as it has everything the reader of historical (or other) fiction could want.
There is excellent writing, excellent storytelling, and excellent research. Not to mention a great plot. Also, there is a bit of a mystery and even a bit of terror on the high seas. Who could want more?
Well worth the read, I thoroughly enjoyed this.
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