Rating: 5/5
Review:
A real treat
I loved Oranges and Lemons. It’s very well written, witty,
involving and a good, if slightly implausible mystery.
I hadn’t read the
immediate predecessor, The Lonely Hour; there have been some pretty
cataclysmic events in that which shape the beginning of Oranges and
Lemons and it’s probably best to read it first if possible but I
managed fine without. This time a series of murders occurs,
apparently linked to the eponymous rhyme, and the PCU is reformed to
try to get to the bottom of them. Bryant is in his element, with his
encyclopaedic and arcane knowledge of London and the unit is
generally in fine form. I laughed out loud several times, was hugely
entertained and genuinely involved with the characters. There are
fascinating bits of obscure London history, some amusing and
well-aimed swipes at some of the idiocies of modern life and plenty
more of real substance along with the story and the humour.
I’d only read one
Bryant & May before this - Hall Of Mirrors, which I wasn’t
especially taken with. I’m glad I gave them another try because
this was a real treat and I’ll definitely be reading more from this
series. Very warmly recommended.
(My thanks to Random
House, Doubleday for an ARC via NetGalley.)
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