Rating: 4/5
Review:
Very enjoyable
The Memory of Blood is very good, but perhaps not one of the best in this series, which is often absolutely brilliant.
Here, Bryant and May and the PCU investigate a horrible murder in which the young son of a wealthy impresario is thrown from the window of a locked room during a part for cast, crew and backers of a play. A figure of Mr Punch is found by the bed, and as others die a link to the Punch & Judy tradition begins to emerge.
As always, this is very well written, exceptionally well-researched and full of entertaining characters. It is by turns funny, gripping, touching and exciting. However, it’s not an absolute favourite of mine, possibly because the background this time isn’t about the arcane history of London but about Punch & Judy. This is interesting, but doesn’t have quite the same atmospheric appeal as some books. Arthur is his usual self (“eccentric” doesn’t begin to cover it) but doesn’t consult quite the usual range of misfits, mystics and oddballs.
Nonetheless, this is a very enjoyable read which I can recommend warmly. It will stand on its own, but I think you get a good deal more form the books if you read them in order – and I’m already looking forward to the next.
Here, Bryant and May and the PCU investigate a horrible murder in which the young son of a wealthy impresario is thrown from the window of a locked room during a part for cast, crew and backers of a play. A figure of Mr Punch is found by the bed, and as others die a link to the Punch & Judy tradition begins to emerge.
As always, this is very well written, exceptionally well-researched and full of entertaining characters. It is by turns funny, gripping, touching and exciting. However, it’s not an absolute favourite of mine, possibly because the background this time isn’t about the arcane history of London but about Punch & Judy. This is interesting, but doesn’t have quite the same atmospheric appeal as some books. Arthur is his usual self (“eccentric” doesn’t begin to cover it) but doesn’t consult quite the usual range of misfits, mystics and oddballs.
Nonetheless, this is a very enjoyable read which I can recommend warmly. It will stand on its own, but I think you get a good deal more form the books if you read them in order – and I’m already looking forward to the next.
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