Before the Poison
Chris Lowndes, in my opinion, is as charming a protagonist you will meet in literature. In Before the Poison he is a grieving widower who retires to his native Yorkshire from California. The opening scenes are shades of Rebecca, with a foreboding mansion and the ghost of a sensational murder that took place sixty years prior. Told in first person narrative, his voice is sensitive and captivating as his expertise in several areas is woven beautifully throughout the story. A former writer of musical scores for Hollywood, specific composers’ works are constantly playing in the background and by the end of the book I had a year’s worth of classical movies to add to my Netflix list. It is a sensuous book in many respects—with food, wine, descriptive English scenery...and love. Chris, although still grieving, falls in love again both with living Heather and with dead Grace, who was hung for the poisoning of her physician husband in the very room he unknowing chose as his bedroom. Grace, however, becomes very alive to the reader as her journals of a WWII nurse are engrossing with descriptions of war horrors from a female viewpoint. As Chris becomes consumed with the crime and tries to prove Grace’s innocence, this becomes a true page-turner, unable to put down book I devoured in a bittersweet fashion—couldn’t stop reading, yet I didn’t want my time with Chris to end. Story-telling at its best.
Rated of 5
by Jim S. (Austin, TX)
Before the Poison
The setting for the story is in North Yorkshire, UK near Richmond on the Swale river. Christopher Lowndes, now 60, had lived his childhood in the 'rough' side of Leeds, UK. But after having buried his wife Laura, 3 years before due to her death from cancer he is returning to England. Chris had a successful career as composer of film music that "no one ever listens to." He received one Oscar Award but had been nominated for others. The story starts with Grace Elizabeth Fox dressing for her hanging, having been convicted of murdering her husband Dr. Ernest Fox. Chris arrives at the home he has not seen in person prior to purchase called Kilnsgate. The real estate agent person Heather had neglected to tell him that the mansion he has purchased was the home of Dr. Fox and his murderess Grace Elizabeth Fox. Chris becomes interested in the story of Grace Elizabeth and is convinced that she may have been innocent. This leads him to many interesting characters, not only in the Richmond area but trips to Paris and South Africa. It is a convincing and great story. The outcome is unexpected. Part of Grace's story is told in an old book of reports of famous trials. Part of the story is from Grace's experience in WWII as a Red Cross Nurse. I have read most of Peter Robinson's books, enjoying the Alan Banks novels. This book is Robinson's best effort. At times I would have to stop reading in order to think about what was written. Also because I didn't want the book to end. I recommend it highly.
Rated of 5
by Carole P. (framingham, ma)
Before the Poison
This stand alone has all the usual trademarks of Peter Robinson 's books. Beautifully crafted, the suspense builds slowly. What has drawn widower Chris Lownds back to the U.K.. After years in Hollywood , he decides to return and buys an old mansion in Yorkshire. He finds that it was the scene of an infamous murder some fifty years ago. A beautiful woman kills her husband and hangs for the crime. As Chris delves into the case he begins to question her guilt. What really did happen at Kilnsgate house and is he bringing past danger into the present? As always Peter Robinson delivers an outstanding mystery.
Rated of 5
by Karen R. (Columbus, OH)
Literary Mystery
This started off great, slowed down a little, and then I could not put it down. I really enjoyed getting to know all of the characters. This mystery spends most of its time in character development, while slowly developing the plot. I enjoyed the two different times in history that were discussed, and felt I learned some things about WWII that I had not known before. It was well written, and very enjoyable. I enjoy mysteries requiring the reader to use their mind, minimal blood, and interesting characters. This book had all of these plus more.
Rated of 5
by Betty B. (Irving, TX)
Before The Poison
Over the years I have read a number of Robinson's Inspector Banks' mysteries and have always enjoyed them. However, this book exceeded my expectations. I enjoyed the setting and the historical background. I liked the structure of the novel, and the weaving back and forth between The Famous Trials and Grace's journal and the present. Grace's journal was especially touching. Robinson brought everything together at the end and this is one of those books that I really hated to finish. Maybe there might be a sequel telling us more about Chris' Yorkshire adventures in Kilnsgate?
Rated of 5
by Hilary H. (Tucson, AZ)
Before the Poison
I've been a fan of Peter Robinson for sometime having read almost all of the Inspector Banks novels. The setting was familiar - Yorkshire, but the main character (Chris Lowndes) is quite different from Insp. Banks though charming, thoughtful and a musician. The alternating story lines of the present day and the past (around WW II) work very well. I particularly liked the use of Grace's journal to reflect her WW II experiences (horrendous) as a nurse and her thoughts. The plot builds slowly but satisfyingly. I was engaged from the first few pages.
Rated of 5
by Colleen T. (Lakewood, CO)
Before the Poison
“Before the Poison” is a first-rate book. Robinson has told a mesmerizing story weaving the present and the past together in such a way that I could not put the book down. I was enthralled with the way the author brought the murder mystery from the past into the present and how it affected the current characters and their lives. I loved the descriptions of England and Paris and especially the descriptions of the English nurses and their perils through WWII. I highly recommend this book.
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of 5
by Vy A. (Phoenix, AZ)
