Kilnsgate where my future will begin.
Chris Lowndes builds suspense and curiosity which makes you read with passion as he digs in the past to reveal the truth behind a murder committed fifty years ago in his present home "Kilnsgate", in Yorkshire, England. Peter Robinson's award-winning writing talents keep you glued to the story with each piece of the puzzle he uncovers about Grace Elizabeth Fox's murder of her husband. During the research, we learn of the work done during WWII by military nurses. The horrors of war, the compassion and skill needed to survive your surroundings. It is not until the end that you fully understand what happened and why.
Rated of 5
by Cindy C. (Owen, WI)
Before the Posion
I read the book in two days and would recommend it to others. The story definitely draws you in and you want to know how it ends and the ending is definitely unexpected. I have never read this author before and in same ways liked his attention to detail but sometimes felt he got a little bogged down in location names. I did however like the historical detail from World War II and the way the book flowed from the past to the present.
Rated of 5
by Juliet F. (clarendon hills, IL)
a little uneven, but a very pleasurable read
This book was very pleasurable reading. The plot was interesting, and I enjoyed the historical plot being interwoven with the contemporary story. The weakest part of the story was Heather's character and her relationship with the protagonist, which was silly and poorly done. However, that did little to dampen what was otherwise a fun read. Not as good as the Inspector Banks series, but not a waste of time by any stretch.
Rated of 5
by Sue P. (Richardson, TX)
Before The Poison
This is a departure from the Inspector Banks series and not nearly as gritty and intense. A touch of the supernatural and a somewhat gentle, drifty approach makes this an unusual book, especially with a male narrator who seems to be obsessed with the quest to find the truth about a woman who was hanged for the murder of her husband 60 years before. Good story; well-written - the descriptions of the various locales, particularly the house in Yorkshire, are wonderful.
Rated of 5
by Cecilia Z. (Montclair, New Jersey)
Good, but not great
I am a big fan of Peter Robinson and his detective, Alan Banks, and look forward to his mysteries. I found this novel a little disappointing. It is a stand-alone novel about a man who moves to England and is pulled into a mystery involving a former resident of the house he purchases, who was hanged for murder. Unlike his other books, this had a very slow pace. It was also difficult to understand why finding out what happened was so compelling to the main character. While there were a few surprises in the end, they weren't enough to explain his obsessive interest. I did enjoy the character's interest and knowledge of music and movies. That is an enjoyable theme in his other mysteries, which was more developed here. All in all, good but not great.
Rated of 5
by Darlene C. (Simpsonville, SC)
Enjoyable read!
I haven't read this author's Inspector Banks novels but they are not necessary to enjoy this book. The first couple of chapters were slow going because they dealt with the geography of the story. It wasn't a "couldn't put it down", but more like an "I can't wait to get back to it" and the further I read the harder it became to wait to get back to it. I found the plot original and the characters endearing. I would recommend this book to a friend, it really should be rated 4.5!
Rated of 5
by Vicky S. (Torrance, CA)
Before the Poison
This book was enjoyable with a murder mystery from years back and current emotional and relationship turmoil. I would look for other books by this author. Book clubs would enjoy the discussion about possible motives for murder as well as the movie music portion.
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of 5
by Corinne S. (Paoli, PA)
