Scan barcode
verydazedragon's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
“But let him beware, Justice is not blind, but blindfolded, and when he least expects it she will tear the bandage from her keen eyes, and drag him forth to the light of day to receive the reward of his deed. “
This sentence, and the scene in which Mother Guttersnipe dies, rolled over and over in my mind. I thought I had solved the mystery, as we all did, I am sure, and was delighted to realize that I was wrong. The mystery is so satisfying, and unlike with Sherlock Holmes novels, we are not kept in the dark about all the clues available to the characters. I liked the transition from inspectors to lawyers and then back to a detective. They all solved the riddle together in their own fragmentary way. I disagree with their decision to keep Sally Rollins in the dark, but that does not detract from my enjoyment of the novel.
This sentence, and the scene in which Mother Guttersnipe dies, rolled over and over in my mind. I thought I had solved the mystery, as we all did, I am sure, and was delighted to realize that I was wrong. The mystery is so satisfying, and unlike with Sherlock Holmes novels, we are not kept in the dark about all the clues available to the characters. I liked the transition from inspectors to lawyers and then back to a detective. They all solved the riddle together in their own fragmentary way. I disagree with their decision to keep Sally Rollins in the dark, but that does not detract from my enjoyment of the novel.
ljm57's review against another edition
4.0
Published in 1886, a year before Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes, this mystery set in Melbourne was a world wide best seller. With sales of 750000 & translated into 11 language, Hume's story of a murder taking place in a hansom cab, is probably Australia's first literary success. An enjoyable read with many twists & turns, & written in the old world style of language that I just love.
laurenla's review against another edition
3.25
an old Australian murder mystery - Doyle took from it. Listened to free audiobook excellent narrator. Outdated.
mgeake's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
chloeknight's review against another edition
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
blueyellow's review against another edition
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
3.5
odmay's review against another edition
3.0
This book was a pleasant surprise. I found it very interesting to read a novel set in Melbourne at that time. The use of language quite different from today and the references to mythological characters in the course of conversation e.g. Nemesis fascinating. The book highlights illiteracy and deprivation, which reflects the extremes within society of that day. I enjoyed the mystery and the twist at the end. A fascinating read of a book written in and about early Melbourne.
webjoram's review against another edition
2.0
Reconozco que soy un chico fácil, por lo menos en lo que se refiere a escoger un libro para leer. Una portada llamativa, una sinopsis atrayente o un titular afortunado puede ser suficiente para decidirme a leer un libro, y esto fue lo que paso en este caso. Las frases "el primer bestseller de la época moderna" y "una de las 100 mejores novelas de suspense que jamás se han escrito" me cautivaron y me decidí a leer esta novela.
No voy a decir que es una mala novela pero si es cierto que ni de lejos puede sostener las afirmaciones que se han hecho sobre ella.
Nos encontramos con una novela con un planteamiento bastante simple: un asesinato sorprendente y un falso culpable que no puede defenderse a causa de un secreto inconfesable. No me molestaría este planteamiento si no fuera porque el desarrollo de la trama es excesivamente simple y prácticamente sabes todo lo que va a ocurrir cuando apenas has leído un tercio de la novela (a pesar de que el autor se saca de la chistera un giro final, cuando menos, poco creíble).
En definitiva una novela apta para pasar el rato pero sin llegar a las pretensiones que algunos editores le han dado.
No voy a decir que es una mala novela pero si es cierto que ni de lejos puede sostener las afirmaciones que se han hecho sobre ella.
Nos encontramos con una novela con un planteamiento bastante simple: un asesinato sorprendente y un falso culpable que no puede defenderse a causa de un secreto inconfesable. No me molestaría este planteamiento si no fuera porque el desarrollo de la trama es excesivamente simple y prácticamente sabes todo lo que va a ocurrir cuando apenas has leído un tercio de la novela (a pesar de que el autor se saca de la chistera un giro final, cuando menos, poco creíble).
En definitiva una novela apta para pasar el rato pero sin llegar a las pretensiones que algunos editores le han dado.