I was very intrigued with this book when I saw that A.C. wrote it in 1927 and was evidently, even at that time, very well aware of the possibility of a small number of outside influencers having a very strong hand in how the nations of the world are orchestrated. While a work of fiction, I don‘t think the premise wanders very far from the truth. I liked this read very much.

I found this very hard to put down, and I am a bit saddened that it is over. Very well written and engaging. The only unfortunate thing of my copy is the cover art. I will definitely have to get a better edition.

An enjoyable mystery that kept me guessing. Throughout I had a nagging suspicion but could not see how it could be fleshed out, so in the end I was leaning toward the wrong suspect. A very interesting twist. I was not disappointed.
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An endearing favorite of mine, this will not be the last Christmas season in which I read A Christmas Carol, nor the last when I will watch it on TV. The 1984 rendition with George C. Scott is my favorite. Timeless classics each. I hope you all have a wonderful Holiday Season and a joyous Christmas.

This is a weak pick. I enjoyed the main characters, especially Anthony, Virginia and Inspector Battle, along with their evolving relationships, but the storyline felt a bit off at times; occasionally straying into the realm of the implausible. The book had enough to keep me amused, but may not be satisfactory for those seeking a more tightly woven mystery.
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First read this ~50 years ago. Never forgot it. Bought it recently to induce my 14-y.o. daughter to read. She loved it, so I had to read it again. From my now seasoned perspective I may even appreciate this book more. I can see parts of almost every character in me as a youth (good and bad). This book took me back in time. So well written. So true. I look forward to “That Was Then, This Is Now“.

I am going to miss this one. I truly enjoyed the characters; especially Anne. It's a shame we won't see her again in future mysteries. This one definitely had some interesting twists. A very fun read.
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An intriguing historical account of the beginning of America's war for independence. Very well written, it not only details the events, but also the conflicting ideals of the people and nations involved. America ultimately won its independence, but had cooler heads prevailed that independence may never have been fought for, or even desired. A worthwhile read.

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While good, not one of ACs best. The characters and relationships were intriguing, and the plot twists certainly kept me guessing, but it seemed the ultimate solution had to be a bit forced. Might be just me. I did enjoy the book over-all.

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Unlike many of the AC mysteries I have read in the past, I had this one figured out pretty early on. It was an enjoyable read, but certainly not a favorite.

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I got a late start, but the 1st is finished. I actually read this about a year ago, but I want to be true to the publishing date order so... . Every time I read an AC mystery I always tell myself to pay attention to every detail, especially early on; and every time I always miss or forget something. This was a good read. Looking forward to “The Secret Adversary“.

While framed as a murder mystery, I believe this book served more as a philosophical meditation and examination of medieval history with a significant focus on the sordid history of the Catholic Church. Still, it does have enough suspense and intrigue to keep the mystery lover engaged. Have your Latin lexicon handy.

A well written story that kept me turning the pages. That, with the heavy dose of self introspection it brought about, made this a very worthwhile read.

“Every man‘s island, Jean Louise, every man‘s watchman, is his conscience. There is no such thing as a collective conscious.“

Read too much like a text book to keep my attention. My aging mind could not keep up with the rapid fire names and dates and I often found myself daydreaming of other things while my eyes passed over the pages and the words fell to the floor. I got tired of picking them up. Perhaps that is a result of age also.

First read this over 40 years ago. It's what got me started on Dickens. As it did then, it makes me want to start another of his books. Wonderful character and plot development that keeps pulling you along the tragic streets of what was the French Revolution. Not a positive time for the Aristocracy or for the Sans-culottes. It seems power corrupts regardless who wields it.

This is a weak pick. It had its moments, but was not as good as the first book. There were times I found my mind wandering outside the pages. Still, there was enough meat on the bones to keep me going. May be a while before I go to Book 3.

It was a struggle at times finishing this. The main story and characters were exceptional and kept me going, but the lengthy philosophical tangents Hugo so often took made me at times almost forget what the story was about. 19 pages on “slang“. 15 pages on the “sewers of Paris“. And so many more. Still, the story makes it a worthwhile read. The ending is worth waiting for.

As I read, I followed this story on the internet. Looking up the towns, landscape, flora and fauna detailed in the book made the story so much more vivid and real. Richard Adams could spin a wonderful tale. His daughters were blessed.

Agatha Christie seldom fails to tickle the little grey cells with her Poirot novels. This was no exception. She had me guessing everyone but the one who did it. (That's not entirely true but I don't want to spoil anything). Wonderfully written. I was sucked in immediately and had trouble putting it down. My wife will likely be glad it's finished. I don't know why. She knows another book is in the queue.

Read this back in High School, then about 20 years ago and now again. A perennial favorite. Charlie's first person “progris riports“ allow the reader to become a part of Charlie's progression and regression and truly empathize with each step forward, each frustration, the triumphs and the fears. A very worthwhile read.

For those that would wish to strengthen their understanding of the Rapture of the Church and the Second Coming of Christ this is a worthwhile read.

Read this as a child, again as a young adult, and now as a seasoned citizen. Still a favorite. Hawthorne writes with a detail that places you directly into each scene and with intimate understanding of each character. And I must give a nod to his Victorian prose. How beautiful the English language can be. Perhaps that is what pulls me to the classics most.

It is amazing how one can read a book of 1105 pages and still feel melancholy that there is no more left to read. Dumas does well to state “Fac et spera“ in his closing sentence, but that is best understood when weighed in the balance with Ecclesiastes.

Dumas is a definite favorite. I have never been disappointed with his work.

It was interesting to read just how different Adams and Jefferson were, yet it is unlikely this nation could have succeeded without such differences in the founders. The hope and optimism of Jefferson to help it take off, the wisdom and cynicism of Adams to keep it from flying away. Well written. A worthwhile read.

I love Historical Fiction and MJ Lee never disappoints with his Genealogical Mysteries. These mysteries expose the 'less positive' areas of English history that is rarely talked about, and the back story of the protagonist brings you into the story on a personal level. This is the 10th in the series. All are easy reads and light diversions. I can't wait for the next.