Life Before Death - Colin Fry

Advantages: Good story, excellently written, strong characters
Disadvantages: Perhaps too many red herrings

...Introduction I think Colin Dexter's work is one of the few examples of detective fiction that is actually very well translated onto the tv. John Thaw and Kevin Whately are so well suited to the parts (and I had actually read the books before seeing it on tv) and although the storylines aren't always 100% accurate, they still translate over well. But anyway, back to the book. This one is one of my favourites, and in a way, the inclusion of so many red herrings is actually a benefit, because when I re-read it recently, I couldn't actually remember whodunnit. The plot A group of American tourists are on a coach tour around the UK - one of their points of destination is, of course, Oxford. (I say of course, you may not know if not a Colin Dexter or Morse fan - all of his books are set in Oxford). An elderly American couple, the Strattons... Read review

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Advantages: Good Book, Interesting and somewhat believable
Disadvantages: Story simularish to other Colin Forbes Books

...Technical Information: Paperback 502 pages (December 10, 1999 Version) Publisher: Pan ISBN: 0330374893 Categories: Fiction , Crime, Thrillers & Mystery ABOUT THE AUTHOR Colin Forbes has written now over 40 Books, both as Colin Forbes and other names, including Jay Bernard and Harold English. He wrote his first book published as Colin Forbes (Tramp in Armour) in 1969 and since then all of his books have been published with this name. His real name is apparently Raymond Sawkins. ABOUT THE BOOK Now this is a book about Tweed and his colleagues, including Paula Grey and Bob Newmann among others. Right the basic story is that the British Prime Minister is assassinated and an attempt is made on the CIA Director's life. British spies Tweed, Paula Grey and Bob Newman are called in and they discover a massive conspiracy. Meanwhile... Read review

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Advantages: Gives a vivid look at the Yorkshire countryside.
Disadvantages: Seems to be a little too long in places.

...Odd how a book I once read as a child & later as a adult can in later life suddenly get a stark realism all of it's own. Most people seem to review this book from the main character Mary's viewpoint but I am going to be different! For me particularly in later life it is the character of the son of the house that I can empathise with most. Colin is bedridden & unable to go out into the Yorkshire countryside & see the things that Mary & others take for granted. When Mary finds the Secret garden she wants to share it with others & eventually the pictures she paints encourages Colin to want to share in her delight & he is taken out of the confines of his bedroom & outside into the garden & the countryside. The happiness he experiences at the sheer pleasure of being outside & feeling/seeing the beauty of the countryside is what I empathise... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful