Many thanks to all the bloggers who took part in the blog tour organised by my publishers to celebrate the arrival of Sepulchre Street. When a reviewer takes the trouble to try to understand what an author is trying to do, and then expresses approval, it's hugely rewarding for an author. I'm also glad that the general view is that this story offers plenty of enjoyment even for readers who haven't read the previous books in the series. So I'm very happy. Here is a selection of comments:
‘A fascinating book…Martin has done something rather magnificent here. If this was written as a pure thriller, it would be a deeply satisfying book, but woven throughout the thrills is a cleverly plotted mystery – with a cluefinder at the end to prove it. It’s worth reading, but I do warn the reader that they’ll end up repeatedly kicking themselves at the things that they missed…All in all, this is an absolute triumph…The best book so far in an outstanding series.’
In Search of the Classic Mystery Novel
‘The opening of the book is one of the most inventive I have
read, perfectly setting up what is to follow…Martin Edwards poses many
questions, with a wonderfully inventive plot, the writing combines all that is
good with the golden age but with a modern day twist. The plotting is superbly
thought out, constructed in a way that leaves a few clues along the way, though
you may not always pick them up, the book is paced perfectly for the period and
just flows along. There are touches of the gothic which only heightens the
reading enjoyment. In parts there is a conspiracy taking place with some
definite unsavoury characters who act first then ask questions later, overall a
slick and taut plot knitted together by the quality of the writing.
Plotting though on its own is nothing if you don’t have the
characters to match, this is another area where the book shines, it is hard not
like Rachel Savernake, strongly and fiercely independent she comes across as a
no nonsense person not averse to taking a risk or two...Martin Edwards writes
characters that are relatable, you get a real sense of who each are and the
period in which they live.
There is a certain humour within the book, equally its drips
with tension and drama, as it races towards the ending. Location plays its
part, the story moves seamlessly around, the way the book is written you can feel
yourself there…a superb read, by a writer who knows how to engage with the
reader, I was captivated throughout, the pace of the book perfect for the
times. It takes the best of the golden age and combines it with a read for
today…
Martin Edwards is a favourite author of mine, writing, plotting,
character, location, setting his books have it all.’
Amwbooksreviews
‘A complex and deeply satisfying
mystery…Martin Edwards really can write. His plotting and narrative are
brilliantly done, and he weaves together marvellous threads which culminate in
some wonderfully dramatic climaxes throughout the book…There are multiple plot
elements but Edwards never loses his grip on these, and the final resolution is
one I would never have guessed!
…The settings are vividly drawn and atmospheric, and I really felt I was
inside the action – the book is quite a page-turner…As well as plot and
setting, Edwards really excels when it comes to characters. His players are
lively, entertaining and very well conjured; I was particularly impressed by
his ability to draw such strong female characters, and also to weave some of
those issues women face into his plot without them ever sounding forced…I
thoroughly enjoyed this clever, absorbing and entertaining book…a wonderful read!’
Kaggsy’s Bookish Ramblings
‘Sepulchre Street is another fantastic, intriguing detective story from one of my favourite series…This book has a great pace to it…The author drops lots of clues throughout the book so you have to pay attention to everything…There is also a cluefinder at the back…I loved this idea and enjoyed going back to see the (many) clues I missed…this is a fantastic series!’
Over the Rainbow blog
‘Sepulchre Street is the fourth in the Rachel Savernake series and I think it is the best so far. It grips from the start…I loved the nods to Golden Age crime fiction, the cluefinder, the map. A lot of the fun of the novel lies in the period details and the way in which the 1930s are lovingly evoked: the clothes, the nightclubs, the songs (some invented, but very much in the spirit of the time). Cocktails were all the rage and their appearance is something of a running joke…I romped though the novel far too quickly and didn’t want it to end. All in all a splendid read.’
A Reading Life
‘Edwards has written another corker of a thriller/detective story set in 1930’s London…a puzzle Poirot himself would be proud to have solved! You will need to pay attention to every word to try to work out the ending…I thoroughly enjoyed it and would recommend it to fans of Agatha Christie who like a good puzzle to solve.’
Two Heads are Better Than One blog
‘Mystery and intrigue aplenty fill the pages of this brilliant who-dunnit…I love the character of Rachel - clever, strong and someone who doesn’t suffer fools gladly…A wonderful nod to the Golden Age of crime and mystery writing, this is a series of recommend over and over.’
Wendy Reads Books blog
‘I absolutely love this series…Rachel Savernake is an excellent protagonist. No nonsense, clever, tough, and mysterious herself, she loves a challenge…A twisting piece of thrilling golden age crime fiction to get your teeth into!’
Travels along My Bookshelf
‘Sepulchre Street is very well-written and has a great storyline and has you hooked from the start…Another brilliant book in the series and I can’t wait to see what Rachel is up to next!’
Murder Jo Wrote
‘The author has created yet another immersive mystery that pulls you in and enthrals you with its surprising twists and turns! Enjoyably there is also a touch of the macabre and matched with a fast-paced, chic and sophisticated setting of the 1930s…Rachel is the perfect leading lady…witty, clever, intriguing and…thrilling.’
Secret World of a Book
‘Sepulchre Street is probably my favourite to date; four books in the characters are developing nicely… There's a lot going on in here with all sorts of twists and turns, some interesting hints for future directions the series might take, as many easter eggs as a dedicated classic crime fan could hope for, and a host of other fun references to chase up. It's no easy thing to build a convincing past but I think Edwards does a really good job of it. It's his obvious knowledge of and affection for Golden Age crime that makes it work for me, coupled with a cast of characters who are neither self-consciously old fashioned, or entirely modern but stuck in fancy dress. Add the gothic atmosphere (John Dickson Carr would be proud) and character development to the other elements here and it's a hard to beat series.’
Desperate Reader blog
‘Intriguing, clever, entertaining.’
What Cathy Read
Next
‘A thrilling and haunting read that is perfect for fans of historical crime and detective fiction.’
A Cottage Full of
Books
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