An English Murder

by Cyril Hare
An English Murder cover
Good Books rating 4.0
Crime, Mystery, Thriller/Suspense
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Paperback • £9.99
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Technical
  • ID: 8202
  • Added: 2025-12-20
  • Updated: 2025-12-30
  • ISBN: 9781667627311
  • Publisher: Wildside Press LLC
  • Published: 2023-07-03
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

In the grand setting of a large country house, a diverse group of guests, including a dying lord, a chancellor, a fascist son, and a foreign historian, come together for what they assume will be the lord's last Christmas. The atmosphere is tense and filled with secrets, and when a murder occurs, the house is cut off from the outside world by a heavy snowfall. Left to their own devices, the guests must rely on the chancellor's bodyguard to initiate a preliminary investigation, unraveling the mysteries and motives hidden within the group. The story is a classic whodunit, filled with intrigue, suspense, and a cast of memorable characters, all set against the backdrop of a traditional English country house.

Reviews
Literary Treats · 2024-01-27
thoughtful 4.50

The story touches on the politics and economic realities of post-WWII Britain, adding depth to the classic mystery format.

This reviewer loved how the story delves into the social and economic issues of post-WWII Britain. The characters and their interactions provide a rich backdrop to the mystery, making it more than just a simple whodunit. The reviewer appreciated the way the book uses the classic mystery format to explore deeper themes, such as the challenges faced by society during that time. They also noted that the book's setting and characterizations are vivid and well-crafted, adding to the overall enjoyment of the story. The reviewer found the book to be a thoughtful and engaging read, offering a unique perspective on a turbulent period in history.

Quick quotes

    I love how this story touches on the politics and economic realities of post-WWII Britain.

    Briggs the butler comments on the challenges of the time, adding depth to the classic mystery format.

    The characters and their interactions provide a rich backdrop to the mystery, making it more than just a simple whodunit.

The Cozy Owlet · 2022-12-23
enlightening 4.00

This book is enjoyed more as a historical artifact than as a Christmas murder mystery. It offers a great reminder of how mysteries were written in the past.

The reviewer found this book to be a delightful snapshot of a bygone era. They enjoyed it more for its historical value than as a traditional Christmas mystery. The book provides a fascinating look into the past, showcasing how mysteries were crafted in the mid-20th century. The reviewer appreciated the intricate characterizations and the classic setting, which made the book a unique reading experience. They also noted that the book's historical context added a layer of depth that modern mysteries often lack. Overall, it's a book that offers a lot to think about, especially for those interested in the evolution of the mystery genre.

Quick quotes

    I really enjoyed An English Murder – but as a historical artifact, not as a Christmas murder mystery.

    It was a great reminder of how mysteries were written in the past.

    The book provides a fascinating look into the past, showcasing how mysteries were crafted in the mid-20th century.

MotherBookerBlog · 2021-12-13
comforting 3.50

This is a cozy crime novel that provides an enjoyable read on a cold winter's night. It doesn't break literary barriers but offers a pleasant escape.

If you're looking for a book to curl up with on a chilly evening, this might be just the thing. It's a classic cozy crime story, set in a snowy English country house, and it does a great job of capturing that atmosphere. The characters are engaging, and the mystery is satisfying without being too complex. It's not going to win any awards for literary innovation, but it's a fun and comfortable read. The reviewer enjoyed the book for its classic charm and the way it fits perfectly into the cozy mystery genre. They appreciated the vivid characterizations and the classic setting, making it a great choice for fans of the genre.

Quick quotes

    Yes, this is a cosy crime novel, so it's not breaking down literary barriers but it's an enjoyable read on a cold winter's night.

    The characters are engaging, and the mystery is satisfying without being too complex.

    It's not going to win any awards for literary innovation, but it's a fun and comfortable read.

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