30th out of 141 books
—
282 voters
The Tiger in the Well (Sally Lockhart #3)
Sally, now 25, is comfortably settled with her child, Harriet, her work, and her London friends. But when a complete stranger claims to be both her husband and Harriet's father, Sally's whole world comes crashing down around her. With nowhere to turn, she escapes with Harriet into the slums of London's East End--and finds help in some unexpected quarters.
"Pullman is fast b...more
"Pullman is fast b...more
Mass Market Paperback, 416 pages
Published
February 18th 1992
by Laurel Leaf
(first published October 1st 1990)
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The third installment of the Sally Lockhart mysteries series is even more complex than the other two entries. It is also, unfortunately, a little too obvious, as I figured out the identity of the mysterious villain way before Sally did. And if I figured it out, everyone figured it out.
No matter, though, because Pullman still spins a decent yarn. It's about 2 years since we last saw Sally, and she is now raising Harriet, the daughter she conceived with Frederick right before he died. All seems to...more
No matter, though, because Pullman still spins a decent yarn. It's about 2 years since we last saw Sally, and she is now raising Harriet, the daughter she conceived with Frederick right before he died. All seems to...more
A great read. I would have given it five stars, but unfortunately Pullman wavers a bit towards the end of the book and overstates the socialism message in two of the last scenes. The socialism subplot is otherwise masterfully handled and lends intellectual depth to this mystery; it's a shame Pullman had to doubt his own powers of writing and slam us over the head with the socialism message in those two scenes.
But other than that misstep, a terrific book - riveting, multilayered, and one of those...more
But other than that misstep, a terrific book - riveting, multilayered, and one of those...more
This is the 3rd in the series that I've read. I liked the first two quite a bit, but I found this one very hard to get through. I think it's because the story is short on charm and long on political viewpoint. That's not what I was looking for in a YA novel. I also found some of the aspects of the bad guys pretty nauseating. I forced myself to finish it because I knew that once I put it down I'd never pick it up again. Too bad - Pullman had a good series going.
I am on my holiday this week and I have just finished reading this book. I love the dark materials books and although this Isn't quite as good it still is a very good read. It is reassuring to see that there can be well written young adult books out there. I seem to have managed to start reading at the end of a series of books... I always seem to manage this... But to be fair I don't think this was a problem and I could follow the plot and the book itself feels like a stand alone book rather tha...more
This is the longest and most intricate of the books. There are several things going on: Sally's persecution by a mysterious man, persecution of Jews emigrating from Russia and other eastern European countries into England, and the struggle of Socialists in Victorian England. These three books create a path of knowledge for Sally Lockhart. In the first, she is forced to fight for herself. In the second, she learns independence (both economic and personal.) She also becomes aware that evil is not...more
Sally Lockhart is a rare woman in Victorian England. She’s a single mother, competent, independent, and a successful and prosperous business owner. She has never been married, so when she is served with divorce papers, she cannot understand how such a mistake could be made. It soon becomes clear it is not a mistake. The details about her in the document are correct -- all except one. She has never met the man claiming to be her husband, the man who wants to take custody of her daughter.
I would n...more
I would n...more
(Note: really more like 3.5 stars....)
I made the mistake of accidentally starting this book before I realized it was the *end* of the trilogy...and I hadn't read the beginning volumes. A more sensible person would have put the book down and gone to the library for #1 and #2. But I was just borderline interested enough to keep reading #3, even though it was glaringly obvious that Our Heroine had had numerous exploits previously that I'd missed out on. It wasn't incomprehensible, but it wasn't ide...more
I made the mistake of accidentally starting this book before I realized it was the *end* of the trilogy...and I hadn't read the beginning volumes. A more sensible person would have put the book down and gone to the library for #1 and #2. But I was just borderline interested enough to keep reading #3, even though it was glaringly obvious that Our Heroine had had numerous exploits previously that I'd missed out on. It wasn't incomprehensible, but it wasn't ide...more
Meeehhhhh, Sally's second book was good, and this one...was not.
Okay, I was still digging the setting of Victorian London. Sally, I was just at the Assyrian exhibit at the British Museum! I walked along Fleet Street. I can totally picture every single place we were hanging out. But omigosh, I cannot tell you how frustrating every other part of this book was. One, Sally is back to annoying me. Two, everybody that I liked, like Jim, is not in the book (until the end, when he, of course, saves the...more
Okay, I was still digging the setting of Victorian London. Sally, I was just at the Assyrian exhibit at the British Museum! I walked along Fleet Street. I can totally picture every single place we were hanging out. But omigosh, I cannot tell you how frustrating every other part of this book was. One, Sally is back to annoying me. Two, everybody that I liked, like Jim, is not in the book (until the end, when he, of course, saves the...more
I think this is my favorite in the Sally Lockhart series so far, I can't say enough about how wonderful Anton Lesser is as the reader.
He's amazing and his voices add so much to the story as a whole that once I started with the first audio book 'The Ruby in the Smoke' I no longer considered reading the books, it just wouldn't be the same.
So frugal as I am and consummate library patron that I am, I had to buy the audio book of 'The Tiger in the Well' because none of the libraries in my area (or...more
He's amazing and his voices add so much to the story as a whole that once I started with the first audio book 'The Ruby in the Smoke' I no longer considered reading the books, it just wouldn't be the same.
So frugal as I am and consummate library patron that I am, I had to buy the audio book of 'The Tiger in the Well' because none of the libraries in my area (or...more
This book was a bit different from the first two Sally Lockhart books. Fred and Jim are absent from this one (for the most part). I missed them. Their presence gave a certain light heartedness and humor to the books that is lacking here. It is a much more intense and desperate situation and had me on edge for most of the book.
Sally suddenly receives divorce papers from a man she has never met. He claims to be married to her and the father of her child. He is not only seeking divorce but wants c...more
Sally suddenly receives divorce papers from a man she has never met. He claims to be married to her and the father of her child. He is not only seeking divorce but wants c...more
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I didn't find this book as entertaining as the first in the series ("Ruby in the Smoke"), but that was probably intentional: it merits five stars anyhow for scaring the living daylights out of me. And I read it as an adult.
Sally Lockheart's spent the previous 2 books coming right up against the Victorian societal restrictions on women. She's managed to get away with it, too, achieving most of her goals without incurring much damage. But in this book, society whips around and bites her.
It's absol...more
Sally Lockheart's spent the previous 2 books coming right up against the Victorian societal restrictions on women. She's managed to get away with it, too, achieving most of her goals without incurring much damage. But in this book, society whips around and bites her.
It's absol...more
The publisher's blurb on the back of my edition of TTITW reads "THE PLOT GRIPS LIKE A DROWNING MAN AND DRAGS THE READER DEEP INTO THE SEWERS OF VICTORIAN VILLAINY." Yes. That is exactly what the plot is like/does. I would add only: "IT'S REALLY FUN TO READ AHH!"
Pullman always hero-worships his protagonists a bit, but he writes such compelling ones it's impossible to blame him. Take Sally Lockhart, our heroine: She pulls off unwed motherhood in Victorian London like it ain't no thang. She runs h...more
Pullman always hero-worships his protagonists a bit, but he writes such compelling ones it's impossible to blame him. Take Sally Lockhart, our heroine: She pulls off unwed motherhood in Victorian London like it ain't no thang. She runs h...more
It took me a while to get to the last Sally Lockhart book. When I read The Shadow in the North the ending was just SO SAD it knocked the wind out of me. I couldn't bring myself to read the third book until last week.
I really enjoyed The Tiger in the Well. I love all the characters in these books, and Pullman's storytelling and plot is impeccable. Everything constantly moves quickly, and I was always on the edge of my seat. This was the longest of the books, but I think it took me the least time...more
I really enjoyed The Tiger in the Well. I love all the characters in these books, and Pullman's storytelling and plot is impeccable. Everything constantly moves quickly, and I was always on the edge of my seat. This was the longest of the books, but I think it took me the least time...more
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There is life after 'His Dark Materials'.
Having loved the HDM trilogy, I suppose there was always some question as to whether Philip Pullman could write something else anywhere near as engaging. Well, this book proves that he is a brilliant writer.
I am 2/3rds of the way through this book and I am gripped. This is by far the best of the Sally Lockhart Quartet that I've read (actually, I'm listening to it read on audiobook by Anton Lesser). The story has a blistering pace, and is full of tension,...more
Having loved the HDM trilogy, I suppose there was always some question as to whether Philip Pullman could write something else anywhere near as engaging. Well, this book proves that he is a brilliant writer.
I am 2/3rds of the way through this book and I am gripped. This is by far the best of the Sally Lockhart Quartet that I've read (actually, I'm listening to it read on audiobook by Anton Lesser). The story has a blistering pace, and is full of tension,...more
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adeventuress. financial consultant. share holder. mother.
yes, you heard right. among all the things one would expect brave sally lockhart to be, mom isn't quite on the list is it? and yet that's exactly what she is in the series' fourth instalment, the tiger in the well.
the story starts in the streets of victorian london where young financial consultant sally lockhart is living life to it's fullest. for those of you who thought that she would still be pining away for her (late)lover frederick g...more
yes, you heard right. among all the things one would expect brave sally lockhart to be, mom isn't quite on the list is it? and yet that's exactly what she is in the series' fourth instalment, the tiger in the well.
the story starts in the streets of victorian london where young financial consultant sally lockhart is living life to it's fullest. for those of you who thought that she would still be pining away for her (late)lover frederick g...more
Aug 11, 2012
Kalilah
rated it
3 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Recommends it for:
People who like History & Mysteries
I'd have given it an extra star if it weren't for the bits that always cheese me off in a book; romance/love.
Even though I pretty much knew how things would play out - and who the villain was before I probably should have (even whilst not having read any of the other Sally Lockhart mysteries), I still think this book is really good.
I love the style of writing, made me feel like I was watching a movie. I love the diversity of characters. I love that, although fictional, many aspects of this book...more
Even though I pretty much knew how things would play out - and who the villain was before I probably should have (even whilst not having read any of the other Sally Lockhart mysteries), I still think this book is really good.
I love the style of writing, made me feel like I was watching a movie. I love the diversity of characters. I love that, although fictional, many aspects of this book...more
Plucky Sally Lockhart turns into a disappointingly frantic and ineffective gothic heroine in this third installment of the Sally Lockhart Mysteries. When a stranger claiming to be her husband sues for divorce and custody of her daughter, Sally quails at the well-laid plot and makes few, weak attempts to learn who is behind this, and why. Her terror at the idea of losing her daughter renders her quite stupid. She fails to think about how this attempt could relate to her past enemies (an obvious t...more
Just as in The Amber Spyglass, His Dark Materials #3, Pullman inserts a point of view in the story that's a little too intensely biased, political perhaps. Where in The Amber Spyglass he rails against a controlling political entity that seems to have a lot in common with organized religion, particularly the Catholic Church, here it's dawning on the main character that capitalism is the enemy, and a radical, socialism/communism is the only righteous course. There is lots of positive, well-describ...more
I'm actually not much of a mystery reader - but I loved this series. As with all of Pullman's books these stories are so much more than what they appear to be on the surface (Industrial Revolution mysteries with a plucky heroine). Each book tackles a different issue of the time, and Sally Lockhart might be my new favorite female character for younger readers.
Also, I listened to these books because I had enjoyed the audio version of the Golden Compass series so much and have to say that while the...more
Also, I listened to these books because I had enjoyed the audio version of the Golden Compass series so much and have to say that while the...more
Narrated by Anton Lesser
13 hrs and 7 mins
Publisher's Summary
Sally Lockhart, trying to put her troubled past behind her after her fiance's death, has settled into a comfortable life with her daughter, Harriet, her career, and her London friends. But her world comes crashing down around her when a complete stranger claims to be both her husband and Harriet's father, casting doubt on her spotless reputation.
Seeking the answers to this terrible dilemma, Sally realizes with growing horror that there...more
13 hrs and 7 mins
Publisher's Summary
Sally Lockhart, trying to put her troubled past behind her after her fiance's death, has settled into a comfortable life with her daughter, Harriet, her career, and her London friends. But her world comes crashing down around her when a complete stranger claims to be both her husband and Harriet's father, casting doubt on her spotless reputation.
Seeking the answers to this terrible dilemma, Sally realizes with growing horror that there...more
It is 1881 in Victorian London and Sally Lockhart is faced with solving a mystery that could cost her the one thing most dear to her: her own child. On her doorstep is a man with a piece of paper telling her that a man she has never met is petitioning her for divorce for her cruelty and immoral behaviour. With her business partners Jim Taylor and Webster Garland away on a photography expedition she seems vulnerable and the net closes fast around her, a forged marriage certificate, accusations of...more
The third and, so far (I've one more to go), best of the Sally Lockhart books.
The story incorporates the rise of socialist organisations, Russian Jews fleeing the pogroms of 1881, and issues of class identity, yet it's not in the least dry or academic. All the sociological and historical elements are vividly brought to life and seamlessly integrated into the narrative. Plus it's a more emotionally involving adventure this time as Sally goes on the run with her toddler daughter in the breathless...more
The story incorporates the rise of socialist organisations, Russian Jews fleeing the pogroms of 1881, and issues of class identity, yet it's not in the least dry or academic. All the sociological and historical elements are vividly brought to life and seamlessly integrated into the narrative. Plus it's a more emotionally involving adventure this time as Sally goes on the run with her toddler daughter in the breathless...more
This, the third book in the 'Sally Lockhart series', is unbelievably gripping and a ripping good yarn to boot. I've enjoyed this book the most so far...absolutely mesmerizing! And, I cannot understand why the series has been placed in the YA category; it is far too cerebral and delicious a read for most of the YAs that I know.
I gulped up the later 'His Dark Materials' series, but this may even rank above it. In addition, where 'The Golden Compass' et.al. is fantasy fiction, the Sally Lockhart se...more
I gulped up the later 'His Dark Materials' series, but this may even rank above it. In addition, where 'The Golden Compass' et.al. is fantasy fiction, the Sally Lockhart se...more
WOW. Well, I don't think there could be much more plot stuffed into this book, and as things revved up, listening in only 15-25-minute bursts was more and more an exercise in frustration.
I downloaded this after having watched the BBC movies of the first two books--the second engrossed me enough that I wanted to know what happened to Sally next. I was amazed at how much more detail was packed in here--I can't imagine turning it into a two-hour movie. Pullman obviously loves the time period, consi...more
I downloaded this after having watched the BBC movies of the first two books--the second engrossed me enough that I wanted to know what happened to Sally next. I was amazed at how much more detail was packed in here--I can't imagine turning it into a two-hour movie. Pullman obviously loves the time period, consi...more
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|---|---|---|---|---|
| Do you think that Sally should have married someone instead of Fred ? | 8 | 19 | Oct 24, 2012 03:26am |
from his official website:
"I was born in Norwich in 1946, and educated in England, Zimbabwe, and Australia, before my family settled in North Wales. I received my secondary education at the excellent Ysgol Ardudwy, Harlech, and then went to Exeter College, Oxford, to read English, though I never learned to read it very well.
"I found my way into the teaching profession at the age of 25, and taught...more
More about Philip Pullman...
"I was born in Norwich in 1946, and educated in England, Zimbabwe, and Australia, before my family settled in North Wales. I received my secondary education at the excellent Ysgol Ardudwy, Harlech, and then went to Exeter College, Oxford, to read English, though I never learned to read it very well.
"I found my way into the teaching profession at the age of 25, and taught...more
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