“Reginald Hill has raised the classical British mystery to new heights.”
— The New York Times Book Review
Acclai... read full description
— The New York Times Book Review
Acclai... read full description
reviews
Nov 23, 2008
Tina
rated it: 
This is the first Reginald Hill I have read and I must say I am now hooked. I have never read a book even a funny one where I laughed out loud at almost everything Dalziel said. I love his wit, he is so rough around the edges. I thought the ending was a bit predictable but I have read so many mysteries that I can almost see what is coming before it happens.
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Aug 09, 2011
Kirsty
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This book has really knocked this series over the edge from relatively realistic seeming detective novel into wild flights of fantasy type of story telling. In many ways it's totally silly, but Hill keeps an edge of realism about it, and I love it.
Throughout Hill's books there have been many cases of appropriately named characters and nicknames that tie in with the plots but none more so than here. This is a long book and at times it felt like the plot was a bit too obvious and really More...
Throughout Hill's books there have been many cases of appropriately named characters and nicknames that tie in with the plots but none more so than here. This is a long book and at times it felt like the plot was a bit too obvious and really More...
Dec 16, 2010
A motorist dies, a motorcycle rider crashes into a tree, this all seems like an accident. Then details of the two events arrive as an entry to a short story contest held by a newspaper. Dalaiel and Pascoe must match wits with a killer who writes a story about each event and places it where it is sure to be found. Good characters, good description of the events, this book keeps you interested. Just remember sometimes when it is over it is over, sometimes you may think it is not over but it is,
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Aug 04, 2011
Jim
rated it:
A great mystery with a twist at the end that makes you go back through the book a second time. Format is a series of dialogues, written by a murderer, with an unnamed (till the end) dead person. In these dialogues, the murderer discloses the details of the latest murder, setting Pascoe and Dalziel in pursuit with the aid of new policeman "Hat" Bowler.
People who love literature will love this book, filled with literary allusions. Likewise anyone who likes to have the expe More...
People who love literature will love this book, filled with literary allusions. Likewise anyone who likes to have the expe More...
Jul 26, 2011
I normally go for the "cozy" style of mystery (although how cozy can it be if it involves dead bodies, I always wonder) but, having now read two of them, I see that Hill's works are a perfect choice if I want something a little darker and longer. I enjoy the interrelations between the characters, and a fun (or humbling) side effect is trying to understand the colloquialisms rampant in his works--whether they are mid- Yorkshire or British, I often don't know, but it isn't enough of a s
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Nov 14, 2008
Eric_W
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Detective Constable Bowler, who, in a fit of paranomasia (wordplay, punning) has been nicknamed, "Hat," would like to date Ray (Raina) Pamona, the local reference librarian. She and her boss, Dee, have been assigned the onerous task of judging submissions to the local fiction story contest. Dee and Ray notice that two of the entries from the same writer bear striking resemblance to two recent unexplained deaths, and they wonder how the writer could have obtained such intimate details.
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May 18, 2011
Anne
rated it:
Lover of both mystery and wordplay, the inestimable Reginald Hill comes up with another fine whodunnit - except that this time, the reader pretty much needs a dictionary along side the bookmark and snacks. While the ending is more than contrived the build up is worth it, and we get to enjoy again some of the best characters in crime writing, along with Hill's always ready wit.
Sep 07, 2009
Jane
rated it: 
This is the first mystery I have read by Hill. It was suggested to me because it takes place in Yorkshire. The plot twists and turns and has a suprising ending. Humourous, clever, and witty with word plays as an integral part of the plot. The detectives are an intersting pair. Had to keep reading and now I must read the next book.
Mar 29, 2010
S.S.
rated it:
Lofty language, convoluted plot, hilarious character offerings. Welcome to the Reginald Hill School of Writing.
He's brilliant, his prose is clever, and this one with Hat Bowler is an especially good romp.
He's brilliant, his prose is clever, and this one with Hat Bowler is an especially good romp.
Jan 17, 2012
Sari
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I've enjoyed Dalziel and Pascoe so much over the years and was saddened to hear that the author has died. All the novels are great, this one in particular had me completely fooled, which was great.
Sep 09, 2011
Deborah
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Really loved the interesting twists. I can't say much as it might give too much away. Very different than I thought it would be, but excellent.
Apr 29, 2009
John
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This was my first Reginald Hill -- off the wall... look forward to reading more!
Dec 08, 2009
I think I've read this one but am not sure, so just have to read it again.
Feb 11, 2010
Gavin
rated it:
The first Dalziel and Pascoe book I read. Quite a gap in my collection did Mr. Hill's books turn out to be. This particular one involves libraries, anagrams and a deranged serial killer who is almost certainly not who the police think it is. Dalziel is happy with the outcome, so is Pascoe, and so should be anybody who reads this. If you care to read this and no other in the series then it would be the one I most highly recommend of all the series. However, Death's Jest Book is a must after readi
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Sep 14, 2009
Jennifer
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I loved this book, partly because of the title (I know that Lucian's aren't the dialogues referenced in the title, but still...) and partly because I really like the multiple narrators. If you don't like multiple narrators it would probably seem a little precious and/or annoying.
Sep 03, 2011
Palmreader
rated it:
This is absolutely one of Hill's best. I've read it twice and got scared both times. Interesting take on madness.
Mar 11, 2010
Keith
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Wow. I thought the last Reginald Hill book I read was good. This one is a masterpiece. I intended to change genre's and read something completely different but this was so good I don't think I'm able to do that. Death's Jest-Book it is.
Jul 29, 2008
Jill
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Totally loved this mystery (doesn't hurt that I'm a librarian, so I loved the portrayal of the librarians!). Very tricky ending, can't wait to read the next in the Pascoe/Dalziel series!
Apr 16, 2010
Sherie
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This book takes concentration to go from start to finish. It has so many switch-backs that I ended up re-reading several parts. The ending is a stunner, but gives room for doubt.
Jul 07, 2008
Brian
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Dalziel and Pascoe. How can you go wrong? Too bad the movies aren't on dvd yet. Smart entertaining mysteries for those who like British detective stories.
Apr 15, 2009
Rog
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This is the second time I have read this and I am still a bit disappointed. Somehow it still does not grab me as much as his other books did.
