Sepulchre Street - the first week's reviews

 

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 fascinatingbook…Martin has done something rather magnificent here. If this was written as a pure thriller, it would be a deeply satisfyingbook, but woven throughout the thrills is a cleverly plotted mystery – with a cluefinderat the end to prove it. It’s worth reading, but I do warn the reader thatthey’ll end up repeatedly kicking themselves at the things that they missed…Allin all, this is an absolute triumph…The best book so far in an outstandingseries.’

In Search of the Classic Mystery Novel

 

‘The opening of the book is one of the most inventive I haveread, perfectly setting up what is to follow…Martin Edwards poses manyquestions, with a wonderfully inventive plot, the writing combines all that isgood with the golden age but with a modern day twist. The plotting is superblythought out, constructed in a way that leaves a few clues along the way, thoughyou may not always pick them up, the book is paced perfectly for the period andjust flows along. There are touches of the gothic which only heightens thereading enjoyment. In parts there is a conspiracy taking place with somedefinite unsavoury characters who act first then ask questions later, overall aslick and taut plot knitted together by the quality of the writing.

Plotting though on its own is nothing if you don’t have thecharacters to match, this is another area where the book shines, it is hard notlike Rachel Savernake, strongly and fiercely independent she comes across as ano nonsense person not averse to taking a risk or two...Martin Edwards writescharacters that are relatable, you get a real sense of who each are and theperiod in which they live.

There is a certain humour within the book, equally its dripswith tension and drama, as it races towards the ending. Location plays itspart, the story moves seamlessly around, the way the book is written you can feelyourself there…a superb read, by a writer who knows how to engage with thereader, I was captivated throughout, the pace of the book perfect for thetimes. It takes the best of the golden age and combines it with a read fortoday…

Martin Edwards is a favourite author of mine, writing, plotting,character, location, setting his books have it all.’

Amwbooksreviews

‘A complex and deeply satisfyingmystery…Martin Edwards really can write. His plotting and narrative arebrilliantly done, and he weaves together marvellous threads which culminate insome wonderfully dramatic climaxes throughout the book…There are multiple plotelements but Edwards never loses his grip on these, and the final resolution isone I would never have guessed!

…The settings are vividly drawn and atmospheric, and I really felt I wasinside the action – the book is quite a page-turner…As well as plot andsetting, Edwards really excels when it comes to characters. His players arelively, entertaining and very well conjured; I was particularly impressed byhis ability to draw such strong female characters, and also to weave some ofthose issues women face into his plot without them ever sounding forced…Ithoroughly 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 agreat pace to it…The author drops lots of clues throughout the book so you haveto pay attention to everything…There is also a cluefinder at the back…I lovedthis idea and enjoyed going back to see the (many) clues I missed…this is afantastic series!’

Over the Rainbow blog

‘Sepulchre Street is the fourth in theRachel Savernake series and I think it is the best so far. It grips from thestart…I loved the nods to Golden Age crime fiction, the cluefinder, the map. A lotof the fun of the novel lies in the period details and the way in which the1930s are lovingly evoked: the clothes, the nightclubs, the songs (someinvented, but very much in the spirit of the time). Cocktails were all the rageand their appearance is something of a running joke…I romped though the novelfar too quickly and didn’t want it to end. All in all a splendid read.’

A Reading Life

‘Edwardshas written another corker of a thriller/detective story set in 1930’s London…apuzzle Poirot himself would be proud to have solved! You will need to payattention to every word to try to work out the ending…I thoroughly enjoyed itand would recommend it to fans of Agatha Christie who like a good puzzle tosolve.’

Two Heads are Better Than One blog

                          

‘Mystery and intrigue aplenty fill the pages ofthis brilliant who-dunnit…I love the character of Rachel - clever, strong andsomeone who doesn’t suffer fools gladly…A wonderful nod to the Golden Age ofcrime and mystery writing, this is a series of recommend over and over.’

Wendy Reads Books blog

‘Iabsolutely love this series…Rachel Savernake is an excellent protagonist. Nononsense, clever, tough, and mysterious herself, she loves a challenge…Atwisting piece of thrilling golden age crime fiction to get your teeth into!’

Travels along My Bookshelf

‘Sepulchre Street is verywell-written and has a great storyline and has you hooked from the start…Anotherbrilliant book in the series and I can’t wait to see what Rachel is up tonext!’

Murder Jo Wrote

‘The author has created yet another immersive mystery that pulls you inand enthrals you with its surprising twists and turns! Enjoyably there is alsoa touch of the macabre and matched with a fast-paced, chic and sophisticatedsetting 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; fourbooks in the characters are developing nicely… There's a lot going on in here with all sorts oftwists and turns, some interesting hints for future directions the series mighttake, as many easter eggs as a dedicated classic crime fan could hope for, anda host of other fun references to chase up. It's no easy thing to build aconvincing past but I think Edwards does a really good job of it. It's hisobvious knowledge of and affection for Golden Age crime that makes it work forme, 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 (JohnDickson Carr would be proud) and character development to the other elementshere and it's a hard to beat series.’  

Desperate Reader blog                                                                                    

‘Intriguing,clever, entertaining.’

What Cathy ReadNext     

‘A thrilling and haunting read that is perfect for fans ofhistorical crime and detective fiction.’

A Cottage Full ofBooks