Questions About Sidney Chambers and the Shadow of Death (The Grantchester Mysteries #1)

by James Runcie (Goodreads Author)

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Answered Questions (3)

Jane I felt that the book was similar enough so that I was visiting familiar friends but with enough differences so that I did not feel as though I was rea…moreI felt that the book was similar enough so that I was visiting familiar friends but with enough differences so that I did not feel as though I was reading a rerun or transcript of the show. Also, there were mysteries we haven't seen as well as a few we have amongst the six stories between the covers of the first book -- which is the only one I've read so far. Without giving anything away, I can assure you that there is at least one major difference regarding one of the key characters. There is also much more interior dialogue on Sidney's part which is not everyone's cup of tea or glass of whiskey, although it is mine. ;-) Why not just check it out from the library and give it a go? If you don't like it, simply return it. Nothing ventured, nothing gained. (less)

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In the book description, Inspector Keating's first name is Horatio (Harry). In the Kindle version I read his name was Geordie, like in the TV series. Have the books been updated to change his name because of the success of the TV series? Just curious....

Asterope I don't think so. The copy I have uses Geordie, not Horatio/Harry.
It seems most of the blurbs as mention the other name:
"Together with his roguish f…moreI don't think so. The copy I have uses Geordie, not Horatio/Harry.
It seems most of the blurbs as mention the other name:
"Together with his roguish friend Inspector Geordie Keating..." (PB & Kindle)
"Working in association with his friend, Inspector Geordie Keating..." (HB edition)

I also looked on the author's website and in a background for the series there's this mention:
"And there is the harassed local Cambridgeshire policeman, Detective Inspector Geordie Keating, named after a good friend who is often too busy to see me."
http://www.jamesruncie.com/grantchest...

I think what happened is:
1. The early blurbs were wrong (it happens sometimes - titles, names and series names change before publication) and the blurb was never corrected to reflect the accurate data.
2. The author did name the Inspector Horatio, but then thought it'd be better to change it to match the TV series. I think this is less likely and would be more confusion as there'd be copies with Horatio Keating and other copies with Geordie Keating. Unless he changed it at the last minute before any printing was made.
Edit:
But no, the book was written in 2012, but the series started 2014 - and while he might have known it would become a TV show (perhaps he shopped it around and got offers that early), I doubt the TV series had any role in things.

It seems though, that Geordie was the intended name. And so, I think it's just a case of an inaccurate blurb that was never corrected.
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What age level is appropriate for this series ?

George Depends on what your attitude is toward mentions, perhaps discreet descriptions, of extramarital sex, a theme--though usually minor--throughout the se…moreDepends on what your attitude is toward mentions, perhaps discreet descriptions, of extramarital sex, a theme--though usually minor--throughout the series. Assuming you trust the moral training your kid's received, then if they can read these books, and don't mind occasional philosophical digressions, they're age-appropriate.(less)

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Unanswered Questions (1)

First do no harm?

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