Thought You Were Dead

by Terry Griggs, Nick Craine (Illustrations)

A most unconventional of murder mysteries, turning the genre completely on its head, skewering cliche and staid sensibilities.

Genres: Canada, Mystery, Humor

224 pages, Paperback

First published April 15, 2009

Reviews

[Karina · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not a fan of murder mysteries but this one I enjoyed!

[Karin Montin · Rating 3 out of 5]

In this murder mystery, the murder to be solved is almost incidental. The punny, casual tone is not going to be for everyone. In fact, it took me a while to really get into it. But I kept reading and enjoyed the story and the characters. Chellis Beith (weird name) does research for a mystery writer who eventually disappears. Coincidentally, his long-lost sister and mother appear (separately!). Meanwhile, his best friend has a medical crisis, his old flame keeps churning out dubious inventions, and a rich jerk known as Major Dick keeps turning up. Kind of a romp.

[Sandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Purchased at a reading by author. Best part for me was probably the humourous social commentary: al lthe things you'd like to have thought to say (and think) in certain situations. The mystery is there but almost incidental to characterization and certainly to the humour. Ends well: positively upbeat and that is unusual. I was ready for this: might not always have been but enjoyed the lack of emotional intensity and the relief/release of the humour. Even the villains managed to "funny".

[Scotchneat · Rating 3 out of 5]

Chellis Beith (don't ask how he got his name)is a literary researcher for a prolific if strange lady mystery writer. He still loves his ex-wife even when she uses him as a guinea pig for her inventions--some of which remove skin in big pieces.

Oh, and there's a murder that Chellis sets off to solve.

Good balance of humour and mystery, and some lively characters.

[Renate Simone · Rating 1 out of 5]

I just cannot read this book, so it's going back to the library, life is too short to waste.

[Clare · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this! Delightful is not a word I toss around a lot but it's the first one that comes to mind about these characters and the adventures they have in this book. I couldn't stop chuckling.

[Angela Montgomery · Rating 3 out of 5]

Generally enjoyable, but a little too fey at times. The mystery also felt quite rushed at the end.