From the Bookshelf of Reading the Detectives…

The Crooked Wreath

Christianna Brand

Start date: April 11, 2020

Finish date: May 8, 2020

Discussion: Buddy reads

Why we're reading this: We have previously enjoyed Christianna Brand books in the group and are now reading another.
[close] We have previously enjoyed Christianna Brand books in the group and are now reading another.

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Buddy reads

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By Susan · 5 posts · 11 views

last updated Sep 20, 2025 02:26PM

* Vale of Tears (Bradecote and Catchpoll #5) - SPOILER Thread - (Sept/Oct 25)
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last updated Sep 21, 2025 08:01AM

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What Members Thought

Dec 14, 2023 Tania rated it really liked it · review of another edition

3.5

I was kept guessing right up until the end. I found the family quite awful, but rather entertaining, and the victim absolutely maddening. The ending got a bit melodramatic.

9 likes · Like · see review

Nov 03, 2023 Lady Wesley rated it it was amazing

Shelves: listened, mystery-golden-age-or-similar, to-listen, owned-not-read, british-library-crime-classics, 2023-faves

Review of the audiobook narrated by David Thorn.

One of the best Golden Age mysteries I have ever read. You will not fully appreciate it until everything blows up on the last page.

6 likes · Like · see review

Feb 16, 2025 Layton rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: books-i-own, mystery, 5-star-downright-incredible, underrated-writer, read-on-kindle

Christianna Brand truly is a genius.

4 likes · Like · see review

Dec 22, 2017 Leslie rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: mysteries, audiobooks

3.5*

Not bad but nowhere nearly as good as Green for Danger. Cockrill doesn't seem to do much detecting; the book focuses on the family and their reactions to events. David Thorn did a good narration in this audiobook edition. ...more

2 likes · Like · see review

Jan 24, 2023 Ellen rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Loved it!

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Apr 15, 2020 Sandy rated it really liked it

Shelves: own, mystery-classic, mystery-detective-grp, z2020-own-24, rread-2020

I enjoyed this book mostly because of Brand's wit and descriptive writing. The plot is intricate and nearly all the characters are intensely unlikable. But they are so well drawn that, while I cringe at the thought of ever actually visiting such a sugary sweet yet backstabbing family, I liked spending imaginary time with them. Brand is a fine writer. ...more

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