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The Pale Criminal by Philip Kerr (Bernie Gunther #2) (Nov/Dec 25)
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By Susan · 14 posts · 15 views
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The Pale Criminal - SPOILER Thread - (Bernie Gunther #2) (Nov/Dec 25)
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What Members Thought
I find this a somewhat mixed series. I like the period charm - Brighton in the 1950s with seaside landladies, the centrality of the theatre as entertainment (although television is threatening to overtake them) and the characters. However, in some ways, it is also a little too cosy and character-driven in places for me.
Anyway, this book in the series sees a young girl, killed in a boarding house and posed as Lady Jane Grey in the famous painting of her execution by Paul Delaroche in 1833 (and i ...more
Anyway, this book in the series sees a young girl, killed in a boarding house and posed as Lady Jane Grey in the famous painting of her execution by Paul Delaroche in 1833 (and i ...more
Magician Max Mephisto and his daughter Ruby are headlining at the Hippodrome Theater in Brighton, the first time they’ve done a father-daughter act. DI Edgar Stephens, engaged to Ruby, is called to the murder scene of a young florist found posed and dead in her room at a boarding house. Also staying in the house are two young women who are in the show, a part of the tableaux of nearly-naked “living statues.” As the bodies begin to multiply, Edgar and his team, are under pressure to find the kill
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When I read an Elly Griffiths book, I revisit old friends. This one was a very good book. It brings the Edgar/Ruby engagement to front focus and it brings out a more loveable Max. This series is so good.
DI Edgar Stephens and the magician Max Mephisto discover once again that the line between art, life, and death is all too easily blurred.
It's the holiday season and Max Mephisto and his daughter Ruby have landed a headlining gig at the Brighton Hippodrome, the biggest theater in the city, an achi ...more
DI Edgar Stephens and the magician Max Mephisto discover once again that the line between art, life, and death is all too easily blurred.
It's the holiday season and Max Mephisto and his daughter Ruby have landed a headlining gig at the Brighton Hippodrome, the biggest theater in the city, an achi ...more
Another enjoyable entry in this series, set in Brighton in the 1950's, which features a war-time friendship between Max Mephisto, a stage magician, and Edgar, a young Detective Inspector with the local police. In this outing, someone is murdering young women and leaving them posed as historical figures, not unlike a currently running act in a local variety show.
The characters are all well-drawn and likeable, the overall story arc is enjoyable, and the glimpse into theatre life at the time is a t ...more
The characters are all well-drawn and likeable, the overall story arc is enjoyable, and the glimpse into theatre life at the time is a t ...more
I'm a fan of Ruth Galloway books but this is the first one I read in this series.
And it's a wonderful mystery, with a sound plot and a well researched and detailed historical background.
The book is fast paced, a real page turner you cannot put down.
The characters are well fleshed out and I really liked both Max Mephisto and Edgard. I also liked the descriptions of the show and the theatrical environment.
Entertaining, enjoyable and fun to read, I strongly recommend this book.
Many thanks to Hought ...more
And it's a wonderful mystery, with a sound plot and a well researched and detailed historical background.
The book is fast paced, a real page turner you cannot put down.
The characters are well fleshed out and I really liked both Max Mephisto and Edgard. I also liked the descriptions of the show and the theatrical environment.
Entertaining, enjoyable and fun to read, I strongly recommend this book.
Many thanks to Hought ...more
A good entry in the series though the ending seems more like a series closer. Max, with his messy personal life, doesn't do a lot of investigating but is front and center. Edgar and his police team do the leg work. Interesting plot. Interesting tableau.
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Another 5 star read. This is a cracking series.
Nov 27, 2017
Gary Vassallo
marked it as to-read
Mar 17, 2021
Jane
marked it as to-read
Nov 08, 2025
Stephanie
marked it as to-read
