Jonna Rogers
asked:
do you have to read the first 3 in the serious to fully understand and enjoy this book?
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Spook Street,
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Janet
I actually think you do need to read these in order to fully appreciate the characters and plot twists.
David
No, but it would help understand the development of the characters, especially when reference is made to ones that do not appear in this particular plot.
Ed Stock
The series is best read in order. Especially as you get further into the series a reader benefits greatly from knowing how the characters and their relationships have developed and from an understanding of how previous events have an impact on current developments. Herron regularly refers to story lines from previous books - or to scenes from those books - and I really think you cheat yourself out of a full appreciation of each book if you've not first read the ones before it.
Betty
It probably isn't necessary because Mick Herron writes such great characters, but reading the other books clear clear up the "huh?" moments that come around quite often.
Charles
There are enough pages of backstory to 'do without'.
However, the important Cartwright plot line won't have the same impact on a reader who, 'just' pick's it up'. For example, you won't: get your own impression of 'Isabelle', understand the depth of River's dependence on 'The OB' understand extent and share the sadness of 'The OB's' rapid decline? Also, Lady Di is a mere shadow of herself in this book.
However, the important Cartwright plot line won't have the same impact on a reader who, 'just' pick's it up'. For example, you won't: get your own impression of 'Isabelle', understand the depth of River's dependence on 'The OB' understand extent and share the sadness of 'The OB's' rapid decline? Also, Lady Di is a mere shadow of herself in this book.
Gail
I haven't and it was great. Guess I don't know what I missed but the character development was terrific. No holes. Got a good idea who these people were. It worked as a stand-alone.
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