I didn't realise until I was part way through that this was the latest book in a series (I just saw the author and asked for the book to review as I've loved the other books of hers I'd read). I had been feeling that I was missing information as I'd been going along and this explained why. I generally try to avoid reading a series out of order and I think I would definitely have got into the book a lot quicker had I read the earlier books.
That said, I did enjoy it. It's a good quality mystery story with many threads that somehow, are all drawn together by the end of the book. What I liked about it was that many of the bit-part players have small but important roles in the wider narrative and this meant that every scrap of information offered took on significance.
As always with Atkinson's books, this is beautifully written and there are plenty of deftly administered humorous touches. The relationship between Brodie and Reggie was particularly fun to read and I really took Lady Milton to heart. Even the less likeable characters come across really well and are interestingly wicked rather than just plain bad. As a fan of the interactive murder mystery, I especially liked the behind the scenes shenanigans with the acting company - I think anyone who has attended these events, recognises the various actor 'tropes', most notably the lead actor who seems to be just a little bit 'too' into his part.
Having come to this series at its most recent, I will probably go back to the beginning and read the earlier books as well.
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