Buried on Sunday
3 journalers for this copy...
This is the second of Edward Phillips' "Geoffry Chadwick" novels. (The series so far: Sunday's Child, Buried on Sunday, Sunday Best, Working on Sunday) Chadwick is a middle-aged lawyer living in Montreal. He lives a quiet life, or tries to, but each of the books in the series presents him with a new complication. In this one, he has just accepted the end of his last long-term relationship - with a married, and closeted, school administrator - and, feeling at loose ends, accepts an invitation to visit an old friend in the country. Her husband turns out to be another old friend, and more; but before Chadwick can sort out his feelings at the reunion, the house-party is interrupted by a small gang of escaping bank robbers who hold the party hostage until they can arrange an escape.
The Chadwick novels aren't typical mysteries; crimes occur, but their solution is seldom part of the story. There are certainly aspects of psychological suspense, but Chadwick's such a detached sort of person that even the most intense moments feel distant - not in a bad way, mind. I've enjoyed the books immensely (not least because Chadwick is roughly my own age and yet is allowed to have some kind of life - so many novels insist that only the youngsters get to do anything {grin}), and I find the writing deft and the plot twists surprising and pleasing.
The Chadwick novels aren't typical mysteries; crimes occur, but their solution is seldom part of the story. There are certainly aspects of psychological suspense, but Chadwick's such a detached sort of person that even the most intense moments feel distant - not in a bad way, mind. I've enjoyed the books immensely (not least because Chadwick is roughly my own age and yet is allowed to have some kind of life - so many novels insist that only the youngsters get to do anything {grin}), and I find the writing deft and the plot twists surprising and pleasing.
Controlled release: I'm sending this to BCer N8an. Hope you like it!
GoryDetails became my newest bestest friend by sending me these two Edward O. Phillips books, allowing me to get the full scoop (or at least 3/4 of the scoop) on Geoffrey Chadwick, the best mystery series I've read in quite the while.
More when I'm done the duet...
'N8an
More when I'm done the duet...
'N8an
Fabulous! I finished it today, and let me tell you, Geoffrey Chadwick is a desirable comfort on Valentine's Day.
A somewhat cynical (and witty) gay man in his early fifties, Geoffrey Chadwick is a blast to read - and this time, the second of the incredibly well-written series - Geoffrey is on the right side of the law, and the wrong side of a gun. Held hostage during a weekend wilderness retreat to the countryside with some old friends (and an old flame), Geoffrey's bon-mots and sarcastic social commentary keep the pace on this tense novel.
As always, "mystery" is a bit of a misnomer. There's no mystery involved, and one reads for the love of the character(s) involved. Geoffrey's attitude (and class) combines with a superb enjoyable cast of characters (including the reappearance of Larry). The wit is thick in this tome, and you'll cackle. I sure did.
This one is likely going to pass onward first to OttawaBill, and then, to the Kelly McGinnis Library here in Ottawa.
Thanks again - so very much - to GoryDetails for passing this on to me.
A somewhat cynical (and witty) gay man in his early fifties, Geoffrey Chadwick is a blast to read - and this time, the second of the incredibly well-written series - Geoffrey is on the right side of the law, and the wrong side of a gun. Held hostage during a weekend wilderness retreat to the countryside with some old friends (and an old flame), Geoffrey's bon-mots and sarcastic social commentary keep the pace on this tense novel.
As always, "mystery" is a bit of a misnomer. There's no mystery involved, and one reads for the love of the character(s) involved. Geoffrey's attitude (and class) combines with a superb enjoyable cast of characters (including the reappearance of Larry). The wit is thick in this tome, and you'll cackle. I sure did.
This one is likely going to pass onward first to OttawaBill, and then, to the Kelly McGinnis Library here in Ottawa.
Thanks again - so very much - to GoryDetails for passing this on to me.
Got this tonight from N8an at the Meetup. he has kindly passed me the other E O Phillips books and I am hoping to soon delve into them and then pass them along. Given the rave reviews so far I am certain to become a fan.....although I have always fancied myself as a toaster more than a fan...oh well...karma..go figure.
