A Burial at Sea by Charles Finch
Charles Lenox is back! And I could not be happier. An East in Murder was such a disappointment, I was really not sure I wanted to read A Burial at Sea. But I am so glad I did.
The story was good, with lots of action and plot twists and turns. Like Lenox, I was on the wrong trail for most of the book. I enjoyed going down the wrong path and finally discovering the murderer with the rest of the ship's officers. I knew I could rule out several people from the start, but the red herrings were very convincing and that only made the adventure more thrilling. I was very tempted to stay up late to finish the book when I was five chapters away, but I could not keep my eyes open any longer, and I knew that I wanted to be alert for the dénouement.
I wasn't thrilled with the spy sub-plot, as it could have been a plot all on its own. That part of the novel was not as flushed out or as complete as I had hoped. But all in all it was a great adventure.
I wish the author/publisher had thought to include a diagram of the ship and a chart for converting ship's bells and watches to a twelve- or twenty-four hour clock, if only for the reference value. I realize the author did a great deal of research for the book, but that does not mean his readers did the same amount. Most confirmed land-lubbers are not as familiar with ship's areas, customs or traditions.
The minor plot deserving a better spotlight, and the fact that reference materials would have been helpful, aside this was still a great adventure with Charles Lenox. I am back to eagerly anticipating the next one.
One Bear's Opinion: Five Cups of Strong Earl Grey Tea with a Plate of Ginger Biscuits and Candied Orange Peel
Happy Reading Everyone,
Oliver
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