This was an odd book. Its setting in Jerusalem Lane seemed almost timeless, although presumably it was intended to be set around 1994. I liked the detectives, Kathy and Brock, and there was a charm to the narrative. It did go on a little long though, and then at the end Kathy, not once but twice, puts herself in danger in the way women feel compelled to do in novels, requiring rescue.

I will continue with this series. ( )

Complex and engaging with a surprising ending. Good pairing of senior and junior protagonists makes for an interesting team of sleuths. ( )

One of the better mysteries I've read in awhile with intelligent, friendly, engaging characters. Good timing and dialogue. Surprising twists and turns enhance a solid mystery into a must read. ( )

Thoroughly enjoyable mystery. The characters, both detectives and suspects, were interesting and the plot was not too convoluted and not too easy. I began to suspect the murderer but never the final reasons. The ending did have that "Don't Go Downstairs" plot twist but still was well done. Here is a hint, when given an offstage drink by a potential murderer, don't drink it.

There is a strong academic and booklover’s flavor to this detective story plot which seems more obviously centred on the dynamic of the young, driven-but-insecure Inspector Kathy Kolla and the brilliant-but-perhaps-unfulfilled Chief Inspector Brock. The sharply drawn portraits of unhappy, questing academics raises the question whether Maitland might know whereof he speaks. There is great passion in the characters, and some genuine though by no means comfortable emotion. In fact, almost every character has flaws, and none are portrayed at all sympathetically. The setting of Jerusalem Lane, a ramshackle vestige of a London village, being torn down for a modern development might in a way be a metaphor, but one that is not overplayed, which allows the reader to make up his own mind about what is being lost and what gained. The introduction of Poincare’s creativity model as a theme for ultimately resolving the case is neat, but coming as late as it does in the book makes it seem like an afterthought. All in all an excellent work, with depth and richness of characters that bodes well for other stories. ( )