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Book Review of The Devil in Velvet

The Devil in Velvet
WhidbeyIslander avatar reviewed on + 713 more book reviews


Well, thank heaven that's over. I have had a copy of this gathering dust for decades. I number some of Carr's mysteries (The Three Coffins, Problem of the Green Capsule, The Judas Window) among my favorite reads. But I'd never managed to get into this book of his.

I found reading this to be a chore. Somewhat a mystery, Carr is too besotted with the historical time he sets his story in. I admit I skimmed the sword-fighting parts, since they didn't seem necessary to the plot. I found the book interesting mostly for some of the details I just faulted it for. Contradictory, I know, but I certainly do not recommend this to anyone who loves Carr's (well-written) impossible crime stories. If you are into historical fiction, it will be more to your liking.

I'm just glad I got through it at last.