I started Georgette Heyer's mystery novel, They Found Him Dead, but am sad to say I did not finish it. This bums me out slightly because I honestly can't remember the last time I started a book and didn't finish it. I got to about page 70 before I gave up, but I made the difficult decision not to finish it when I was still not into it at that point. I find it hard to make the decision to not finish a book. I've always been the kind of person that MUST finish a book, simply because I try to see merit in all the work that I read, and because I appreciate how hard every author works to put out a book. I simply could not get into this one, though.I'll tell you a bit about this book since I know there are plenty of Heyer fans out there, and I am certain this book would appeal to MANY people, just not me.
It is the morning after wealthy Silas Kane's sixtieth birthday party - a celebration that brings to light a number of familial controversies. When Kane he is found dead at the foot of a cliff, the assumption is that he simply lost his way in the fog and fell by accident. But the subsequent death of his nephew and heir and threats on the life of the third Kane, the newest heir, raises obvious suspicion, and the redoubtable investigative skills of Superintendent Hannasyde prove critical once again.
-Goodreads
Hayer's novels were recently reissued by Sourcebooks which will surely bring about a new wave of fans for this very popular author. I believe her books were originally written in the 1920's or 30's, but correct me if I'm wrong.
Heyer's work reminds me a bit of Jane Austen, as far as the writing style goes. If you're a big Austen fan, I think you'll love Heyer as well. Sadly and ashamedly, as an English Lit. major in college, I do NOT like Jane Austen's writing. Her story lines are great, but old writing and I do not get along for the most part. I'm much more of a contemporary fiction kind of girl. Books like this one make me feel like I'm doing homework. I do think fans of historical fiction will find this book to be interesting and fun though!
She is a particular genre of romance that you do have to be in a mood for. I reviewed These Old Shades a few months back.
ReplyDeleteWell, it's no secret that I adore Austen, so I'll have to read this sometime if the writing is similar. Thanks for the brilliant review! :)
ReplyDeleteI haven't read any of Heyer's mysteries so I would be interested to see how they compare with the romances.
ReplyDeleteSo sorry you couldn't finish this. Good you did though if it wasn't pulling you in. I am reading a book I definitely am not enjoying, but can't give up on it since I am reading it with a penpal.
ReplyDeletei certainly avoid reading a book that i don't think i will like.i know what you meant by deciding whether to or not giving up finishing a book. however i think your decision was right, if i think the book is not a worth to read, i too will give up.
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I have read a few Heyer regency romances and loved them .Mysteries not so much. I think you must try one of the romances they are fun to read . I am sure you will enjoy them.
ReplyDeleteI havent read her yet but I want to. Bummer you were unable to finish but I have been there and there are too many books out there to spend times on the ones that dont hold your attention.
ReplyDeleteI adore the writing of Jane Austen, I mean Pride and Prejudice is one of my favourites ever! This book sounds nice, I don't know if I can try this, my library hasn't got a lot of old books(classics).. But I know how you feel somethimes it is really hard to put down a book and just dont read it anymore. I mean you want to try to end it very bad. Hey that's life. :)
ReplyDeleteBummer! But don't beat your self up about it.
ReplyDeleteWhen I first tried Wuthering Heights I couldn't get in to it.
Then I read it a couple months ago (12+ years later) and I LOVED it. I consider it one of my favorite books.