MoonglotexasKel’s Review:
The Poppy Debby series by Fiona Veitch Smith is a favourite of mine (and one I introduced Mum to, for a change) and so it was with excitement I tucked on to “The Crystal Crypt”! The gang is all back together and an old acquaintance of Poppy, a scientist has been killed in a university town and the investigation ruled it an accident. Poppy decides to go down and find out more about what happened under the guise of a profile on the female scientist but soon sees there is more going on than meets the eye on more than one front.
With Rollo and Ike to back her up, Poppy starts digging and before long she’s onto something, something big enough she may be in harm’s way, not that stops her in any way! It is a great mystery full of twists and turns! I am looking forward to the next one!
It’s a five out of five on the enJOYment scale, I highly recommend it!
Karren’s Review:
Another in the series and a well-written murder mystery. I have read some of the others in the Poppy series Denby and thoroughly enjoyed them. This has an intriguing plot with many twists and turns and while I did not manage to guess whodunnit (there are a fair number of red herrings), it was rewarding to have worked out many of the key aspects.
I love her boss, Rollo, he’s just the most delightful and well-rounded character. With every episode, I enjoy him more and hope he features more strongly going forward. Sadly, I don’t find Poppy’s romantic interest quite so appealing. Daniel just doesn’t do it for me. Both Rollo and Poppy feel the need to keep him out of the loop during the investigation… hmmm!
The author includes historical details about birth control and the prejudice around people of colour. Whilst they may make those of us who are a little more sensitive cringe a little, they were tastefully dealt with and added context and depth to the overall story
We received complimentary copies of the book from Lion Hudson Ltd Books through NetGalley. The opinions expressed in these reviews are completely our own.
From the back cover:
The 1920s most stylish sleuth returns this autumn in THE CRYSTAL CRYPT for another thrilling murder mystery!
In the city of dreaming spires, Poppy Denby is asked to investigate the mysterious death of an up-and-coming female scientist. But was it an accident or is something more sinister lurking in the shadows? And is Poppy the next target…
