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Poisoned Pen, Nov 2004, 24.95, 226 pp. ISBN: 1590581334 Lady Hermione Babcock was the chairman of the Knapper-Warburton Literary Prize, but when she dies, a fast replacement is needed as the committee meets next week to work the long-list. Baroness “Jack” Troutbeck is asked to replace the deceased. Jack accepts the position even though she learns that her predecessor was poisoned. Jack works the members like a virtuoso, but someone else is also working the members as another member is killed, this time by drowning. While the police insist it is an accident or suicide, Jack knows better. CARNAGE ON THE COMMITTEE is a way out amusing amateur sleuth tale that uses obviously exaggerated stereotypes (including a mouthy parrot) that takes the plot over the brink, but never loses sight of the who-done-it nor the committee work. Harriet Klausner | ||
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Plot & Themes Tone of story - very upbeat How difficult to spot villain? - Very difficult--no foreshadowing/clues Time/era of story: What % of story relates directly to the mystery, not the subplot? - 70% Kind of investigator Kid or adult book? - Adult or Young Adult Book descript. of violence and chases - 10 % Planning/preparing, gather info, debate puzzles/motives - 40 % Feelings, relationships, character bio/development - 40 % How society works & physical descript. (people, objects, places) - 10 % Crime Thriller Yes Murder Mystery (killer unknown) Yes Main Character Gender - Female Profession/status: Age: - 40's-50's Ethnicity/Race Main Adversary Identity: - Male Age: - 40's-50's Profession/status: Motive of antagonist - money/treasure How sensitive is this character? Sense of humor - Mostly serious with occasional humor Intelligence - Smarter than most other characters Setting Europe Yes European country: - England/UK Writing Style Accounts of torture and death? - generic/vague references to death/punishment Amount of dialog - significantly more dialog than descript |
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