The Croaking Raven
Guy Hale
Genre:
Crime, Mystery, Thriller
Author: Guy Hale
Genre: Crime
Series: Shakespeare Murders
Publisher: Bullington Press
Date Published: 2024
Book Length: 336
Star Rating: 4**** I liked it a lot and recommend
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About Book: The Croaking Raven draws DC Toby Marlowe and DS Fred Williams into the dark world of Hamlet, not on the stage but on the streets of Stratford-upon-Avon. Oliver Lawrence has returned and he’s looking for revenge.
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My Thoughts: The Croaking raven by Guy Hale is a crime book based in the 70’s, a period I love. I really enjoyed the characters DS Fred Williams and DC Toby Marlowe, although unorthodox and clearly of its time, I enjoyed Fields humour, most of which I don’t think would be allowed today. The relationship felt real, and Toby fitted in well. I love history, so the Shakespearean element fitted in well for me. The story switched from the police point of view to the killer’s point of view of which I think made the story all the more interesting. Some of the chapters were short which gave an intensity to the story. I also enjoyed the play on words which mad me chuckle. I liked the structure of the story where the reader knows who the murderer is and their motives, while the police work to unravel the identity of the criminal from the opposing side which made a compelling tension as I was privy to the murderer’s identity that fostered a sense of anticipation, suspense and foreboding. I did however think the story stopped short with the ending, but I guess I will have to wait for the next book.
In conclusion a crime book set in the 70’s clearly of its time with tongue in cheek humour and a premise where you know whodunnit and great for those of you who lover the period, crime, suspense and a little humour thrown in.
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