Christopher Fowler

Reader Comments about THE VICTORIA VANISHES

Bantam
ISBN: 9780553805024
(October 28, 2008)

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Here are comments from our group of Advance Readers about Christopher Fowler's THE VICTORIA VANISHES.

Debra from Medina, OH

Have you previously read a book by Christopher Fowler?
I have not previously read a book by Christopher Fowler. While I sometimes read mysteries, I do not have any authors that I faithfully follow except for Janet Evanovich, my guilty pleasure.
 
What did you think of THE VICTORIA VANISHES?
I liked THE VICTORIA VANISHES very much. Even though this is the fifth book in the series, it was easy to get into the story, and the mystery was engaging. I appreciated the "Duty Roster" at the beginning of the book, which came in handy to keep the many characters straight. I especially enjoyed the humor. These people do not filter anything they say --- they have no tact at all! That seemed to be the core of the funny stuff. The elderly detectives and other members of the Peculiar Crimes Unit are so eccentric.
 
Would you ever read a future book by Christopher Fowler?
I probably will read another book by Fowler.

Joanne from Ashland, WI

Have you previously read a book by Christopher Fowler?
I have not.
 
What other mystery authors do you usually read?
I don’t usually read mysteries, but after reading one by Nancy Pickard, I decided that I should read them more often.
 
What did you think of THE VICTORIA VANISHES?
I really enjoyed it. I think how the author delved into the personal lives of the main characters enriched my reading experience of this book. I also enjoyed the historical information that he shared about the London pubs. I think I quit reading mysteries years ago because I read so many that did not seem intellectually challenging, and focused only on the mystery aspect of the book. This book had so many good qualities to it, which included the conspiracy theories, development of main characters, and the main mystery.
 
Would you ever read a future book by Christopher Fowler?
Absolutely! A lot of the gals in my book club are more conservative, so sometimes I am leery about suggesting a book that may contain some questionable content. I know I can confidently suggest one of his novels, so I will be bringing Christopher Fowler to their attention.

Raymond from Selden, NY

Have you previously read a book by Christopher Fowler?
Yes --- SEVENTY-SEVEN CLOCKS, TEN SECOND STAIRCASE and WHITE CORRIDOR.
 
What other mystery authors do you usually read?
There are too many to list. A few favorites are Donna Leon, Laura Lippman, Robert Goddard, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, and Agatha Christie.
 
What did you think of THE VICTORIA VANISHES?
Fantastic! It was well written with a group of characters you really feel for. Fowler's writing style and the smooth relationships among the Peculiar Crimes Unit are so strong that the mystery they were investigating was almost a distraction. A must for fans of British mysteries as well as historical mysteries.
 
Would you ever read a future book by Christopher Fowler?
Most certainly.

Sally from Cockeysville, MD

Have you previously read a book by Christopher Fowler?
No, I had never heard of him.
 
What other mystery authors do you usually read?
Agatha Christie, Anne Perry, Vince Flynn, John Grisham, Laurie R. King, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Tom Clancy, Alexander McCall Smith (No.1 Ladies Detective Agency series), Elizabeth Peters, Ellis Peters, William X. Kienzle, James Lee Burke (excellent), Jeffery Deaver, Jennifer Chiaverini, John Twelve Hawks, Nevada Barr, Sue Grafton, Dean Koontz (Odd series) and Brad Meltzer. Of course, I’ve forgotten somebody!
 
What did you think of THE VICTORIA VANISHES?
I found this book sad, uplifting, true to life and enjoyable. The plot was satisfying and I felt so glad that Bryant got his final (?) victory. However, the descriptions --- especially at the beginning --- were about aging, loneliness, the lack of connectedness between people today, and the doing away with the PCU group as if it had never meant anything. People are dismissed just like the murdered women are, and life is shown to be so cheap. But, our heroes come to save the day one last time, and we are satisfied with the feeling of meaning and hope that are provided to us. Even Bryant’s “useful books”, which lay scattered about and dusty on the floor, are actively being thrown away, but of course, Bryant builds shelves to try to forestall there obliteration. The descriptions remind me of “Eleanor Rigby”, the song by the Beatles, which asks, “what’s the use of it all?”
 
So, it was a memorable read. Thank you!
 
Would you ever read a future book by Christopher Fowler?
I plan to track them down until I’ve read them all, and will read any future books.

Stacey from Rocky River, OH

Have you previously read a book by Christopher Fowler?
No. I've been curious, but hadn't yet read on of his previous books.
 
What other mystery authors do you usually read?
I like Donna Andrews, Maggie Barbieri, Sheryl J. Anderson, Tasha Alexander, Deanna Raybourn, Janet Evanovich and Harley Jane Kozak, just to name a few. I think THE VICTORIA VANISHES would also appeal to fans of Jasper Fforde and Christopher Moore.
 
What did you think of THE VICTORIA VANISHES?
I thought the characters had a lot of individual appeal and it was fun to step into their world for a short time. The details in the story background were nicely added and I'm happy to think there are more Peculiar Crime Unit books for me to read.
 
Would you ever read a future book by Christopher Fowler?
Absolutely. It was fun getting to read an author who is new to me, and I can see myself reading more of his books.

Donna from San Antonio, TX

Have you previously read a book by Christopher Fowler?
No.
 
What other mystery authors do you usually read?
I enjoy reading Patricia Cornwall.
 
What did you think of THE VICTORIA VANISHES?
It's okay. But, I found it a little hard to follow in the beginning with the introduction of so many characters.
 
Would you ever read a future book by Christopher Fowler?
I'm not sure.

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