ISBN: 0-7887-2181-X Order from: Recorded Books
A beautifully quirky mystery of two Dutch former detectives in a small Maine town, full of local atmosphere, humor and philosophical meanderings, is flawed by a weak and almost pointless ending.
Reviewed by David on March 17, 2002
Genre: Mystery
Synopsis: This is an unabridged recording of Just a Corpse at Twilight. Henk Grijpstra once worked as an investigator in Amsterdam police. Now, a private investigator, he responds to a call by his former colleague, Rinus De Gier. De Gier, seeking enlightnement on a small island off the Maine coast, suspects that he may have committed a crime while smoking marijuana. When Grijpstra reluctantly joins De Gier, he finds it necessary to untangle several mysteries among the colorful inhabitants of Jamestown, Maine, before he can assess De Gier's guilt. Unfortunately, while some mysteries are pleasant to unravel, others may prove deadly to the Grijpstra.
Full Review: Van de Wetering is excellent in creating colorful, three-dimensional characters. The two Dutchmen, as well as their friends in Amsderdam, along with the inhabitants of Maine, are solid and plausible, even if a bit exaggerated. The tone is also pleasing, combining quaint optimism with occasional biting sarcasm, while avoiding bitterness. While strange at times, the book cleaves to reality until the very end, when some of the mystical elements appear to decouple the plot from its logical progression.
A pleasant, funny, sarcastic and colorful book, more satisfying by its style than the plot.
Overall: 5; Plot: 5.5; Characters: 6; Style: 6; World-building: 6; Originality: 6;
Copyright date 1994, Recorded Books, 1998, Audio cassette, 5 cassettes
ISBN: 0-7887-2181-X Order from: Recorded Books