- I hadn't read any of Sulari Gentill's previous novels, despite the fact she's a multi-award winning Australian author, well known internationally. But I absolutely loved Five Found Dead, her latest.
- Just a few pages in, I was hooked! We're on the famous train, the Orient Express, travelling from Paris to Venice. There are murders on board and the suspect unknown. Hints of Agatha Christie's famous novel.
- Fortunately there are a few retired police detectives on the train who meet and take charge of the investigation. They are led by the delightful Bonaparte Duplantier, a charming Frenchman. Our narrator, Merdith Penvale, and her twin brother Joe are also invited to help, as Joe is a successful thriller writer.
- Other odd-bods are on board, all with opinions of course. As the first murder is followed by others the drama intensifies. There is also a Covid outbreak in one of the carriages, so that has to be locked down. The passengers are not happy at all.
- There are so many characters, many forgettable, and the drama gets a bit congested towards the end. But that's a minor issue. As the story develops, and there are more murders, the resolution is surprising and very satisfying.
- Gentill's prose is lively and highly readable. What a talent.
No comments:
Post a Comment