REVIEWS



THE CELTIC DAGGER REVIEWS

5.0 out of 5 stars I love the Fitzjohn mysteries, October 24, 2014
Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: The Celtic Dagger (A Fitzjohn Mystery Book 1) (Kindle Edition)
Convoluted, intricate, fascinating, plausible, tricky, twisty, and oh so very British (Australian, actually). Such a pleasure to read of proper manners expressed in proper language by very real characters. Move over, Nero Wolfe, your "cousin" has arrived. Loved it!

5.0 out of 5 stars Well-crafted Mystery, December 27, 2013
By 
This review is from: The Celtic Dagger (Fitzjohn Mystery Series) (Kindle Edition)
Like her previous novel, this mystery is based in Australia, but it's not the stereotypical Australia of "g'day mate", blokes and sheilas. Ms. Patterson's Australia is peopled by characters from urban Australia, whose lives are very much like those of any other urban dweller in the western world. For some readers, it may detract from the Australian setting, but I found it to be more authentic, having visited Australia myself several times, and having found that the majority of the people I met there were just like me (except the accent!)

The mystery itself is not predictable. Her pacing is excellent, allowing the story line to unfurl slowly, but not so slowly that the reader loses interest. The conclusion flows logically from the progress of the story, but isn't evident from the beginning, nor does it feel contrived. All the interwoven connections come together, and all the loose ends are tied up. I look forward to her next novel!
 
5.0 out of 5 stars Great tale!, September 21, 2013
Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: The Celtic Dagger (Fitzjohn Mystery Series) (Kindle Edition)
There are mysteries and there are mysteries, but Jill Patterson and done herself proud with this one. I was unable to stop reading, even for a meal. And at my advanced age, meals are important. I don't plan to reveal the plot nor the subject of the story, but from an avid reader of adventure and mystery stories, you should take my word for it, this one is well worth reading!


4.0 out of 5 stars A traditional detective read February 26, 2013
Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase
This is a story crafted with a careful and steady hand. It's a murder mystery but also the story of family relationships and old secrets. Well-drawn characters and a well-knit plot will keep you guessing until the murderer is finally revealed. Mystery stories are never easy to write because as much may be revealed, the more the mystery must deepen. Ms Paterson does this with a quiet confidence and professionalism that keeps the reader focused. There are no wasted words or pointless digressions - everything has value and relevance. You can't skip a page! An intriguing story and worthwhile read. Highly recommend.


       5.0 out of 5 staA Different Approach 21 Jun 2013
Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

I really enjoy the approach to this series, Jill Patterson lets us know a little about Fitzjohn but each book can still stand alone. I started with the second book and usually prefer to read a series in order but in this case it didn't matter. You also get to know much more about the victim and suspects than normal which really helps the stories along. I got Murder at the rocks free and bought the other two before I was half way through. I really hope there will be more.


Rated 5 stars / May 2, 2013
By dani
Amazon Verified Purchase
This review is from: The Celtic Dagger (Fitzjohn Mystery Series) (Kindle Edition)
My criteria for a good book is that I can't wait to get back to it. Like all of us who love to read, we have other activities which constantly pull us away from our books. Ms. Paterson's book created a definite challenge for me. I never wanted to put it down, yet all my responsibilities kept pulling at me as well. What did I do? I had no choice. The former won out and was I ever rewarded for it!! The tone, the pace the plot the characters were top notch. I felt like I had been treated to an author who was truly an accomplished writer.
Don't miss this book!


Rated 4 stars SHELFARI REVIEW written on March 3, 2013
Detective Chief Inspector Fitzjohn could be the Miss Marple of Scotland yard. Patiently sifting through clues, befriending the suspects and drawing his conclusions. But Fitzjohn is not the main character, true he is holding the storyline together. But it is James Wearing who hears the scuttlebut and runs into the bizarre situations who keeps Fitzjohn informed.
Ms Patterson draws her characters with a rich palette, you can see them in your minds' eye. She draws you into the mystery from the prologue where the first clue is given and takes you on a journey of discovery.
This is a very enjoyable, relaxing read with well defined characters and plot. I am looking forward to reading more Fitzjohn mysteries.
 
 
 

2 comments:

  1. I read Jill's first novel, Murder On The Rocks, before I read the Celtic Dagger and was looking forward to finding out more about how she introduced Chief Inspector Fitzjohn, her likable "Sherlock Holmes" type main character who her continuing series of murder mystery novels revolves around. I wasn't disappointed.

    The Celtic Dagger is a well written mystery that grabs you and doesn't let go until you get to the end and find out who the real culprit is...and it will surprize you. Jill's intiguing story involves family dsyfunction, greed,infidelity, stolen priceless artifacts, and blackmail, all great ingrediants for a fantasy escape into the darker side of human beings.

    The Celtic Dagger was a well deserving winner of the NSW Writers' Centre New Holland Publishers 2009 Genre Fiction Award

    Jill's Fitsjohn novels are set in and around Sydney Australia and as an American, I find the references to the scenarios fascinating.

    A must read for all those who love a great escape novel that keeps you guessing till the end!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I meant to say I read Jill's second novel before I read The Celtic Dagger.

      Delete