I think this is a series you need to read in order, but, alas, I can't get the first few books.

This episode takes place in St Pancras and Kings Cross, an area in complete evolution, and there were interesting snippets about it's history. The intrigue was quite entertaining but seems to overlap with the next novel in the series, so I'm off to listen to that.

Complex plot, revolving around King's Cross. The middle dragged somewhat but the end pulls you on to the next book so here I go, willy-nilly. The murderer is indeed an interesting character...

Very well written, absorbing crime novel with some fantastic twists and some excellent London history.There is nothing better than reading something set in your home town and knowing every road and alley.

On the whole I enjoyed this book. The main characters were well formed and there was enough to the supporting characters that kept the real enough. The plot is enjoyable and it all moves along at a nice paceI was close to giving it 3 or 4 stars instead of the 2 I ended up awarding it. That was all the way to the end of the book.Then the end left me feeling cold and cheated ... not something that happens to often ... but in this case that's how I felt and to a point I almost felt like I would hav...

The Home Office has finally succeeded in closing the Peculiar Crimes Unit (PCU) and the team members are out of work. But wait!!!.....a headless corpse is discovered and the Unit is back in business in a wild tale of human sacrifice, old wells, and urban development. It will take four murders to bring this case to a close as Bryant and May, those lovable geriatric detectives, follow false clues and the wrong man before solving the mystery. The notorious Mr. Fox makes his first appearance in this...

This is the first book I have read by Christopher Fowler and so (obviously) the only book I have read in the Bryant & May series. It is the seventh of the ten (so far) books and, if this book is indicative of the quality, then it is an excellent series. Click here to read the History Of Bryant & May on Christopher Fowler's website.The story is an enjoyable tale of a ritualistic killer who appears to be evoking pagan rites in the Kings Cross area of London whilst the area is going through an impo...

I first came across Christopher Fowler's Bryant & May series on the horror shelves and very much enjoyed the first novels in that context. All that remains of these early efforts is the attempt to create an esoteric or supernatural backdrop to the crime (in this case, ancient paganism), a (somewhat mild) dash of the gruesome and some sense of evil (albeit now psychological). Some agent or publisher had the bright idea of shifting the 'brand' from horror to crime and emphasising the standard rati...

A mix of the esoteric and mundane, this mystery follows the PCU on a search for a decapitating murderer that may, or may not, have a historical connection with King's Cross. It is one of the better Bryant and May mysteries, with strong writing, a suspenseful plot, and a dramatic conclusion.

Another good entry in the series. I am, most definitely, on a roll here. Once again the members of the PCU are called upon to solve a strange murder but this time there are some major catches to the case. Before the case is in fact acknowledged to be just that, the Unit has ceased to exist for the first time in over 50 years, it's members disbursed, unhappily and unsuccessfully, around London.Now the Peculiar Crime Unit will be allowed to exist on a very short leash. They can have a week; no one...

Catching sight of himself in the dressing table mirror, he was repelled by the scrofulous old hermit he found staring back. If I get any wrinklier I'll be mistaken for a shar-pei, he thought. His eyes were red on the outside, worse on the inside. His white tonsure stuck up around the ears. He looked like a frightened monk.That is one of the unlikely main characters, both of whom, with a handful or so of other colleagues, are detectives in the Peculiar Crimes Unit (known as the PCU), tasked with

Loved the opening chapter / letter and laughed out loud several times when reading it. Over the last few years that I have been reading and immersing myself in the world of these characters I have grown to know and love them. This book is a little different than the others in the series but as always a delight from start to finish. Sad to lose a loved character and was wonderful to have a little bit of romance in there for a while.

A wonderful book with a great plot, fascinating characters, great writing with historical arcane details delightfully woven in with Arthur May's sleuthing. I loved it! Note; I am using a touch screen laptop for the first time so my shelf choice got a little mixed up.

Wonderful book, wonderful characters, dialogue, action, mystery, locales. (Ohmygoodness I love the descriptions and places this series is set in! I'll never get to London, but what a treat to read about the buildings, streets, waterways, etc., all set on top of old Roman ruins, temples, architecture, etc.)In this one the PCU, or Peculiar Crimes Unit, has been officially disbanded. Sent out to pasture. Kicked under the bridge. Knocked overboard. You get it, it's GONE. The unit's team, scattered t...

Bettie's Books

I'm running out of adjectives and hyperbole with this series.Brilliant,and a love song to London too.A delight.

I thought this was another very enjoyable instalment in the Bryant & May series. That’s probably all that really need be said, but for the record:The Home Office has finally succeeded in disbanding the Peculiar Crimes Unit – as though that makes any difference when a strange, Herne-like figure is seen on a prestigious construction site in King’s Cross and a curious murder is discovered. Needless to say, Arthur and then John and the whole team are drawn into the unofficial investigation and the u...

Seventh in the Bryant & May detective mystery series revolving around two past-retirement-age detectives and the unit they've inspired. Based in London and taking place before the 2012 Olympic Games.My TakeThis series is great fun as it incorporates myths and mysteries that are “real” in our own world. Fowler makes it even more of a twist with Bryant’s biggest weakness being his need to pull everything around myth and magic. It’s also his greatest strength. Although May’s mention of the 900- hot...

The quirkiness of these books keep me coming back for more. I enjoy all the characters, history tidbits, recurring story line and the mystery in this one. I thought the first third was a little on the slow side but the story then picked up and captured my imagination.

Brilliant Great read, great characters and some fascinating details. I really enjoyed this - so much so, I read it in one sitting!