The repartee is fast and amusing ... so enjoyable readers will undoubtedly race to buy The Right Sort of Man, the first Sparks Bainbridge mystery, as soon as they finish it. Allison Montclair has created two fascinating characters in Iris and Gwen: they are captivating, drawing us effortlessly into their lives, both personal and professional. I look forward to their next adventure in the turbulent world of post-war England.
... one big cheer for each of two delightful main characters, Iris Sparks and Gwendolyn Bainbridge, and an even bigger one for the author. The second volume of her Sparks & Bainbridge mystery series is, if possible, even better than its clever, effervescent predecessor, The Right Sort of Man ... Moments of real danger and feeling punctuate runs of witty dialogue. Oh, yes, the charming characters and twisty plot simply beg to become a screenplay. But it’ll be hard to improve on these fast-turning pages.
The balance Montclair strikes between humor and hard truths is arresting ... Gwen and Iris sling banter that makes them sound like the war-hardened women they are, but a scene in a therapist’s office makes the depth of their separate sorrows, and their care for one another, abundantly clear. Descriptions of neighborhoods where one building stands next to bombed-out rubble are unnerving and add to the sense of danger ... The climactic scene laying out the whodunit (and why) is like a maraschino cherry in a complex cocktail. Here’s to the return of these formidable women, and to many more chances to enjoy their company.
... all is explained in a smart, Agatha Christie–style finale in which friends and foes are gathered to hear who did what and why. One of the series strengths is the focus on the personal lives of Iris and Gwen, both of whom are struggling, Iris with the consequences of her activities during the war, Gwen with battling for custody of her son. Written with flair and lots of snarky humor, this is great fun for British mystery fans.
... stellar ... Montclair successfully combines the insightful characterizations of Jacqueline Winspear with the witty banter of Hammett’s Nick and Nora Charles. Fans of the British royal family will have fun.
