... rich with history of the scenic area of Bath, England, and laced with wit, danger, pathos, love and loss. His protagonist, Peter Diamond, is a fully rounded human being with his own unique crime-solving methods ... begins more lightheartedly than Lovesey’s previous mysteries, as entertaining as its title. So kick back and enjoy a delightful summer escape from the drumbeat of real-world events that pays off with a surprising, page-turning denouement.
Mr. Lovesey’s book seems like a combination of Romeo and Juliet and The Day of the Jackal ... Mr. Lovesey has been writing his Peter Diamond series for nearly three decades, and it’s a pleasure to note no discernible flagging of energy in author or detective. And how refreshing to hear the inimitable Diamond erupt in righteous expletive: 'F— forensics. . . . We’re detectives. . . . We investigate.'
Fans of adorable sourpuss—and brilliant detective—Peter Diamond of the Bath, England, constabulary’s Criminal Investigation Division will have to wait nearly 80 pages for the old charmer to show up ... As the tensions crank up, we’re treated to Lovesey’s enchanting style.
The situation could be played for laughs, and there are frequent flashes of wit. But overall Lovesey keeps it straightforward, planting clever clues, a big surprise and a tense climax in the labyrinthine ruins of the town’s Roman baths.
These twists characterize the misdirection that makes the mystery interesting and page-turning. They keep going to the surprise ending, at which point all the clues become obvious in hindsight ... The crafting of all this is superb, and consistent with the author’s handling of the series. Killing with Confetti is book 18 in Lovesey’s Peter Diamond mystery series, and it has yet to let readers down. This volume can be read on its own, or as the latest case in the series. Either way, it delivers the same satisfaction as all of its predecessors.
Edgar finalist Lovesey tries the patience of whodunit fans by delaying the murder for much of his tricky 18th novel featuring Bath CID Supt. Peter Diamond ... Lovesey connects the dots plausibly and, as always, lightens the mood with dry wit. Even at less than his best, Lovesey satisfies.
