For those missing the initial novel, members of the constabulary are re-introduced in enough detail for the uninitiated to immediately grasp their various identities. Twitten is still as earnest and pedantic, Inspector Steines just as dense, and Mrs. Groynes as crafty as ever ... The characters in this story are more deadly and dangerous than those included previously—if that’s possible. The craft and care with which author Truss weaves her facts into a richly narrated but utterly hilarious tapestry is amazing. The reader may find himself wondering how she manages to keep her facts straight as she throws his own mental processes into such a delightful muddle ... Filled with British humor and slang, The Man That Got Away is hilarious and intriguing, with satire aforethought. Don’t overwork the little gray cells; simply read and enjoy!
... a worthy follow-up to her delightful 2018 novel A Shot in the Dark ... Ms. Truss plants references to real and fictional Brighton legends throughout her dark entertainment ... Her work’s madcap manner evokes other British artistic touchstones from Shakespeare to The Goon Show. And once Twitten begins to shed some of his moral scruples in pursuit of the truth, one looks forward with glee to the novel’s culmination—and to this quick-learning constable’s future adventures.
Great attention to details of the period and the various conflicts between the social classes is lavished on the setting and characters ... The author’s flair for language adds to the book, as do the colorful 'extras,' including the Brighton Belles (pretty young women who act as goodwill ambassadors), the musicians who perform at a local venue, a humbug seller, and horrendously fake waxwork parlor shopkeepers ... The precise wordplay and convoluted crime plot of this 1950s British blackish comedy will please fans and attract more readers to the series.
Like the previous, the assortment of characters, the bumbling policemen and the silly yet relatable incidences add to the charm and humour of the book. The author's conversational narrative is as funny as the last. The humour is very British and there are references to literature or Hollywood that some readers might not get the context to. The mystery is well plotted and will keep readers guessing. This is a good book to read on a holiday or for those who need a laugh.
This character-driven investigation includes delightfully batty characters and situations ... fast moving and takes close reading to keep up with, but it’s worth it. Give to Truss’ fans as well as those who enjoy Christopher Fowler’s Bryant and May mysteries.
Truss’ period burlesque extends from individual character types and obligatory scenes to the longer narrative arcs beloved of more recent franchises ... Too relentlessly facetious to take seriously but more frantic than funny.
