The Crystal Crypt, book 6 in the Poppy Denby Investigates series, teems with modern sensibilities transported to 1925 in this not-quite-cozy mystery. The vibe here is similar to the television series Miss Scarlet and the Duke (even though it’s a different era).
Reporter Poppy travels to Oxford to investigate the suspicious death of a female scientist. Author Fiona Veitch Smith weaves in period detail in an intricately plotted, fast paced mystery. Smith deftly moves the action from London to Oxford and back, and skillfully captures the town and gown life of Oxford. The inclusion of the Oxford map enhances the reading experience allowing us to follow Poppy’s path.
What’s particularly striking about this mystery is Smith’s cast which represents of a diverse array of characters. Starting with Poppy, but also female constable Rosie Winter, senior reporter from Trinidad Ike Garfield, and managing editor Rollo Richardson, a wealthy New Yorker and dwarf, the characters anchor key scenes. Smith depicts them doing their jobs within the confines of 1925 society, giving this period mystery added layers.
Overall rating: 4-1/2 stars rounded to up to 5. I read this as a standalone and was able to follow along fairly easily. The cast of characters at the beginning of the book helped, but I do think it would be better to read the books in series order. The characters have history and relevant backstory.
Finally, as noted in the title to this review, this is not exactly a cozy mystery. Although there aren’t gory scenes, a trigger warning would be appropriate.
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From the Publisher
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| The Jazz Files | The Kill Fee | The Death Beat | The Cairo Brief | The Art Fiasco | The Crystal Crypt | |
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| Price | $11.86 | $13.55 | $13.99 | $13.99 | $13.99 | $13.99 |
| What's About | Introducing Poppy Denby, a young journalist in London during the Roaring Twenties, investigating crime in the highest social circles | A stolen Fabergé Egg leaves a trail of death. Can Poppy unravel the egg's secrets? | PaperbackPoppy has been given the death beat: obituaries. But nothing will stop her investigating the death of a European prince... | In Egypt a tomb is opened. In London a curse is unleashed. Poppy Denby Investigates. | Drawn into an artist's world, Poppy unearths shameful secrets that someone will kill to hide. | The Crystal Crypt is the SIXTH book in the POPPY DENBY INVESTIGATES series. |
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Reviews with images
This Not-so-Cozy Crystal Truly Sparkles
The Crystal Crypt, book 6 in the Poppy Denby Investigates series, teems with modern sensibilities transported to 1925 in this not-quite-cozy mystery. The vibe here is similar to the television series Miss Scarlet and the Duke (even though it’s a different era).Reporter Poppy travels to Oxford to investigate the suspicious death of a female scientist. Author Fiona Veitch Smith weaves in period detail in an intricately plotted, fast paced mystery. Smith deftly moves the action from London to Oxford and back, and skillfully captures the town and gown life of Oxford. The inclusion of the Oxford map enhances the reading experience allowing us to follow Poppy’s path.What’s particularly striking about this mystery is Smith’s cast which represents of a diverse array of characters. Starting with Poppy, but also female constable Rosie Winter, senior reporter from Trinidad Ike Garfield, and managing editor Rollo Richardson, a wealthy New Yorker and dwarf, the characters anchor key scenes. Smith depicts them doing their jobs within the confines of 1925 society, giving this period mystery added layers.Overall rating: 4-1/2 stars rounded to up to 5. I read this as a standalone and was able to follow along fairly easily. The cast of characters at the beginning of the book helped, but I do think it would be better to read the books in series order. The characters have history and relevant backstory.Finally, as noted in the title to this review, this is not exactly a cozy mystery. Although there aren’t gory scenes, a trigger warning would be appropriate.
Top reviews from the United States
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Reviewed in the United States on March 20, 2022
Reporter Poppy travels to Oxford to investigate the suspicious death of a female scientist. Author Fiona Veitch Smith weaves in period detail in an intricately plotted, fast paced mystery. Smith deftly moves the action from London to Oxford and back, and skillfully captures the town and gown life of Oxford. The inclusion of the Oxford map enhances the reading experience allowing us to follow Poppy’s path.
What’s particularly striking about this mystery is Smith’s cast which represents of a diverse array of characters. Starting with Poppy, but also female constable Rosie Winter, senior reporter from Trinidad Ike Garfield, and managing editor Rollo Richardson, a wealthy New Yorker and dwarf, the characters anchor key scenes. Smith depicts them doing their jobs within the confines of 1925 society, giving this period mystery added layers.
Overall rating: 4-1/2 stars rounded to up to 5. I read this as a standalone and was able to follow along fairly easily. The cast of characters at the beginning of the book helped, but I do think it would be better to read the books in series order. The characters have history and relevant backstory.
Finally, as noted in the title to this review, this is not exactly a cozy mystery. Although there aren’t gory scenes, a trigger warning would be appropriate.
This Not-so-Cozy Crystal Truly Sparkles
Reviewed in the United States on March 20, 2022
The Crystal Crypt, book 6 in the Poppy Denby Investigates series, teems with modern sensibilities transported to 1925 in this not-quite-cozy mystery. The vibe here is similar to the television series Miss Scarlet and the Duke (even though it’s a different era).Reviewed in the United States on March 20, 2022
Reporter Poppy travels to Oxford to investigate the suspicious death of a female scientist. Author Fiona Veitch Smith weaves in period detail in an intricately plotted, fast paced mystery. Smith deftly moves the action from London to Oxford and back, and skillfully captures the town and gown life of Oxford. The inclusion of the Oxford map enhances the reading experience allowing us to follow Poppy’s path.
What’s particularly striking about this mystery is Smith’s cast which represents of a diverse array of characters. Starting with Poppy, but also female constable Rosie Winter, senior reporter from Trinidad Ike Garfield, and managing editor Rollo Richardson, a wealthy New Yorker and dwarf, the characters anchor key scenes. Smith depicts them doing their jobs within the confines of 1925 society, giving this period mystery added layers.
Overall rating: 4-1/2 stars rounded to up to 5. I read this as a standalone and was able to follow along fairly easily. The cast of characters at the beginning of the book helped, but I do think it would be better to read the books in series order. The characters have history and relevant backstory.
Finally, as noted in the title to this review, this is not exactly a cozy mystery. Although there aren’t gory scenes, a trigger warning would be appropriate.
Images in this review
Reviewed in the United States on January 31, 2022
Reviewed in the United States on November 28, 2021
Top reviews from other countries
Sheila
Murder, mystery, & dangerous chauvinism among the scientists of the 1920s
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on December 21, 2022
Paul T.
A finely crafted mystery
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on December 27, 2021