Joined in 2023 
82 
63 About this deal
They’d been having an affair for 18 months behind Lucy’s back, and Jane had even worked as their doula during her pregnancy. The suspect group dynamic is truly excellent, this author is the queen of the quirky, oddly compelling character and this time there's a whole lot of them, all caught up in a case that even Simon struggles to solve. We switch between Simon and Charlie’s perspectives, that of the other guests (mainly Lucy’s), and also staff member Anita. She was sent to warning letters prior to the murder, one saying "Beware of the couple at the table nearest to yours" but all the tables were as close to one table as they are to another. I think it is very possible to read this one as an independent release to the other books in the series, there didn’t appear to be a lot to catch up on.
I knew that it was going to be a slow-burning mystery, but I really was close to falling asleep more times than I can count with this book.So a quick glance over my reading records on Goodreads indicated that I haven’t read a Sophie Hannah book before. The writing is engaging with several interesting images of the couples at the tables giving you plenty of food for thought. While some are enjoying their honeymoon and much needed break away, their peace is about to be shattered by a shocking murder. When someone, however, is discovered dead within hours of dinner, it appears the threats weren’t empty after all.
However, as is often the case with real or fictional detectives, trouble seems to follow them, so it isn’t long after their arrival that one of the guests, Jane Brinkwood, daughter of the aristocratic owner, is found stabbed in the back. I loved the idea of it, and I've read books bynthis author before, but I found it really difficult to connect with the story. The story is told from different timescales and character perspectives, and whilst this wasn't confusing for me, the style of writing made it very hard to concentrate on their stories. This time they’re supposed to be taking a holiday at a swanky, luxurious resort not far from where they live.The Couple at the Table reads like an old-fashioned murder mystery and a psychological thriller rolled into one. If you are an author wanting us to review your book, please read our review policy (link under header) first. And we know we all didn't do it, the rest of us, because we were together and could see each other the whole time. For example, in Little Face a woman goes out for the first time after giving birth, comes back home and tells everyone that the baby in the cot is not hers despite her husbands insistence that it is. Jane is also at Tevenden on her honeymoon after marrying Lucy’s ex-husband, William, who she stole while working for Lucy.
I’ve seen her talk at events, watched as fans have queued to pay homage while having their books signed, and yet still hadn’t gotten around to reading any of her books. Her writing is mediocre, her characters unrealistic and a this plot is so far fetched as to be comical.She receives notes including one which warns her to beware of the couple at the table nearest to yours which makes no sense at all as all the tables are in a circle and equidistant. Next, Sophie takes you through the case which is being investigated by DC Simon Waterhouse (the best detective in crime writing IMO). The plot is simple in terms of the murder, however, the investigation and the toing and froing between the characters and timeline make sure you have to read the book slowly and take everything in as at times it comes across as a little confusing. They’d been having an affair for 18 months behind Lucy’s back, and Lucy had even worked as a trained medical companion for Jane during her pregnancy.
I always hugely look forward to a new Sophie Hannah book, and the premise of this book intrigued me. Here, though, we have a case where there are how many people who might have done it, according to you guys? The Couple at the Table is a locked room mystery that would have been solved a lot quicker had the astutely observant Miss Marple, or the 'little grey cells' of Monsieur Poirot been employed.Unfortunately, despite being hooked on the first 300 or so pages of the book, I felt the last section let it down somewhat.
Great Deal 
New Comment