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Full dark house

Full dark house

CrimeGothic
Pages
496
Published
2004
Language
English

Synopsis

When a present-day bombing in London claims the life of veteran detective Arthur Bryant, his partner John May is left to grapple with the end of their half-century partnership. May discovers Bryant's notes from their very first case during the WWII Blitz, a bizarre gothic mystery involving a dancer found without her feet, and suspects the past has returned with a deadly vengeance. This novel follows the duo's initial investigation into a seemingly supernatural killer stalking London's theaters, while May races to solve the modern-day crime, convinced the two cases are linked. It's a witty and suspenseful thriller about an enduring friendship and a killer who defies detection.

Prose complexity
7/10

Vibe

TenseDarkGrittyFunny
Dual TimelineRevengeLocked RoomMentor Figure

Genres

Crime Gothic Mystery Thriller World War II

About the author

C
Christopher Fowler

Christopher Fowler would make a good serial killer. He's charming and English and lives in a white penthouse with a view of St Paul’s Cathedral, and you'd think butter wouldn't melt in his mouth until you read his dark urban fiction — 17 novels and over 120 short stories so far. His œuvre divides into black comedy, horror, mystery, the odd revolting death and a set of novels unclassifiable enough to have publishers tearing their hair out. Emerging from a film industry background, he has come p...

Characters

Arthur BryantProtagonist
John MayProtagonist
All characters in Full dark house

Frequently asked questions

  • Does Full Dark House need to be read in order?

    This novel is the first in the Bryant & May series, introducing the detective duo. While it establishes their partnership and the world they inhabit, the central mystery of this particular book is self-contained.

  • Is Full Dark House a dual timeline story?

    The narrative unfolds across two distinct time periods: the present day, as John May investigates a modern crime, and the past, as he delves into Arthur Bryant's notes from their very first case during World War II.

  • How does Full Dark House compare to Christopher Fowler's other books?

    This book marks the beginning of Fowler's long-running Bryant & May series, which is known for its blend of intricate mystery, historical detail, and the unique, often eccentric, dynamic between its two elderly detective protagonists. It sets the tone for the series' characteristic wit and London-centric focus.