- Paperback: 416 pages
- Publisher: Pan; 10 edition (1 Aug 2008)
- Language English
- ISBN-10: 0330327917
- ISBN-13: 978-0330327916
- Product Dimensions: 1.9 x 12.1 x 18.4 cm
- Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (16 customer reviews)
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 275,848 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
The Ice House
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More About the Author
Product Description
Product Description
Winner of the CWA John Creasey Award for Best First Novel of the Year – and the start of Minette Walter's long list of bestsellers.
Book Description
'It was evident, if there were no other entrance to the ice house, that the body had at some point traversed this thorny barrier . . . The big question was, how long ago? How long had that nightmare been there?' The people of Streech village had never trusted the three women living up at the Grange – not since Phoebe Maybury's husband suddenly, inexplicably, vanished. Ten years later a corpse is discovered in the grounds and Phoebe's nightmare begins. For once they have identified the body the police are determined to charge her with murder . . . 'The most impressive first novel in years' Daily Telegraph 'A seductive writer with an imagination that makes her dangerous to know' Sunday Express 'Terrific first novel with a high Rendellesque frisson count' The Times
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
10 of 12 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Traditional British Detective Novel with a Twist,
By A Customer
This review is from: The Ice House (Paperback)
When I first read this I was shocked - by its incredible originality, style and sheer top-quality. The characters are some of the most carefully formed, interesting, and complicated I have ever come across. The plot is great too, filled with twists at every corner that leave you stumbling in the dark in this maze of a mystery. The dialogue is pin sharp - full of smart, wry observations - especially from the character Anne Cattrel who is no shrinking violet to put it mildly. She is brash, honest, and funny and her conversations with Seargant Andy McLoughlin are simply stunning. I am so surprised this is Minette Walters first novel because, in my opinion it is her best. There are simply so many layers in this book, and it just gets better and better. The action scenes near the end are brilliant - the kind that makes you feel horrified and excited at the same time. What else can I say? Just read it!
3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
2.0 out of 5 stars
Maybe entertaining for some days but no remaining impression,
By A Customer
This review is from: The Ice House (Paperback)
Minette Walters tries to create round characters by giving psychological details which is original and partly attracts the understanding of the reader. Unfortunately, this way of writing leads to the result that the characters seem to be overdone and makes the whole story unrealistic. And so is the end of the book that appears to be a makeshift. In addition to the longwinded writing the book is a bit confusing because of the many subplots that take the attention away from the main plot. Since the author is permanently fishing for effects (sex affairs...) the reader gets the impression that the book was only written out of pure financial interest. However, who only expects simple entertainment may be satisfied.
3.0 out of 5 stars
A good read though flawed in parts,
By
This review is from: The Ice House (Paperback)
I picked up on Minette Walter's thrillers half way through her career and since I did I've enjoyed every one. It's taken me until now however to get around to her early books - this was her first novel. It's mostly a good read and some aspects - such as whose actually IS the body found in the ice house - work well and keep you engaged until the end. I also liked the very English setting - the book falls readily into the great British tradition of adventure and mystery writing going back to Stevenson and Buchan. Nearly all the police procedure details ring true and dialogue is credible and at best fizzes along. Ms Walters has achieved here - as in all her books - that nice balance between the pure police procedural (which I find boring) and the more literary novel where character takes precedence over plot. However some parts left me less convinced. While most of the characters in themselves are convincing, I found the way in which the important relationship between the extraordinary Anne Catrell and Sgt. McLoughlin developed was simply too far fetched, and the "invasion" of the Grange near the end of the book at which Anne's attacker is unmasked and other loose ends tied up felt hugely contrived and unreal. If you're an existing Walter's fan you'll want to read the book. However if you're coming new to the author my advice is to try The Sculptress or The Echo first - both compelling reads.
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