Night's Child: A Detective Murdoch Mystery (Murdoch Mysteries Book 5)

As a huge fan of the "Murdoch Mysteries" television show, I decided to buy some of the novels as my first Kindle books to read on vacation. As expected, the story was well-written, the plot well-crafted and believable, the dialog crisp and natural and the suspense held to the very last page with a plot twist at the very end that was at once surprising but eminently believable and satisfying. My only disappointment is that Detective Murdoch and Inspector Brackenreid are somewhat less appealing characters than those in the tv series. Even so, Murdoch's dialog is very much in character with that of his tv counterpart. Anyone who is a fan of the show or who likes historical murder mysteries, especially ones set in Canada or in the Victorian era would probably like this novel. It has not been made into an episode during the first 7 seasons of the tv show nor does it include any leading edge techniques for crime detection that are an important plot element for the tv series. The Victorian era was a harsh one for the poor and vulnerable and anyone who does not like to read about that probably won't want to read this book. This book and the television series each stand alone and neither will diminish the appeal of the other. I will read the other book I purchased and wait impatiently for Season 8 to appear on AcornTV. I only wish the episodes were broadcast in the U.S. at the same time as in Canada. The author has created an entertaining series and hopefully has many years of storytelling for this cast of characters.

Great

I have been watching the Murdoch Mysteries on Netflix and have really enjoyed them so I decided to read one of the books that series is based on.There are some differences, of course, but it was still an enjoyable read. What I like is that these stories set in Victorian times parallel things that are happening today. Showing that the more things change - the more they stay the same.There were a couple of mysteries going on in this book and finding out how Murdoch solves both of them is fun. It seemed like this wasn't a very long book - but it is actually 312 pages. It just went seemed to go by faster than that.It seems to me that the portrayal of that time period is pretty accurate. The book was well written and kept my interest.Those that have only watched the series - be aware that Murdoch is quite a bit less straight laced in the books than he is in the series.

entertainment

I found this to be a rougher story than some of Maureen Jenning's other books, but it was certainly worth reading. I had only heard of this writer a few years ago and now I want to read all her books, especially the ones involving the Murdoch Mysteries. I would recommend this to anyone ho likes a good read and is not upset by a plot that involves solving a mystery around a missing, and sexually exploited, 12-13 year-old girl. More intense than some of her other books, this one brings in a female character that Murdoch gradually becomes interested in as they work to solve the mystery of the missing child (she is the teacher of the girl). Once i started reading it, I couldn't stop.

Book arrived in good condition earlier than posted

This was a good book but I love Murdoch Mystery's and did not like that the characters were different. Crabtree is a big fellow? Oh well it will not stop me from getting another I love a good mystery and this kept me going to the end. I guess wrong until the very end then you could not help but be able to figure it out.

Book was in good condition for the price.

Once you adjust to the many differences between the novels and the television series you can be assured of an absorbing, well researched story. Maureen Jennings doesn't disappoint and this sadly pertinent tale of the sexual exploitation of children is told with care and sympathy. Well worth a read

I really enjoyed this book though it's not my usual cup of tea. It's all about a case of trying to find the perpetrator of a heinous crime involving a missing minor and a photo of a dead baby. It's quite good in some parts, and is fascinating how people haven't changed, that they just carried out their crimes against children a different way.

I had to order the kindle version because I had waited over 12 months for the paperback version with no luck.

Enjoyable read, different to the TV series.

Interesting story line, dealing with troubles that we know today.