The Dark Room

I love a good mystery, but unfortunately, the only thing that was mystifying about this novel was why I kept reading it? This was the most long, drawn out story I've ever read.For starters, this book had entirely too many things going on and it was really hard to get into the flow to keep up with everything. I found it difficult to get into any of the characters and the chapters were long and drawn out and didn't flow into the next chapter. This book was just not for me. I was highly disappointed.One thing that truly got on my nerve was the constant description of characters who smoked. It seems if there wasn't some type of thought the character had, they were lighting up. I get Jane Kingsley, the main character was a chain smoker, but was it necessary to take the reader through every puff?And what bothered me the most was that this mystery never stopped. It continually rehashed the same stuff over, and over, and over again, and it got on my nerve. I understand the police had to figure out what was going on, but again, why must the reader be subjected to all of that. Some things should be left for the reader to figure out, and I didn't get a chance to do that much, although I was right as to who the killer was. This was not my type of book, just didn't do it for me, but perhaps others may find it captivating. Unfortunately, the book left me in The Dark Room!

We expect a certain standard of accuracy in the published novel, especially by someone as well-known and prolific as Minette Walters. This book has so many typographical and spelling mistakes it is barely readable, certainly it is impossible to enjoy. It is like reading a story by some fourteen year old who has handed in an ill-considered first draft. An insult to the reader. With products as poorly made as this the consumer has every right to expect a refund (faulty product) Good luck with that!

I have read several books by Minette Walters and rate this as one of her best. The main character, Jinx Kingsley, has amnesia after a car accident and we are left wondering (as Jinx is)about her involvement in some pretty gruesome murders. A great concept, well handled by the author to create a suspenseful read.The characters are interesting and the pace is good. The only reason I have not given it a five star rating is that I felt that the ending was a bit too happy and optimistic - out of character for some of the personalities in the story.If you have read and enjoyed any of Minette Walters' books before, then you will not be disappointed with The Echo. If you have not read one of her books, this is a good first read. If you like The Echo, then try The Ice House and the Sculptress as well.

I am a fan of Minette Walters works. Her mysteries are gripping, the storyline in this novel is as intriguing as her other novels, and she always gives us characters who are painfully real. Another well-done novel by Ms.Walters.

Good read. I'm about halfway through the book and haven't figured out Who Dunnit. Lots of possibilities, interesting scenarios and the people are believable. Set near Salisbury so I get to make English accents in my head and transport myself across the pond. I LOVE the Walters books and this is my 11th.

Hints and clues abound, but the ending still carries some surprises. Characterization is uneven and it's hard to come away saying "I cared about x or y" -- but it's a complex psychological thriller and worth reading. One more-serious cavil: Walters plays fast and loose with her (mis)use of the term "existentialist." I leave it to more erudite readers to critique this if they will. I just stuck it in the "jargon" box and went on to enjoy the story.

I haven't finished the book, so I won't discuss the content. However, the story contains newspaper clippings and hand written notes and the font comes out tiny. You can't make these images big enough to read, except on my IPAD. I don't know about newer Kindel models. Mine is over a year old. Still, if you sell it in kindle format, all of it should be readable on any Kindle. But I was a dumbass , as this problem was visible in the sample. I just didn't think these images would be an on-going part of the story. I felt customers should know. So try a sample first.

I am still reading this facinating story. Minette Walters is a true original. If you want to be captivated by a book, isolate yourself for a couple of hours with this intriguing story.

Written in 1995 this is not the best Minette Walters that I've ever read. But it's an unusual plot.Throughout the book you are never quite sure whether the main character, Jinx, or her father is responsible for the murder(s) and, as Jinx is questioned more deeply by her Dr and the Police, her evasiveness and manipulation just make them suspect her more. Is she a murderess covering her trail or is she a fragile woman who, having watched her brutalised husband die years before, is now wary of being found guilty by way of coincidence.I didn't guess the perp - in fact I changed my mind a couple of times as to who it may have been. Worth a read.

Totally loved this short story.was gripped from start to finish.so loved the main character.very intriguing.never boring or dull.read it in one sitting

Although I did enjoy this book it was not nearly as good as some of the authors historical books. I will stick to the historical ones in future

I have spent CoVid lockdown re reading all my Minette Walters books - I love her writing but this is the only one that has disappointed me - it’s still an enjoyable read but compared to The Echo or The Breaker or The Icehouse it is a bit weak , I suppose that is the problem with being such a good author :-)

Not a bad story - bit predictable but I read it to the end which doesn’t always happen !