Another Review at MyShelf.Com

The Water Room
Peculiar Crimes Unit Mystery
Bryant and May, Book 2
Christopher Fowler

Bantam [Reprint]
September 30, 2008 / ISBN: 0553385550
British Mystery / Detective
Amazon

Reviewed by Brenda Weeaks

May and Bryant return to solve another peculiar case. In an untouched area of London, in a row of original cottages, an elderly woman is found dead by her brother. Oddly she’s a recluse but she’s dressed to go out. And the cause of death is drowning but she’s completely dry. Also in this mystery is an odd homeless man, a variety of normal neighbors, shady real estate developers, the history of London’s lost rivers, Egyptian mythology and multiple murders, Needless to say, at some points it gets very dangerous for the two...

We also learn more about May and Bryant. May does well in analyzing people whereas Bryant is a book person who also likes to visit a white witch to get answers… May has a contemporary outlook. He observes people; dresses well (even in the 70s), and continues to pursue the ladies. Bryant seems to have an old England outlook with his old books. He’s considered grumpy but has a good heart; he hates wet Liberals and hamburger outlets – among other things.

I found The Water Room as riveting as The Full Dark House. Again, Fowler includes a substantial amount of London history through his contemporary characters, which enhances the storyline. The mystery isn’t as dark as the last one, but it is as equally complex. Bryant and May are older detectives – even older than the infamous “Inspector Morse,” yet they seem to have picked up a cult following which I think is great. I’ve read three titles in this series and each time I hated interruptions. I’ve also discovered Bryant is my favorite character. (Hmmm... what does that say about me?)

I also listened to The Water Room on audio via Audible/Amazon (release date 2008). The storyline certainly comes alive and seems darker when read aloud. The narrator is British actor Tim Goodman. He does an impressive job of voicing the main and secondary characters. The audio version has Bryant’s voice older and weaker than I iimagined while reading the book version. Go figure. Despite their ages, I hope the author finds a way to keep these two around for a long time. Can’t recommend this series enough.

Reviews of other titles in this series

Full Dark House #1
The Water Room #2
The Memory of Blood # 9 [review1] [review 2] [review 3]
Invisible Code #10 [review 1] [review 2]

Reviewer's Note: Fowler was nominated by the Independent Mystery Booksellers Association for the Dilys Winn Award, given to the book that booksellers most enjoyed selling. The Victoria Vanishes was also nominated for best novel by British Fantasy Society and won Crimefest's Last Laugh award for funniest mystery novel.
Posted 2012
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