The Literary Murder: A Critical Case (Michael Ohayon Series, 2) Paperback – July 28, 2020

This is my second Batya Gur novel, and I’m devastated that the author has passed away and there will be no new novels. I will pace myself in reading the future ones as she paces the novels themselves - a slow, perhaps methodical tempo, but the novels seem to me to simply blossom. Each petal, each character and piece of information slowly unfurls until you can see the entire bloom. I don’t think you would expect mysteries named “The Saturday Morning Murder” and “The Literary Murder” to be fast-paced thrillers. I imagine those who loved the early Number One Ladies’ Detective Agency books, as I did, will also enjoy getting to know Michael Ohayon.

In contrast to some of the other reviewers I didn’t mind the slow pacing. Though the ride was long, the scenery was interesting. There were a number of insightful, well drawn characters and a few less important ones who were understandably less detailed. The prose was not gorgeous or particularly stimulating, but after all, this is a detective novel and a translation to boot. There was one marvellous description of a very minor character’s cooking which stood out because it was so unlike the rest of her writing. She’s no wordsmith like Cynthia Ozick, but her other strengths balance out the lack of gorgeous, rich writing.

This is the second book in the series (I think!). I love it. It really delves into the ivory tower world of a university while discussing a few theoretical questions about the nature of literature. In the end, however, it is a very great whodunit.

Batya Gur is a really good writer, but she is very, very wordy. In the manner of Tolstoy. Her characters had so many hangups I had to keep checking back - thinking I had missed something. Will still read the remainder of her books, but when I am not traveling.

I discovered this novel quite by accident, and I found a real treasure! "Literary Murder" is by far the best written and most intellectual example of the mystery genre I've seen in quite some time. It's set in academia, at Hebrew University in Jerusalem, with some action taking place in the United States. The characters have depth and dimension, and are profoundly interesting. The plot is integrated well into the setting and the characterization. And the prose and poetry are superb.I can't recommend this novel highly enough!

A little slow at the beginning. Not a bad read.

Good!

Product not in good condition. Very torn

Very interesting storyline, which kept me guessing. A bit too psychological at times for my taste, but very good all the same.