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4 out of 4 stars
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Few can deny the fame and popularity of the clever yet eccentric Sherlock Holmes, and not many would contradict the success of Hercule Poirot when it comes to solving crimes through the power of observation and deduction. Newcomer Pignon Scorbion just started his role as the chief inspector for the small English community of Haxford. Still, he’s just as credible as his predecessors in the art of solving mysteries and uncovering the truth. Join Pignon Scorbion & the Barbershop Detectives as they practice their sleuthing skills to solve three intriguing cases in the new novel by Rick Bleiweiss.
If you’re a fan of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and Agatha Christie, you’ll want to check out this collection of quirky cases. Bleiweiss quickly familiarizes readers with the strengths and unique qualities that distinguish the title character through this introductory novel. I loved the confidence and the charming personality of the new police inspector. His friendship with Calvin Brown, the barbershop owner, opened the door for the delightful ensemble of amateur detectives to join in on the investigations. My favorite was the inquisitive Billy Arthurson, an aspiring writer, but I also enjoyed the antics of Yves and Barnabus, two of the seasoned employees of the shop. In addition, the reader also has the pleasure of eventually meeting Thelma Smith, the charming and intelligent woman who rivals Scorbion in his skills of deduction and serves to keep him on his toes through the investigations.
I appreciated the diversity in the cases presented, and I loved how each was challenging to solve. I also loved how the clues kept me guessing as I tried to predict the outcomes. I was further satisfied with how the book came full circle. However, I was not particularly fond of how redundant the final resolution of the third case was. I felt like Pignon drew out the revelation longer than necessary, and the presentation was a little over the top. Still, I enjoyed the book overall, and the author hooked me for the sequel with the final development presented in the last pages. This tidbit of information promised a second book with the continuation of a romantic relationship introduced in this novel.
The book was professionally edited, and I found only one error throughout the pages. Since there was nothing that I disliked except the length of the conclusion of the third case, I had no reason to reduce the rating. Therefore, I give Pignon Scorbion & the Barbershop Detectives four out of four stars.
I’ve already mentioned that this book would be a good fit for Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and Agatha Christie fans. The series of whodunnits may also appeal to those who enjoy cozy mysteries that focus on intrigue more than suspense. The casual pacing made this novel a laid-back and enjoyable read with few instances of borderline swearing and no erotic content.
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Pignon Scorbion & the Barbershop Detectives
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