This analysis was generated by AI from publicly available reader reviews, literary criticism, and book discussions. It has not been verified by a BookLens community reviewer and may contain errors. Be the first to verify →
Content snapshot
Flag an inaccuracy →What's in this book, at a glance — five things readers want to know before they start.
Violence
Barely any
A murder during a theatrical performance; depicted with golden age wit and restraint
Language
Barely any
Literary period prose; minimal profanity; extensive Shakespeare quotation
Sexual Content
None
No sexual content
Substance Use
None
Social drinking at a country house; entirely background
Emotional Intensity
Barely any
Mild puzzle tension; the literary atmosphere and theatrical setting dominate
What this book is about
The second Inspector Appleby mystery is one of British crime fiction's most celebrated set-pieces: during an elaborate country house performance of Hamlet, the actor playing Polonius is shot dead with a real bullet mid-play. Inspector John Appleby—brilliant, literary, and somewhat donnish—must work through a cast of suspects that includes the actual cast. Innes brings his formidable literary knowledge and wit to a dazzlingly constructed puzzle, and the theatrical setting generates genuine dramatic irony at every turn. A landmark of the golden age.
Notes for sensitive readers
Reader-flagged moments and themes that may affect your experience.
Reader Verification
Be the first to verify
this rating
Have you read Hamlet, revenge!? Submit a community rating to confirm or correct the AI estimate. Your review helps other readers make an informed choice.
Rate this book →Free · ~5 minutes · No account required
Similar reads
More Mystery books from the catalog.
Think this AI estimate is off?
Flag an inaccuracy →Where to Buy
Affiliate links — BookLens earns a small commission at no extra cost to you.