Comments (16)

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Mar 15, 2017sharon711 rated this title 3 out of 5 stars
An evocative description of Cuban life and an engrossing tale. I felt the pain of the detective dying of a genetic disorder that caused him to hallucinate. But I was let down by how this story line developed. Mike Ellis is a sympathetic…
Feb 17, 2017
The Beggars Opera took me back to my trip to Cuba some years ago. The shortages, the fact that locals are restricted where they can go, the poverty and the politics. While I really enjoyed my 2 weeks in Cuba and learned a lot from the tour…
Jun 02, 2014JCLKatyW rated this title 3.5 out of 5 stars
The Beggar's Opera was difficult for me to get through, not because of the writing but because of the tough subject matter. Peggy Blair writes an illuminating book on what it means to be imprisoned in a Cuban jail and on the other hand a…
emily8
Mar 25, 2014emily8 rated this title 4 out of 5 stars
A little neat on tying things together. but still an excellent debut novel. Also valuable lesson for being in the right place at the right time in meeting Ian Rankin.
Feb 26, 2014
An Ottawa author writes a police/murder drama set in Cuba featuring a Cuban detective. It makes for an interesting twist on things but without a good story line it wouldn't hold up. A young boy is raped and murdered and a visiting Ottawa…
cdandrea
Dec 27, 2013
Murder and mystery in old Havana. http://community.indigo.ca/posts/Claudio-DAndrea/user-578557/651645.html
Nov 02, 2013Pisinga rated this title 2.5 out of 5 stars
In the eagerness to criticize the Castro Government in Cuba, the writer exposes cuban and canadian cops as stupid, who doesn't know what they are doing and have no idea where they stand in the investigation. Beyond the middle of the…
Diell
Oct 17, 2013Diell rated this title 2.5 out of 5 stars
Try Padura Leonardo's Havana series or Philip Kerr's Bernie Gunther when he ends up in Cuba. excellent.
May 13, 2013
A great read . this first novel had everything, suspense, science, psychology, compassion, international affairs, many plot twists--hope there will be more by Peggy Blair.
Apr 05, 2013
This was an engaging story. Having been to Havana I especially enjoyed the colourful descriptions of this facinating city. The daily challenges of living in Cuba was an interesting back-story. I will be reading the sequel.
Apr 01, 2013susiesharon rated this title 5 out of 5 stars
Fantastic mystery! Well written and full of surprises.
Sep 18, 2012mythoughts rated this title 4 out of 5 stars
One of the best books I've read this year - fantastic descriptions of Havana, and its people, laws, customs, etc. A good story too. Loved it.
SPLAG
Aug 19, 2012SPLAG rated this title 3 out of 5 stars
I read this because it was written by a classmate of mine from Mount A. While I agree that the subject matter was a bit gruesome, I couldn't put the book down. It gives great insight into Cuba. The longing look at the pencil stuck with me…
Jun 18, 2012DanglingConversations rated this title 4.5 out of 5 stars
Excellent, fast moving plot with unusual twists and turns.Written by a lawyer, it juxtaposes some human rights enjoyed in Canada with those of a totoletarian state[albiet dependant on tourist income]. I can't wait for the author's next…
Apr 01, 2012seanodea rated this title 5 out of 5 stars
I read this book on a recommondation and I am glad I did. This is an excellent crime novel. Both the characters and the plot keep the reader engaged from the beginning. Sorry to use the old cliché but "it is hard to put down".
Feb 21, 2012MissAnnie rated this title 4 out of 5 stars
The subject matter here is somewhat difficult, however the characters are fascinating and the plot unfolds in unexpected ways.