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The Concierge
I suppose it would be fitting to explain that I am talking into a dictaphone and the lovely Helen will be typing out my story for you to read. She will have a certain amount of creative control—sorting out moments when I get a bit tongue-tied or slightly muddled—but I have told her to leave in as much as possible, so as not to miss any of the important bits. This is my account of the Cavengreen Hotel murder, best we get that bit in early on.
The peaceful setting of Cavengreen Hotel has been shattered by a shocking murder. Hector Harrow, the hotel's concierge, has been accused and is determined to clear his name. Hector enlists the aid of Helen, a retired publisher, to document the shocking crime that has unfolded, with the intention of publishing a truthful account.
Amid interruptions from a nosy journalist and the egotistical antics of the hotel's new owner, American Dave, Helen works tirelessly to keep Hector focused on finishing his book.
As suspicions fall on different guests and one makes a shocking confession, Hector must navigate a web of secrets to uncover the truth.
The peaceful setting of Cavengreen Hotel has been shattered by a shocking murder. Hector Harrow, the hotel's concierge, has been accused and is determined to clear his name. Hector enlists the aid of Helen, a retired publisher, to document the shocking crime that has unfolded, with the intention of publishing a truthful account.
Amid interruptions from a nosy journalist and the egotistical antics of the hotel's new owner, American Dave, Helen works tirelessly to keep Hector focused on finishing his book.
As suspicions fall on different guests and one makes a shocking confession, Hector must navigate a web of secrets to uncover the truth.
Kindle Edition
First published January 31, 2024
88 people are currently reading
1,843 people want to read
About the author
Abby Corson
1book24followersAbby Corson has been a luxury travel and lifestyle writer for over ten years, with her work featuring in magazines and newspapers including Vogue Australia, The Age and The Herald Sun.
Abby's debut novel has already been translated into multiple languages. Her second novel is due for release in February 2026.
Born in Manchester, England, Abby now lives in Melbourne with her husband and two little girls.
Abby's debut novel has already been translated into multiple languages. Her second novel is due for release in February 2026.
Born in Manchester, England, Abby now lives in Melbourne with her husband and two little girls.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 213 reviews
February 8, 2024
What a fun, quirky read. I loved the main character and his storytelling. It was an absolute joy to read.
73 year old Hector Harrow is the concierge at the Cavengreen Hotel in the Yorkshire Dales. It is a hotel for the wealthy, and he takes pride in his work. Nothing is too much for the guests. But everything things changes when one of the guests Is murdered and the hotel goes into lockdown until the police can find the killer.
I loved the narrative style of this book. It is Hector telling his story after the events. It feels so real. There are some very unlikeable characters in this story but who is murdered and by who, and why? You need to read it find that out. It is a quick, easy cosy mystery in a beautiful setting. Plenty of twists to keep you guessing.
Thanks so much to Ultimo Press for sending me a copy to read. Out Now in Australia
73 year old Hector Harrow is the concierge at the Cavengreen Hotel in the Yorkshire Dales. It is a hotel for the wealthy, and he takes pride in his work. Nothing is too much for the guests. But everything things changes when one of the guests Is murdered and the hotel goes into lockdown until the police can find the killer.
I loved the narrative style of this book. It is Hector telling his story after the events. It feels so real. There are some very unlikeable characters in this story but who is murdered and by who, and why? You need to read it find that out. It is a quick, easy cosy mystery in a beautiful setting. Plenty of twists to keep you guessing.
Thanks so much to Ultimo Press for sending me a copy to read. Out Now in Australia
April 14, 2025
Interesujący pomysł na książkę w stylu cosy crime. Angielski kryminał napisany w zupełnie inny sposób niż przyjęty standard, do tego z rzeczywiście zaskakującym zakończeniem. Przyjęta forma narracji, oprócz zalet, miała też i swoje wady, bo miejscami przypominała nudne wywody 🫣 Przyspieszenie akcji i skrócenie historii w kilku miejscach zdecydowanie dodałoby jej lekkości i dynamiki.
February 24, 2024
*
🛎Ultimo Press proudly presents The Concierge, a locked room style cosy mystery from debut novelist Abby Corson. Set in a luxury hotel, this story unfurls a tale a murder, false confessions, secrets, accusations, and the search for the truth. Unique, entertaining and endearing, The Concierge proved to be an engaging read.
🛎At the very nucleus of this book is Hector Harrow, the underdog and hero of this debut tale. Hector was a delight the moment he entered the room, he is quite quirky but we can’t help but feel a great deal of empathy for this man. Hector's heart is definitely in the right place, which I loved. Slowly the narrative reveals his past and hints to why he behaves as he does, which allows Corson to dip into some trying themes around alcoholism and trauma. Hector has OCD, which is handled very sensitively by the author. I appreciated learning about this condition and how it impacts the individual and those who they interact with. Corson takes a first person style of narration to her first novel and while it does take a bit to get used to, I think it was an effective device to use in developing a solid cosy murder style story. The murder plot is well considered and Corson ensures that she throws in a number of red herrings, twists and some downright nasty souls for her lead to contend with. The murder, subsequent confession, trial and revelation of the truth was well executed. I particularly liked the touch of a dictaphone as a form of storytelling as Hector and his friend Helen worked on his story.
🛎For me the highlight was the setting, the moment I opened this book I felt as though I had checked in as a guest at Cavengreen Hotel, which is the luxury establishment featured in the tale. The world building was creative but also authentic, allowing the reader to really feel a part of the hotel business world. The story reveals the good, the bad and the ugly part of the hotel world, which I found quite eye-opening! I definitely managed to learn a thing two about hotel service and the work of a concierge!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️4 stars
🙏Thank you to @ultimopress
🛎Ultimo Press proudly presents The Concierge, a locked room style cosy mystery from debut novelist Abby Corson. Set in a luxury hotel, this story unfurls a tale a murder, false confessions, secrets, accusations, and the search for the truth. Unique, entertaining and endearing, The Concierge proved to be an engaging read.
🛎At the very nucleus of this book is Hector Harrow, the underdog and hero of this debut tale. Hector was a delight the moment he entered the room, he is quite quirky but we can’t help but feel a great deal of empathy for this man. Hector's heart is definitely in the right place, which I loved. Slowly the narrative reveals his past and hints to why he behaves as he does, which allows Corson to dip into some trying themes around alcoholism and trauma. Hector has OCD, which is handled very sensitively by the author. I appreciated learning about this condition and how it impacts the individual and those who they interact with. Corson takes a first person style of narration to her first novel and while it does take a bit to get used to, I think it was an effective device to use in developing a solid cosy murder style story. The murder plot is well considered and Corson ensures that she throws in a number of red herrings, twists and some downright nasty souls for her lead to contend with. The murder, subsequent confession, trial and revelation of the truth was well executed. I particularly liked the touch of a dictaphone as a form of storytelling as Hector and his friend Helen worked on his story.
🛎For me the highlight was the setting, the moment I opened this book I felt as though I had checked in as a guest at Cavengreen Hotel, which is the luxury establishment featured in the tale. The world building was creative but also authentic, allowing the reader to really feel a part of the hotel business world. The story reveals the good, the bad and the ugly part of the hotel world, which I found quite eye-opening! I definitely managed to learn a thing two about hotel service and the work of a concierge!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️4 stars
🙏Thank you to @ultimopress
March 3, 2024
The Concierge does start to drag a bit beyond the half-way point, when things should be ratcheting up in an Agatha Christie-style mystery, but if you can hang in there, there’s a Big Twist(TM) to come in the final chapter. You’ll also have to overlook some clunky dialogue and some major plot holes (no DNA testing?), but it’s forgivable as long as you’re as endeared to Hector as I am.
My full review of The Concierge is up now on .
My full review of The Concierge is up now on .
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October 28, 2024I have to think about it before I rate it. For a long time I thought it was a solid four, I liked the narrative voice even though it came across a bit fussy and overbearing. But then a big change happened, the author likely was told by her publishing firm to wrap things up, and it sort of ended ridiculously. Conclusion: not for me, not one that I would recommend.
November 18, 2024
Lido em menos de 24 horas mas custou.
O nosso narrador deu tantas voltas e contou tantos detalhes que por mais que eu quisesse tentar descobrir quem era o assassino não iria conseguir.
A revelação final deixou-me confusa e com imensas perguntas e pareceu-me caída do céu só mesmo para não ser a pessoa x mas sim a pessoa y que ninguém estava à espera.
O nosso narrador deu tantas voltas e contou tantos detalhes que por mais que eu quisesse tentar descobrir quem era o assassino não iria conseguir.
A revelação final deixou-me confusa e com imensas perguntas e pareceu-me caída do céu só mesmo para não ser a pessoa x mas sim a pessoa y que ninguém estava à espera.
February 21, 2024
Thanks firstly to Better Reading and Ultimo Press for gifting me this in exchange for an honest review. Wow! I absolutely loved this book. I love a great thriller read and this was truly amazing. I was captivated from the start by Hector Harrow’s story � the concierge of Hotel Cavengreen himself. Hector has been accused of murder and wants to tell his story so the truth can be known. He dictates whilst his friend Helen � the retired publisher - helps the book come to life. A few twists and turns along the way and it finished in a way I certainly didnt expect. There are no spoilers here from me, only my strong opinion that everyone who loves a thriller read needs to pick this up and give it a go! I can’t wait to read what Abby Corson writes next. Thank you so much again!
March 2, 2024
3.5 STARS
In ‘The Concierge� Hector Harrow dictates how the Cavengreen Hotel murder happened from his perspective. His long time friend, Helen, is helping to write the book up for Hector. As the concierge for the Cavengreen Hotel for years, Hector sees everything, he knows everyone, and it’s his business to make sure of it. After the murder, Hector has answers, suspicions and alligations. As a prime suspect, Hector must clear his name while finding out what actually happened. This book follows Hector is he retells his experience from that night and he shares the answers of what actually happened.
This book was heading in all the right directions for me to rate it a high 4 or 5 stars. Unfortunately it took a turn that I didn’t end up loving. I enjoyed the premise of the book and loved the format. I listened to it on audible which I think added SO much to the story. The narrator was excellent and it really sold the dictaphone premise of the book.
Ultimately, I found the last 2 hours pretty darn boring. I questioned why we were finding out the murderer at that time point when there was still so much to go, which makes sense now I’ve listened to the rest, but personally, I wish it did end then. I don’t think the twist was particularly well done and it felt so out of the blue. I don’t love when mystery books don’t actually let you figure it out. While this book gave 1 hint, it was literally 1 sentence that you needed to remember to be able to call it. Maybe that’s just me, but I didn’t love that. I ended up rolling my eyes when it happened.
I was disappointed by this because like I said, this was on track to be high starred. I loved the concept, loved the current, reflecting on the past. It has such interesting characters with just enough side plots to keep me engaged but not overwhelmed.
Overall, I do recommend this book, just know the ending might not sit well with you too.
In ‘The Concierge� Hector Harrow dictates how the Cavengreen Hotel murder happened from his perspective. His long time friend, Helen, is helping to write the book up for Hector. As the concierge for the Cavengreen Hotel for years, Hector sees everything, he knows everyone, and it’s his business to make sure of it. After the murder, Hector has answers, suspicions and alligations. As a prime suspect, Hector must clear his name while finding out what actually happened. This book follows Hector is he retells his experience from that night and he shares the answers of what actually happened.
This book was heading in all the right directions for me to rate it a high 4 or 5 stars. Unfortunately it took a turn that I didn’t end up loving. I enjoyed the premise of the book and loved the format. I listened to it on audible which I think added SO much to the story. The narrator was excellent and it really sold the dictaphone premise of the book.
Ultimately, I found the last 2 hours pretty darn boring. I questioned why we were finding out the murderer at that time point when there was still so much to go, which makes sense now I’ve listened to the rest, but personally, I wish it did end then. I don’t think the twist was particularly well done and it felt so out of the blue. I don’t love when mystery books don’t actually let you figure it out. While this book gave 1 hint, it was literally 1 sentence that you needed to remember to be able to call it. Maybe that’s just me, but I didn’t love that. I ended up rolling my eyes when it happened.
I was disappointed by this because like I said, this was on track to be high starred. I loved the concept, loved the current, reflecting on the past. It has such interesting characters with just enough side plots to keep me engaged but not overwhelmed.
Overall, I do recommend this book, just know the ending might not sit well with you too.
December 14, 2024
Primeiro livro desta autora. É um thriller muito leve, em que a personagem principal é um idoso, o que não é nada comum. A grande maioria da investigação é feita pela personagem principal, que não é nem nunca foi, profissional da policia, havendo um querer por mais partes forenses. Em algumas passagens, a personagem principal fala diretamente para o leitor, o que, embora esteja muito habituada a essa forma de discurso, pois muitos policiais de época, são assim, parece que aqui não soa tão bem , não gostei muito, quebra e induz o nosso raciocínio para outra coisa. O final é muito imprevisível, o que o enriquece.
O mordomo. Abby Corson Hector é mordomo no Hotel Cavengreen. Tem 73anos, TOC e trabalha lá mais de 50 anos. Adora. Ao longo destes anos, coleciona imensas histórias envolvendo hóspedes e também os trabalhadores.Não morre de amores pelo gerente. Com a ajuda de uma amiga, está a escrever um livro acerca de um assassinato que ocorreu no hotel, na noite em que se celebrou lá um casamento. Hector viu-se envolvido na investigação, pois foi ele quem descobriu o corpo e que avisou a policia. E claro, um grande cliché, foi mordomo. Como se sente injustiçado por ser suspeito, paralelamente à investigação policial, vai fazendo as suas perguntas e elaborando as suas teorias.
O mordomo. Abby Corson Hector é mordomo no Hotel Cavengreen. Tem 73anos, TOC e trabalha lá mais de 50 anos. Adora. Ao longo destes anos, coleciona imensas histórias envolvendo hóspedes e também os trabalhadores.Não morre de amores pelo gerente. Com a ajuda de uma amiga, está a escrever um livro acerca de um assassinato que ocorreu no hotel, na noite em que se celebrou lá um casamento. Hector viu-se envolvido na investigação, pois foi ele quem descobriu o corpo e que avisou a policia. E claro, um grande cliché, foi mordomo. Como se sente injustiçado por ser suspeito, paralelamente à investigação policial, vai fazendo as suas perguntas e elaborando as suas teorias.
February 5, 2024
Thank you Ultimo Press for sending us a copy to read and review.
A refreshing, endearing and entertaining voice dominates in this cosy mystery. Readers you must welcome Hector Harrow as he tells his story about a murder in the hotel he worked in.
Told with clarity, the odd tap to his head and with a great deal of thoroughness.
An experience you will relish.
Hector is 74 years old and has worked at the luxurious Cavengreen Hotel all of his life.
A hotel where guests are well catered for and considered.
Hector undertakes his role as a concierge very seriously and is the perfect fit for the job.
Finding a dead body in a suite will change everything for him.
An intense period of lockdown, scrutiny by hard core detectives and dealing with fellow staff and high maintenance guests all takes its toll on Hector.
A murderer is amongst the group.
In addition a new but arrogant American owner adds its own level of torment.
Hector, with the help of a family friend Helen is writing the story of the murder.
Enjoy this experience and banter as they get the details and try and uncover the truth.
I loved everything about this book.
The setting was so realistic, the combination of characters was perfect and my, Hector nearly takes the cake as one my fave characters ever.
In addition it has twists and turns that made the mystery side excellent.
A refreshing, endearing and entertaining voice dominates in this cosy mystery. Readers you must welcome Hector Harrow as he tells his story about a murder in the hotel he worked in.
Told with clarity, the odd tap to his head and with a great deal of thoroughness.
An experience you will relish.
Hector is 74 years old and has worked at the luxurious Cavengreen Hotel all of his life.
A hotel where guests are well catered for and considered.
Hector undertakes his role as a concierge very seriously and is the perfect fit for the job.
Finding a dead body in a suite will change everything for him.
An intense period of lockdown, scrutiny by hard core detectives and dealing with fellow staff and high maintenance guests all takes its toll on Hector.
A murderer is amongst the group.
In addition a new but arrogant American owner adds its own level of torment.
Hector, with the help of a family friend Helen is writing the story of the murder.
Enjoy this experience and banter as they get the details and try and uncover the truth.
I loved everything about this book.
The setting was so realistic, the combination of characters was perfect and my, Hector nearly takes the cake as one my fave characters ever.
In addition it has twists and turns that made the mystery side excellent.
January 18, 2024
What a brilliant audiobook this was. An absolute joy to listen to. I really enjoyed the murder mystery set in a luxury hotel. What really stood out for me in this cozy mystery is Hector’s character. I grew so fond of him, I felt I could have listened to his story forever without getting bored. It’s a brilliant, emotive and humorous, propulsive plot, expertly narrated in an engaging manner. The ending is really clever and hugely satisfying. I feel sorry for the next audiobook I listen to, it’s going to have a lot to live up to. I am sad to leave the Concierge behind.
Thank you so much to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the chance to review an advanced copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you so much to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the chance to review an advanced copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
February 19, 2024
3.5 stars. This was a fun book to read. Hector, the concierge, is a real charmer. The first person narration and ‘live creation� of this book was a quirky interesting method of delivery. As a debut novel it’s highly entertaining and successful and I’m sure we will be seeing more from Abby Corson.
Thanks to Better Reading for my preview copy.
Thanks to Better Reading for my preview copy.
March 3, 2024
I wish people who can’t write a good murder mystery satisfied themselves with just reading good ones. The last few chapters read like a secondary school play written by the headmaster and the students.
Why?!
Why?!
April 7, 2024
Not gonna lie don’t know what happened in the second half of this book but she carried me through the 1/2 marathon
August 24, 2024
3,5 �
October 15, 2024
Se não fosse o final não tinha intenção de dar mais de 2.5*, mas gostei do final.
Lê-se bem.
Lê-se bem.
February 26, 2024
It's my pleasure to introduce quiet and unassuming Hector Harrow, a true gentleman of the age of seventy three. Until recently, Hector served as a long-term concierge of Cavengreen Hotel, where nothing was too unachievable to make its wealthy guests stay a memorable one.
Then came a sudden change of management, a wedding and a murder. All at once, creating utter chaos. Hector discovers the victim, is immediately accused, and the entire hotel immediately goes into lockdown until the murderer is caught. Spoilers- Hector is completely innocent, contrary to investigatory officers unfounded and brutal claims. (Insert dagger eyes towards Detective Raj, the big mean bully! Your treatment towards a senior citizen was unforgivable. Forcing him to self isolate in a garden shed was beyond the joke. CRUEL!)
Of course, the curious events gain media attention. There's a desperate need for insight from someone who was placed right in the action. With a court case looming, the race is on, and Hector wants to win. Armed with his trusty dictaphone and help from publisher friend Helen, Hector provides his clear and accurate account in his own words. It's not without interruptions from American Dave (the new owner) and Paula McDavison (a pesky journalist). They want to be first to release an in-depth Hollywood retelling and are intent to trip up Hector as often as possible.
Goes to say, Hector has what the public wants, the identity of the true killer. What a complete turnaround that was, too! Very, VERY sneaky!! Consider this whilst wearing those thinking caps: With the real murderer hidden in plain sight, nothing is what it seems.
This was a fun romp into the cozy crime genre. Whilst most of the characters are just so unlikable, Hector's affability more than makes up for it. I feel like I got to know him on a more personable level thanks to his narrative. By the end, Hector became a friend that I didn't want to say goodbye to.
Abby Corson has delivered such a fun and quirky debut, and I can't wait to see what comes next!
4.5 🌟
Then came a sudden change of management, a wedding and a murder. All at once, creating utter chaos. Hector discovers the victim, is immediately accused, and the entire hotel immediately goes into lockdown until the murderer is caught. Spoilers- Hector is completely innocent, contrary to investigatory officers unfounded and brutal claims. (Insert dagger eyes towards Detective Raj, the big mean bully! Your treatment towards a senior citizen was unforgivable. Forcing him to self isolate in a garden shed was beyond the joke. CRUEL!)
Of course, the curious events gain media attention. There's a desperate need for insight from someone who was placed right in the action. With a court case looming, the race is on, and Hector wants to win. Armed with his trusty dictaphone and help from publisher friend Helen, Hector provides his clear and accurate account in his own words. It's not without interruptions from American Dave (the new owner) and Paula McDavison (a pesky journalist). They want to be first to release an in-depth Hollywood retelling and are intent to trip up Hector as often as possible.
Goes to say, Hector has what the public wants, the identity of the true killer. What a complete turnaround that was, too! Very, VERY sneaky!! Consider this whilst wearing those thinking caps: With the real murderer hidden in plain sight, nothing is what it seems.
This was a fun romp into the cozy crime genre. Whilst most of the characters are just so unlikable, Hector's affability more than makes up for it. I feel like I got to know him on a more personable level thanks to his narrative. By the end, Hector became a friend that I didn't want to say goodbye to.
Abby Corson has delivered such a fun and quirky debut, and I can't wait to see what comes next!
4.5 🌟
April 16, 2024
This book was sooo enjoyable. Loveable characters, interesting plot, very well paced.
The style of the narrator telling the story as if he was writing a book surprised me at the start but I ended up loving it.
If you like the Knives Out murder mystery series. You’ll love this!!
The style of the narrator telling the story as if he was writing a book surprised me at the start but I ended up loving it.
If you like the Knives Out murder mystery series. You’ll love this!!
April 11, 2024
Mysteries are not a genre I read often, but I’m glad I picked up The Concierge. The book’s premise is that Hector, a concierge at a fancy hotel, is narrating into a dictaphone his experience of a high-profile murder at work.
I found Hector to be an excellent guide and companion, and it was fun to spend time with him - which is good, because there really are no other perspectives in the book! I also enjoyed the behind-the-scenes look at how a luxury hotel runs - all the different pieces that must work together for the experience to appear effortless.
I was invested in the story, and wanted to know what happened, so I ended up finishing this book in one evening :)
I found Hector to be an excellent guide and companion, and it was fun to spend time with him - which is good, because there really are no other perspectives in the book! I also enjoyed the behind-the-scenes look at how a luxury hotel runs - all the different pieces that must work together for the experience to appear effortless.
I was invested in the story, and wanted to know what happened, so I ended up finishing this book in one evening :)
February 7, 2024
Such a good book omg!!! This so the most clever book I’ve read I absolutely devoured it! I loved the way it was written Abby cordon sure knows how to write, this was entertaining, enjoyable, fun and the murder mystery was clever.
I loved the main character a 74 year old was just so delightful you just want to hug him! Was super faced paced and each chapter just left you wanting more. Highly recommend
I loved the main character a 74 year old was just so delightful you just want to hug him! Was super faced paced and each chapter just left you wanting more. Highly recommend
April 22, 2024
This was easy enough to read but so boring. The writing was dull and I didn’t like any of the characters enough to care what happened to them.
November 11, 2024
Tinha 0 expectativas para este livro mas acabou por ser uma excelente surpresa.
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August 4, 2024- thank you so much @ultimopress for a #gifted copy of this book
The Concierge is a debut novel that follows the story of Hector, a seventy-something-year-old concierge who is a prime suspect in murdering a guest at the luxury hotel where he has worked all his life. To clarify matters (and clear his name), he attempts to write a book about the true events of the night of the murder with the help of a friend.
I must admit, I have been falling out of love with Thriller and Crime fiction for a very long time now; but, every time I read a Cosy Crime novel I feel like not all hope is lost. Similarly to The Maid by Nita Prose, Corson conjured a quirky and adorable protagonist, easily dismissible and deemed invisible by others, but with a unique capacity to narrate a captivating story.
Although I was not terribly convinced by the dialogue or the lack of dimensionality of most characters, Hector triumphed above it all. My sympathy for Hector and my blind belief in his innocence isolated me from outside distractions and forced me to immerse myself in this novel until I could reach the very last word. Hat off to Corson for ending the book satisfactorily and nevertheless punching me in the gut with a final chapter that caught me by surprise and forced me to re-think everything I thought I knew.
However, I needed to suspend disbelief to enjoy the narrative. There are major plot inconsistencies that will probably bother some readers, so I advise caution regarding expectations if these things matter substantially. Admittedly, I would have been one of those had it not been for how much I was rooting for Hector. In a sense, all flaws were obliterated out of pure loyalty for a fictional character and because I believe Cosy Crime merits more leniency considering the focus shifts to characters and emotions, more so than the actual plot development.
Overall, The Concierge is a fun and entertaining novel led by a quirky and memorable protagonist. I would 100% recommend it to fans of the genre and I definitely encourage giving the audiobook a try.
The Concierge is a debut novel that follows the story of Hector, a seventy-something-year-old concierge who is a prime suspect in murdering a guest at the luxury hotel where he has worked all his life. To clarify matters (and clear his name), he attempts to write a book about the true events of the night of the murder with the help of a friend.
I must admit, I have been falling out of love with Thriller and Crime fiction for a very long time now; but, every time I read a Cosy Crime novel I feel like not all hope is lost. Similarly to The Maid by Nita Prose, Corson conjured a quirky and adorable protagonist, easily dismissible and deemed invisible by others, but with a unique capacity to narrate a captivating story.
Although I was not terribly convinced by the dialogue or the lack of dimensionality of most characters, Hector triumphed above it all. My sympathy for Hector and my blind belief in his innocence isolated me from outside distractions and forced me to immerse myself in this novel until I could reach the very last word. Hat off to Corson for ending the book satisfactorily and nevertheless punching me in the gut with a final chapter that caught me by surprise and forced me to re-think everything I thought I knew.
However, I needed to suspend disbelief to enjoy the narrative. There are major plot inconsistencies that will probably bother some readers, so I advise caution regarding expectations if these things matter substantially. Admittedly, I would have been one of those had it not been for how much I was rooting for Hector. In a sense, all flaws were obliterated out of pure loyalty for a fictional character and because I believe Cosy Crime merits more leniency considering the focus shifts to characters and emotions, more so than the actual plot development.
Overall, The Concierge is a fun and entertaining novel led by a quirky and memorable protagonist. I would 100% recommend it to fans of the genre and I definitely encourage giving the audiobook a try.
August 8, 2024
2⭐️
A capa prometia, gostei da sinopse, esperava de me divertir imenso com o livro, mas ficou por aí � !!!
História demasiado lenta, um final apressado, mas até inteligente.
Não desgostei da parte em que o mordomo, Hector, narra a história e fala diretamente para o leitor, é diferente , mas são demasiados pensamentos , misturados com histórias do passado e o acontecimento em si no hotel .
Resumindo � estava desejosa de o acabar!
A capa prometia, gostei da sinopse, esperava de me divertir imenso com o livro, mas ficou por aí � !!!
História demasiado lenta, um final apressado, mas até inteligente.
Não desgostei da parte em que o mordomo, Hector, narra a história e fala diretamente para o leitor, é diferente , mas são demasiados pensamentos , misturados com histórias do passado e o acontecimento em si no hotel .
Resumindo � estava desejosa de o acabar!
December 12, 2024
Achei um bocadinho básico e pouco desafiantes, contudo a leitura é fácil e agradável.
November 23, 2024
This was…not for me. Did not like the type of writing and the killer was so predictable�
January 4, 2025
The concept was original but the whole plot felt a bit underwhelming...
January 4, 2025
This is the kinda stuff I wanted from the Thursday Murder Club
Displaying 1 - 30 of 213 reviews
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