There are many different kinds of historical novels, and Through Dancing Poppies was very interesting to read, as it’s set in 1965. Usually, I think of historical novels as Jane Austen type stories, but the sixties is actually lovely to have a story set in. It’s not the first book in the series, but reads perfectly well as a standalone, although I might just have to go and read the first two books!
Caron Allan, the author, has done a wonderful job with Through Dancing Poppies. The title is actually the title of the song sung by one of the main characters, appropriately named Poppy. I enjoyed the description of Poppy, a moody but very talented teenager. Her fiancé, Teddy, was just awful, but important to see her singing career take off. I enjoyed meeting the characters in Through Dancing Poppies, and the list at the beginning of the book helped, but actually, each character is introduced nicely, so I was fine, even if I didn’t have the list.
Dee, the main character in Through Dancing Poppies, is a private investigator for Montague Montague, a law firm. She has her eyes set on a police detective, and they both find themselves working the mysteries surrounding Poppy, her friends, her fiancé and people around them. Through Dancing Poppies moves nice and gentle, until it suddenly all happens, and with Dee, you are left wondering how to ever get to the truth.
I enjoyed the setting of 1965, coming through the music, the food, the doilies, the programmes on the television. Caron has blended the setting in nicely, and Through Dancing Poppies keeps reminding you of the times they’re living, and it’s done in a lovely way. It helps you to picture the characters and the way they interact.
Dee is a good investigator, and I loved the way she asked her questions, and managed to get at least some information in return from the detective she loves… Although he seems to be better at getting information from her! But his brother, who is a newly qualified solicitor, also working for Montague Montague, and who ends up as Dee’s assistant, manages to get some helpful information, redeeming himself after he has not started too well on this case…Through Dancing Poppies has quite a few unexpected twists and turns, and the ending was surprising, but very satisfactory, with all loose ends tied up nicely, apart from one major cliffhanger…
Through Dancing Poppies is very atmospheric, not rushed at all, and some lovely interactions between different characters, bringing out their personalities. The teenagers involved sound like proper teenagers, the headmistress of their school can be visualised easily, as can the school. It’s not a very long read, but perfect for a few evenings being dropped back into the 60s!
I received a copy via Reading Between the Lines but was under no pressure or obligation to write a favourable review.