[The House Sitter] is a clever puzzle with truly interesting characters, if an unlikely plot. I was swayed a few times by very good red herrings, and didn't catch on until the very end as to who the true murderer was. That is, I thought I knew about half-way through, discounted that thought, figured on someone else, did figure out the subplot, and was astonished at the end. Lovesy has definitely improved since the beginning of the series.

The best Peter Diamond thus far. Once again, Lovesey takes a more light hearted approach to his sharp thinking detective. Although the ultimate baddie is not really a surprise, it is very entertaining the way he drops clues in front of us that Diamond seems to ignore. Of course, the large detective ignores nothing but sometimes he can be surprised. Totally ignored is the biggest mystery of all: how did his boss react to how Sultan the cat was treated by the big man. Georgianna would not be happy if she learned the full truth. ( )

OK, but the plot seems to be a bit strained--too much very superficial serial killer stuff brought in in deference to the then-already-past-its-peak trend. Not bad by any means, but the tighter focus of most of the Diamond mysteries is really what makes them viable. This novel is both geographically (lots of travel) and thematically (the serial killer trend, profilers, national television, national police power structure, etc.) less focused and Diamond really seems cheapened by that. ( )

One of my favorites...partly because I love the character of the "house sitter." Lovesey does a really good job of creating strong, funny, quirky female characters. ( )

The House Sitter is the latest Peter Diamond mystery and fans of Peter Lovesey's flawed detective, will not be disappointed. As ever, the Bath locations are skillfully recreated and Lovesey's warmth for the city certainly comes through. The plot, concerning the apparent murder of a psychologist whilst sunbathing on the beach, is well constructed, with plenty of twists to keep the reader wrong-footed. At first it appears that the case isn't going to allow Diamond to take centre stage, with much of the action centred on the south east coast. But that soon changes, and with his usual tact, Diamond once again solves the mystery. For me, one of the high points is his love-hate relationship with his superior office, Georgina Dallimore - their scenes are brilliant.

For fans and those new to Lovesey's work alike, read this book - it's up there with his best. This is an intricate and involving story from a highly skilled crime fiction practitioner. Read it. ( )