The Tiger in the Well (Point)

It is advised you read the series in order (starting with 'The Ruby in the Smoke'), unlike what I did and start with this book - though it is a credit to the author that I got into the book and understood it despite not having read its prequels. If you were to read this before reading its prequels then some elements of the previous books will be spoiled for you.

If, like me, you were attracted to this book because of Pullman's fantastic 'His Dark Materials' trilogy but was put off because this is set in the Victorian era and not a fantasy book, I'd urge you to buy this and give it a try anyway. Personally, I only usually read fantasy books ('Harry Potter' and 'The Lord of the Rings', for example) but I was pleasantly surprised on reading this, and was very glad I'd taken the risk and bought it.


Fantastic!   May 28, 2004
G. Brewer (UK)
2 out of 3 found this review helpful

Having been a recent convert to Pullman and having thoroughly enjoyed His Dark Materials, this 3rd book of the Quadrilogy is FANTASTIC! I have been choked with emotion reading this, and reading so fast wanting to know whats gonna happen next!! Cant wait to read the fourth...

Excellent book, superbly written and veyr well balanced... just make sure u've read the ruby in the smoke and the shadow of the north before this one...


More Dark then His Materials!   May 12, 2004
2 out of 2 found this review helpful

I am a very recent convert to Mr Pullman's work having dismissed him over the years as a 'childrens writer' whenever I saw his books advertised. How wrong I was. Last week, after some badgering from an enthusiastic friend, I sat down to read the His Dark Materials trilogy and finished them in two days. Such was the force of this mans storytelling. Thirsty for more I then dug into the Sally Lockhart series. And now I am lost for superlatives and will just say wow!
The first two books are great, well paced, great characters and stories but it is in the third, Tiger in the Smoke that the writing comes alive. It is claustrophobic and frenetic with the constant chasing of Sally by her 'husband' and the Evil Mr Lee. You can feel the real exasperated emotion from being on the run whilst trying keeping a very young child amused. You bond with Sally to a degree that should make other writers return to the character drawing board. I cannot recommend this book highly enough. True genius.


Good tale with many threads   November 19, 2003
Rob Dustan
5 out of 5 found this review helpful

Sally is a strong woman in a time of male dominance. At first this seems impossible but there must have been women like her to reach the levels of equality we have today.
Although the 3rd book in the series don't be put off, it stands on its own. Although Pullman is often cited as a childrens writer, he winds a good and believable story, developing the characters and situations to a level where you can actually see them. Good verses evil? Yes but not that black and white. The finale is almost too much. Read and enjoy!