Review of All Body Bags and No Knickers

Alissa Nesson · Post by **Alissa Nesson** » 02 Jun 2024, 22:59

I like learning about different cultures and I love a good mystery/romance as well. I can’t say if the slow start would bother me or not. I think it depends on what the portion of the book is like. Is it entertaining? Funny? Do they drop any hints of what’s to come? But I thank you for your review and I hope this will be a fun read for myself one day soon.

Alissa Nesson · Post by **Alissa Nesson** » 02 Jun 2024, 23:03

I actually just read and reviewed a mystery/romance myself, called Twisted Threads. I enjoyed it a lot! Check out my review sometime if you’re interested. It’s about a heroine from Japan who used to be a Geisha, but who has now been forced to work as an assassin for a Japanese mob boss. During her last mission, she meets a handsome and amazing man. Can she get him to fall for her without falling for him? Can she just use him to get herself out when the time comes? It’s a super fun adventure

Post by **Priya Murugesan** » 03 Jun 2024, 00:49

Alissa Nesson wrote: ↑02 Jun 2024, 23:03 I actually just read and reviewed a mystery/romance myself, called Twisted Threads. I enjoyed it a lot! Check out my review sometime if you’re interested. It’s about a heroine from Japan who used to be a Geisha, but who has now been forced to work as an assassin for a Japanese mob boss. During her last mission, she meets a handsome and amazing man. Can she get him to fall for her without falling for him? Can she just use him to get herself out when the time comes? It’s a super fun adventure

Sure!

Post by **Priya Murugesan** » 03 Jun 2024, 00:50

Alissa Nesson wrote: ↑02 Jun 2024, 22:59 I like learning about different cultures and I love a good mystery/romance as well. I can’t say if the slow start would bother me or not. I think it depends on what the portion of the book is like. Is it entertaining? Funny? Do they drop any hints of what’s to come? But I thank you for your review and I hope this will be a fun read for myself one day soon.

Then I believe you would love it!

Abhishek3m4 · Post by **Abhishek3m4** » 21 Jun 2024, 05:07

"All Body Bags and No Knickers" by Shawe Ruckus takes readers on an intriguing honeymoon journey turned detective adventure with Changxi Young and Catherine E. Roxborough. Your review beautifully captures the essence of their journey through vivid descriptions of cultures, food, and the blossoming love between the characters. The transition from a leisurely travelogue to a gripping mystery is highlighted well, keeping readers engaged with its pace and revelations. The book's exploration of different customs and historical tidbits adds depth to the narrative, enriching the reading experience. Your observations on the amusing banter and cultural insights provide a delightful glimpse into the story's charm. Overall, a compelling read with its blend of travelogue and mystery, though some readers might find the initial pacing and abundance of characters challenging. A well-rounded review that showcases the book's strengths and nuances!

Post by **Priya Murugesan** » 23 Jun 2024, 09:41

OMKAR AHIRRAO wrote: ↑21 Jun 2024, 05:07 "All Body Bags and No Knickers" by Shawe Ruckus takes readers on an intriguing honeymoon journey turned detective adventure with Changxi Young and Catherine E. Roxborough. Your review beautifully captures the essence of their journey through vivid descriptions of cultures, food, and the blossoming love between the characters. The transition from a leisurely travelogue to a gripping mystery is highlighted well, keeping readers engaged with its pace and revelations. The book's exploration of different customs and historical tidbits adds depth to the narrative, enriching the reading experience. Your observations on the amusing banter and cultural insights provide a delightful glimpse into the story's charm. Overall, a compelling read with its blend of travelogue and mystery, though some readers might find the initial pacing and abundance of characters challenging. A well-rounded review that showcases the book's strengths and nuances!

Thanks for reading my review!

Post by **Rajaee R** » 05 Jul 2024, 12:00

Catchy title, cultural exploration, and the murder mystery make the book a thrilling read. At the same time, I understand the book's limitations, like unnecessary characters and the beginning of the book.
Thanks for your honest review.

Post by **Priya Murugesan** » 09 Jul 2024, 05:56

Rajaee wrote: ↑05 Jul 2024, 12:00 Catchy title, cultural exploration, and the murder mystery make the book a thrilling read. At the same time, I understand the book's limitations, like unnecessary characters and the beginning of the book.
Thanks for your honest review.

Thanks a lot!

Chi Chiu Michael Mak · Post by **Chi Chiu Michael Mak** » 17 Jun 2025, 11:29

Priya Murugesan wrote: ↑26 Apr 2024, 04:03 [Following is a volunteer review of "All Body Bags and No Knickers" by Shawe Ruckus.]

4 out of 5 stars
Share This Review

All Body Bags and No Knickers by Shawe Ruckus

This mystery novel follows the honeymoon journey of newlyweds Changxi Young and Catherine E. Roxborough from London to China. Catherine is a part-time florist, and Changxi, also known as Chance, is a Mongolian-born Chinese M&A consultant. They have a cat with a cute name, Mr. Darcy. At one point in their journey, they come across three dead bodies. They were stunned, as they had known them and had met all three previously on their honeymoon trip. This fact turned them into detectives, and they delved deeper into the mystery behind their deaths.

The book starts like a normal book, following the journey of a newlywed couple. It shows the mature and realistic love between Chance and Catherine through various small incidents. It showcases the interesting cultures of China and Korea. I have learned many new facts, like the calendar system used in Korea and the five phases in Chinese philosophy. The characters talk about the Chinese zodiac, which is fascinating. The book also points out many differences in the cultures of Korea, China, and Japan. It was interesting to learn about their different customs and various food preferences. The detailing level present in the book is so awesome that the readers also embark on an amazing journey with the couple. As a food lover, I loved the food items described in the book.

Later, when the dead bodies are discovered, the book suddenly changes into a page-turner. The pace of the book gets faster after that. The story oscillates between past and present, which builds momentum. It is a good thriller, and many mysteries are unraveled at the end.

I loved the funny banter between Patsy and Felipe. It was cute and lively. The book has many small amusing facts embedded within the story, like how all the TV channels in China play the same program or how fish used for fish pedicures are starved. I enjoyed reading about the history behind the Forbidden City. The stories behind Chinese Valentine's Day and the hummingbird hawk-moth are intriguing. The Ghost Day has some paranormal effects, which were gripping to read.

The editing is exceptional. I didn't notice any errors. But the book has some drawbacks. It has a plodding start, which some might not like. I felt that there were many characters, and their names were confusing at times. The mystery part comes only later in the story, which might not go well with mystery lovers. For these reasons, I rate this book 4 out of 5 stars.

******
All Body Bags and No Knickers
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon

Read the book before and alas, I'm not a fan of the book's mystery like how you described it. Still, glad you found it enjoyable!

Post by **Priya Murugesan** » 24 Jun 2025, 22:27

Chi Chiu Michael Mak wrote: ↑17 Jun 2025, 11:29
Priya Murugesan wrote: ↑26 Apr 2024, 04:03 [Following is a volunteer review of "All Body Bags and No Knickers" by Shawe Ruckus.]

4 out of 5 stars
Share This Review

All Body Bags and No Knickers by Shawe Ruckus

This mystery novel follows the honeymoon journey of newlyweds Changxi Young and Catherine E. Roxborough from London to China. Catherine is a part-time florist, and Changxi, also known as Chance, is a Mongolian-born Chinese M&A consultant. They have a cat with a cute name, Mr. Darcy. At one point in their journey, they come across three dead bodies. They were stunned, as they had known them and had met all three previously on their honeymoon trip. This fact turned them into detectives, and they delved deeper into the mystery behind their deaths.

The book starts like a normal book, following the journey of a newlywed couple. It shows the mature and realistic love between Chance and Catherine through various small incidents. It showcases the interesting cultures of China and Korea. I have learned many new facts, like the calendar system used in Korea and the five phases in Chinese philosophy. The characters talk about the Chinese zodiac, which is fascinating. The book also points out many differences in the cultures of Korea, China, and Japan. It was interesting to learn about their different customs and various food preferences. The detailing level present in the book is so awesome that the readers also embark on an amazing journey with the couple. As a food lover, I loved the food items described in the book.

Later, when the dead bodies are discovered, the book suddenly changes into a page-turner. The pace of the book gets faster after that. The story oscillates between past and present, which builds momentum. It is a good thriller, and many mysteries are unraveled at the end.

I loved the funny banter between Patsy and Felipe. It was cute and lively. The book has many small amusing facts embedded within the story, like how all the TV channels in China play the same program or how fish used for fish pedicures are starved. I enjoyed reading about the history behind the Forbidden City. The stories behind Chinese Valentine's Day and the hummingbird hawk-moth are intriguing. The Ghost Day has some paranormal effects, which were gripping to read.

The editing is exceptional. I didn't notice any errors. But the book has some drawbacks. It has a plodding start, which some might not like. I felt that there were many characters, and their names were confusing at times. The mystery part comes only later in the story, which might not go well with mystery lovers. For these reasons, I rate this book 4 out of 5 stars.

******
All Body Bags and No Knickers
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Read the book before and alas, I'm not a fan of the book's mystery like how you described it. Still, glad you found it enjoyable!

Thanks for reading my review and sharing your opinions!

Elizabeth-Tush4Christ · Post by **Elizabeth-Tush4Christ** » 07 Jul 2025, 23:26

So many Chinese traditions are mentioned, and I would like to see the perspective of the lives of this character lived through their culture. It's my kind of book, though I presume a honeymoon should be just for that. I do hope to find out more. Thanks for the beautifully worded review.