My friend Veronica Belmont recommended this book and after I watched the first episode of season 2 of the BBC Sherlock (OMG IT IS SO GOOD YOU GUYS!) IMy friend Veronica Belmont recommended this book and after I watched the first episode of season 2 of the BBC Sherlock (OMG IT IS SO GOOD YOU GUYS!) I got fixated on Holmes and needed this book.
IT"S SO GOOD! What a great reinterpretation of Holmes and his young apprentice, who grows to become his equal. The partnership that is formed between the two of them is so organic and believable, and Mary Russell is a whip-smart protagonist that I rooted for on every page. It's definitely not a romance book, it's much more a character study/mystery, so anyone should enjoy this for sure!...more
This was a fun mystery romp that has alt-history twist to it. Fallen woman turned into detective heroine. I have mixed but generally positive feelingsThis was a fun mystery romp that has alt-history twist to it. Fallen woman turned into detective heroine. I have mixed but generally positive feelings about this book. There were some really fun parts for sure, and the mystery was definitely interesting, but I couldn't buy into it 100% all the time.
I want to warn you, this is NOT A VAGINAL MYSTERY in that...I can't spoil it, but it's just not. So beware, because the ending really threw me for a loop and I kinda liked it but not really. Also, referring to the heroine as "Miss Temperance" all the time was for some reason irritating, even though that is her name. I just read a book where the main character was Shasta or something, I and every time I would get into it, the name would come up and I would blanche. Naming is important. Anywhoooooo....I give this three stars, but it might be more of a 4-star depending on what else you like. It reminded me of Sebatian St. Cyr, and the autopsy historical series I'm forgetting now, and I did like it.
I would recommend this book for someone who enjoys a light mystery read with a strong lady protagonist, doesn't really care about historical accuracies persay, but likes a dash of period flare with their escapism....more
So I enjoyed this book because Hero and Sebastian are together finally, and I hated that other chick character, so that's good. Also Lady of Shalott iSo I enjoyed this book because Hero and Sebastian are together finally, and I hated that other chick character, so that's good. Also Lady of Shalott is one of my FAVORITE poems (Because of Anne of Green Gables, way meta here) so I loved the overall plot of this one, great murder mystery. Yes, there are some weird plot twists, and the arc of Hero/Sebastian felt a bit retarded, I wanted them to interact more rather than keep each other apart and restrained, but this is not a "vaginal Mystery" so much as a great mystery with a small romance arc, and with those criteria, this book succeeds immensely.
I, as always, love the setting and the characters, and the slightly melodramatic twists of character, and really am looking forward to the next step with Hero/Sebastian, because honestly Hero is one of my favorite lady literature characters! She reminds me a bit of a Gothic Hermione, actually haha....more
Ok still great time era, research, details etc. But my least favorite of this series.
Adelia and Rowley: I'm a fan but treading water a LOT in thiUUUGH
Ok still great time era, research, details etc. But my least favorite of this series.
Adelia and Rowley: I'm a fan but treading water a LOT in this relationship. Also Adelia was particularly whiney here to me. Ulf; Love seeing him back!!! Scarey: UGH I HATED HIM! I was so mad he wasn't resolved last book, and here he is, we know who he is most the book, he talks in italics, UGH I HATE HIM.
HEY THIS BOOK SHOULDN"T HAVE HAD A CLIFFHANGER BECAUSE THAT ISN"T HOW THIS SERIES GOES AND BY THE WAY SAD PART:
The author just passed away. So we have no idea what happens after the IMMENSE CLIFFHANGER.
Again, really enjoyed this book, it's one of my fave historical series! Adelia is a great character, a woman with more modern sensibilities that don'tAgain, really enjoyed this book, it's one of my fave historical series! Adelia is a great character, a woman with more modern sensibilities that don't seem forced into the Henry II era. The attention to detail and historical research is, as usual, stunning. The more accurate mythology about King Arthur was interesting to see, enough so that I did EXTRA research after I finished the book. I loved the sense of unease and threat that encompassed this book, you knew bad stuff was gonna go down, but didn't know from where. I thought the plotting was really well done. I have one complaint though (that bleeds into my utter dislike of the next book in the series).
SPOILER: I like mystery series because they are somewhat stand alone. I can pick one up 6 months after reading the previous and not be lost. To introduce a character that bleeds over into the next book in a big way was super annoying to me, partially because he was set up as a bad guy loose-end that needed to be dealt with through the last 1/3rd of the book. I kept waiting and I can't tell you how annoyed I was to see the dude in the last page being ominous. UUUUGH. Well whatever, still a great book, highly recommended....more
I finally caught up with this series, and totally enjoyed the book as much as the first. There is immaculate research about the time of Henry II here,I finally caught up with this series, and totally enjoyed the book as much as the first. There is immaculate research about the time of Henry II here, and as a fan of the era I just LOVED being immersed in a believable way in the world.
Our heroine is sent to investigate the mysterious death of the king's mistress, there's nuns and bloated corpses and poisonous mushrooms and assassins. This book has it all, and some great personal conflict/growth too. I love her maid Gwylfa (however you spell it) and the main character's relationship with her baby was touching and not overdone.
Up front, this book is NOT a Lady Julia book (one of my very favorite mystery series). It's been sitting around a while and I just decided to clear itUp front, this book is NOT a Lady Julia book (one of my very favorite mystery series). It's been sitting around a while and I just decided to clear it off my Kindle. I liked it, but didn't LOVE it. Basically if you like a good period-ish Gothic romance set in Transylvania, you might really enjoy it. To me the main character didn't have enough flaws, and the beginning chapters were a bit clunky, but the meat of the book was quite satisfying and interesting. Fluffy one-off that Gothic fans might enjoy....more
I put this on the vaginal mystery shelf because even though there is no real romance here, I think people who enjoy romance/mystery will like it.
This I put this on the vaginal mystery shelf because even though there is no real romance here, I think people who enjoy romance/mystery will like it.
This is set in World War I, which I know VERY LITTLE about, so I found it extra fascinating. The most exciting part of the book actually is the first few chapters. However, the rest of the book was pretty engrossing and was a really nicely crafted mystery with a goodie-two-shoes but likeable lead. Basically, in order to fulfill the dying wish of a patient she was caring for, she uncovers some dirty secrets in a small English town. Nothing revolutionary, but the setting and plotting were quite enjoyable.
I am currently reading the second one and enjoying it as well! ...more
I ALMOST gave this 5 stars, but the sheer coincidence of the character TWIST was enough for 4 1/2. Nonetheless this was a REALLY REALLY good book: 1) CI ALMOST gave this 5 stars, but the sheer coincidence of the character TWIST was enough for 4 1/2. Nonetheless this was a REALLY REALLY good book: 1) Creepy bad guy 2) Lots of character stakes 3) Overall plot forward-pushing.
Thumbs up! It's so amazing that after 33 books you can still really CARE about how the characters interact with one another, whether they succeed or not. THis one had a TON of tension, the most in quite a while in the series. Yes, we've seen a lot of this past trauma touched on before, but the cathartic push seems to close some doors behind Eve, so she can really move forward from her past, maybe big relationship progress for the future?!
I mean, this series is kind of wish-fulfillment in a lot of ways, but I guess I relate to Eve's attitude a lot, and the character interactions are well worth the price of admission. :) Can't wait for the next one, which sounds like a really fun premise....more
Another entry into my historical mystery jag, this one was VERY similar to the other series I read, but for some reason I enjoyed it a bit less, whichAnother entry into my historical mystery jag, this one was VERY similar to the other series I read, but for some reason I enjoyed it a bit less, which surprised me because I like this author's other historical series set in the 20's a lot.
Basically it started out really well, the heroine's journey to America, but for some reason after that she was a BIT too perfect and spunky for my tastes. And the love interest was really thinly drawn, which is probably my biggest criticism.
There's some interesting historical research though, especially to do with the Irish in NYC that I thought was cool, and I liked the mystery a lot. I may pick up the next book to see where it goes, definitely was a promising start! ...more
I have a REAL soft spot for historical mystery series, especially with a good romance subplot (see Deanna Raybourn for my fave!) I picked up several #I have a REAL soft spot for historical mystery series, especially with a good romance subplot (see Deanna Raybourn for my fave!) I picked up several #1s in some series, and this one was one of the most enjoyable of the batch.
It's set in the post-Civil War US, which I thought was interesting and non-standard. It's a BIT perplexing in that there are some modern sensibilities that don't feel 100% organic to the time, but I overlooked it because there were some fun characters and settings. I really liked the lead character Nell, I enjoyed the family conflict, and even though I was one step ahead of the mystery, the research of the period really drew me through the book. Quite enjoyed it, and will be reading the next one!...more
I can't deny staying up SUPER late reading this and the previous book, it was really addictively page-turning brain candy, although I'm a bit mad at mI can't deny staying up SUPER late reading this and the previous book, it was really addictively page-turning brain candy, although I'm a bit mad at myself for it, haha. I got a bit annoyed that WAY too many times the main character was enjoying riding around in a Bentley, because I get annoyed at glamorizing rich people and their stuff. I did thing the emotional depth was way better in this installment from the first, and I liked where the relationship was going (but can we drop the whole romance trope of an unearthly amazing guy basically dropping everything in his life INCLUDING HIS BILLIONAIRE BUSINESS to chase after a lady? Oh, and then she wants her "freedom" and he struggles with it but ends up giving her everything she wants and then some, including amazing sex all the time and sinewy muscles. Oh and Bentleys. UGH.) I will pick up the next one prolly down the line, because the chemistry between the characters is really good.
The mystery was well put together, and I liked the bitchy rich wife, and I'm definitely thinking people might really like these books if you like the lighter chick-lit-y mystery/urban fantasy-type stuff. It's just not normally my thing. In fact, I'm going to read a hard Sci-Fi book where people get blown up and don't drive Bentleys....more
I feel like the author is a good writer and I was compelled to buy the second book in the series to check it out, but it was a little light for my tasI feel like the author is a good writer and I was compelled to buy the second book in the series to check it out, but it was a little light for my tastes, more chick-lit than I usually read, but still enjoyable.
It's definitely total mind candy of the UBER kind, just like shamelessly reading the Bachelorette, which is not TERRIBLE, right? :D The problem is that this series suffers from comparison to Nora Roberts' In Death series (which, especially the first 3, are some of my ABSOLUTELY faves). We have a sexy billionaire with washboard abs and a cat burglar here, compared to a sexy billionaire and a cop in In Death. I mean, let's be honest, most billionaires are too busy doing their own thing to work out and look like a soccer player, for realz GUYS! I did enjoy the detail of the break-in cat burglar stuff, the main character was a bit too much of being perfect and having every thing in the world drop in her lap perfectly. It just...well, it's a light version of In Death. Basically I believe that Eve and Roarke exist in my head because for some reason the author makes it plausible, however ridiculous it is on paper, and I just had a hard time believing this one.
THAT SAID I think the author did the romance really well, and her writing is strong, and I read the second one just because I was interested in where it was going. I see she does a LOT of historical romance, which I LOVE, so I think I'm gonna try her out on that end, I anticipate great victory!...more
Well I have a HUGE soft spot for this series. The last book was a TAD off for me, but very excited that this one took it back to awesomeville. In factWell I have a HUGE soft spot for this series. The last book was a TAD off for me, but very excited that this one took it back to awesomeville. In fact, it might be my favorite since the first two! I am absolutely in love with Lady Julia and her point of view. The writing is so impeccable, it really sets the Victorian tone, but at the same time we enjoy the POV of a modern, liberated woman. Most people try to shove modern sensibilities into history and make it WHOLLY unbelievable, but with these characters I really to buy into it. Love love the subtle humor.
The mystery in this installment is really intriguing, I was offguard a lot of the time following the plot and was immersed in the crime solving throughout. I loved Brisbane in this, I felt like his mysterious affliction is a bit weird but author sold it and I was VERY invested in the relationship now that they're together. The romance was subtle, no R rated scenes, but very well done. I root for them as a couple, for sure, which is rare after you get them together.
The ending twist was sad, I kinda wish that hadn't happened, but oh well, can't wait for the next!!...more
I really love this writer and series, so, of course, I enjoyed it a ton. I have to admit, the conflict between the two main characters, now that they'I really love this writer and series, so, of course, I enjoyed it a ton. I have to admit, the conflict between the two main characters, now that they're hitched, wasn't as exciting as before, but still it was super enjoyable because Julia and Brisbane are flawed and unique characters. I especially like the secondary characters in Raybourn's books, they never feel one-dimension l or cookie cutter, she always goes out of her way to make them distinctive.
The setting, India during the 19th century, was very interesting and felt well-researched and the mystery was a BIT tame, but still enough to keep me turning the page.
I definitely smelled some setup for the next book, and I can't wait!...more
As I start downloading lady mysteries, I am reminded that this is one of my favorite series and this one of my favorite books of it. These characters As I start downloading lady mysteries, I am reminded that this is one of my favorite series and this one of my favorite books of it. These characters sparkle together like few others do. Great mystery, great romance. Setting the bar high as I revisit the genre!...more
I enjoyed this book for some reason, nice crossing of my corset romance fixation and a straight mystery. Distinct style of writing that I didn't like I enjoyed this book for some reason, nice crossing of my corset romance fixation and a straight mystery. Distinct style of writing that I didn't like at first but enjoyed as I got into it. The main character is very mercurial and sometimes makes bad choices, which I found interesting. I will definitely try another!...more
Oh good, a new shelf: "Vaginal-Mystery"! Bored of the corsets, there are only so many virgins to read about who get pregnant in the Epilogue, you knowOh good, a new shelf: "Vaginal-Mystery"! Bored of the corsets, there are only so many virgins to read about who get pregnant in the Epilogue, you know? This is the start of a new fetish: Lady mysteries. I've listed a few before, Deanna Raybourn being my fave, so I downloaded the firsts to a few other series. This one I really enjoyed although it was very fluffy. It was mainly the main character that made it engaging, Georgie is 34th in line to the throne, so it was an interesting new angle, her being poor and very well bred and funny. I had a lot of fun, the characters were great EXCEPT the love interest for some reason! The mystery wasn't particularly deep but it was a fun ride. If the romantic interest had been more fully fleshed out and believable I would have given this 4 or 5 stars. I will read another, but not excited about the coupling that seemed to happen randomly at the end of the book....more
I picked this edition because the cover on the other one looks like a reprehensible prom dress. Love this book, wraps things up very well, quite interI picked this edition because the cover on the other one looks like a reprehensible prom dress. Love this book, wraps things up very well, quite interesting torment. Although I could see the ending coming, the characters are so good that the trip was worth it. Less of a mystery than the last two installments, very evocative of Wuthering Heights or Rebecca. Still Loved it, hope the series continues!...more
Oooh goodness, I love this series! A nice break from the urban fantasy jag I've been on. I started reading it in England and the lovely characters andOooh goodness, I love this series! A nice break from the urban fantasy jag I've been on. I started reading it in England and the lovely characters and sheer Britishness of it really made my trip fuller. I love the mysteries, however simple they are, and the tone of the book, the sense of humor and the tormented hero Brisbane. Lady Julia is a wonderful heroine, smart and snappy....more
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