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smalltownbookmom's review
4.0
3.5 rounded up
This historical fiction murder mystery is perfect for fans of The Bridgertons! I loved that this new series features Lady Abigail Worthing, a Black widow who lives on the outskirts of society. When her neighbor is murdered Abby is determined to prove she has nothing to do with it. Full of a great combination of mystery, romance and important figures from the early Abolitionist movement in England this was an entertaining listen. I received a gifted copy in exchange for my honest review.
This historical fiction murder mystery is perfect for fans of The Bridgertons! I loved that this new series features Lady Abigail Worthing, a Black widow who lives on the outskirts of society. When her neighbor is murdered Abby is determined to prove she has nothing to do with it. Full of a great combination of mystery, romance and important figures from the early Abolitionist movement in England this was an entertaining listen. I received a gifted copy in exchange for my honest review.
luverbyrd's review
5.0
I received this book early in a giveaway to be able to give my thoughts.
I was so drawn in to this murder mystery. It was written as if it could easily be a movie. Drama, intrigue and a little politics. I love a book that makes me want to research the settings real historical background. This book has tidbits about the abolitionist movement in the UK and it was interesting to look up since living in the U.S we only really learn our side of slavery.
The mystery itself had me on my toes. It's also fun to go back in an era where solving crimes was a lot of detective work to figure it out.
Loved the characters, the wonderful banter between them. Which I will say, if you don't enjoy a whole lot of conversations in your books this may not be for you.
There are a few shocking moments that have some action, but a lot is sleuthing through words and meetings with people.
I was so drawn in to this murder mystery. It was written as if it could easily be a movie. Drama, intrigue and a little politics. I love a book that makes me want to research the settings real historical background. This book has tidbits about the abolitionist movement in the UK and it was interesting to look up since living in the U.S we only really learn our side of slavery.
The mystery itself had me on my toes. It's also fun to go back in an era where solving crimes was a lot of detective work to figure it out.
Loved the characters, the wonderful banter between them. Which I will say, if you don't enjoy a whole lot of conversations in your books this may not be for you.
There are a few shocking moments that have some action, but a lot is sleuthing through words and meetings with people.
stilladyj's review
2.0
DNF
The mystery sounds interesting and the characters are well-imagined and deep, but the prose itself is somewhat clumsy and I found myself often rereading a paragraph to better understand what was going on because the wording was unusual or unclear. The language just failed to grab me and I kept putting it down and not picking it back up again
The mystery sounds interesting and the characters are well-imagined and deep, but the prose itself is somewhat clumsy and I found myself often rereading a paragraph to better understand what was going on because the wording was unusual or unclear. The language just failed to grab me and I kept putting it down and not picking it back up again
magnetarmadda's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
70bea_reads's review
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
jmbq_reads's review
2.0
This book had so much I was interested in: murder among London's elite, a young woman of color as the "sleuth," a diverse cast of characters, a side plot about the abolition movement of the early 1800s. But the pacing was dreadfully slow at times, the threads of the story occasionally incoherent, the whodunit both a little obvious and yet underdeveloped -- overall I struggled to care much about the characters or the story or even whether I finished the book. And that really disappointed me as I have enjoyed Riley's books before.
cheddarebiscuit's review
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Came for the mixed-race heroine with status in Regency England and murder mystery shenanigans, stayed for the unexpected theme of women looking out for one another, the humor, an adorable doggie, and a potential rivals-to-lovers situation brewing. I also enjoy that, although there is murder, it's not overly gorey or dark.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder and Death
Minor: Racism
karlynrose's review
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
mayathemenace's review
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
kbcollinskai's review against another edition
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.75