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gollygeegab's review against another edition
3.0
There were so many elements to this that made me want to love it. Historical fiction! Queer characters! But the thread tying all of the mysteries together didn’t weave together quite right.
naideraid's review against another edition
4.0
I'm not set on the rating yet (4 stars would be the minimum), but I'm honestly surprised with how much I enjoyed this.
I won the paperback edition in a Goodreads giveaway. I went into reading it with trepidation, though. I'm always wary of reading books written by men where the main character is a female/female-presenting. I've been burned far too many times. However, not this time. I really enjoyed Will as a character. But I loved her partnership/found family relationship with Lillian Pentecost the most. I also enjoyed the chronic pain representation in Lily, too. Basically, Will was treated like a character and there wasn't any weird, male gaze-y type of authorial interference--not that I could see anyway.
As for the mystery, I'm 50/50 on it. I do think it was interesting and there a few moments that made me go, "Ahhhh, I get it now." but it wasn't revolutionary in terms of the mystery genre. I gave me a bit of Phyrne Fisher's Murder Mystery vibes, if I'm being honest, which isn't a bad thing. Though there were a few moments where evidence/revelations were held back from the reader in order to make a big reveal, so for those who like being able to solve the mystery alongside the characters, be prepared for disappointment. I'm not one of those people, so it was only a minor annoyance that could easily be brushed aside.
Overall, I'm pleasantly surprised and I will be picking up the next book when I can, if only so I can see more of Lily and Will's relationship grow. I just love a good found family story.
I won the paperback edition in a Goodreads giveaway. I went into reading it with trepidation, though. I'm always wary of reading books written by men where the main character is a female/female-presenting. I've been burned far too many times. However, not this time. I really enjoyed Will as a character. But I loved her partnership/found family relationship with Lillian Pentecost the most. I also enjoyed the chronic pain representation in Lily, too. Basically, Will was treated like a character and there wasn't any weird, male gaze-y type of authorial interference--not that I could see anyway.
As for the mystery, I'm 50/50 on it. I do think it was interesting and there a few moments that made me go, "Ahhhh, I get it now." but it wasn't revolutionary in terms of the mystery genre. I gave me a bit of Phyrne Fisher's Murder Mystery vibes, if I'm being honest, which isn't a bad thing. Though there were a few moments where evidence/revelations were held back from the reader in order to make a big reveal, so for those who like being able to solve the mystery alongside the characters, be prepared for disappointment. I'm not one of those people, so it was only a minor annoyance that could easily be brushed aside.
Overall, I'm pleasantly surprised and I will be picking up the next book when I can, if only so I can see more of Lily and Will's relationship grow. I just love a good found family story.
aliciar99's review against another edition
lighthearted
mysterious
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
cellular_cosmogony's review against another edition
4.0
Fortune Favors the Dead is a story about a very butch ex-circus performer called Will, who has a peculiar encounter with a famous detective called Lillian Pentecost. As Pentecost has multiple sclerosis, she needs an assistant and she offers the job to Will, much to her surprise. This book is the first in the series, however it follows the two of them three years later as they are hired by the prominent Collins family to solve the death of their matriarch - Abigail Collins.
I had an amazing time with this one. It was fast-paced, funny, and even though it was quite noir it never took itself too seriously. I enjoyed the personality of the narration - Will's voice was very distinctive, and I really liked her humor. I also loved her dynamic with Lilian. The decision to open with the two of them meeting but tell a story from later on, when they were already an established duo, really got me invested in their partnership. As for the mystery - it was good enough but I wouldn't say it surprised or wowed me in any way. The story had the momentum to pull a narrative like this one without giving me cause for boredom. Overall, it's a very enjoyable story, if you're looking for something fun and fast-paced.
I had an amazing time with this one. It was fast-paced, funny, and even though it was quite noir it never took itself too seriously. I enjoyed the personality of the narration - Will's voice was very distinctive, and I really liked her humor. I also loved her dynamic with Lilian. The decision to open with the two of them meeting but tell a story from later on, when they were already an established duo, really got me invested in their partnership. As for the mystery - it was good enough but I wouldn't say it surprised or wowed me in any way. The story had the momentum to pull a narrative like this one without giving me cause for boredom. Overall, it's a very enjoyable story, if you're looking for something fun and fast-paced.
mak97's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
AN ABSOLUTE DELIGHT!! Will be requesting the next book in the series from the library asap
erimybearimy's review against another edition
4.0
Read in one sitting. 4 adorable, charming stars. So precious and cute and cozy while also being engaging and a little creepy! The mystery was a little convoluted in the end but I want to see more Wil and Lil!!
saakah's review against another edition
4.0
Witty, fast paced and intriguing. A wonderful feminine twist on the hard boiled detective novel with humour, mediums and queer themes thrown in.
I read this quickly and moved straight to the second.
I read this quickly and moved straight to the second.
subplotkudzu's review against another edition
5.0
This one just jumped unexpectedly off the library shelves into my hands due to the title and cover art and insisted I bring it home for the holidays based on the dustjacket copy. Ended up keeping me awake all night in a dusky, smoky, film noir haze, and I've already pushed it on to at least one friend and possibly to the book club. The narrative voice just crackles along and the central conceit is a joy. Hop on board to watch the Distaff Nero Wolf & Artie Shaw vs. Professor Moriarity begin.
MORE PLEASE!
MORE PLEASE!
theperfecthour's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
mysterious
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Such a fun read! The author needs a better editor though, there are quite a few misplaced or missing words