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3.45 AVERAGE
3.45 AVERAGE
This was recommended to me by my cousin, and I really enjoyed it. The historical background of 1920s England near the end of the Russian Revolution was very interesting and a piece of history I wasn't really familiar with outside of Year 12 history. A fun read :)
mysterious
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
This is the second in the Poppy Denny mysteries and I enjoyed it even more than the first one. The plot was great and kept me guessing until the end, and I learned a lot about the Russian Revolution. My only problem with the series is that Poppy and her love interest have zero chemistry - at least to me. I can't get behind the relationship at all and keep wishing she would find someone else. I will still continue with the series though as the romance is only a small part.
The second and latest instalment in the Poppy Denby Investigates Series was an excellent historical mystery, with many complex interwoven threads. The historical background surrounding exiles of the Romanov royal family, and lost treasure was fascinating and worked very well. Alongside this there was love, drama and intrigue- even a secret tunnel.
However, I must say, I did not enjoy it as much as the last book The Jazz Files. I can’t put my finger on exactly what it was- perhaps it was the length of the novel. It just seemed to drag, carrying out plotlines and leads which could have been followed and resolved sooner. Also at times, things got a bit mudded, with so much going on and the timeframe becoming confusing with the switching viewpoints.
Also, whilst the characters were believable, and I did enjoy reading about those like Rollo the editor, Daniel and Ivan Molanov (who gets his own story and a great resolution), the depiction of same of them seemed inconsistent with their behaviour. My main issue was with some of Poppy’s attitudes. She came over in this story as one of those overbearingly militant Feminists one sees too often in fiction, who shoot their mouth off at men for simply wanting to protect her and keep them out of danger. Now, I believe in women’s rights and equality, but I don’t believe women should unnecessarily put themselves in peril.
Her attitude to her parents also did not seem consistent, as the last book gave the impression Poppy loved and was close to her parents, rather than resenting them for not being liberal enough.
Personally, I did feel there was certain pro-Bolshevik slant in the story.
So maybe Tsar Nicholas II was a despot- but the people who replaced him were far worse. Stalin is estimated to have killed as many as 50 million people. Perhaps in 1920 their more tyrannical tendencies were not yet apparent, but most of the characters seemed to consider Stalin and Lenin to be quite likable, honourable chaps.
I would certainly be interested in the next instalment in this series (maybe Poppy well end up in Egypt after all), I just hope for a little less Political Correctness.
I requested a copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are my own.
However, I must say, I did not enjoy it as much as the last book The Jazz Files. I can’t put my finger on exactly what it was- perhaps it was the length of the novel. It just seemed to drag, carrying out plotlines and leads which could have been followed and resolved sooner. Also at times, things got a bit mudded, with so much going on and the timeframe becoming confusing with the switching viewpoints.
Also, whilst the characters were believable, and I did enjoy reading about those like Rollo the editor, Daniel and Ivan Molanov (who gets his own story and a great resolution), the depiction of same of them seemed inconsistent with their behaviour. My main issue was with some of Poppy’s attitudes. She came over in this story as one of those overbearingly militant Feminists one sees too often in fiction, who shoot their mouth off at men for simply wanting to protect her and keep them out of danger. Now, I believe in women’s rights and equality, but I don’t believe women should unnecessarily put themselves in peril.
Her attitude to her parents also did not seem consistent, as the last book gave the impression Poppy loved and was close to her parents, rather than resenting them for not being liberal enough.
Personally, I did feel there was certain pro-Bolshevik slant in the story.
So maybe Tsar Nicholas II was a despot- but the people who replaced him were far worse. Stalin is estimated to have killed as many as 50 million people. Perhaps in 1920 their more tyrannical tendencies were not yet apparent, but most of the characters seemed to consider Stalin and Lenin to be quite likable, honourable chaps.
I would certainly be interested in the next instalment in this series (maybe Poppy well end up in Egypt after all), I just hope for a little less Political Correctness.
I requested a copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are my own.
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
The Kill Fee by Fiona Veitch Smith
Poppy Denby, arts and entertainment editor at the Daily Globe, covers an exhibition of Russian art, hosted by White Russian refugees, including members of the surviving exiled Romanov royal family. There is an armed robbery, a guard is shot, and the largest Fabergé egg in the collection is stolen. While the egg itself is valuable, the secrets it contains within are priceless--secrets that could threaten major political powers.
Suspects are aplenty, including the former keeper of the Fabergé egg, a Russian princess named Selena Romanova Yusopova. The interim Bolshevik Russian ambassador, Vasili Safin, inserts himself into the investigation, as he believes the egg--and the other treasures--should all be restored to the Russian people.
I listened to the first book in this series a couple of months ago and since then I have been promising myself a return to the Daily Globe. Whilst this is the second book in the series, it could very easily be read as stand-alone. This is a book full of suspense that will leave you with more questions than answers right up until the very end. So far this is a very enjoyable series, and whilst not something I would usually pick for myself to read I am very glad I stumbled upon it.
Rating 4/5
Poppy Denby, arts and entertainment editor at the Daily Globe, covers an exhibition of Russian art, hosted by White Russian refugees, including members of the surviving exiled Romanov royal family. There is an armed robbery, a guard is shot, and the largest Fabergé egg in the collection is stolen. While the egg itself is valuable, the secrets it contains within are priceless--secrets that could threaten major political powers.
Suspects are aplenty, including the former keeper of the Fabergé egg, a Russian princess named Selena Romanova Yusopova. The interim Bolshevik Russian ambassador, Vasili Safin, inserts himself into the investigation, as he believes the egg--and the other treasures--should all be restored to the Russian people.
I listened to the first book in this series a couple of months ago and since then I have been promising myself a return to the Daily Globe. Whilst this is the second book in the series, it could very easily be read as stand-alone. This is a book full of suspense that will leave you with more questions than answers right up until the very end. So far this is a very enjoyable series, and whilst not something I would usually pick for myself to read I am very glad I stumbled upon it.
Rating 4/5
adventurous
informative
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
adventurous
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I devoured fantastic read!
It was a whirlwind of adventure & mystery with our beloved Poppy.
The historical aspects of the novel felt profoundly researched and made the settings incredibly vivid.
The characters’ development and the way it was perfectly entangled with the plot was exquisite.
Fiona Veitch Smith can do no wrong in my book and I can never stop recommending her fantastic writing to anyone: her books feel alive, rich and addictive.
It was a whirlwind of adventure & mystery with our beloved Poppy.
The historical aspects of the novel felt profoundly researched and made the settings incredibly vivid.
The characters’ development and the way it was perfectly entangled with the plot was exquisite.
Fiona Veitch Smith can do no wrong in my book and I can never stop recommending her fantastic writing to anyone: her books feel alive, rich and addictive.
Content Warnings
Minor: Murder
A fairly standard cosy mystery set in London in 1920, where an intrepid young journalist called Poppy Denby has to solve a case involving aristocratic Russian refugees and international jewel theft. I read it on a packed transatlantic red-eye flight, which is probably the best place to read this kind of book—it provided diversion from cramped and turbulent conditions but was undemanding and largely forgettable. Veitch Smith's prose is a little better than the average for the genre, and the book gestures towards London's racial diversity (a newspaper employee and his wife are West Indian; a pioneering female barrister is Anglo-Egyptian) though the plotting is clunky and the historical research is rarely worn lightly.
Poppy Denby is back, and she could certainly give Nancy Drew a run for her money! This time, instead of suffragettes, we have spies and Russians and canes that hide rapiers. Poppy doesn’t know who she can trust, and neither does the reader.
Most of the usual – and colorful – cast of characters returns, with several new and equally vibrant additions. One of my favorite characters continues to be Rollo, Poppy’s boss at The Daily Globe. He may be short in stature (and American) but he’s got a big personality and a big heart (though don’t accuse him of that). I’m also enjoying the subtle romance between Poppy and Danny, although I suspect Danny’s feelings run deeper than Poppy’s do.
The mystery – two really, much like in The Jazz Files – revolves around the Russian revolution and the philosophical battle (sometime physical) between the White Russians and the Red Russians who have taken refuge in London. Faberge eggs abound, and I think those always carry a bit of mystique and intrigue anyway. Add in some Romanovs, some missing aristocrats, a handful of spies and thieves, and a murder or two and you’ve got yourself a fascinating little mystery. Tensions run high in this one – and so does the danger!
One small issue I did have: While I realize that this book is set several months since the first one, it still felt sometimes as though I’d missed a book in between. I even double checked to make sure I hadn’t. The author fills us in on critical things, to be sure, but comments were made or events were referenced and it seemed I should know about them. But I didn’t. A minor thing but it caused a bit of confusion at first.
Bottom Line: Of the two Poppy Denby books out so far, The Kill Fee is definitely my fave! Lots of action, lots of suspense, a little more romance, and one of the most intriguing (to me) periods of European history. I really like the character of Poppy and her team at the Globe, and I’m looking forward to reading more of her adventures.
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.)
See my full review at Reading Is My SuperPower
Most of the usual – and colorful – cast of characters returns, with several new and equally vibrant additions. One of my favorite characters continues to be Rollo, Poppy’s boss at The Daily Globe. He may be short in stature (and American) but he’s got a big personality and a big heart (though don’t accuse him of that). I’m also enjoying the subtle romance between Poppy and Danny, although I suspect Danny’s feelings run deeper than Poppy’s do.
The mystery – two really, much like in The Jazz Files – revolves around the Russian revolution and the philosophical battle (sometime physical) between the White Russians and the Red Russians who have taken refuge in London. Faberge eggs abound, and I think those always carry a bit of mystique and intrigue anyway. Add in some Romanovs, some missing aristocrats, a handful of spies and thieves, and a murder or two and you’ve got yourself a fascinating little mystery. Tensions run high in this one – and so does the danger!
One small issue I did have: While I realize that this book is set several months since the first one, it still felt sometimes as though I’d missed a book in between. I even double checked to make sure I hadn’t. The author fills us in on critical things, to be sure, but comments were made or events were referenced and it seemed I should know about them. But I didn’t. A minor thing but it caused a bit of confusion at first.
Bottom Line: Of the two Poppy Denby books out so far, The Kill Fee is definitely my fave! Lots of action, lots of suspense, a little more romance, and one of the most intriguing (to me) periods of European history. I really like the character of Poppy and her team at the Globe, and I’m looking forward to reading more of her adventures.
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.)
See my full review at Reading Is My SuperPower