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sjyudelson's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.5
allisoncc's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
hatterxerxes's review against another edition
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.25
danielmbensen's review against another edition
3.0
Light and fun. Very '80s. I don't like Vikky Bliss as a character as much as I like Elizabeth Peabody, but the Bliss books do atmosphere better. In this case it's gothic, complete with ghosts, animated suits of armor, and a lonely tower room where scheming witched hunch over their Ouija boards. Welcome to Schloss Drakenstein!
racheljoy7's review against another edition
4.0
What a lovely little mystery book!!
I don't know if Peters was a feminist or not, but her character, Vicky Bliss, is definitely a woman who knows what she wants, isn't the slightest bit afraid to go out and get it, and doesn't let the men in her life tell her what to do or when to do it. I like Vicky!
I've already ordered the next book in the series, so my recommendation goes without saying ;).
I don't know if Peters was a feminist or not, but her character, Vicky Bliss, is definitely a woman who knows what she wants, isn't the slightest bit afraid to go out and get it, and doesn't let the men in her life tell her what to do or when to do it. I like Vicky!
I've already ordered the next book in the series, so my recommendation goes without saying ;).
tmdavis's review against another edition
3.0
The first Vicky Bliss mystery involves the search for a piece of artwork in a castle in Germany.
Not as wordy or longwinded as the Amelia Peabody series but not nearly as humorous either.
Not as wordy or longwinded as the Amelia Peabody series but not nearly as humorous either.
sjgochenour's review against another edition
4.0
Holds up pretty well! It’s a bit silly and the characters know it. The twist is great if you don’t remember it from the first time (unfortunately I did). I do love an art historian/medievalist as main character.
blairlovesbooks's review against another edition
4.0
Supercilious and blunt, the protagonist of "Borrower of the Night" is not immediately likable. By the end of the novel, she's shown enough humanity and personality that she is easily forgiven.
The premise of the story is a bit outlandish. It's hard to imagine an academically-entrenched art historian greedily adopting the role of amateur sleuth. However, once you've accepted the premise it makes for an enjoyable read. The setting and circumstances are deliciously gothic, the history (the portions of it the author purports to be accurate) is interesting and accessible, and the interplay between characters is fun to read.
If you're looking for cozy mystery with a less-than-saccharine bent, this novel, and likely this series, is for you.
The premise of the story is a bit outlandish. It's hard to imagine an academically-entrenched art historian greedily adopting the role of amateur sleuth. However, once you've accepted the premise it makes for an enjoyable read. The setting and circumstances are deliciously gothic, the history (the portions of it the author purports to be accurate) is interesting and accessible, and the interplay between characters is fun to read.
If you're looking for cozy mystery with a less-than-saccharine bent, this novel, and likely this series, is for you.
liacooper's review against another edition
3.0
3.5* i despised all the misogny and the female infighting in this story. the mystery itself and the plot was entertaining, a ridiculous caper which is what i wanted. the Vicky Bliss stories read to me like mad cap grown up nancy drew which i enjoy. im relieved by the ..."romantic" resolution. i was concerned that would go somewhere i REALLY didnt want it to go but Peters pulls it out at the end. I hope the next story foregoes Tony as a character and will be better overall.