Scan barcode
frostbitsky's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Back in March 2016 I went on a trip to Seattle, WA, with my friends. One of my friends is a book worm like me and we went to the Seattle Mystery Bookshop.
I bought this book mostly because I wanted to support an independent bookshop and I wanted a souvenir. When I picked it out (the cover caught my eye) I had no idea it was part of an ongoing series and I'm sure the mention of Jane Austin being a character sparked my interest.
So this is the 10th in the series, but the book can stand alone. The author does a great job of catching you up on anything you might have missed from the previous nine books. Even jumping in on book 10 I felt I knew Sebastian really well. Actually, I became so invested Sebastian's personal story and the mystery of his past that I might read more of these novels.
It's amazing how a book that follows the same mystery solving formula can still capture one's attention and imagination. There's a reason that these age old tropes become bestsellers. I found the mystery to be a compelling page turner. I was left guessing and deducting just like Sebastian. Also, the challenge is that it's 1813 and there are no modern methods to solve a murder. Got to use your brain.
I liked the historical fiction aspect of it by adding Jane Austin as a character and by also adding the story of King Charles I's tomb. I loved all the little nods to Austin's characters.
So the reason I put off reading this for so many years is because:
A) I don't usually read mysteries.
B) Once I realized that it was part of series that put me off because I thought I would feel lost and uninterested.
C) Also, I didn't want to be sucked into another book series.
I decided to read it now because I have a TBR pile 80-100 books big and I want to start actually reading them to see what I want to give away or keep.
I thought I would end up giving this one away, but I really enjoyed it and it is still a souvenir from my trip to Seattle.
5 out of 5 Beheaded Heads.
I bought this book mostly because I wanted to support an independent bookshop and I wanted a souvenir. When I picked it out (the cover caught my eye) I had no idea it was part of an ongoing series and I'm sure the mention of Jane Austin being a character sparked my interest.
So this is the 10th in the series, but the book can stand alone. The author does a great job of catching you up on anything you might have missed from the previous nine books. Even jumping in on book 10 I felt I knew Sebastian really well. Actually, I became so invested Sebastian's personal story and the mystery of his past that I might read more of these novels.
It's amazing how a book that follows the same mystery solving formula can still capture one's attention and imagination. There's a reason that these age old tropes become bestsellers. I found the mystery to be a compelling page turner. I was left guessing and deducting just like Sebastian. Also, the challenge is that it's 1813 and there are no modern methods to solve a murder. Got to use your brain.
I liked the historical fiction aspect of it by adding Jane Austin as a character and by also adding the story of King Charles I's tomb. I loved all the little nods to Austin's characters.
So the reason I put off reading this for so many years is because:
A) I don't usually read mysteries.
B) Once I realized that it was part of series that put me off because I thought I would feel lost and uninterested.
C) Also, I didn't want to be sucked into another book series.
I decided to read it now because I have a TBR pile 80-100 books big and I want to start actually reading them to see what I want to give away or keep.
I thought I would end up giving this one away, but I really enjoyed it and it is still a souvenir from my trip to Seattle.
5 out of 5 Beheaded Heads.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Body horror and Death
Minor: Slavery
More...