Scan barcode
eyreguide's review against another edition
3.0
The premise of this book was very eye-catching - a mystery with characters from the Grimm Brothers' fairy tales, and with Gretel as a detective. Gretel being an interesting choice as a main character because you can see how her past has affected her and made her a stronger, more sarcastic and less trusting woman. It's very entertaining to read about her in this story, but the mystery aspect as well as the inclusion of the fairy tale theme overall seemed very light.
The mystery was the biggest disappointment. There were many odd threads to it, which made it difficult to predict or even comprehend what was the true mystery - it all seemed a bit of a jumble with the connection made much later and unfortunately past the point when I cared very much about the resolution. I was hoping to see more familiar fairy tale characters besides Gretel and Hans, but there weren't many - just characters who would appear in fairy tales, like trolls and giants, and other colorful human characters. It was a more realistic take on the world though, which might appeal to some readers.
The story is humorous, and Gretel has a fun way of looking at things, although the sense of humor was not quite my cup of tea. It drew a lot from crass actions and characters, which probably did fit the setting (people were not as careful of their hygiene in the past) so that might also appeal to some readers and definitely helps to keep the realistic tone of the novel.
The novel has an unpredictable mystery, and a fun, mature heroine in Gretel but unfortunately many aspects of the story did not appeal as much to me. I love the premise though, and if this continues as a series (this is a second adventure for Gretel) it might be fun to see where the author takes it.
(I received this book from the publisher or author for a fair and honest review. I was not compensated for this review.)
The mystery was the biggest disappointment. There were many odd threads to it, which made it difficult to predict or even comprehend what was the true mystery - it all seemed a bit of a jumble with the connection made much later and unfortunately past the point when I cared very much about the resolution. I was hoping to see more familiar fairy tale characters besides Gretel and Hans, but there weren't many - just characters who would appear in fairy tales, like trolls and giants, and other colorful human characters. It was a more realistic take on the world though, which might appeal to some readers.
The story is humorous, and Gretel has a fun way of looking at things, although the sense of humor was not quite my cup of tea. It drew a lot from crass actions and characters, which probably did fit the setting (people were not as careful of their hygiene in the past) so that might also appeal to some readers and definitely helps to keep the realistic tone of the novel.
The novel has an unpredictable mystery, and a fun, mature heroine in Gretel but unfortunately many aspects of the story did not appeal as much to me. I love the premise though, and if this continues as a series (this is a second adventure for Gretel) it might be fun to see where the author takes it.
(I received this book from the publisher or author for a fair and honest review. I was not compensated for this review.)
smitchy's review against another edition
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.5
Hansel and Gretel (yes, that Hansel and Gretel) are private detectives. Well, Gretel is. Hansel occasionally helps / hinders her investigations. This is a silly, mildly entertaining crime caper set in the fairy-tale world of the Brothers Grimm which takes itself very un-seriously. Gretel is in no place to be turning down a customer so when one of her neighbours asks Gretel to help find her missing moggies Gretel reluctantly takes the case. Missing cats lead to missing princesses, a pair of unhappy lovers, and it all links back to Jack of beanstalk fame. Will Gretel crack the case in time to find the precious felines? Or will these cats be the death of her?
A fun fantasy crime story full of modern anachronisms and characters that are colourful, if not always likeable.
A fun fantasy crime story full of modern anachronisms and characters that are colourful, if not always likeable.
bookguyinva2022's review against another edition
4.0
I love these stories and weisswurst! Sadly once again disappointed the narrator didn't use a German accent, but she does a fine job nevertheless.
nearly_empty_nesting's review against another edition
4.0
A “where are they now” update for Hanzel and Gretel finds Gretel at 35 working as a private investigator in the 18th century. It's a who-dun-it with nods to the classic stories we all know. A cozy mystery that includes trolls, giants, and princesses. It is the lighthearted reading I was craving.
louise56637's review against another edition
4.0
Very amusing. I got a kick out of identifying the fairy tale characters sprinkled through the story.
blueshadow's review against another edition
3.0
Fun, lighthearted mysteries. I particularly enjoy these as audiobooks, because if I miss a minute or two here or there due to noise in the background, I never feel the need to rewind. The books aren't very suspenseful or full of tiny little clues you might miss. Fun to read.
raeanne's review against another edition
1.0
Couldn't get into it unfortunately. Didn't realize it was a prequel until I went to update Goodreads. Felt too gross and silly.
iarinas's review
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0