You need to sign in or sign up before continuing.
Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.61 AVERAGE
3.61 AVERAGE
Set during the Victorian era, this is the first book in a series of mysteries featuring Lady Emily, a recent widow. Emily never loved her husband Philip – she only married him to escape her mother’s house, but after his death she begins to learn more about his life and is surprised to find him interesting. In particular, his love of Greek antiquities spurs Emily to start studying the classics on her own, and this study leads to the discovery of stolen and forged relics. Investigating these relics leads Emily into danger. This book is fun, and it’s an interesting portrayal of an independent woman in a time where social roles were strictly observed.
I had previously read one of the later books in this series and in both books I found the mystery to be resolved rather abruptly, but I enjoyed the ambiance and characters.
I had previously read one of the later books in this series and in both books I found the mystery to be resolved rather abruptly, but I enjoyed the ambiance and characters.
Fairly good historical mystery featuring recently widowed Lady Emily Ashton. Emily was only recently wed to Phillip Ashton when he died of an illness while hunting in Africa. Emily tries to get to know her husband by developing an interest in one of his other hobbies -- Greek antiquities.
Although the character of Emily was fairly well developed, I thought the author modernized her a bit too much to be believable. The character of Colin Hargreaves however, was extremely appealing. Unfortunately he didn't appear nearly enough in this book to make me happy. Three and a half stars
Although the character of Emily was fairly well developed, I thought the author modernized her a bit too much to be believable. The character of Colin Hargreaves however, was extremely appealing. Unfortunately he didn't appear nearly enough in this book to make me happy. Three and a half stars
Charming! So charming! It's pretty much the love child of ye olde historicale romance and ye alsoe olden mystery, but it's all done with a really pleasing awareness of women's place and restrictions in European society in the 18somethingorothers, without losing its effervescence. It's half romance novel-ish social machinations, half political intrigue, and it totally passes the Bechdel test while still verging on traditional romance novel territory with a cracking mystery. I enjoyed the heroine's post-mortem infatuation with her recently-deceased husband, which pokes at the trope of the universal romance novel young widow, while also giving the heroine interesting ways in which to grow. Also, I totally dig the Society lady's transformation into full-on Greek geek.
There's some weird colonial stuff (her husband's a big game hunter in Africa, which is treated pretty much as a monolithic whole, plus antiquities - AWKward), but it's fairly self-conscious weirdness, in which I think (hope?) the author is being "historically accurate" and we're meant to find it weird. Again, I hope. Other than that, thoroughly charming read.
There's some weird colonial stuff (her husband's a big game hunter in Africa, which is treated pretty much as a monolithic whole, plus antiquities - AWKward), but it's fairly self-conscious weirdness, in which I think (hope?) the author is being "historically accurate" and we're meant to find it weird. Again, I hope. Other than that, thoroughly charming read.
A light historical “mystery.” It really wasn’t a mystery at all. Lady Emily Ashton kind of stumbles into an Ancient Greek relics forgery ring (due to her dead husband’s interests in Ancient Greek art) and then stumbles around until it gets resolved. She is not particularly clever nor investigative – mostly lucky.
I did like that Lady Emily frankly admits that she didn’t love her late husband. She barely knew him, and she agreed to marry him only to get away from her overbearing mother. After his death, as she gets to understand him better through his writings and the reflection of his friends, she falls in love with him and misses him. Luckily, Lady Emily has a new love interest in the form of Colin Hargreaves, who she spends the necessary 60% of the book misunderstanding and then the very last chapter. I mean, it was clear that they both were intrigued with each other, but Lady Emily spent a lot of time taking offense at what he said and not trusting him (although, to be fair, Hargreaves was unnecessarily mysterious).
Alexander did middling well with the historical aspects. Much of the dialogue was acceptably period-sounding, and then she threw in very modern-sounding phrases like “No offense.” Why? It wouldn’t be that hard to take it out. But this is not the kind of book that concerns itself too much with authenticity.
I did like that Lady Emily frankly admits that she didn’t love her late husband. She barely knew him, and she agreed to marry him only to get away from her overbearing mother. After his death, as she gets to understand him better through his writings and the reflection of his friends, she falls in love with him and misses him. Luckily, Lady Emily has a new love interest in the form of Colin Hargreaves, who she spends the necessary 60% of the book misunderstanding and then the very last chapter
Spoiler
passionately kissingAlexander did middling well with the historical aspects. Much of the dialogue was acceptably period-sounding, and then she threw in very modern-sounding phrases like “No offense.” Why? It wouldn’t be that hard to take it out. But this is not the kind of book that concerns itself too much with authenticity.
4.5 stars. I wasn't overly fond of Lady Emily at first blush, but the story was intriguing enough to keep me pressing on and I found myself quite enjoying her character growth. The plot shifted enough to keep me guessing on the outcomes and I found myself unable to put the book down (or at least unable to keep away from it, when responsibilities inevitably did require putting it down). I'll eagerly seek out the second volume in this series to see what other adventures Lady Emily may have, what friends she may make, and where she may travel next!
Good period mystery, with the exception of the heroine losing her mind in the middle of the book. Still, good characters otherwise and an interesting mystery and premise.
This Victorian romance mystery had some charm and a feisty, smart heroine but more than anything it left me longing for some depth in the pretty decent story outline it presented.
I really enjoy this series. A little bit silly but still good.
I loved this book and cannot wait to continue the series. Lady Emily is a badass. Fun combination of mystery, romance, and art history!