You need to sign in or sign up before continuing.
Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.61 AVERAGE
3.61 AVERAGE
Interesting exploration of young widowhood. Often, in mystery series, you just see the plucky young widow, but you don't get emotional development that got her there.
adventurous
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Emily marries Lord Ashton to escape her mother. She quickly finds herself widowed and falling in love with a husband she barely knew as she reads his diary. Ancient artifacts and forgeries lead her to doubt her husband and the men who claim to have been her husband's friends.
The first half was the better part. The mystery was a bit predictable but I still enjoyed this because she was fairly level headed while also being true to the time period.
It took a little while to get going, but the characters and mystery soon draw you in. Lady Emily and her associates push back enough against Victorian norms that you root for them, but not so much that they seem out of place. I was surprised (and ultimately saddened) at how moving Emily and Philip's relationship became. I'm definitely interested in continuing the series.
I'd recommend it if you are interested in historical romances or mysteries.
I'd recommend it if you are interested in historical romances or mysteries.
I read this book because it sounded very much like Deanna Raybourn's Lady Julia Grey series. It is very similar to Raybourn's concept - although I didn't enjoy it quite as much as the Julia Grey series, it is still a very good book. It's very much the type of book you want to curl up with on the couch on a rainy day.
I liked the wicked French friend. Hated the ending. Very un-true to the period period-piece. Not my thing.
absolutely loved this book! First time reading this author and she was amazing. A Tad slow to get the book started but overall, fantastic book!
Great historical mystery with a touch of romance. Emily is a widow just finishing her year of mourning for her husband who died on a hunting trip in Africa. She begins to fall in love with her husband by reading his journal and following his interest in Greek antiquities but he wasn't all he appeared to be during their short marriage. Was he a criminal or a hero? And who among his friends should she trust?
historical fiction, historical mystery, Victorian, 19th century, Lady Emily Ashton series, art/artifact forgery, archeology
historical fiction, historical mystery, Victorian, 19th century, Lady Emily Ashton series, art/artifact forgery, archeology
I did enjoy this, and as I was surprised by several plot twists, I'd say it's a good mystery. I just found there was too much poetry quoting and ranting about the Iliad for my taste....But the characters and setting are fun and well written.