Scan barcode
vorpalblad's review against another edition
4.0
Warning: this is a new series, but the characters come from a previous series. For me this created a bit of a problem because the author seems to assume her readers have read and know about the time travelling Ringo and his wife Charlie. While it wasn't necessarily impossible to follow, it was a bit difficult and I would recommend that you read the previous series first.
While this is not new territory: Holmes-like character meeting Sir Conan Doyle and Oscar Wilde (the meeting of these two gentlemen over a dinner with an American publisher in 1889 seems to enthrall writers: see Gyles Brandreth's "Oscar Wilde Murder Mysteries" series, and even the Pendergast novel White Fire by Preston & Child), it is a unique and fun take.
Ringo finds himself solving crimes that closely resemble some of the early Holmes' stories, but for Ringo, they are not individual episodes, but linked events that will lead him to a larger diabolic plot. Clever and fun to read, especially for fans of Holmes.
While this is not new territory: Holmes-like character meeting Sir Conan Doyle and Oscar Wilde (the meeting of these two gentlemen over a dinner with an American publisher in 1889 seems to enthrall writers: see Gyles Brandreth's "Oscar Wilde Murder Mysteries" series, and even the Pendergast novel White Fire by Preston & Child), it is a unique and fun take.
Ringo finds himself solving crimes that closely resemble some of the early Holmes' stories, but for Ringo, they are not individual episodes, but linked events that will lead him to a larger diabolic plot. Clever and fun to read, especially for fans of Holmes.
kate_and_books's review against another edition
5.0
Ringo is back in his time and is trying to adjust to life as a respectable Victorian gentlemen. But he feels that he can't give too much away from what is to happen in the future and to what he experienced in the past.
I am a huge Ringo fan and here I adore him even more than before. I wasn't quite sure if AW could make this interesting enough but I was wrong. Her attention to detail when it comes to history and research is spot on.
Ringo is the real Sherlock Holmes but is Jess then Watson?
I am a huge Ringo fan and here I adore him even more than before. I wasn't quite sure if AW could make this interesting enough but I was wrong. Her attention to detail when it comes to history and research is spot on.
Ringo is the real Sherlock Holmes but is Jess then Watson?
becky_from_kansas's review against another edition
5.0
I was so happy to see this new series with the focus on Ringo and Charlie with the promise of more time travel and visits from the rest of the crew.
jen286's review against another edition
4.0
This review was originally posted to Jen in Bookland
An Urchin of Means was such a fun read. I love the idea of the book and the characters were fantastic. I got to the end and wanted more more more! Really I looked down at one point and saw I only had a few minutes left of the story and was just like no! I am not ready for this to end yet! This author does a fantastic job of making history fun. Of adding true events into her fictional world that makes me want to know more. Of creating a cast of characters and storyline that I don't ever want to end. Luckily I have more stories to look forward to in the future. Now to try and wait patiently for them...
I have to admit that I haven't read the Immortal Descendants series yet. I know, I know. I have had the books sitting here waiting for me to read for forever it seems, but I haven't gotten to them. Well after reading this story they are on the top of the list as I really want to see more of Ringo and Charlie! I loved them so so much!
Ringo and Charlie live in Victorin London. They used to live on the streets, Ringo was a pickpocket surviving on his wits and skills when he was younger, but now they have a house and means to do what they would like. To help out others who are not as fortunate as they are. Oh, Ringo and Charlie were wonderful! They are so cute together. They are both so kind and caring and I loved them so. You can see how much they care about each other. I adored Ringo and how loving he was with his wife. How he thought of her and oh, I don't know how you could not love him. When Ringo has his pocket picked he tracks down the girl who did it and instead of turning her into the police or getting her in trouble in some way he takes her in and tries to help her. She is super smart and observant just like he is. Or was. He may need to practice a bit more to keep up and not miss some things.
When Ringo's friend Oscar Wilde invites him to lunch with Arthur Conan Doyle and Joseph Stoddard things get a bit interesting. Ringo is definitely observant, he can figure out a lot about you just by the way you are dressed and what you do, so when Conan Doyle has a mystery to solve he has Wilde go to Ringo for help. And so goes this Sherlockian mystery. I loved it. I love Sherlock Holmes, I loved Ringo and how he knows too much, but put some of that knowledge to good use using things that make sense for the time period, how the mysteries were so much fun to solve, and the merry band of irregular misfits that Ringo and Charlie seem to collect. It was a great read and I can't wait for more. But I definitely will need to go back and read the rest of the Immortal Descendents series now because I want to fully know the backstory of these wonderful characters. Or just spend a little more time with Ringo. I imagine if you read this book as I did, without first reading the authors other works, you will want to go read them as soon as possible. How could you not want to spend more time with these wonderful characters?
*Note: I received a free copy of this book for voluntary review consideration
An Urchin of Means was such a fun read. I love the idea of the book and the characters were fantastic. I got to the end and wanted more more more! Really I looked down at one point and saw I only had a few minutes left of the story and was just like no! I am not ready for this to end yet! This author does a fantastic job of making history fun. Of adding true events into her fictional world that makes me want to know more. Of creating a cast of characters and storyline that I don't ever want to end. Luckily I have more stories to look forward to in the future. Now to try and wait patiently for them...
I have to admit that I haven't read the Immortal Descendants series yet. I know, I know. I have had the books sitting here waiting for me to read for forever it seems, but I haven't gotten to them. Well after reading this story they are on the top of the list as I really want to see more of Ringo and Charlie! I loved them so so much!
Ringo and Charlie live in Victorin London. They used to live on the streets, Ringo was a pickpocket surviving on his wits and skills when he was younger, but now they have a house and means to do what they would like. To help out others who are not as fortunate as they are. Oh, Ringo and Charlie were wonderful! They are so cute together. They are both so kind and caring and I loved them so. You can see how much they care about each other. I adored Ringo and how loving he was with his wife. How he thought of her and oh, I don't know how you could not love him. When Ringo has his pocket picked he tracks down the girl who did it and instead of turning her into the police or getting her in trouble in some way he takes her in and tries to help her. She is super smart and observant just like he is. Or was. He may need to practice a bit more to keep up and not miss some things.
When Ringo's friend Oscar Wilde invites him to lunch with Arthur Conan Doyle and Joseph Stoddard things get a bit interesting. Ringo is definitely observant, he can figure out a lot about you just by the way you are dressed and what you do, so when Conan Doyle has a mystery to solve he has Wilde go to Ringo for help. And so goes this Sherlockian mystery. I loved it. I love Sherlock Holmes, I loved Ringo and how he knows too much, but put some of that knowledge to good use using things that make sense for the time period, how the mysteries were so much fun to solve, and the merry band of irregular misfits that Ringo and Charlie seem to collect. It was a great read and I can't wait for more. But I definitely will need to go back and read the rest of the Immortal Descendents series now because I want to fully know the backstory of these wonderful characters. Or just spend a little more time with Ringo. I imagine if you read this book as I did, without first reading the authors other works, you will want to go read them as soon as possible. How could you not want to spend more time with these wonderful characters?
*Note: I received a free copy of this book for voluntary review consideration
queencleo's review against another edition
3.0
A spin-off of the time travel adventure series featuring Saira Elian, this one focuses on the pursuits of Ringo Devereux in his married adult life back on his own timeline.
Heavily featuring Arthur Conan Doyle and Oscar Wilde, Ringo rediscovers some of his street urchin skills whilst sleuthing some Victorian mysteries
Heavily featuring Arthur Conan Doyle and Oscar Wilde, Ringo rediscovers some of his street urchin skills whilst sleuthing some Victorian mysteries
lindaunconventionalbookworms's review against another edition
5.0
Oh my gosh. I loved Ringo so much in this novel. I already loved him from his appearances in the Immortal Descendants series, but here, he was the main focus, and it was definitely well deserved.
Mystery, love, and friendship are the main themes here, and I loved how White managed to bring not only Oscar Wilde in as a character, but also Arthur Conan Doyle. And of course, some little details from Ringo’s days are what became important in the Sherlock Holmes novels :D Very well done, and also made me smile so big.
Charlie has really come into herself as well, and her way of helping others is the best ever.
I hope Ms. White will continue with the next two books that are planned in this series, even if it’s been a long time since there was an update about them.
Mystery, love, and friendship are the main themes here, and I loved how White managed to bring not only Oscar Wilde in as a character, but also Arthur Conan Doyle. And of course, some little details from Ringo’s days are what became important in the Sherlock Holmes novels :D Very well done, and also made me smile so big.
Charlie has really come into herself as well, and her way of helping others is the best ever.
I hope Ms. White will continue with the next two books that are planned in this series, even if it’s been a long time since there was an update about them.
vmars314's review against another edition
5.0
Ringo is back in his own time and I love him even more. He and Charlie are building a good but tame life together until a run-in with a young pickpocket helps set off a series of Sherlockian adventures that begin at a lunch with Oscar Wilde and Arthur Conan Doyle. So much fun and I can't wait for their next adventures!
dorrj's review against another edition
5.0
***Disclaimer: I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review of the book.***
White has taken her character, Ringo, from the Immortal Descendants series and has created a Sherlockian inspired mystery. I have read, and am a fan, of the Immortal Descendants series. I have been looking forward to the beginning of this series for some time and am very happy to say that I was not disappointed.
White was able to blend the background of Ringo from her initial series and expand on his background and skillset as to inspire the idea of a Sherlock-style character without copying the character in the least bit. She tips yet another hat to Sir Arthur Conan Doyle with her character Jess who becomes somewhat of the Watson character that Ringo needs.
Jess, a wholly new character created for this series, has the beginnings of a very in depth and beloved character. In An Urchin of Means, White describes Jess' background just enough so the reader understands where she comes from and how she is able to help Ringo, but leaves much of who she is and, more specifically, who she will become to mystery.
If there is one issue, it is the mentions to Ringo's past that are not specifically explained. The reason I say "if" is that these mentions are all more than adequately described in the Immortal Descendants series. As a reader of White's previous series, the book flowed perfectly and kept me very entertained. However, I can see some minor reference issues if the reader has never read the Immortal Descendants series. Overall, the book is a great mystery with an incredible cast of characters. I will be recommending this book as well as the Immortal Descendants series to friends and family.
White has taken her character, Ringo, from the Immortal Descendants series and has created a Sherlockian inspired mystery. I have read, and am a fan, of the Immortal Descendants series. I have been looking forward to the beginning of this series for some time and am very happy to say that I was not disappointed.
White was able to blend the background of Ringo from her initial series and expand on his background and skillset as to inspire the idea of a Sherlock-style character without copying the character in the least bit. She tips yet another hat to Sir Arthur Conan Doyle with her character Jess who becomes somewhat of the Watson character that Ringo needs.
Jess, a wholly new character created for this series, has the beginnings of a very in depth and beloved character. In An Urchin of Means, White describes Jess' background just enough so the reader understands where she comes from and how she is able to help Ringo, but leaves much of who she is and, more specifically, who she will become to mystery.
If there is one issue, it is the mentions to Ringo's past that are not specifically explained. The reason I say "if" is that these mentions are all more than adequately described in the Immortal Descendants series. As a reader of White's previous series, the book flowed perfectly and kept me very entertained. However, I can see some minor reference issues if the reader has never read the Immortal Descendants series. Overall, the book is a great mystery with an incredible cast of characters. I will be recommending this book as well as the Immortal Descendants series to friends and family.
onemanbookclub's review against another edition
5.0
Check out my blog, One Man Book Club
The Value of a Star: Ratings Explained
I wish I could remember what made me pick up Marking Time, book 1 of April White's Immortal Descendants series. Was it the time travel? The vampires and shapeshifters? The historical fiction? Jack the Ripper? Probably a lot of each of those.
But the biggest reason?
It was FREE. It still is. Right now, on Amazon. It. Is. Free. It costs you exactly nothing. You have no excuse. Except that you're going to love it, and then you're going to have to by the next 4 books--which aren't free...
...but so worth reading. April White, indie author extraordinaire, writes books that are worth reading.
And with that preamble, I am happy to introduce you to her latest--An Urchin of Means, Book 1 of the Baker Street Series.
Ringo and Charlie, happily married and fresh off their time-traveling adventures in The Immortal Descendants series, have settled down in their native time and place—late Victorian Era, London. With a head full of the future and a past full of learning to survive alone on the streets, Ringo can’t help but be the coolest guy in town. So cool, in fact, that when his buddy Oscar Wilde invites Ringo to join Oscar Wilde and Arthur Conan Doyle for lunch, Ringo’s exploits and skills of observation become source material for a certain famous detective.
Elementary, my dear.
An Urchin of Means is short enough to be read quickly, and the most interesting bits of history are woven seamlessly through the narrative like the fact and the fiction have always belonged together. This is historical fiction at its most fun. I loved it.
Here’s my prediction:
You’re going to give An Urchin of Means a try because it sounds like a fun story. (It is!)
You’re going to remember An Urchin of Means because of Oscar Wilde.
April let him steal the show, and I’m so glad she gave him the treatment he deserved. Oscar Wilde was a treasured personality who did not deserve the ignominious ending he received. Don’t know his history? Look him up. You’ll be happy you did.
Just like you’ll be happy you gave April White’s stories a try.
An Urchin of Means is written to stand alone. You don't have to have read The Immortal Descendants first. Jump right in.
These are books worth reading.
Happy Reading!
The Value of a Star: Ratings Explained
I wish I could remember what made me pick up Marking Time, book 1 of April White's Immortal Descendants series. Was it the time travel? The vampires and shapeshifters? The historical fiction? Jack the Ripper? Probably a lot of each of those.
But the biggest reason?
It was FREE. It still is. Right now, on Amazon. It. Is. Free. It costs you exactly nothing. You have no excuse. Except that you're going to love it, and then you're going to have to by the next 4 books--which aren't free...
...but so worth reading. April White, indie author extraordinaire, writes books that are worth reading.
And with that preamble, I am happy to introduce you to her latest--An Urchin of Means, Book 1 of the Baker Street Series.
Ringo and Charlie, happily married and fresh off their time-traveling adventures in The Immortal Descendants series, have settled down in their native time and place—late Victorian Era, London. With a head full of the future and a past full of learning to survive alone on the streets, Ringo can’t help but be the coolest guy in town. So cool, in fact, that when his buddy Oscar Wilde invites Ringo to join Oscar Wilde and Arthur Conan Doyle for lunch, Ringo’s exploits and skills of observation become source material for a certain famous detective.
Elementary, my dear.
An Urchin of Means is short enough to be read quickly, and the most interesting bits of history are woven seamlessly through the narrative like the fact and the fiction have always belonged together. This is historical fiction at its most fun. I loved it.
Here’s my prediction:
You’re going to give An Urchin of Means a try because it sounds like a fun story. (It is!)
You’re going to remember An Urchin of Means because of Oscar Wilde.
April let him steal the show, and I’m so glad she gave him the treatment he deserved. Oscar Wilde was a treasured personality who did not deserve the ignominious ending he received. Don’t know his history? Look him up. You’ll be happy you did.
Just like you’ll be happy you gave April White’s stories a try.
An Urchin of Means is written to stand alone. You don't have to have read The Immortal Descendants first. Jump right in.
These are books worth reading.
Happy Reading!
amy_harboredinpages's review against another edition
Just too much on my mind I'll get back to it later.