Scan barcode
jwhittak05's review against another edition
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
I had this book for awhile and started it then put it down for a long time. I’m so mad at myself for putting it down. This is why I always finish a book. This book was so great! Jane Austen meets Agatha Christie. This is a must read for any Austen fan and I would think she herself would love it. I love all of our favorite Austen characters come together in one book under one room for a murder of someone, lets be honest, wished was murdered in the first place. Wickham’s character has not changed over the years (if fact it’s almost worse). You find the fate of some of our favorite characters in the years after their stories have ended. Honestly I was trying to figure out the whole book who did it and really had no idea until it was revealed. Gray does an excellent job of dropping clues but making you debate with yourself the whole book on who actually did it. Juliet and Jonathan are perfect characters that balance each other out (she outgoing and he reserved and reclusive). There’s definitely a romance down the road for them and I hope Elizabeth channels her mother’s personality when that happens. There’s more books to the series so I can’t wait to read the others.
yourfavavery's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-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
3.5
This was a fun romp! Think "locked door murder mystery" mixed with Jane Austen fan fiction. Basically, all the characters you know and love are at a regency house party and one of them ends up dead. A murder investigation ensues. I liked it, even though I wish I had more knowledge of Austen novels to bring to the table.
catatonixs's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-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? Yes
5.0
eileenjs's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
kitsune42's review against another edition
3.5
Delightful story, although hampered somewhat by the inclusion of so many Austen characters. The author's portrayal of whom did not align with their original characterizations. Would have been better off focusing on the new characters and their impressions.
Juliet and Jonathan are well written and engaging. I look forward to reading their future stories and watching their relationship develop.
Juliet and Jonathan are well written and engaging. I look forward to reading their future stories and watching their relationship develop.
lindsayb09's review against another edition
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? It's complicated
3.75
I thought the characterizations of all Austin's characters were spot on, and this was obviously written by someone with a deep knowledge and affection for the source material.
But it did get tedious at times and dragged a bit towards the middle. There were a lot of conversations recounted that didn't relate directly to the plot (though this is maybe actually very Austen-esque?) There are also many side-threads to the story, like Fanny's brother and Edmund's reaction, Susannah's death and it's impact, the Wentworth's changed fortunes. It was a lot of characters and storylines to keep track of, and became a bit overwhelming. I maybe wouldn't have written *every* Austen couple into the first story, others could have been introduced (/reintroduced) in later volumes.
As for the original characters, I enjoyed Juliet and Jonathan. It's always interesting to think about neurodivergence in a historical context and how it may have been understood/stigmatized without our modern language and knowledge. And I always enjoy a plucky young woman to defies gender expectations.
Overall I'm planning to continue the series, but I don't think it is something I would re-read.
But it did get tedious at times and dragged a bit towards the middle. There were a lot of conversations recounted that didn't relate directly to the plot (though this is maybe actually very Austen-esque?) There are also many side-threads to the story, like Fanny's brother and Edmund's reaction, Susannah's death and it's impact, the Wentworth's changed fortunes. It was a lot of characters and storylines to keep track of, and became a bit overwhelming. I maybe wouldn't have written *every* Austen couple into the first story, others could have been introduced (/reintroduced) in later volumes.
As for the original characters, I enjoyed Juliet and Jonathan. It's always interesting to think about neurodivergence in a historical context and how it may have been understood/stigmatized without our modern language and knowledge. And I always enjoy a plucky young woman to defies gender expectations.
Overall I'm planning to continue the series, but I don't think it is something I would re-read.
tiffani_reads's review against another edition
mysterious
medium-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
3.5
jstaton's review against another edition
4.0
Fun read and I think if you are more familiar with the Jane Austen characters you will love it.