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seriouslybookish's review
3.0
3.75 stars.
A fantastic introduction to the series.
From my years of reading I’ve come expect the first books in the series is not going to be great. As long as it’s good, it usually is a sign for good things to come.
With this book I found that I enjoyed the book a lot more than I was expecting. I enjoyed the interactions between the characters and their stories. But most of all the plot kept me engaged. I thought it was going to be a character driven book but the plot took more time than I expected.
It was a great read but a tad long. I was bored on some parts and found that I didn’t care for the romance. (Sebastian and Kat won’t really last, I five think).
A fantastic introduction to the series.
From my years of reading I’ve come expect the first books in the series is not going to be great. As long as it’s good, it usually is a sign for good things to come.
With this book I found that I enjoyed the book a lot more than I was expecting. I enjoyed the interactions between the characters and their stories. But most of all the plot kept me engaged. I thought it was going to be a character driven book but the plot took more time than I expected.
It was a great read but a tad long. I was bored on some parts and found that I didn’t care for the romance. (Sebastian and Kat won’t really last, I five think).
laurenjodi's review against another edition
4.0
What Angels Fear
4 Stars
When the body of a young woman is discovered on the steps of an alter in a London church next to a distinctive pistol, Sebastian St. Cyr becomes the prime suspect. In order to clear his name, Sebastian will have to go on the run and investigate the crime himself with the aid of Tom, a snarky street urchin, and Kat, the woman who broke his heart. Can he uncover the truth before the real killer strikes again?
A very entertaining historical mystery. Harris seamlessly merges the fictional plot with the historical facts of the regency period (although the forensic details may not be all that accurate). The investigation is fast-paced with some exciting action scenes and a satisfying climax and resolution. The characters are fleshed out well, especially Sebastian whose inner demons and intriguing abilities make him particularly endearing.
The biggest problem with the story is the unappealing heroine. Not only do I have a huge aversion to the keeping secrets trope (and she is keeping a doozy), but her actions toward the end are inconsistent with her characterization -. Moreover, she comes across as far too damaged and her relationship with Sebastian doesn't seem to be all that healthy.
In sum, the solid writing, compelling mystery and engaging hero more than make up for the minor issues and I’m looking forward to continuing with the series.
4 Stars
When the body of a young woman is discovered on the steps of an alter in a London church next to a distinctive pistol, Sebastian St. Cyr becomes the prime suspect. In order to clear his name, Sebastian will have to go on the run and investigate the crime himself with the aid of Tom, a snarky street urchin, and Kat, the woman who broke his heart. Can he uncover the truth before the real killer strikes again?
A very entertaining historical mystery. Harris seamlessly merges the fictional plot with the historical facts of the regency period (although the forensic details may not be all that accurate). The investigation is fast-paced with some exciting action scenes and a satisfying climax and resolution. The characters are fleshed out well, especially Sebastian whose inner demons and intriguing abilities make him particularly endearing.
The biggest problem with the story is the unappealing heroine. Not only do I have a huge aversion to the keeping secrets trope (and she is keeping a doozy), but her actions toward the end are inconsistent with her characterization -
Spoiler
is she a damsel in distress or a hardened spy?In sum, the solid writing, compelling mystery and engaging hero more than make up for the minor issues and I’m looking forward to continuing with the series.
lyndseylibros's review against another edition
3.0
This was ok. Mainly stuck with it because I listened to audiobook and I absolutely love Davina Porter as a narrator.
nakedsushi's review
2.0
This book had been on my radar for a while, but I just couldn't get into it once I started reading. I kept thinking it'll get more interesting, but it was pretty run-of-the-mill top hat mystery. I usually like these, but being led around by multiple red herring's didn't endear this book to me. There was also a lot of graphic violence against women, which okay it's a murder mystery, but I'm not sure if it added anything to the plot. The book was fine, but I'm not planning on reading the rest in this series.
illinibaby's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
4.0
foxon's review
3.0
I'm a sucker for historical mysteries and this is one I'm interested in continuing. The main plot focus of the murder victim is oddly refreshing. Although the inevitable romantic subplot results in a female protagonist that I do not like at all. She is an actress with a past which in general is not bad but I dont like that she made St. Cyr decisions for him. The arrogance is explained and possibly even understandable but still. This story takes place in 1811 and I feel like the author does a great job of portraying the time period. I will keep on with Devlin.
lizzy_22's review
3.0
This was an excellent historical mystery that had me untangling the threads of who did what to whom all the way to the end. There was, however, something of a missing edge to the storytelling that I can't quite put my finger on and it might be that because we are learning about this world and the set up takes something away from the character development(but certainly not the story).
Still, there are good strong threads for more interesting mysteries ahead and if Sebastian and his circle of friends, family and confidants develop more fully than it can only get better than this and I fully intend on finding out.
Still, there are good strong threads for more interesting mysteries ahead and if Sebastian and his circle of friends, family and confidants develop more fully than it can only get better than this and I fully intend on finding out.
con_bonus's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75