Scan barcode
cuteasamuntin's review against another edition
2.0
I got about 200 pages into this book and was so bored that I had to put it down. While one doesn't need to necessarily like the protagonist to enjoy a book, I found myself unable to empathize with any of the characters, nor did I find any of them likable in their own right. I may try to get through the rest of it, but despite the overall historical accuracy and unique perspective, it simply wasn't worth it at this time.
elizabethdavies's review against another edition
3.0
The Scent of Death was interesting my set during the American war of independence (which I unfortunately know very little about). Because of this, I found it interesting to read a book set during this time, and it was evident that Taylor had done considerable research.
Unfortunately, the mystery/thriller aspect of the book let it down somewhat. There were only brief periods of tension surrounded by a lot of unnecessary filler, and I predicted the final reveal at the beginning.
I didn’t find the story to be particularly immersive, and so for that reason I am giving it 3 stars, but it was an enjoyable read.
Unfortunately, the mystery/thriller aspect of the book let it down somewhat. There were only brief periods of tension surrounded by a lot of unnecessary filler, and I predicted the final reveal at the beginning.
I didn’t find the story to be particularly immersive, and so for that reason I am giving it 3 stars, but it was an enjoyable read.
shays's review
2.0
The plot arc of The Scent of Death deals in extremes, starting with a ponderous introduction, and coming to a frenetic and luridly sensational ending in the last seventy pages. The satisfaction of piecing together the many clues is somewhat diminished by the melodramatic final reveal, which has none of the delicate balance Taylor pulls off in playing the British and American interests against one another. The Scarface plot comes neatly together, but Taylor’s need to add one final twist puts the ending a little over the top. The Scent of Death has Taylor’s strong command of the language and vivid historical setting to recommend it, but the slow pacing and unsatisfactory conclusion weigh heavily against those considerations. read more
Disclaimer: I received a free review copy of this book from the publisher.
Disclaimer: I received a free review copy of this book from the publisher.
onlysomewhat's review against another edition
2.0
Well researched, and an interesting glimpse at Revolutionary New York, but glacial pacing, boring mystery, opaque characters who were not at all engaging, and the pivoting plot point seemed quite frankly anachronistic, as well as reductive and lacking in any kind of sense or realism or emotional truth. Ugh.
iwanttoreadallthebooks's review against another edition
3.0
I had such high hopes for The Scent of Death. The premise sounded really interesting and I always love historical fiction/thrillers. Unfortunately, Andrew Taylor did not deliver. There were certainly parts that were interesting and fulfilled the "thriller" component of the story. However, there was a lot of unnecessary filler that just wasn't particularly interesting. I think the Scent of Death would have benefitted from some serious editing (at least 100 pages worth). I also felt that Taylor could have done a more job of creating the atmosphere. The best historical fiction are the books that completely immerse you, so that you feel that you are actually living in the story with the characters. While Taylor did describe the setting, I only felt as if I was reading it, not living it.
While this book was a little bit of a letdown to me, I have heard such good things about some of Taylor's other books that I will give them a try.
While this book was a little bit of a letdown to me, I have heard such good things about some of Taylor's other books that I will give them a try.
jillann's review
4.0
A slow-paced mystery, but the setting is fascinating -- New York during the Revolutionary War under control by the British "loyalists".
More...