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aliver12's review
3.0
First of all I would like to start this review by thanking Book Sirens team for giving me the chance to read this ARC
This is a book full of action, which in this genre is a good thing, there are also many characters, the problem I had and that is why I haven’t give it a higher punctuation is that I was a bit lost in the beginning to know who was who in the novel, maybe a couple of more lines of description of each character would have been better.
The mistery itself is really good, I specially like where it happened as it is quite an iconic place, the author shows to have a great potential on telling stories and making them closer to the public
I will read more books of this author
This is a book full of action, which in this genre is a good thing, there are also many characters, the problem I had and that is why I haven’t give it a higher punctuation is that I was a bit lost in the beginning to know who was who in the novel, maybe a couple of more lines of description of each character would have been better.
The mistery itself is really good, I specially like where it happened as it is quite an iconic place, the author shows to have a great potential on telling stories and making them closer to the public
I will read more books of this author
rincondejoss's review
4.0
I discovered this one on a tour and was so awesome.
So at first I wasn't all that invested there's was a lot of background in a way and lots of info to put in together, at a point it was a lot to take in, but after a while it did began to grow fast on me.
The characters were very fun and interesting, it was like being in a roller coaster with some of them, and then you began to see the big picture in a way and try to solve the puzzle with them about what it's happening really in here.
I was intrigued by Penelope's backstory it was curious so I think at some point I need to read the Jade Tiger and find out.
By the end I was sold, I couldn't put it down really since it picked up very fast by that time and I was like omg what's this so good, so it reels you very little by little but that gives it a good feeling.
Very nice for people to like good mysteries and great twists.
So at first I wasn't all that invested there's was a lot of background in a way and lots of info to put in together, at a point it was a lot to take in, but after a while it did began to grow fast on me.
The characters were very fun and interesting, it was like being in a roller coaster with some of them, and then you began to see the big picture in a way and try to solve the puzzle with them about what it's happening really in here.
I was intrigued by Penelope's backstory it was curious so I think at some point I need to read the Jade Tiger and find out.
By the end I was sold, I couldn't put it down really since it picked up very fast by that time and I was like omg what's this so good, so it reels you very little by little but that gives it a good feeling.
Very nice for people to like good mysteries and great twists.
louisekf's review
3.0
Murder at The Met was a solid mystery story, set in the late 1920s in New York City. The second in the series featuring Penelope Harris, I did not feel you needed to read the first one to enjoy this one. The author drops references here and there about the backstory of Penelope and her love interest, Thom Lund, but if you haven’t read the first book (The Jade Tiger), it will not be an issue.
You also don’t have to be an opera fan to read this book, but it doesn’t hurt! The plot revolves around a family of pretty despicable high society people, the Warwicks, especially the mother and the three daughters. More than one death happens and, as expected, they do get tied together in the end. I enjoyed the plot twist that made things come together.
My favorite character from the first book, the police officer McCain, has a very small role here, which was disappointing. There were also a couple of rather long monologues explaining things, which is not my favorite style of mystery writing. For a short book, it seemed a lot longer to me.
Thank you to Book Sirens and Ink Dog Press for the opportunity to read a copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
You also don’t have to be an opera fan to read this book, but it doesn’t hurt! The plot revolves around a family of pretty despicable high society people, the Warwicks, especially the mother and the three daughters. More than one death happens and, as expected, they do get tied together in the end. I enjoyed the plot twist that made things come together.
My favorite character from the first book, the police officer McCain, has a very small role here, which was disappointing. There were also a couple of rather long monologues explaining things, which is not my favorite style of mystery writing. For a short book, it seemed a lot longer to me.
Thank you to Book Sirens and Ink Dog Press for the opportunity to read a copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
annarella's review
5.0
I had a lot of fun in reading this book that I bought the rest of the series.
It's an excellent historical mystery that kept me hooked and guessing.
Penelope is an interesting MC and I loved her and the vivid historical background.
The mystery is solid and kept me guessing.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
It's an excellent historical mystery that kept me hooked and guessing.
Penelope is an interesting MC and I loved her and the vivid historical background.
The mystery is solid and kept me guessing.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
caroline_carnivorous's review
4.0
I received an ARC of this for free.
Penelope Harris is back, and this time an evening at the opera full of high society people (and not least Thom Lund) ends in murder. Both Penelope and Thom have already gotten themselves tangled in, and will see this through to the end.
This second book in the series is more action-filled and dramatic than the first, so it's more reminiscent of modern mystery / crime novels, but still got that old timey feel. It's a super easy read, I didn't even notice the time go by while I breezed through it. It keeps you very engaged with the story!
This is really good, I definitely recommend it. I'm lucky to have gotten to read it before it's published. While you wait, check out the first book, it's best if you read that before this, as this does reference things that happened or were revealed in the first book.
I see there is already another book planned, I can't wait for that!
Penelope Harris is back, and this time an evening at the opera full of high society people (and not least Thom Lund) ends in murder. Both Penelope and Thom have already gotten themselves tangled in, and will see this through to the end.
This second book in the series is more action-filled and dramatic than the first, so it's more reminiscent of modern mystery / crime novels, but still got that old timey feel. It's a super easy read, I didn't even notice the time go by while I breezed through it. It keeps you very engaged with the story!
This is really good, I definitely recommend it. I'm lucky to have gotten to read it before it's published. While you wait, check out the first book, it's best if you read that before this, as this does reference things that happened or were revealed in the first book.
I see there is already another book planned, I can't wait for that!
manglitter's review
5.0
I received This ARC for free from Booksirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
4.5 Stars
Penelope Harris and Thom Lund are back in this second book of the "Penelope Harris Mysteries" series and I'll be waiting for the next one.
The first book was a kind of an introduction to the characters with a mystery as a background but this one was so intriguing with a number of murders for each one to investigate in its own way either intentionally or not.
Penelope is looking for this night at the opera with her cousin Mary but as usual her life is never as simple, first, she encounters Thom and both believe that this is going to be a wonderful romantic night when the police arrives with lieutenant Blake to investigate two bodies discovered of Roger Warwick and his daughter Tulip at the Metropolitan opera. Again, Penelope and Thom find themselves involved in these murders.
The story was so captivating and puzzling this time and I have to say that it was better than the first one. You feel the improvement in the writing with a real interesting and complicated plot, the dialogues were better made and less boring.
I hope that the next book will be as good as this one and I wish that Penelope and Thom's relationship will be more developed.
4.5 Stars
Penelope Harris and Thom Lund are back in this second book of the "Penelope Harris Mysteries" series and I'll be waiting for the next one.
The first book was a kind of an introduction to the characters with a mystery as a background but this one was so intriguing with a number of murders for each one to investigate in its own way either intentionally or not.
Penelope is looking for this night at the opera with her cousin Mary but as usual her life is never as simple, first, she encounters Thom and both believe that this is going to be a wonderful romantic night when the police arrives with lieutenant Blake to investigate two bodies discovered of Roger Warwick and his daughter Tulip at the Metropolitan opera. Again, Penelope and Thom find themselves involved in these murders.
The story was so captivating and puzzling this time and I have to say that it was better than the first one. You feel the improvement in the writing with a real interesting and complicated plot, the dialogues were better made and less boring.
I hope that the next book will be as good as this one and I wish that Penelope and Thom's relationship will be more developed.
currant7's review
5.0
Disclosure: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
This review can also be found in Currant7 Recommends.
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Murder at the Met is the second installment of the Penelope Harris Mystery. The title is a dead giveaway of what the story is about - a suspicious murder at the Metropolitan Opera (Met), wherein our two heroes, Penelope and Lund, were present. Although the title gives the main plot, there are still many complex "moving" clues and goings-on that make this story a captivating and thrilling one.
Penelope Harris comes into the book as the new voice teacher for the Metropolitan Opera. She needs to find work soon after her experience in Book 1 that marred her with gossip, and no one was interested in getting her to sing or teach. A sold-out show at the Met brought Penelope to meet up with a man from her past that would finally make his intentions known. Too bad, it had to be amidst the chaos of a murder investigation, poisoning, and robbery in the mix.
Thom Lund is a private financial detective who was also at the wrong place. He was at the Met for a performance when he bumped into an old friend from Book 1 and someone from who Lund thought he got over. His visit was a cover to speak to a potential client, but it all snowballed into another case that got him involved more directly as one of the four thousand possible suspects in the murder that evening. This complication dampers his current caseload at needs his full attention.
Before I start this review, I want to reassure readers who might wonder if reading Book 1 is necessary to appreciate Book 2, that no - you do not need to read the first book to enjoy the storyline, scenes, and characters. Readers can dive into Book 2 immediately and catch up with the details since the author provided some pertinent information to help "fill in" Penelope, Lund's background story, and their pasts.
Without giving away too much, Murder at the Met brings Lund and Penelope's sleuthing prowess that will bring readers "on the edge of their seats" from the start until the last chapter. Written from multiple characters' POVs, I suggest readers take time reading it and repeat it if need be to not miss on details. There is a whole bunch of characters/suspects to rule out.
I adore the book's historical feel, and the opera world's inside politics of the opera world. The book takes readers back to the 1920s, as the author described each scene in vivid detail from the clothing, the food, the people, and the socio-economic situation in the story. The writing is logical yet ominous at the same time, which builds the air of uncertainty from the start.
Readers - be mindful and read carefully so as not to miss out on important clues. There were many small details to be taken into account that might not be significant at first until the end.
I love how the author expertly wove the scenes like a movie - very cinematographic style with words. It fits the suspense theme with "hidden" thoughts well hidden. Just when readers think they got the case solved, the author places a "wrench" into our theories, washing it away like the ocean washing away our sand fort, and we start from scratch.
I enjoyed the "slow-burning" attraction between Penelope and Lund. They worked well as partners helping give insight and details that were critical investigation and given other "angles." They remind me of Sherlock and Watson but in a guy-girl setting. They have a slow-burning attraction that makes the book even more interesting as they sort out their feelings internally while simultaneously solving crimes.
As the book's mysteries unfold, many family secrets related and unrelated to the murder surface as the investigations dig deeper. There are a lot of shocking truths, revelations, and an ending that will leave readers bewildered. The players all have their set of ideas, personae, and façades that are a treat when shown to "the privileged few." More sinister things happened that even extended to a supposedly "unrelated" case that Lund was working on. Who knew that all of the things happening within the Met are interrelated to all the characters.
In summary, Murder at a Met is a fascinating, fantastic read. It will keep readers in their seats and devour the book immediately - wanting to find out the who, what, why, and where. Things are NOT what they seem on the surface, and readers need to dig a lot deeper to find out the "uglies" in the story. The ending was a sad yet complex one as the truth unfolded uncontrollably. The techniques reminded me of memorable A&E mysteries (i.e. Agatha Christie or Miss Marple, etc.) that I loved and missed so much. I love how the author got enthralled in the mystery and suspense. That is how I know a good book is all about - when it makes me revisit and rethink the details, plot days after finishing it.
This book is a keeper!
This review can also be found in Currant7 Recommends.
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Murder at the Met is the second installment of the Penelope Harris Mystery. The title is a dead giveaway of what the story is about - a suspicious murder at the Metropolitan Opera (Met), wherein our two heroes, Penelope and Lund, were present. Although the title gives the main plot, there are still many complex "moving" clues and goings-on that make this story a captivating and thrilling one.
Penelope Harris comes into the book as the new voice teacher for the Metropolitan Opera. She needs to find work soon after her experience in Book 1 that marred her with gossip, and no one was interested in getting her to sing or teach. A sold-out show at the Met brought Penelope to meet up with a man from her past that would finally make his intentions known. Too bad, it had to be amidst the chaos of a murder investigation, poisoning, and robbery in the mix.
Thom Lund is a private financial detective who was also at the wrong place. He was at the Met for a performance when he bumped into an old friend from Book 1 and someone from who Lund thought he got over. His visit was a cover to speak to a potential client, but it all snowballed into another case that got him involved more directly as one of the four thousand possible suspects in the murder that evening. This complication dampers his current caseload at needs his full attention.
Before I start this review, I want to reassure readers who might wonder if reading Book 1 is necessary to appreciate Book 2, that no - you do not need to read the first book to enjoy the storyline, scenes, and characters. Readers can dive into Book 2 immediately and catch up with the details since the author provided some pertinent information to help "fill in" Penelope, Lund's background story, and their pasts.
Without giving away too much, Murder at the Met brings Lund and Penelope's sleuthing prowess that will bring readers "on the edge of their seats" from the start until the last chapter. Written from multiple characters' POVs, I suggest readers take time reading it and repeat it if need be to not miss on details. There is a whole bunch of characters/suspects to rule out.
I adore the book's historical feel, and the opera world's inside politics of the opera world. The book takes readers back to the 1920s, as the author described each scene in vivid detail from the clothing, the food, the people, and the socio-economic situation in the story. The writing is logical yet ominous at the same time, which builds the air of uncertainty from the start.
Readers - be mindful and read carefully so as not to miss out on important clues. There were many small details to be taken into account that might not be significant at first until the end.
I love how the author expertly wove the scenes like a movie - very cinematographic style with words. It fits the suspense theme with "hidden" thoughts well hidden. Just when readers think they got the case solved, the author places a "wrench" into our theories, washing it away like the ocean washing away our sand fort, and we start from scratch.
I enjoyed the "slow-burning" attraction between Penelope and Lund. They worked well as partners helping give insight and details that were critical investigation and given other "angles." They remind me of Sherlock and Watson but in a guy-girl setting. They have a slow-burning attraction that makes the book even more interesting as they sort out their feelings internally while simultaneously solving crimes.
As the book's mysteries unfold, many family secrets related and unrelated to the murder surface as the investigations dig deeper. There are a lot of shocking truths, revelations, and an ending that will leave readers bewildered. The players all have their set of ideas, personae, and façades that are a treat when shown to "the privileged few." More sinister things happened that even extended to a supposedly "unrelated" case that Lund was working on. Who knew that all of the things happening within the Met are interrelated to all the characters.
In summary, Murder at a Met is a fascinating, fantastic read. It will keep readers in their seats and devour the book immediately - wanting to find out the who, what, why, and where. Things are NOT what they seem on the surface, and readers need to dig a lot deeper to find out the "uglies" in the story. The ending was a sad yet complex one as the truth unfolded uncontrollably. The techniques reminded me of memorable A&E mysteries (i.e. Agatha Christie or Miss Marple, etc.) that I loved and missed so much. I love how the author got enthralled in the mystery and suspense. That is how I know a good book is all about - when it makes me revisit and rethink the details, plot days after finishing it.
This book is a keeper!
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