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cj_mo_2222's review
4.0
Seamstress/bookkeeper Esther Jacobs gets an unexpected job offer when selling a building she inherited. The purchaser, Helen Trenchard leads the National Women's Labour Alliance, which fights for better wages and safer working conditions for women, and asks Esther to be her assistant. Although she's engaged to be married, Esther is eager to accept the job to maintain her independence. However, women who have signed up for the alliance are being warned to quit, in a very creepy way. Now it's up to Esther, her fiancé Jack and his uncle Percy, both Scotland Yard detectives, to find out who is responsible before the perpetrator becomes even more dangerous.
"The Night Caller" is the second "Esther and Jack Enright" books and the Victorian England setting will appeal to fans of Anne Perry and Victoria Thompson. I've read the first in the series, which gives details on how Esther and Jack met, but new readers will be able to jump right in and enjoy this book. I was engaged in the story right from the beginning. The efforts on behalf of working-class women during this time is interesting and takes a sad turn as the story progresses.
I like Esther for her intelligence, independence, work ethic, and kindness. Jack is also smart, determined and has a great sense of humor. Uncle Percy is clever and non-judgmental. Together, the three of them make an unlikely, but effective investigation team. Their investigation is interesting as they search for clues individually and together. The case takes some unexpected turns and kept my interest until the very end. I wish more time would have been spent at the end focusing on the important event in Esther and Jack's life, but the ending was still satisfying. I'm looking to the third book that is coming out soon. In the future, I hope Esther can find the strength, with Jack's support, to stand up to Jack's sometimes overbearing mother as they go forward in their lives.
I received this book through the courtesy of Sapere Books. The book was provided to me in exchange for an honest review.
"The Night Caller" is the second "Esther and Jack Enright" books and the Victorian England setting will appeal to fans of Anne Perry and Victoria Thompson. I've read the first in the series, which gives details on how Esther and Jack met, but new readers will be able to jump right in and enjoy this book. I was engaged in the story right from the beginning. The efforts on behalf of working-class women during this time is interesting and takes a sad turn as the story progresses.
I like Esther for her intelligence, independence, work ethic, and kindness. Jack is also smart, determined and has a great sense of humor. Uncle Percy is clever and non-judgmental. Together, the three of them make an unlikely, but effective investigation team. Their investigation is interesting as they search for clues individually and together. The case takes some unexpected turns and kept my interest until the very end. I wish more time would have been spent at the end focusing on the important event in Esther and Jack's life, but the ending was still satisfying. I'm looking to the third book that is coming out soon. In the future, I hope Esther can find the strength, with Jack's support, to stand up to Jack's sometimes overbearing mother as they go forward in their lives.
I received this book through the courtesy of Sapere Books. The book was provided to me in exchange for an honest review.
vesper1931's review
4.0
In London, 1891 although the Ripper has been caught women are again beng terrorized. He steals their undergarments and leaves threatening notes. But no one is taking this seriously until D.S. Percy Enright gets involved. Soon his nephew Jack and fiancee Esther become embroiled in the investigation.
An enjoyable well-written, and easily read Victorian mystery.
An enjoyable well-written, and easily read Victorian mystery.
canada_matt's review
4.0
First and foremost, a large thank you to David Field and Sapere Books for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.
A continued exploration of Victorian England’s criminal underbelly through the eyes of David Field proves to be a wonderful escape for the curious reader. With Esther and Jack preparing to marry, there is much to do, including finding the perfect dress. In an attempt to counterbalance the drama of such an event, Esther finds herself offered a job working for the National Women’s Labour Alliance, a union hoping to bring support to women working across London. Still in its infancy, the Alliance hopes to be a driving force in changing work practices for the better and has a firecracker leading the charge. Meanwhile, Jack Enright has accepted a role as Detective Constable with Scotland Yard. His Uncle Percy, a long-time copper, has taken Jack under his wing and will show him the art of detecting. Their first case pertains to someone breaking into the homes of women and stealing their...unmentionables. With these thefts comes written demands that the women immediately distance themselves from the Alliance. While most events were undertaken when the women were away or sleeping, the culprit has become brazen and removed a few pairs from women while the knickers were still in place. Could this be a crime of a sexual nature and one of a sicko? Jack and Percy put their heads together and share what they know, bringing Esther into the conversation, only to see that she might have some insight. Working the case from two angles, Esther will try to sleuth out information from within the Alliance while Jack and Percy follow leads to nab the thief. Things take a significant turn when the thieving turns to murder, putting Esther in the middle of what could be an extremely dangerous assignment. As London looks to turn a page on its industrial history, a murderer lurks in the shadows, wanting to halt things before they get started. The wedding will have to take a backseat as long as there is a case to be solved, though nothing will keep these lovebirds from tying the proverbial knot. Another great mystery that reads so swiftly and with ease. Recommended for those who enjoy Victorian crime thrillers.
I was recently introduced to David Field and his work by an eager publisher. After devouring the first novel, I knew I would have to get my hands on the follow-up, which has proven to be just as entertaining. Field uses an intriguing setting, Victorian England, and some strong characters to propel this story into something both exciting and easy to enjoy. Esther Jacobs remains a strong protagonist as she uses her strong personality to enchant many of those she meets. Her role as a union member and clerk is not downplayed by Field whatsoever, but proves essential to the entire plot. She is both determined and willing to listen, which helps her sleuth undetected. Detective Constable Jack Enright’s passion for policing is apparent, which he has undertaken with gusto. Field paints his male protagonist as a dedicated copper and one who wants to rid the streets of this thief/killer, but also protect Esther. Jack and Esther complement one another so well, working the crime as effectively as their impending cohabitation. Field is able to develop this connection without making Enright appearing any less crime-focussed. The secondary characters again fit perfectly into this story, using their Cockney speech and wayward manner to take the reader inside the less refined parts of London while also allowing a sense of being in the middle of the action. The story itself flows well and keeps a decent pace as the chapters pass by quickly. With only a short time for Field to develop his narrative, there is little time for extemporaneous blather, but always a chance to inject some humour into happenings. The writing leaves the reader wanting to know more and pushing to find out who might be responsible for these dastardly crimes with female victims. Field has done a masterful job with these first two novels and I have a third awaiting my perusal. I can only hope that he keeps writing these sorts of mysteries for all to enjoy.
Kudos, Mr. Field, for this wonderful follow-up novel. I am eager to get my hands on more Esther and Jack stories and hope others will follow my lead.
Like/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/248185-a-book-for-all-seasons
A continued exploration of Victorian England’s criminal underbelly through the eyes of David Field proves to be a wonderful escape for the curious reader. With Esther and Jack preparing to marry, there is much to do, including finding the perfect dress. In an attempt to counterbalance the drama of such an event, Esther finds herself offered a job working for the National Women’s Labour Alliance, a union hoping to bring support to women working across London. Still in its infancy, the Alliance hopes to be a driving force in changing work practices for the better and has a firecracker leading the charge. Meanwhile, Jack Enright has accepted a role as Detective Constable with Scotland Yard. His Uncle Percy, a long-time copper, has taken Jack under his wing and will show him the art of detecting. Their first case pertains to someone breaking into the homes of women and stealing their...unmentionables. With these thefts comes written demands that the women immediately distance themselves from the Alliance. While most events were undertaken when the women were away or sleeping, the culprit has become brazen and removed a few pairs from women while the knickers were still in place. Could this be a crime of a sexual nature and one of a sicko? Jack and Percy put their heads together and share what they know, bringing Esther into the conversation, only to see that she might have some insight. Working the case from two angles, Esther will try to sleuth out information from within the Alliance while Jack and Percy follow leads to nab the thief. Things take a significant turn when the thieving turns to murder, putting Esther in the middle of what could be an extremely dangerous assignment. As London looks to turn a page on its industrial history, a murderer lurks in the shadows, wanting to halt things before they get started. The wedding will have to take a backseat as long as there is a case to be solved, though nothing will keep these lovebirds from tying the proverbial knot. Another great mystery that reads so swiftly and with ease. Recommended for those who enjoy Victorian crime thrillers.
I was recently introduced to David Field and his work by an eager publisher. After devouring the first novel, I knew I would have to get my hands on the follow-up, which has proven to be just as entertaining. Field uses an intriguing setting, Victorian England, and some strong characters to propel this story into something both exciting and easy to enjoy. Esther Jacobs remains a strong protagonist as she uses her strong personality to enchant many of those she meets. Her role as a union member and clerk is not downplayed by Field whatsoever, but proves essential to the entire plot. She is both determined and willing to listen, which helps her sleuth undetected. Detective Constable Jack Enright’s passion for policing is apparent, which he has undertaken with gusto. Field paints his male protagonist as a dedicated copper and one who wants to rid the streets of this thief/killer, but also protect Esther. Jack and Esther complement one another so well, working the crime as effectively as their impending cohabitation. Field is able to develop this connection without making Enright appearing any less crime-focussed. The secondary characters again fit perfectly into this story, using their Cockney speech and wayward manner to take the reader inside the less refined parts of London while also allowing a sense of being in the middle of the action. The story itself flows well and keeps a decent pace as the chapters pass by quickly. With only a short time for Field to develop his narrative, there is little time for extemporaneous blather, but always a chance to inject some humour into happenings. The writing leaves the reader wanting to know more and pushing to find out who might be responsible for these dastardly crimes with female victims. Field has done a masterful job with these first two novels and I have a third awaiting my perusal. I can only hope that he keeps writing these sorts of mysteries for all to enjoy.
Kudos, Mr. Field, for this wonderful follow-up novel. I am eager to get my hands on more Esther and Jack stories and hope others will follow my lead.
Like/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/248185-a-book-for-all-seasons
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