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charlottereads_pdf's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
slow-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
5.0
ldv12's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
asreadbykat's review against another edition
4.0
True Rating: 4.5/5 Stars
Content/Trigger Warnings: Mild violence, kidnapping, mentions of child abandonment, discussions of family death
My Thoughts
"I never mean to shock anyone. It simply happens. I have a dreadful habit of speaking my mind, and it isn't one I'm looking to curb...."
I've been reading so many high-stakes, deeper fantasy books lately that I needed something more lighthearted to give my mind a break. I heard about this series via Booktube from some users I vaguely trust, and it was pretty cheap on Kindle, so I decided to pick it up.
And I'm so glad I did. This first book is like a lighter version of the TV adaptation of Miss Fisher's Muder Mysteries: unapologetically feminist, utterly snarky and hilarious, and with a slow-burn that has me screaming.
Veronica as a character is someone I love. She knows she's different from society's idea of a woman, and she loves it. She's confident, smart, and very forward-thinking. It makes her interactions with many of the male characters funny because they obviously expect someone completely different. But she isn't perfect; her confidence does cause her to make several missteps, and her straight-forward way of speaking can make her, at times, unlikeable. She can also be judgmental, deciding facts about someone without getting to know them. All of this usually ends up with her in trouble.
Lucky for her, Stoker, the man who is told to help her, is a great foil. He acts far more on emotion than logic, despite being a doctor and a scientist, and isn't afraid to point out the flaws in Veronica's plans. He stands toe to toe with her, curbing her spontaneous nature just enough to be believable. But he's also short-tempered, and if Veronica were anyone else, he could even be considered hurtful in some of what he says.
The only reason I didn't give this book a five star rating is because of the mystery. It wasn't one that I was particularly interested in, and was obviously only chosen to get the series kicked off. I was far more invested in Veronica's interactions with the people around her than the mystery itself.
Still, this was a fun, fast read and I definitely plan to read every book in the series.
Content/Trigger Warnings: Mild violence, kidnapping, mentions of child abandonment, discussions of family death
My Thoughts
"I never mean to shock anyone. It simply happens. I have a dreadful habit of speaking my mind, and it isn't one I'm looking to curb...."
I've been reading so many high-stakes, deeper fantasy books lately that I needed something more lighthearted to give my mind a break. I heard about this series via Booktube from some users I vaguely trust, and it was pretty cheap on Kindle, so I decided to pick it up.
And I'm so glad I did. This first book is like a lighter version of the TV adaptation of Miss Fisher's Muder Mysteries: unapologetically feminist, utterly snarky and hilarious, and with a slow-burn that has me screaming.
Veronica as a character is someone I love. She knows she's different from society's idea of a woman, and she loves it. She's confident, smart, and very forward-thinking. It makes her interactions with many of the male characters funny because they obviously expect someone completely different. But she isn't perfect; her confidence does cause her to make several missteps, and her straight-forward way of speaking can make her, at times, unlikeable. She can also be judgmental, deciding facts about someone without getting to know them. All of this usually ends up with her in trouble.
Lucky for her, Stoker, the man who is told to help her, is a great foil. He acts far more on emotion than logic, despite being a doctor and a scientist, and isn't afraid to point out the flaws in Veronica's plans. He stands toe to toe with her, curbing her spontaneous nature just enough to be believable. But he's also short-tempered, and if Veronica were anyone else, he could even be considered hurtful in some of what he says.
The only reason I didn't give this book a five star rating is because of the mystery. It wasn't one that I was particularly interested in, and was obviously only chosen to get the series kicked off. I was far more invested in Veronica's interactions with the people around her than the mystery itself.
Still, this was a fun, fast read and I definitely plan to read every book in the series.
mei_l's review against another edition
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
The story plot is something different and the main character Speedwell is a smart and had her own thought and very brave lady. But there is no romantic relationship between Speedwell and the male character which I expected it will be.
jennawhite05's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
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? It's complicated
4.0
gemin1reader's review against another edition
adventurous
3.75
I really enjoyed this. An adventurous Victorian mystery with the faintest hint of romance featuring a very charming FMC.
Ever so slightly ridiculous plot but a lot of fun to read!
Ever so slightly ridiculous plot but a lot of fun to read!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Fire/Fire injury, Violence, Blood, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
bookish_withsky's review against another edition
4.0
This was just as cozy and fun as everyone had said!
marieskywlker's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
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
3.0
sophiesreadingjournal's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
arshika94's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0