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bessadams's review
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
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
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder, Alcoholism, and Death
Moderate: Death of parent, Kidnapping, Injury/Injury detail, Sexism, and Fire/Fire injury
Minor: Sexual content, Colonisation, Ableism, and Infidelity
yourbookishbff's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This was such a fun series start and a delight on audio (narrator: Angele Masters). I've always assumed the Veronica Speedwell series would feel tonally similar to Lady Sherlock, and I'm so happy to be incorrect, because these series feel so distinctly different that I now won't hesitate to dive into this one (I'll admit Lady Sherlock occupies an exclusive corner of my heart). Told in first-person by our female main character, Veronica, this is lighthearted, witty and adventurous. The twists in this one are predictable but still fun, and I'm excited to continue the series!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Murder, Gun violence, Suicide, Injury/Injury detail, Abandonment, Grief, Death, and Ableism
Minor: Sexual content
emilywemily6's review
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? No
4.5
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! If you like witty banter, a clever FMC who strays from the stereotypical, and a historical mystery, this book is for you. I found that I really liked the writing style and was sucked in to these characters. The only thing I didn’t like was the pacing of this book, which made many of the dramatic moments in the book feel inconsequential. I guess I expected more drama in the writing considering how much their lives were threatened, but we breezed through a lot of perilous scenes. I adore Veronica and found her relatable yet refreshingly distinct, and while she would be considered an odd duck in this time period it felt like her characterization fit in with the story and felt realistic. Though she was overly stubborn when Stoker thought she was connected to the murder (which she was!). I loved the direction this book went and I definitely did not see the major plot line going the direction it went, which was so fun to read. I’m looking forward to reading the next one!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Racism, Sexual content, Alcohol, Death of parent, Death, Violence, Medical content, Injury/Injury detail, and Murder
Minor: Cursing, Colonisation, and Pregnancy
wilybooklover's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
2.0
I would’ve liked Veronica’s characterisation as bold and before her time if she also didn’t feel so disdainful of and superior to other women and anything she perceives as feminine. As it was, it came across as Not Like Other Girls style internalised misogyny and combined with the caricatural portrayal of almost every other woman but Veronica it really ruined my enjoyment of the book.
Also, exactly how many skills is Stoker supposed to have before it strains my credulity? He’s a natural historian and taxidermist, a tracker and hunter, a former expedition leader, a former magician/knife-thrower in a circus, a surgeon who served in the Navy... all of which he is apparently exemplary at.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Death, and Murder
Moderate: Animal death, Classism, Death of parent, Cultural appropriation, Injury/Injury detail, Racism, Sexism, Kidnapping, Misogyny, and Xenophobia
Minor: Colonisation and Sexual content
em_swanson's review
adventurous
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? It's complicated
3.5
If you want a fun, light hearted mystery set in Victorian Era London this is a good choice. The main characters are engaging and well written. The plot is unique and fun but easy to follow. There isn't much of a tie in to actual hysterical events however, and some of the characters seem out of their time period.
Content Warnings
Minor: Death, Alcohol, and Sexual content
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