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3.62 AVERAGE
3.62 AVERAGE
challenging
dark
hopeful
mysterious
sad
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:
Complicated
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
It's interesting to find out what life was like in a small English village after WWI. I'm familiar with the 1920's era in the States, but never gave England a thought during that time period. The details on rationing and the severe injuries that soldiers returned with, as well as the results of the influenza epidemic, made for a fascinating (and heartbreaking) setting.
I'll be adding the rest of the Beryl & Edwina mysteries to my TBR. Both characters are interesting examples of feminine strength at a time where they are constantly reminded of their limitations in society. I love Beryl's brash American adventuress confidence, obviously, but am also in love with her not-so-willowy larger physicality. It's refreshing to have a bold character also be boldly sized (especially a female), yet still lauded for her style. Edwina is a more familiar type to those who gravitate towards mysteries in small towns -- spinster living with dog in genteel poverty. However, she is also allowed to grow in confidence and strength through this first adventure.
Things are a bit too convenient at times, and the questioning of suspects is far more bold than I would credit English conversation as going, but the overall mystery (and solution) were satisfactory. I'm adding this to my list of recommended cozy historical mysteries. Wonderful listen on audio, too.
I'll be adding the rest of the Beryl & Edwina mysteries to my TBR. Both characters are interesting examples of feminine strength at a time where they are constantly reminded of their limitations in society. I love Beryl's brash American adventuress confidence, obviously, but am also in love with her not-so-willowy larger physicality. It's refreshing to have a bold character also be boldly sized (especially a female), yet still lauded for her style. Edwina is a more familiar type to those who gravitate towards mysteries in small towns -- spinster living with dog in genteel poverty. However, she is also allowed to grow in confidence and strength through this first adventure.
Things are a bit too convenient at times, and the questioning of suspects is far more bold than I would credit English conversation as going, but the overall mystery (and solution) were satisfactory. I'm adding this to my list of recommended cozy historical mysteries. Wonderful listen on audio, too.
This was an excellent cozy set in 1920s England. Really enjoyed it and looking forward to the next in the series. Barbara Rosenblat, whom I've loved from another cozy mystery series, is a bit stilted at the beginning but warms up to her characters by the 3rd chapter.
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
First in series -
Audiobook (All of my entries on The Story Graph are audiobooks.)
Why I added this book to my TBR pile: It kept coming up on my recommendations list.
Will I read more of the series?Probably Not Maybe Likely Most Likely Definitely I liked this book, but it was so much like other British cozy mysteries that I'm not sure I'll be able to remember it in a few months.
Audiobook (All of my entries on The Story Graph are audiobooks.)
Why I added this book to my TBR pile: It kept coming up on my recommendations list.
Will I read more of the series?
Content Warnings
Minor: Infidelity, Sexism, Murder
A lovely start to what, I presume, will be a series of Beryl and Edwina mysteries. The novel starts off a bit rough - the first two chapters didn't grab me at all - but the female friendship and humor at the core of the this book is well worth sticking around for. Look, the mysteries, such as they are, are inscrutable and not explained with a surfeit of clarity but Ms. Ellicott does have a lot of interesting angles with regard to class and female autonomy in the early 20th century. A definite recommend.
I received an ecopy from the publishers and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I received an ecopy from the publishers and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No