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3.62 AVERAGE
3.62 AVERAGE
hopeful
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
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.
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
The best part of this book was the volume of increasingly-annoyed markups a previous library patron had left to correct the incredible number of typos that made it through the editorial process.
Plot was fine (one too many surprise reveals imo), characters were tropes (yes, we know Ed is a spinster, yes Beryl is *gasp* American), dialogue was so repetitive. Mystery could have been solved in half the time if everyone a) shut up a lil bit and b) stopped going off alone.
Also why do we hate the gardener? He moved some sticks??? He's poor? I'm still v confused about that subplot.
Plot was fine (one too many surprise reveals imo), characters were tropes (yes, we know Ed is a spinster, yes Beryl is *gasp* American), dialogue was so repetitive. Mystery could have been solved in half the time if everyone a) shut up a lil bit and b) stopped going off alone.
Also why do we hate the gardener? He moved some sticks??? He's poor? I'm still v confused about that subplot.
adventurous
funny
mysterious
relaxing
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This was included as part of my Audible subscription. I love a good British murder mystery and this at around eight hours of listening time was perfect. This is the first book in a series that follows American adventurer Beryl going to stay with her down on her financial luck English friend Edwina . There is a murder in the village and the friends decide to find the killer. Good narration . I have already downloaded the second book in the series.
This was a lot of fun. I enjoyed the two main characters immensely, as well as how they complement each other— both as friends and as investigators. The feel for the time period between the wars, the American vs. English perspective of it, and the changing feelings on class and progress were nicely evoked, too. I’ll look for the next.
The world traveler and adventurer, Beryl Helliwell, realizes her old friend Edwina is in need of financial assistance when Edwina advertises for a lodger. The setting is post World War I! in a small village in England, where nefarious doings come to the attention of Edwina and Beryl. A fun start to a new cozy mystery series, with two strong female characters. Recommended for cozy lovers.
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No