Reviews

Viviana Valentine is now New York’s top investigator, Tommy Fortuna’s partner and she is excited about their new case. Buster Beacon has become rich from his scientific knowledge and inventions. He welcomes many of his well-to-do friends to his estate in a quest to obtain more money for his research and advancements. He promises they will make money in the future if they just invest now. He has a problem though, he has heard some weird noises during the night, and no matter how many people help him search they can’t figure out where the noises are coming from. He has hired Tommy and Viviana to move in and find the source of the confusing sounds.

Shortly after Viviana and Tommy join Mr. Beacon and his various guests at his estate a huge snowstorm moves in leaving everyone at the estate snowed in. Then one of the guests is murdered. They know that one of them is a killer but there is no way out. Now, Tommy and Vivianna are not only tracking the source of the strange noises but more importantly, a murderer.

Is Viviana really cut out to be a top investigator? or will her snooping make her the killer’s next victim?

A classic locked-room mystery leaves Tommy and Viviana with their hands full. Posing as an engaged couple they try to solve the crime. This brings out an interesting and funny side of both characters. Vivana knows just how to get to Tommy as only she can. Their interactions are so entertaining. She is also very smart, sassy, and determined to solve the case and isn’t above a little flirting to get the answers she needs. Their new secretary, Tallulah Blackstone, who was featured in the first book is the one that set up the meeting between Buster Beacon, Tommy, and Vivianna, but then she really dropped the ball. She doesn’t really need to work so she didn’t. It was another woman from the boarding house where Viviana lives who really stepped up to help the snowed-in couple get some details they needed. I did like that while the main characters were away they still touched base back to the women at the boarding house.

The mystery was full of twists and turns. Beacon’s mansion was a character itself with its hidden rooms and staircases. Add to that every guest had some kind of secret or they weren’t who they said they were. At times it felt like Tommy and Viviana were going in circles but not in a bad way, they were just trying everything they could to ascertain the truth from a bunch of obstinate people who were trying to last long enough to get the bridge fixed and the snow cleared so they could get the heck out of there before they were accused or proven guilty. I enjoyed the pursuit very much.

Ms. Edwards’ words pulled me right into the story. Her detailed descriptions of the weather, the mansion, Buster Beacon, and his guests enhanced my enjoyment of the story. The author has a firm grasp of the life and times of the 1950s with appropriate slang, idioms, fashion, and more. Like the first book, Viviana Valentine Gets Her Man

, I had vivid images in my mind, just like watching a noir film.

Viviana Valentine Goes Up the River is a great follow-up to Viviana Valentine Gets Her Man

. I really like Vivianna and would probably follow her anywhere even into an old spooky house with a murderer. She is a fun female sleuth and I am excited to see what kind of investigation she gets wrapped up in next. Viviana Valentine and the Ticking Clock will be released on November 7, 2023.

leandrathetbrzero's review against another edition

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adventurous funny lighthearted mysterious tense 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? Yes

5.0

*Thank you Netgalley and Crooked Lane Books for gifting me an e-ARC copy in exchange for this honest review!

Private investigators Viviana Valentine and Tommy Fortuna are invited upstate to investigate odd noises occurring at the estate of wealthy and eccentric man of science, Buster Beacon. As Viv and Tommy pretend to be unassuming houseguests, the party grows ever more sinister: the strange noises continue, the roads close for snow, and a dead man is discovered among them. Can Viviana figure out who the culprit is before the weather clears, or before another person dies?

I am officially in love with Viviana and her 1950s world of private investigation. She has the perfect amount of street smarts, spunk, and unwavering loyalty. Her sharp tongue consistently makes me laugh, and I just find her character to be extremely likable. In this second installment, I was especially excited to see her working alongside Tommy this time, and I had so much fun experiencing their dynamic as they supported each other’s leads or theories. Naturally, I am a sucker for a good ‘fake dating’ trope, so when the two had to pretend to be engaged while attending Buster’s party, I was on cloud nine! Overall, just a wildly entertaining historical mystery with a vibrant setting, whether Viviana finds herself in New York City or on an expansive country estate.

There were some interesting references to scientific and technological advancement of the time, and these references heavily influenced the mystery plot. It’s obvious that Edwards performed the necessary research to make the plot coherent and keep the political and war history fans entertained. Always impressive when the author proves that they’ve done their research!

I can’t recommend this series enough to those who enjoy historical mysteries, wildly entertaining and sharp women sleuths, and satisfying romantic subplots. I’ve said it once, but I’ll say it again great for fans of Phryne Fisher or her niece Peregrine, His Girl Friday, and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. The voice narrator is fantastic as well for those who enjoy audiobooks or immersive-reading with book + audio!

megdaven's review

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funny hopeful lighthearted 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

2.0

Murder mystery set in 1950s New York, where a female and male detective partner go up to investigate strange noises in a rich man’s estate, but of course come upon a murder / conspiracy. I enjoyed all the historical aspects of it and how it looked gender issues of the time,, but the actual who-done-it plot wasn’t that engaging to me.

flyinglark's review against another edition

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adventurous informative lighthearted tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

leighburnham's review against another edition

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adventurous funny lighthearted 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

4.0

arrkon's review

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Just as excellent as the first! Strong character voices, unique takes on murder mystery tropes, and lots of fun!

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