Scan barcode
witchqueen5's review against another edition
4.0
I love the Oscar Wilde murder mysteries, they usually have me hooked. This one lost my attention at times, as the action slowed its pace, but in the final few chapters it had captivated me once more. It had fascinating bits of Parisian history and exaggerated actor-types (which were right on point) that made it easy for the reader to imagine the world described in this book. Although at times it gave you the feeling that you knew what was going to happen, or who the real culprit was, the last chapters reveal the truth and it's most likely not what you expected. I definitely recommend this book and the entire series!
coffeenbooks74's review against another edition
mysterious
slow-paced
- Loveable characters? No
2.0
Oscar Wilde solves the murders of a poodle, a servant, and the head of an acting dynasty. In the process, he discovers a series of secrets that led to the murders.
terrilynnwrites's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
flappermyrtle's review against another edition
4.0
I really enjoyed reading this book! It was a smooth read, the language really spoke to me, and the way the characters were developed was realistic and suited my idea of the decadence in France very well. The story itself had the right amount of excitement and scare in it, with a mindboggling climax. Certainly a must-read for those in love with the Victorian era :)
woolfardis's review against another edition
2.0
While I say that I read this novel, I would be vaugely lying. I skimmed it, which was a shame since I really wanted to enjoy this book. Oscar Wilde coupled with a murder-mystery? How can you get any better than that?
It was more the style of writing that put me off. I was determined to not have to put this book on my 'didn't-finish' shelf, because I was actually excited to read it.
First and foremost, the chapter layout was a particular mess, although this is a minor defect considering only the second chapter was off. It skipped from first person from the view point of Robert Sherard to a curious, very biographical and very iffy chapter on Oscar's voyage to America which seemed more like an Introductory note than a chapter and would probably serve better as the prologue or something akin.
I also found it very slow, though I could see that it was trying to replicate the storytelling abilities of the Victorian era.
Aside from the poor writing which unfortunately put me off it completely, the portrayal of Oscar Wilde was quite beautiful and was exactly how one should-and how I-imagine Oscar Wilde would have spoken, acted and looked.
Disappointing, but what can you do.
It was more the style of writing that put me off. I was determined to not have to put this book on my 'didn't-finish' shelf, because I was actually excited to read it.
First and foremost, the chapter layout was a particular mess, although this is a minor defect considering only the second chapter was off. It skipped from first person from the view point of Robert Sherard to a curious, very biographical and very iffy chapter on Oscar's voyage to America which seemed more like an Introductory note than a chapter and would probably serve better as the prologue or something akin.
I also found it very slow, though I could see that it was trying to replicate the storytelling abilities of the Victorian era.
Aside from the poor writing which unfortunately put me off it completely, the portrayal of Oscar Wilde was quite beautiful and was exactly how one should-and how I-imagine Oscar Wilde would have spoken, acted and looked.
Disappointing, but what can you do.
bev_reads_mysteries's review against another edition
2.0
2 & 1/2 stars; Decent. Didn't like it as well as the first two. Just didn't really care for the wrap up.
dkalina's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
3.0
verityw's review against another edition
3.0
I enjoyed this one (another from the library book pile) which was back in time from the previous installments in the series and had plenty of twists and turns to keep you interested. I still think some of the foreshadowing of later events is a bit clunky, but then it must be really difficult to write a book about someone whose exploits are so well known and put in realistic nods to the future without seeming corny and or obvious.
I'll continue to work my way through the series - from the library though as they're not ones I think I'd read again.
I'll continue to work my way through the series - from the library though as they're not ones I think I'd read again.
elysareadsitall's review against another edition
2.0
The mystery part of this story was interesting, but unfortunately it was a small part of the story. The story seems to be a very long ramble through a year in the life of Oscar Wilde just so the author can name and quote drop as often as possible. Obviously when reading a fictional tale about a famous person's life, you want some easter eggs dropped in, but there is such a thing as too much of a good thing. I got impatient with the story a few times and just wanted to get on with the actual plot.
foxwrapped's review against another edition
3.0
I... think I am finished with this series for now. Not particularly bad... it's just... god, I don't know. Mediocre and I'm kinda over it.