Reviews with content warning for Violence - A Curious Beginning

Reviews tagging 'Violence'

A Curious Beginning by Deanna Raybourn

6 reviews

gemin1reader's review against another edition

adventurous

3.75

I really enjoyed this. An adventurous Victorian mystery with the faintest hint of romance featuring a very charming FMC.

Ever so slightly ridiculous plot but a lot of fun to read!

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emilywemily6'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? 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!

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jhbandcats's review against another edition

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adventurous funny lighthearted mysterious fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.25

I am in a distinct minority in that I was not bowled over by this book. It’s a feather-light trifle, fairly bloodless, without much tension.

The two main characters are fun, both outsiders in Victorian society. I enjoyed them a lot but the plot was so-so. Veronica, the heroine, is noted for her cleverness but she seems astonishingly dense for about the first half of the book. I *never* can figure out mysteries but even I knew what was happening from almost the beginning - though the circus was a surprise.

I’m not intrigued enough to read the next eight in the series. It just felt like the author was trying too hard. I don’t know how to explain it better. I read her Killers of a Certain Age and thought it was delightful. This was merely okay.

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greenlivingaudioworm's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional mysterious tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No

2.5

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blewballoon's review against another edition

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adventurous funny informative mysterious tense fast-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

This was a lot of fun! I listened to this on audiobook and the narrator was excellent. I was expecting a typical murder mystery, but this is a lot more adventurous with many different escapades for Veronica and the various characters she met along the way. I'll definitely be continuing with the series. Veronica is a likable protagonist for a mystery series, she's highly capable but isn't always right.

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eleek0609's review against another edition

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adventurous funny lighthearted mysterious medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

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