Reviews

Viviana Valentine Goes Up the River by Emily J. Edwards

Only show reviews with written explanations

karlybug's review against another edition

mysterious fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

2.0

Listen. I had a fine enough time with the first one, so I tried the second. I think I fell asleep sometime while listening and I'm not even sure I missed anything. I struggled through this one. My plan was to finish it and get to the third (and most recent) book, but I couldn't bring myself to get past the third chapter. Everything that happened in this immediately flew out of my brain as soon as I finished it. This was not for me, and that's okay. I'll probably try this genre again though, by another author; I want it to be good!

annaj2143's review against another edition

Go to review page

funny lighthearted mysterious medium-paced

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

3.5

elothwen's review against another edition

Go to review page

Incredibly boring mid-century science and technology based plot. The best parts of the first book—Viviana being plucky, the boarding house, Tally, late night diners, etc.—were all missing here. The isolated setting did not work for me, and there was a whole lot of telling instead of showing, most especially

Spoiler

regarding Viviana and Tommy. I DNF'ed at like 40% but I know they genuinely get engaged and I'm just baffled. Their behaviors together are cringeworthy and make little sense. We aren't actually allowed to know anything about them except they've worked together for years and she patches up his wounds. They have 0 chemistry. The bit when she curls up next to him in bed, they wake up cuddling, he kisses her forehead...what? It was just all strange to me. I barely know Tommy at all!

The characters in this one were flimsy and unattractive, too, and the solution to the case wasn't very satisfying (especially since I didn't care about the case). I'm so sad because I adored the first book, but I won't be finishing the series.

sandylc's review against another edition

Go to review page

3.0

I like the lead characters and the story is interesting. It is a bit heavy-handed in its 1950's references.

lizdaniii's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous funny lighthearted mysterious medium-paced

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

4.0

Content Warnings

keeltrice's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous funny lighthearted mysterious reflective fast-paced

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

5.0

Another excellent book in the Viviana Valentine series! I high enjoy watching the returning characters develop and the noir detective vibes of the writing. At the same time, the setting is so different from the first book that it keeps it fresh and allows us to learn more about the characters as we try to solve the mysteries they are confronted with. I’m looking forward to book 3 in the series.