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informative
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
The setting is well developed but the mystery... not so much. Canning?? Seriously the guy was mentioned like two times in the whole book before the ending. There was barely any way to suspect him that since he wasn't even interrogated. There were way too many side stories/red herrings that barely got wrapped up in the conclusion and the even main mystery was barely explained. Was there any kind of deeper motive? Who knows!
Also like, it's realistic that Murdoch would want Owen to be "straightened out" because of the homophobic attitudes in the 19th century, but I get the distinct impression that the author agrees and didn't think twice about it. Just feels like something that wouldn't have been put that way in a book today and I kinda left the book on a sour note because of it.
By the way, I can't find anything at all about the word "shicey" which is used so many times in this... I guess it means shitty?? Overall I found the use of old timey slang and nonstandard spelling to be overzealous. At one point a character says "whoze" instead of "who's" and you can't convince me there's a difference in how anyone would pronounce those.
Also like, it's realistic that Murdoch would want Owen to be "straightened out" because of the homophobic attitudes in the 19th century, but I get the distinct impression that the author agrees and didn't think twice about it. Just feels like something that wouldn't have been put that way in a book today and I kinda left the book on a sour note because of it.
By the way, I can't find anything at all about the word "shicey" which is used so many times in this... I guess it means shitty?? Overall I found the use of old timey slang and nonstandard spelling to be overzealous. At one point a character says "whoze" instead of "who's" and you can't convince me there's a difference in how anyone would pronounce those.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Self harm, Sexual assault, Murder
Minor: Homophobia, Miscarriage
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Extremely detailed. Jennings brings 1985 Toronto to life and populates it with interesting characters each with their own agendas. The descriptions, slang, and atmosphere combine to great effect.
Murdoch is a likeable and sympathetic detective, with his own flaws, insecurities, and ambitions (a relief after reading Poirot and Sherlock, both of whom are in awe of their own perfection lol). His relationships with other characters are genuine and add a bit of interest to his life outside of the case.
Recommended for readers of mystery and historical fiction. The twists should prove satisfying to even long time mystery readers, and the setting adds novelty.
Murdoch is a likeable and sympathetic detective, with his own flaws, insecurities, and ambitions (a relief after reading Poirot and Sherlock, both of whom are in awe of their own perfection lol). His relationships with other characters are genuine and add a bit of interest to his life outside of the case.
Recommended for readers of mystery and historical fiction. The twists should prove satisfying to even long time mystery readers, and the setting adds novelty.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual assault, Classism
Minor: Self harm, Religious bigotry