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savagemoose's review against another edition
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Minor: Sexism, Classism, and Gore
ssejig's review against another edition
3.0
Life hasn't been particularly kind to Rosalind Thorne in the last five years. She came home from a ball on cloud nine from a ball, certain that she was about to be engaged. To a second son, but she loves him. Or could. But her world collapses when she learns that her father has lost their family's money and is running away in shame, taking only Rosalind's older sister. Over time, her mother died and Rosalind was given a home by her godmother. Rosalind has also managed to make a little place for herself in the society that has shunned her by helping others who are in an untenable situation. One of those women is Honoria Aimesworth. And Honoria's mother is asking for help again. But this time, Honoria is about to be engaged to a duke, Rosalind's former love. Rosalind turns them down but when Honoria's brother turns up dead in the hallowed halls of Almack's and Rosalind is the one to find him, she finds herself drawn into the mystery.
I really liked this story and hope that somebody does some really good line editing before it goes into print (lots of sighs, a countess addressed as "Your Grace," and some interesting comma placements). This is very much like a Maisie Dobbs but set in an earlier time. I do like the fact that Rosalind seems to be fallible with several characters mentioning that she often misplaces her loyalties (although did it need to be mentioned quite so much?)
It was a fast read and I'll definitely put the second book on my "watch for" list.
I really liked this story and hope that somebody does some really good line editing before it goes into print (lots of sighs, a countess addressed as "Your Grace," and some interesting comma placements). This is very much like a Maisie Dobbs but set in an earlier time. I do like the fact that Rosalind seems to be fallible with several characters mentioning that she often misplaces her loyalties (although did it need to be mentioned quite so much?)
It was a fast read and I'll definitely put the second book on my "watch for" list.
barefootsong's review against another edition
3.0
Wilde's story delves into the behind-the-scenes of Almack's, which is fascinating, and adds a body in the (empty) ballroom. Shocking!
Rosalind Thorne, a gentlewoman clinging to the edges of society after her father abandoned her and her mother (after getting into financial difficulties and forgery), makes herself "useful" as a sort of Regency fixer, assisting other women with smoothing over scandals. Rosalind's godmother, Lady Blanchard (who saved her from being thrown out of society entirely after her father's disappearance), will be leaving her position as one of the patronesses of Almack's when her husband gets a foreign service appointment and she asks Rosalind to help her find a replacement—scheming around the other patronesses. There are a lot of scheming women in this, but in a good way—women coming up with ways to survive and/or thrive in a cutthroat society. Rosalind is at Almack's to fetch Lady Blanchard after a meeting of the patronesses when she comes across a body in the ballroom. She is asked by the dead man's sister to find out what happened, whether accident or murder, and because of her social position, she is also able to help the Bow Street Runner hired on the case who would not have the same reception as her in "polite circles."
I had a hard time connecting to Rosalind, but it's very interesting to see her navigating this in-between space, not a servant, but no longer on equal footing with the people who were once her peers. I liked Rosalind's frenemy Honoria a lot, and I hope their relationship continues to develop in subsequent books. I was not very interested in either of Rosalind's love interests.
I resent the marketing description of calling this series "inspired by the novels of Jane Austen" since it has nothing in common with Austen's novels besides the time period and country. Sigh.
Rosalind Thorne, a gentlewoman clinging to the edges of society after her father abandoned her and her mother (after getting into financial difficulties and forgery), makes herself "useful" as a sort of Regency fixer, assisting other women with smoothing over scandals. Rosalind's godmother, Lady Blanchard (who saved her from being thrown out of society entirely after her father's disappearance), will be leaving her position as one of the patronesses of Almack's when her husband gets a foreign service appointment and she asks Rosalind to help her find a replacement—scheming around the other patronesses. There are a lot of scheming women in this, but in a good way—women coming up with ways to survive and/or thrive in a cutthroat society. Rosalind is at Almack's to fetch Lady Blanchard after a meeting of the patronesses when she comes across a body in the ballroom. She is asked by the dead man's sister to find out what happened, whether accident or murder, and because of her social position, she is also able to help the Bow Street Runner hired on the case who would not have the same reception as her in "polite circles."
I had a hard time connecting to Rosalind, but it's very interesting to see her navigating this in-between space, not a servant, but no longer on equal footing with the people who were once her peers. I liked Rosalind's frenemy Honoria a lot, and I hope their relationship continues to develop in subsequent books. I was not very interested in either of Rosalind's love interests.
I resent the marketing description of calling this series "inspired by the novels of Jane Austen" since it has nothing in common with Austen's novels besides the time period and country. Sigh.
_bookdreamer's review against another edition
3.0
I recieved this book from Berkley Publishing last summer and finally got around to it since I'm on a mission to finish all my books I have bought at home.
This was a pretty good book. Rosalind reminded me of Georgie from the Royal Spyness books which is never a bad thing. I love when characters have so much personality and are hilarious.
The overall mystery was well thought out and written as well. A great book!
This was a pretty good book. Rosalind reminded me of Georgie from the Royal Spyness books which is never a bad thing. I love when characters have so much personality and are hilarious.
The overall mystery was well thought out and written as well. A great book!
libraryelf's review against another edition
4.0
Took a while to pick up. Rosalind as a character is infuriating until we end up closer to the end of the book. She plays a part and does as she's told and in some moments, seems clueless to what's happening. It was hard for me to like her.
As to love interest, it's annoying to have a love triangle and not feel comfortable shipping either man with Rosalind (I prefer mysteries where is it super clear who gets together).
Overall, I slogged through it until the pieces started coming together and then I couldn't put it down. Am planning to try another book in the series and see if things improve.
As to love interest, it's annoying to have a love triangle and not feel comfortable shipping either man with Rosalind (I prefer mysteries where is it super clear who gets together).
Overall, I slogged through it until the pieces started coming together and then I couldn't put it down. Am planning to try another book in the series and see if things improve.
tostita's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 stars. This book was very slow to get started, which is most of the reason for the three star rating. By the end I was engrossed, though. The “whodunnit” didn’t surprise me but the “why” did. Will read the sequel.
nicoleekaty's review against another edition
4.0
I really enjoyed this! I can't wait to read the next one.
holtfan's review against another edition
4.0
I had my doubts after the patently absurd introduction but this was actually quite a fun novel. I have quite the weakness for Regency cozy mysteries and this one did not disappoint. (Even if it did throw in a love triangle and borderline insta-love which...sigh.)
The story follows Miss Rosalind Thorne, who hangs on the outskirts of society doing odd jobs and keeping scandals at bay in exchange for social currency and a network of favors bestowed and owed. When she discovers a dead body at Almack's, the patronesses put her in charge of hushing it up. But the murdered man's sister has other ideas, and when you throw in a former fiance and dedicated Scotland Yard officer, further secrets are bound to get uncovered.
The book reminded me of [b:A Lady's Guide to Etiquette and Murder|36630895|A Lady's Guide to Etiquette and Murder (A Countess of Harleigh Mystery, #1)|Dianne Freeman|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1511198988l/36630895._SX50_.jpg|58394698] but the characters in A Useful Woman appealed to me more. Despite a desire to veer into the absurd and a perchance for romantic entanglements that made me arch an eyebrow, the book does a fairly good job with historical accuracy and keeps things going at a fast pace. I will definitely be reading the next one in the series.
The story follows Miss Rosalind Thorne, who hangs on the outskirts of society doing odd jobs and keeping scandals at bay in exchange for social currency and a network of favors bestowed and owed. When she discovers a dead body at Almack's, the patronesses put her in charge of hushing it up. But the murdered man's sister has other ideas, and when you throw in a former fiance and dedicated Scotland Yard officer, further secrets are bound to get uncovered.
The book reminded me of [b:A Lady's Guide to Etiquette and Murder|36630895|A Lady's Guide to Etiquette and Murder (A Countess of Harleigh Mystery, #1)|Dianne Freeman|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1511198988l/36630895._SX50_.jpg|58394698] but the characters in A Useful Woman appealed to me more. Despite a desire to veer into the absurd and a perchance for romantic entanglements that made me arch an eyebrow, the book does a fairly good job with historical accuracy and keeps things going at a fast pace. I will definitely be reading the next one in the series.
thoughtsfromapage's review against another edition
4.0
4.5 stars
A Useful Woman turned out to be so much better than I thought it would be. I hate starting out with that sentence, but in this case it’s the absolute truth. One of the employees of my favorite book store recommended it to me, and I bought it when it first came out. Then the book sat on my bedside table for weeks before I finally decided to start it – I think the cover is what put me off the book. Thankfully, A Useful Woman was a very fun and clever read. I enjoyed it so much that I read it in two days when things were very busy around my house.
The novel takes place in London during the Regency era when high society rules were governed by the ton. Rosalind Thorne’s family has had a fall from grace, and she has managed to barely maintain her position in society with the help of her godmother, Lady Blanchard. As the story progresses, Rosalind becomes involved in a murder investigation and resourcefully sets about trying to solve it.
While the plot and characters are well developed and authentic, my favorite part of the novel was all of the historical references. Sarah Zettel, writing as Darcie Wilde, clearly did her research, and the Regency streets of London came alive as I read this novel. Almack’s and its inning workings are a large part of this story, as well as White’s, the bow street runners, the Hue & Cry, and many other historical details. I felt this added so much to the story.
A Useful Woman is beautifully written mystery with witty characters, and I am ready for the next installment!
A Useful Woman turned out to be so much better than I thought it would be. I hate starting out with that sentence, but in this case it’s the absolute truth. One of the employees of my favorite book store recommended it to me, and I bought it when it first came out. Then the book sat on my bedside table for weeks before I finally decided to start it – I think the cover is what put me off the book. Thankfully, A Useful Woman was a very fun and clever read. I enjoyed it so much that I read it in two days when things were very busy around my house.
The novel takes place in London during the Regency era when high society rules were governed by the ton. Rosalind Thorne’s family has had a fall from grace, and she has managed to barely maintain her position in society with the help of her godmother, Lady Blanchard. As the story progresses, Rosalind becomes involved in a murder investigation and resourcefully sets about trying to solve it.
While the plot and characters are well developed and authentic, my favorite part of the novel was all of the historical references. Sarah Zettel, writing as Darcie Wilde, clearly did her research, and the Regency streets of London came alive as I read this novel. Almack’s and its inning workings are a large part of this story, as well as White’s, the bow street runners, the Hue & Cry, and many other historical details. I felt this added so much to the story.
A Useful Woman is beautifully written mystery with witty characters, and I am ready for the next installment!