Reviews

Masters in This Hall by KJ Charles, KJ Charles

Only show reviews with written explanations

qalminator's review

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5.0

Ah, lovely. My kind of Christmas romance, where two estranged lovers reunite in common cause

Spoiler

to take down the bastard who ruined them both

. Also featuring

Spoiler

Jerry

, who is clearly relishing his role of "villainous mastermind". While not necessary to have read the rest of the series, the end will be so much more hilarious if you have.

ladysmartypants's review against another edition

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adventurous funny fast-paced

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

3.5

This was entertaining, though it did feel a bit rushed at times. It is a queer historical romance wrapped in a mystery with a kinda-sorta heist and plenty of drama. The characters could definitely have
more depth. The MC is likable enough, the setting fairly elaborate. The supporting cast of characters is a bit too elaborate, given how short the entire story is. It was a lighthearted read and it relies on a
number of popular mystery tropes to keep things interesting. I know it was meant as a Christmas story, but despite the frequent mentions and recurring cards, it's not really giving Christmas.

emilyveryromance's review against another edition

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adventurous funny tense fast-paced

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

5.0

fyarae's review against another edition

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funny mysterious fast-paced

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

3.0

moneypenny96's review against another edition

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adventurous funny lighthearted mysterious fast-paced

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

3.75

kimalah's review against another edition

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emotional 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

4.75

Another excellent entry in the Lilywhite Boys world. Masters in This Hall takes place at an elaborate, Victorian, Christmas house party in the English countryside. A disgraced hotel detective shows up at his rich uncle’s estate, in pursuit of his ex-lover who set him up for a robbery at the hotel where he worked. John, the detective, and Barnaby, his lover, are fun characters. As with the other Lilywhite books, the plot has twists, turns, hot intimacy, humor and loads of smart banter. I expect it to become a yearly holiday read for me.