Reviews

To Davy Jones Below by Carola Dunn

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omegabeth's review against another edition

3.0

I did love the setting, and thought the characters were very well drawn, even though he plot was quite easy to unravel from the get-go. These books are such a quick read that it normally doesn’t matter, but I had checked out the audiobook version, so I literally had 6 hours of listening and thinking about how C.D. had constructed the story and was planning to reveal all instead of enjoying the usual 2-3 hours of atmosphere and characters around the mystery when reading. So it might really be a 4 for light entertainment, but if you read quickly, don’t get the audiobook!

showell's review against another edition

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2.0

I suppose it is a pleasant enough read, although the gimmicks in this book are threadbare by now. Solved this one halfway through and almost decided to put it down. Finished it because they only ever take 3 hours to read from start to finish. Still I think I need to let some months pass before I read any more of Dunn's routine mysteries.

rebeccabadger's review against another edition

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medium-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

4.5

gray5217's review against another edition

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adventurous funny lighthearted mysterious relaxing fast-paced

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

4.75

coffee_and_chapters's review against another edition

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adventurous mysterious medium-paced

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

3.0

Another enjoyable read!

laurenjodi's review against another edition

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4.0

To Davy Jones Below
4 Stars

Following their wedding, Alec and Daisy Fletcher are sent by Scotland Yard to America to aid in establishing the fledging FBI. Accompanying them on the cross-Atlantic voyage are Philip Petrie and his wife, Gloria, as well as her father, Caleb P. Arbuckle, and his wealthy friend, Jethro Gotobed, who has recently wed a showgirl whom everyone suspects of being a golddigger. When a series of suspicious accidents result in the deaths of several passengers, Daisy finds herself investigating while Alec is laid low by sea sickness.

Series note: This book includes numerous characters from earlier installments. As such, it is recommended that the series be read in order.

While the mystery is obvious from the start, the cruise ship setting is excellent (as are the details on the various shipping accidents interspersed throughout the narrative), and the interesting characters, including the engaging Mr. Gotobed and the intriguing Miss Oliphant, more than compensate for the lack of originality in the plot.

There is also some good character development for Daisy and Alec, who are getting to know each other even better now that they are married and forced into close quarters onboard the ocean liner. Alec proves to be a terrible patient, and Daisy's forbearance is admirable.

A final note on the audiobook narration - Lucy Raynor has replaced Mia Chiaromonte, which makes all the difference. Her voices, both male and female, are excellent; her accents, English and American, are appropriate, and her pronunciation is accurate (thank goodness!).

Overall, this is a significant improvement from the past couple of books. Hopefully, the series has regained its momentum and will be moving in a positive direction.