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haewilya's review
5.0
Highly recommended. It satisfied both my taste for mystery and romance. And all the characters were awesome and fully formed.
eeclayton's review
3.0
The mystery was quite good, I enjoyed the twists; however, the romance was a little unbelievable for me, in fact, I couldn't really root for Elizabeth very much.
ccgwalt's review
4.0
Excellent book. Very engrossing mystery with great characters. I hope to read more by this author.
kalie_universe_pristineprose's review
5.0
I think I have just fallen in love with Victorian mysteries, railway surgeons, and newspapermen.
sandeevalley's review
4.0
Thank you to the publisher for giving me this copy through Netgalley to review.
First things first, I had little-to-no expectations for this book; it was well out of my comfort zone. I rarely read mysteries for one, and the ones I do read are exclusively Nancy Drew. That being said, I had no idea how this book would turn out. It seemed like an adult book and though the synopsis gave me some idea of what the plot was - and who the main love interest would be -, I still couldn't prepare myself for how much I came to enjoy this book. When I first started it, I wasn't quite enthralled with it and honestly, it took me maybe 50 pages to actually be interested and excited for how the book would turn out. I quite liked how the main character was more invested in the mystery than the charismatic and charming surgeon, but still followed through with her heart and feelings during the entirety of the novel.
The only qualm I had with the book was the mystery. It wasn't exactly suspenseful nor did it cause me to wonder "what's going to happen?" and it relied too heavily on the characters to drive the plot forward than being a standalone thing on its own. Which really is questionable since it is titled a "Victorian Mystery." However, the characters themselves are the best part of the book and I wouldn't mind reading what became of James and Anthony later on.
First things first, I had little-to-no expectations for this book; it was well out of my comfort zone. I rarely read mysteries for one, and the ones I do read are exclusively Nancy Drew. That being said, I had no idea how this book would turn out. It seemed like an adult book and though the synopsis gave me some idea of what the plot was - and who the main love interest would be -, I still couldn't prepare myself for how much I came to enjoy this book. When I first started it, I wasn't quite enthralled with it and honestly, it took me maybe 50 pages to actually be interested and excited for how the book would turn out. I quite liked how the main character was more invested in the mystery than the charismatic and charming surgeon, but still followed through with her heart and feelings during the entirety of the novel.
The only qualm I had with the book was the mystery. It wasn't exactly suspenseful nor did it cause me to wonder "what's going to happen?" and it relied too heavily on the characters to drive the plot forward than being a standalone thing on its own. Which really is questionable since it is titled a "Victorian Mystery." However, the characters themselves are the best part of the book and I wouldn't mind reading what became of James and Anthony later on.
beckethm's review
3.0
I'm uncertain whether [b: A Lady in the Smoke|23738574|A Lady in the Smoke A Victorian Mystery|Karen Odden|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1447858140s/23738574.jpg|43350520] is best categorized as a historical mystery with a romance subplot or a historical romance with a mystery subplot, as it really is both.
Like many a romance heroine, Lady Elizabeth Fraser has suffered a disappointing London Season. Gossip has it that her substantial dowry has been wiped out--a rumor she can neither confirm nor deny. But as she and her mother head home to regroup, her troubles on the marriage front are swept aside by a catastrophic train derailment. In the crash's immediate aftermath, she helps a heroic young surgeon treat the wounded survivors, and over the next several days she grows closer to him, while also learning of suspicious circumstances surrounding the crash. As Lady Elizabeth, the doctor, and a reporter friend dig deeper into the cause of the derailment they uncover connections to her family and her own financial difficulties.
This book has a lot going on, including industrial sabotage, stock speculation, corporate malfeasance, a medical malpractice trial, drug addiction, and buried family secrets. The threads all come together eventually, but I can't help thinking it might have been a slightly better story with some judicious pruning.
The romance plot was not terribly original. A woman of noble birth falls for a worthy but socially inferior love interest. There were no particular surprises to the unfolding of their relationship or its eventual outcome, although I will say that I enjoyed Lady Elizabeth's gradual transformation from a sheltered, if kind-hearted, socialite to a woman of independence.
The strength of this book is in its historical accuracy. Karen Odden clearly knows the Victorian era, and did an excellent job recreating the period while bringing to life arcane details of railways and medical practice. I would recommend [b: A Lady in the Smoke|23738574|A Lady in the Smoke A Victorian Mystery|Karen Odden|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1447858140s/23738574.jpg|43350520] to anyone who enjoys reading about late 19th-century life.
3.5 stars.
I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Like many a romance heroine, Lady Elizabeth Fraser has suffered a disappointing London Season. Gossip has it that her substantial dowry has been wiped out--a rumor she can neither confirm nor deny. But as she and her mother head home to regroup, her troubles on the marriage front are swept aside by a catastrophic train derailment. In the crash's immediate aftermath, she helps a heroic young surgeon treat the wounded survivors, and over the next several days she grows closer to him, while also learning of suspicious circumstances surrounding the crash. As Lady Elizabeth, the doctor, and a reporter friend dig deeper into the cause of the derailment they uncover connections to her family and her own financial difficulties.
This book has a lot going on, including industrial sabotage, stock speculation, corporate malfeasance, a medical malpractice trial, drug addiction, and buried family secrets. The threads all come together eventually, but I can't help thinking it might have been a slightly better story with some judicious pruning.
The romance plot was not terribly original. A woman of noble birth falls for a worthy but socially inferior love interest. There were no particular surprises to the unfolding of their relationship or its eventual outcome, although I will say that I enjoyed Lady Elizabeth's gradual transformation from a sheltered, if kind-hearted, socialite to a woman of independence.
The strength of this book is in its historical accuracy. Karen Odden clearly knows the Victorian era, and did an excellent job recreating the period while bringing to life arcane details of railways and medical practice. I would recommend [b: A Lady in the Smoke|23738574|A Lady in the Smoke A Victorian Mystery|Karen Odden|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1447858140s/23738574.jpg|43350520] to anyone who enjoys reading about late 19th-century life.
3.5 stars.
I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
mon_ique's review
4.0
I just randomly picked this up...
But it was pretty good!
The mystery that surrounded the beginning events cleverly engages the reader into an interesting adventure that attempts to give a snapshot of the different industries of the Victorian Era (health, technology, legal).
While the ending/romance to me at first seemed foolish (and by the standards of then was indeed a bad idea), reaxamining my criteria and applying it to this book, I couldn't fault them for their attachment. It was actually well written and entertaining.
Would recommend!
But it was pretty good!
The mystery that surrounded the beginning events cleverly engages the reader into an interesting adventure that attempts to give a snapshot of the different industries of the Victorian Era (health, technology, legal).
While the ending/romance to me at first seemed foolish (and by the standards of then was indeed a bad idea), reaxamining my criteria and applying it to this book, I couldn't fault them for their attachment. It was actually well written and entertaining.
Would recommend!
booksavvyreviews's review
4.0
Re-Read review:
I re-read this novel recently because I scarcely remembered reading and reviewing it so here is my updated take.
While this novel does take off from the gates with a bang it slows down immensely, unfolding mystery after mystery and soon the book is riddled with mysteries ranging from Parliament, railroad and family affairs. While everything is patched up eventually and even becomes related it overall seemed too much and a little far-fetched.
The characters are likable enough, my favorite was Mr. Paul Wilcox, a railway surgeon. The main character, Elizabeth, isn't exactly memorable, but she is surrounded by characters who are.
The overall pacing of the story fairly slow, but the plot was enough to keep me turning the pages—even if the mysteries were a bit convoluted. A decent read for a dreary November week.
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I re-read this novel recently because I scarcely remembered reading and reviewing it so here is my updated take.
While this novel does take off from the gates with a bang it slows down immensely, unfolding mystery after mystery and soon the book is riddled with mysteries ranging from Parliament, railroad and family affairs. While everything is patched up eventually and even becomes related it overall seemed too much and a little far-fetched.
The characters are likable enough, my favorite was Mr. Paul Wilcox, a railway surgeon. The main character, Elizabeth, isn't exactly memorable, but she is surrounded by characters who are.
The overall pacing of the story fairly slow, but the plot was enough to keep me turning the pages—even if the mysteries were a bit convoluted. A decent read for a dreary November week.
Website - Facebook - Instagram
cmbohn's review against another edition
4.0
Lady Elizabeth Fraser and her mother are returning home after a miserable London Season only to be involved in a train wreck. Elizabeth has a minor concussion and her mother’s ankle is sprained, but she can’t manage anything without Elizabeth’s help. Only handsome Dr. Wilcox is able to provide the care her mother needs. Elizabeth is drawn to the young man, but such a match would never be permitted by Society. Elizabeth knows this, but her heart refuses to listen. She’s drawn into Dr. Wilcox’s life, his crusade for safer railway conditions, and the bitter struggle against his powerful enemies.
I found this one while browsing the title’s my library had available for online audiobooks, and I have to say I was hooked. I love a good historical mystery and this one was very promising. Victorian setting, star-crossed lovers, class struggles, and a new author, it was lots of fun. Definitely recommended.
I found this one while browsing the title’s my library had available for online audiobooks, and I have to say I was hooked. I love a good historical mystery and this one was very promising. Victorian setting, star-crossed lovers, class struggles, and a new author, it was lots of fun. Definitely recommended.
achlebos's review
4.0
Hard to believe this is a first novel!! So well written; i couldn't wait to get back to it. I look forward to her next one!