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beegirl5's review against another edition
I tried, I really did, but after reading 15% of the book I still had no idea who was who or why I should care. Flat and boring. Dnf
tobyyy's review against another edition
4.0
A good start to a new series!! I love historical mysteries that take place in England; they are addictive.
anconn's review against another edition
3.0
I liked this book a lot, I’ll admit that 100%. But the grammatical errors nearly made me put it down less than halfway through. Did absolutely no one read this before it was published? Did the author not check her work? It truly baffles me how bad the grammar is.
That being said, I truly hope the next book has a proper read-through.....or five.
That being said, I truly hope the next book has a proper read-through.....or five.
tiffanip's review against another edition
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
mindsplinters's review against another edition
2.0
A fast read with a lot of moving parts and characters that mostly got wrapped up. Red herrings galore. The main trio is quite likeable but you definitely have to go "okay, this is her first mystery" when looking at Catherine because, holy hell, she just spouts off her theories and every bit of info she gathers to EVERYONE and is the most blessedly ham-handed thing in the world when investigating. Hopefully, she learns better technique (or the author realizes that there is such a thing as giving away TOO MUCH info) for the next book.
As others have noticed, there were anachronisms and, upon reflection, outright dodgy period research but it is such a quick read and I was able to just roll on through with it.
I do object to the rather unnecessary complication of the near-fiance. It gave more angles to Catherine's personality and a nice show of spine and spirit at the end but there were so many other opportunities for her to do that in the rest of the book. Also, frankly, a love triangle in a mystery gets a bit smothering unless it's the reason for the murder.
I love Dot. Full stop.
The ending felt decidedly rushed and only worked because Catherine is new at this and clearly sometimes packs up her common sense and leaves it in baggage claim.
There was a mention of Lord Peter Wimsey. I swooned.
As others have noticed, there were anachronisms and, upon reflection, outright dodgy period research but it is such a quick read and I was able to just roll on through with it.
I do object to the rather unnecessary complication of the near-fiance. It gave more angles to Catherine's personality and a nice show of spine and spirit at the end but there were so many other opportunities for her to do that in the rest of the book. Also, frankly, a love triangle in a mystery gets a bit smothering unless it's the reason for the murder.
I love Dot. Full stop.
The ending felt decidedly rushed and only worked because Catherine is new at this and clearly sometimes packs up her common sense and leaves it in baggage claim.
There was a mention of Lord Peter Wimsey. I swooned.
ehparrish's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
aly_p's review against another edition
1.0
DNF. The writing style and odd depiction of the location did not agree with me
vesper1931's review against another edition
2.0
1934 Oxford. At a retirement party for Dr Sarah Sargent, Catherine Tregowyn and Dr Harry Bascombe discover the body of Dr Agatha Chenowith. As discoverers of the body they become suspects, so to clear their names they investigate the killing.
Unfortunately there were a few historical inaccuracies in the story. Catherine is obviously not as intelligent as she thinks she is, and I really didn't find her that interesting.
Unfortunately there were a few historical inaccuracies in the story. Catherine is obviously not as intelligent as she thinks she is, and I really didn't find her that interesting.
tahlia__nerds_out's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
3.0
Enjoyable enough, but very predictable. I think I expected the genius of Agatha Christie and so was disappointed. It wasn’t fair, but there it is.
Description is a strong point for this author, however. I usually am not a reader who necessarily “sees” what I’m reading, but I had no problem imagining Cat’s clothes. Unfortunately, the thing I personally enjoy most in a book — characters that feel real — was lacking.
I kept finding myself being pulled out of the book and grimacing because the characters felt “off”. Their interactions seemed to be rather forced, especially the romance.
It was a nice relaxing way to spend a few hours, but I probably won’t be reading more of this author. Just not my cup of tea.
Description is a strong point for this author, however. I usually am not a reader who necessarily “sees” what I’m reading, but I had no problem imagining Cat’s clothes. Unfortunately, the thing I personally enjoy most in a book — characters that feel real — was lacking.
I kept finding myself being pulled out of the book and grimacing because the characters felt “off”. Their interactions seemed to be rather forced, especially the romance.
It was a nice relaxing way to spend a few hours, but I probably won’t be reading more of this author. Just not my cup of tea.
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