Scan barcode
razreads's review against another edition
2.0
If you're starting the series, don't begin with this one which is, in my opinion, the weakest so far. Dunn attempts to create a complex array of characters with time-period-appropriate quirks and backstories, but in failing to lay the requisite foundations, we instead end up with a poor sense of who's who and no real interest in any of them. The mystery itself was very simplistic and predictable by halfway (since you may, by then, have a vague grasp of some of the characters). All that aside, the continuation elements of Daisy & Alec's characters, their individual growth and the inter-relationships was a saving grace, and the optimistic, light-hearted banter from Alec was highly appreciated along the way.
Also, note to myself more than anything, not an audiobook narrator for me - like the book, I felt it was trying too much (in this case, to come across as an English Lady) and, again like the book, not succeeding (having several lapses into American pronunciations).
Also, note to myself more than anything, not an audiobook narrator for me - like the book, I felt it was trying too much (in this case, to come across as an English Lady) and, again like the book, not succeeding (having several lapses into American pronunciations).
thriftybookishlucy's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
3.5
wealhtheow's review
3.0
The Honorable Daisy Dalrymple writes magazine articles for a living and for fun, pokes her nose into the cases of her friend, Inspector Alec Fletcher of Scotland Yard. In this, the third book of the series, the attraction between Daisy and Alec continues to deepen while they sort out their class differences. This book is ostensibly about the murder investigation of an unpleasant opera singer, but the mystery is so far from thrilling that only my affection for the main characters kept me reading. If you liked the first two books about Daisy, you might as well read this one, but don't expect too much.
I don't mean to damn it with faint praise--I enjoyed reading this, and the writing has a cozy charm all its own. But I realized as I wrote this review that a week after reading it, I couldn't really remember the plot and had, in fact, utterly forgotten who the murderer was.
I don't mean to damn it with faint praise--I enjoyed reading this, and the writing has a cozy charm all its own. But I realized as I wrote this review that a week after reading it, I couldn't really remember the plot and had, in fact, utterly forgotten who the murderer was.
craftmomma55's review
4.0
Daisy Dalrymple is a charming sleuth. She says things like "spiffing" and "topping", but somehow, they're NOT too corny. Daisy is a young, impoverished socialite trying to make her way in the world and dating a "copper" and somehow always gets involved in his work. Quick, easy reads, but good for all that.
lifefullofwords's review
3.0
3 stars
The weakest book in the series so far but still a fun read. The mystery isn’t very strong, I guessed it early on and never doubted myself. I will say I was wrong about the motive. The secondary characters were delightful. Like Christie, Carola Dunn is great at writing vivid secondary characters. Unfortunately she lacks Christie’s deftness with plot. Daisy continues to be delightful but Alec was a real ass. Also, I’m tired of him solving the mystery and not her. Hopefully that will change. Nevertheless I’m excited to see where the series will go.
The weakest book in the series so far but still a fun read. The mystery isn’t very strong, I guessed it early on and never doubted myself. I will say I was wrong about the motive. The secondary characters were delightful. Like Christie, Carola Dunn is great at writing vivid secondary characters. Unfortunately she lacks Christie’s deftness with plot. Daisy continues to be delightful but Alec was a real ass. Also, I’m tired of him solving the mystery and not her. Hopefully that will change. Nevertheless I’m excited to see where the series will go.
librarianelizabeth's review against another edition
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
I really like these as audiobooks. The narrator does good voices for individual characters. I liked the opera setting and characters, and I like seeing Daisy's relationships with recurring characters evolving. I'm deducting marks for the way some of the characters were handled. There's some 1920's vintage prejudice towards Jews that didn't altogether serve the plot and characters- could have gone a different direction with that, even in a historical novel that's trying to evoke the 1920's.
metta's review against another edition
2.0
I just couldn't get into this one; it felt too drawn out (lengthy without much happening) and I was pretty much speed-reading (as opposed to reading at a leisurely pace, savouring the story/words) to finish it. Not the best, but not the worst, either. Also, as this is the third in the Daisy Dalrymple series, I have yet to feel like I know Daisy well, if that makes sense. Or Alec for that matter (although I dislike it when characters have kids or are widows, etc. Come to think of it, what happened to the mother of his child?).
kbc's review against another edition
3.0
Imaginary bonus points for getting me to finally listen to Verdi's Requiem.
zoer03's review against another edition
5.0
Love this series, its soo much fun and light and full of good cheer. This is a book to read when you are feeling low and need a pick me up.