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3.78 AVERAGE
3.78 AVERAGE
adventurous
funny
mysterious
relaxing
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. An unconventional woman, a murder investigation and an ending that keeps you guessing right to the very end. The lack of predictability in this book was refreshing, and whilst you think you have it figured out you can't help but second guess yourself. Can't wait to read the next two.
Absolutely love this book. Great beginning to one of my favorite series.
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
I enjoyed this much more than I was expecting. Lady Julia is a wonderfully flawed heroine (don't you hate it when the female lead is perfect?), and while I didn't always agree with what she did and said, I admired her ability to follow through on it. Brisbane was a bit more obnoxious to me, with the whole brooding hero thing he was cultivating, but I have high hopes for him in the future novels in the series! Actually, I've already requested them through my library.
mysterious
sad
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:
Yes
I read this because of the Vaginal Fantasy Hangout book club. I am very glad I did. Lady Julia is an interesting heroine whose progressiveness in Victorian society is refreshing and heartening. Nicholas Brisbane, the swarthy, tempestuous romantic interest is seriously flush-inducing. I really wanted to find out who committed the murder and why, so this book succeeded in both its mystery and romance tasks. On to the second in the series!
Although I didn’t enjoy this as much as the Veronica Speedwell books this was still a fun read. Perhaps a bit too slow, and i did guess the culprit (quite near the beginning although i didn’t get the reason right). Lady Julia isn’t as feisty as Veronica which is a shame, but i like Brisbane and i’m intrigued enough to pick up the second one and hope Julia develops a bit more sass.
I returned to my want to read list on Goodreads, and started working through the unread books in chronological order until I came to one that was available here on the shelf, and this title was the winner. I don't remember what made me put it on the list originally, but I took out a couple days ago and really enjoyed it. Reminded me of Anne Perry in a way but not quite as formal. Unfortunately, the library has later books in the series but not #2 so I'll have to wait awhile for it to arrive from MNLINK.
The book started off with a bang, enticing readers within the first few paragraphs. After that, it has dips and peaks, which too, will keep you reading, although with not as much fervor as when you began. That said, for me it was still enjoyable as I am entranced by the time period and I enjoyed Ms. Raybourn's writing style. I will be reading the others in this series.
After the death of her husband, Lady Julia Grey is approached by Nicholas Brisbane, who shares with her information that someone was tormenting her husband and quite possibly, had murdered him. Not one to sit on the side lines, Lady Grey retains the services of Brisbane to find out if her husband died of the heart ailment that plagued him or if he was indeed murdered. Lady Grey insists on being a part of the investigation, which leads her to clues about her husband that are very unpleasant and dangerously close to the killer.
After the death of her husband, Lady Julia Grey is approached by Nicholas Brisbane, who shares with her information that someone was tormenting her husband and quite possibly, had murdered him. Not one to sit on the side lines, Lady Grey retains the services of Brisbane to find out if her husband died of the heart ailment that plagued him or if he was indeed murdered. Lady Grey insists on being a part of the investigation, which leads her to clues about her husband that are very unpleasant and dangerously close to the killer.