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annashiv's review
2.0
I really wanted to like this book. I was going to give it at least 3 stars until the last 50 to 60 pages. It just wasn't satisfying. It felt messy and somehow I stopped caring about the characters. He set up a lot of good points with lots of potential for a good ending, but it just fell flat. It felt like the plot was driving the characters instead of the other way around. Also, the dialogue was almost random and poorly done, which I was willing to ignore until the end. The one thing I just couldn't believe was the forensics part. I am aware that some of these things are setting up things for the next books, but so much felt unnecessary or poorly added, the forensics being the biggest one. I was amazing by how little the author knew about what realistic expectations there are when it comes to fingerprints, the main point of frustration for me was how many clear prints they could get on a pair of scissors. No mention of smudges or overlap or anything. It was so flawed as to take off a whole star in itself.
I think the real reason it all just fell apart at the end was the killer's motivation for killing. For the first book, I expected something really interesting or a twist or something to really give it something special, but there wasn't anything like that. There was just nothing that made it different from a generic mystery murder adventure novel. Nothing interesting. There were many threads, but none of them really panned out to a really exciting ending.
I did want to like it though. I love Victorian mysteries, but this just wasn't done well unfortunately. However, if you like mysteries that don't need to make sense but have lots of action, intrigue and character, then feel free to read this, just don't expect any sense of realism.
I think the real reason it all just fell apart at the end was the killer's motivation for killing. For the first book, I expected something really interesting or a twist or something to really give it something special, but there wasn't anything like that. There was just nothing that made it different from a generic mystery murder adventure novel. Nothing interesting. There were many threads, but none of them really panned out to a really exciting ending.
I did want to like it though. I love Victorian mysteries, but this just wasn't done well unfortunately. However, if you like mysteries that don't need to make sense but have lots of action, intrigue and character, then feel free to read this, just don't expect any sense of realism.
k_katterhenry's review against another edition
4.0
Could feel myself telling characters to watch out. liked how the plot lines wove together. overall pretty enjoyable.
retired_to_alternate_universe's review against another edition
5.0
Very well written period detective novel. Well worth reading.
vintageowl's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
cutenanya's review against another edition
4.0
I give this book a 3.5 star because it's an enjoyable read, though there are many problems that plague this book:
1) Obviously, the style of the language is inaccurate, considering people might not use certain terms in that era.
2) We know who the killer is early on and there is not enough element of mystery to keep people guessing what's going to happen next.
3) The forensic aspect of the book played too little a role, we don't really think it's crucial to catching the killer.
Still, the characters are likable and the pace is alright, which is why it will be an okay read when one has nothing else to do on a rainy afternoon.
1) Obviously, the style of the language is inaccurate, considering people might not use certain terms in that era.
2) We know who the killer is early on and there is not enough element of mystery to keep people guessing what's going to happen next.
3) The forensic aspect of the book played too little a role, we don't really think it's crucial to catching the killer.
Still, the characters are likable and the pace is alright, which is why it will be an okay read when one has nothing else to do on a rainy afternoon.
ageekybibliophile's review against another edition
3.0
This book had a few too many characters for my reading pleasure. I found myself drawn more to the side stories than the main case. I also felt like the main case went on forever and then just ended. I liked the character of Hammersmith and will get round to reading it's sequel at some point but until then I'll say it was an okay read just a bit long winded for my liking.
godollin's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
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
4.0
toadtornado's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.75
Feels more like backstory the author had to explain so we would understand the story he wanted to write- book 2. Reads more like the first rocky season of a tv show than a novel. I liked the main characters though. Hopeful book 2 or a stand alone novel by this author would be better.
The amount of “ahead of his times” moments the doctor has is very funny to me. I love girlboss moments lol
The amount of “ahead of his times” moments the doctor has is very funny to me. I love girlboss moments lol
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Child abuse, Injury/Injury detail, Kidnapping, and Murder
Moderate: Trafficking and Child death
anniemd's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5