Scan barcode
lnel's review against another edition
mysterious
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
1.0
fowlermillbabe's review against another edition
2.0
I think that this series has become to much of a formula. I am done!
tobyyy's review against another edition
4.0
This was the first Molly Murphy mystery that I read, and I adored it! Molly is such an intrepid heroine, and I really enjoyed her as a fictional character as well. I had no complaints about her and how she handled herself in the book. Granted, I suppose some of the things that occurred in the story (such as her plethora of implausible stories placating the police in a foreign city when she was actively hindering them during a murder investigation) require suspension of disbelief, but that is something that I'm more than happy to provide when reading a cozy mystery.
I loved that I got a feel for the hustle and bustle of Paris at the turn of the century, and it was interesting to see all of the names that were dropped throughout the book (Mary Cassatt, Degas, Monet, Picasso).
Definitely would recommend to historical fiction/cozy mystery buffs. I'll be looking for further books in this series for certain.
I loved that I got a feel for the hustle and bustle of Paris at the turn of the century, and it was interesting to see all of the names that were dropped throughout the book (Mary Cassatt, Degas, Monet, Picasso).
Definitely would recommend to historical fiction/cozy mystery buffs. I'll be looking for further books in this series for certain.
saraelizabetha's review
adventurous
informative
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
cpalisa's review against another edition
3.0
This is book 13 of a series that I just grabbed randomly. I'm sure there is a lot of backstory/character development that I've missed but I decided to give it a try anyhow. It was an okay book, I'd give it 3.5 stars. Loved the turn of the century Paris setting. The storyline with all the artists was interesting but seemed clear who had likely "done it" very early on, though it took our sleuth until the last few pages of the book to figure it out. I spent most of the book hoping I was wrong and would be surprised, but that wasn't the case. Also, the fact that she just left her baby all the time just bugged me. She is kind of a lame mom and a slow detective. Loved Paris, though!
wayfaring_witch's review against another edition
4.0
This book was an interesting read, especially with Sid and Gus missing. I found myself unable to put down this book, and would sneak a few minutes here and there. Once they were found the book slowed but I still enjoyed it.
I very much enjoy the cozy feeling of these books, but depth is too often sacrificed. Early on in the book Molly's house is bombed and there is a major death and Molly, while perturbed, doesn't seem to react naturally. And while solving the mysteries of this story she leaves her son at the hand of strangers and friends and justifying it because it is what rich people do. These issues are not left addressed, but not as naturally as expected. I would need more digging into her brain.
I hope the next story develops Molly more as a mother and her relationship with Daniel.
I very much enjoy the cozy feeling of these books, but depth is too often sacrificed. Early on in the book Molly's house is bombed and there is a major death and Molly, while perturbed, doesn't seem to react naturally. And while solving the mysteries of this story she leaves her son at the hand of strangers and friends and justifying it because it is what rich people do. These issues are not left addressed, but not as naturally as expected. I would need more digging into her brain.
I hope the next story develops Molly more as a mother and her relationship with Daniel.
rebzreads100's review against another edition
4.0
I picked a copy of this up from a second hand book sale not realizing it is one of the later in the series. Regardless, it was easy to follow along and Molly's character is great.
cook_memorial_public_library's review against another edition
4.0
Recommended by Jane.
Check our catalog: http://encore.cooklib.org/iii/encore/search/C__Scity%20of%20darkness%20and%20light%20bowen__Orightresult__U?lang=eng&suite=gold
Check our catalog: http://encore.cooklib.org/iii/encore/search/C__Scity%20of%20darkness%20and%20light%20bowen__Orightresult__U?lang=eng&suite=gold
thebrownbookloft's review against another edition
4.0
I liked this one better than the last few because Daniel wasn’t In it and Molly got to be herself. I stopped reading the series for quite a while just because I hated that Molly got married and Daniel seriously clipped her wings. Granted, that was/is a real problem but I’d rather have the old Molly back.
janettedv's review
3.0
An OK read for a Sunday evening. The setting was great but the characters seemed a bit stilted.