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3.43 AVERAGE
3.43 AVERAGE
mysterious
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
1865 Lady Jane Grey asks her friend Carles Lenox to investigate when she discovers that an ex-servant, Prudence Smith has died. But why would any one want to kill her
Overall an enjoyable story though there were too many Americanisms for a story set in Victorian England.
Overall an enjoyable story though there were too many Americanisms for a story set in Victorian England.
It is impossible not to compare Charles Lenox to Lord Peter Wimsey. They are both amateur gentleman detectives with a quiet and calm way of solving crime.
When Lady Jane asks long-time friend and neighbour, Charles Lenox, to look into the death of a former maid, he immediately leaves the comfort of his fire and heads to the girls place of death. While investigating the murder, Charles finds himself involved in affairs of state and with his brothers help he unravels a web of deceit and greed.
I quite liked this story. It slowly unfolded in a staid and quiet manner and yet there was no time I thought that the tale got boring or the descriptions were overpowering the story. It was peaceful and clever, Charles was interesting and the mystery had a great ending.
When Lady Jane asks long-time friend and neighbour, Charles Lenox, to look into the death of a former maid, he immediately leaves the comfort of his fire and heads to the girls place of death. While investigating the murder, Charles finds himself involved in affairs of state and with his brothers help he unravels a web of deceit and greed.
I quite liked this story. It slowly unfolded in a staid and quiet manner and yet there was no time I thought that the tale got boring or the descriptions were overpowering the story. It was peaceful and clever, Charles was interesting and the mystery had a great ending.
Life's too short to struggle into series you're not fully enjoying. Felt flat
RATING: 4 STARS
I happened to read some of the reviews before I started A Beautiful Blue Death, and the ratings were all over the board. I wasn't sure how I would land on this one, but tried to go into it without any expectations. Usually, I am a bit kinder (lack of a better word...actually, the only word that comes to mind) with first books in the series. There is a balance of introducing all new characters, world and having an engaging storyline. While there were some moments I did feel like the story lagged a bit, on the whole Finch's writing was well done, and I could see the potential of the next few books. What endeared me to this book was Charles Lennox and his relationship with Jane, Toto and her husband. I am looking forward to the next book.
I happened to read some of the reviews before I started A Beautiful Blue Death, and the ratings were all over the board. I wasn't sure how I would land on this one, but tried to go into it without any expectations. Usually, I am a bit kinder (lack of a better word...actually, the only word that comes to mind) with first books in the series. There is a balance of introducing all new characters, world and having an engaging storyline. While there were some moments I did feel like the story lagged a bit, on the whole Finch's writing was well done, and I could see the potential of the next few books. What endeared me to this book was Charles Lennox and his relationship with Jane, Toto and her husband. I am looking forward to the next book.
adventurous
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
Great start to a Victorian-age mystery series. Just enough twists to keep it interesting, but enough clues spread throughout that you didn't feel like an idiot at the end. I'll definitely check out more of these!
Not too bad, although the pacing was a bit slow. As long as you know that going in, it's a nice picture of life in London at that time.
Lovely characters, fun plot. Only complaint is that it's a little slow. Would give it 3-1/2 if possible. Will stick with the series.
This was more complex than most historical mysteries I've read lately... the only thing is, I finished it last week and already I'm trying to remember what to say about it. I was very happy when the detective *finally* got a new pair of boots. I remember the minor characters well, but I'll be darned if I can remember what the crime was or why it was important. So I guess I would rate this one strong on characters and weak on plot. It took me a while to get through it, but it clearly was not a memorable read for me. I have the second in the series and I will try it out, but I wish I were looking forward to it more.