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3.43 AVERAGE
3.43 AVERAGE
I just had a really, really hard time getting into this book. With not one, but TWO murders, you would think it would be an exciting read, but I just found myself not caring. I appreciated the historical side of things, but since it's not particularly interesting to me I got very frustrated with the descriptions of politics, even when they were relevant. I'd recommend to those who like historical fiction, especially with a political edge, and maybe to readers of classic murder mysteries, but would not recommend to anyone looking for a fast-paced or exciting read.
This was a good read. Very much like Sherlock Holmes. I did like ending and it gave a complete ending and didn't stop abruptly.
I really enjoyed this mystery as I was able to figure out most of it, but some pieces remained a "mystery" until the end.
mysterious
slow-paced
adventurous
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
N/A
Loveable characters:
N/A
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
N/A
#JanuaryPagesChallenge
informative
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
lighthearted
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
The writing was fine, but I found myself bored occasionally.
Great murder mystery. Looking forward to more in this series.
The author has clearly tried to craft a detective in the Lord Peter Wimsey/Albert Campion mold but, well, it's no longer the Golden Age of Mysteries and this just misses. It's not bad, but it's not what the author was trying for either.
The "blue death" refers to a rare poison used on a maid for reasons unknown. Yes, she was a flirt. Yes, she seemed to have more than one boyfriend. But murder? Especially murder disguised as suicide? Enter Charles Lenox, second son (like Lord Peter, but not gifted with a title), gentleman and detective. His relationship with the Yard is similar to that of Holmes, in that he doesn't trust them and Inspector Exeter doesn't like him. Why is Lenox involved? Because his neighbor/childhood friend, Lady Jane asks him to get involved as the now-dead maid was formerly in her employ.
There are trips to Parliament, balls, traipsing through some of the seedier areas of London, the type of Holmesian attention to detail (candles) one hopes for and a discussion of gentlemen's clubs. Plus a vague romance between Lady Jane and Charles. Maybe. The mystery is a little mild with far more effort on setting and atmosphere.
The "blue death" refers to a rare poison used on a maid for reasons unknown. Yes, she was a flirt. Yes, she seemed to have more than one boyfriend. But murder? Especially murder disguised as suicide? Enter Charles Lenox, second son (like Lord Peter, but not gifted with a title), gentleman and detective. His relationship with the Yard is similar to that of Holmes, in that he doesn't trust them and Inspector Exeter doesn't like him. Why is Lenox involved? Because his neighbor/childhood friend, Lady Jane asks him to get involved as the now-dead maid was formerly in her employ.
There are trips to Parliament, balls, traipsing through some of the seedier areas of London, the type of Holmesian attention to detail (candles) one hopes for and a discussion of gentlemen's clubs. Plus a vague romance between Lady Jane and Charles. Maybe. The mystery is a little mild with far more effort on setting and atmosphere.