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3.43 AVERAGE
3.43 AVERAGE
adventurous
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Loved this book! Great mystery and great setting! Who knew Victorian England was so interesting? Loved the Lennox and Lady Jane character and was taken by the end of the book. I have now requested Tea Time at my office much to the chagrin of everyone in it!
This is not a highly suspenseful mystery, but rather a quiet, Victorian, armchair-detective type book.
I liked Charles Lenox, the main character, and his ruminations on the oddity of Victorian culture and the impossibility of getting properly made boots. I do think that some of the minor characters (most notably servants and those of lesser class) weren't sketched out fully, but it seems appropriate given the mindset of the era that a gentlemen would think of these types of people in broad sterotypes rather than specifics.
Lenox's next door neighbor, Lady Jane, had formerly employed a maid named Prudence Smith who recently turned up dead. Lenox's investigation into the death of Prue, her current high-ranking government employer Barnard, and the other servants/guests in Barnard's house is interesting without ever approaching suspense. A second death complicates matters, and flusters Lenox, because the second body was his main suspect for the first murder.
All in all the sense of time in the book is very successful, Finch has obviously done his research into the Victorian era. There are just a few moments, such as when Lenox is thinking about how beautiful the Parliament buildings are and how "no-one will ever care about Big Ben" that you get a sense of the modern author peeking through and poking fun, but mostly you can believe in Lenox's time and character.
I liked Charles Lenox, the main character, and his ruminations on the oddity of Victorian culture and the impossibility of getting properly made boots. I do think that some of the minor characters (most notably servants and those of lesser class) weren't sketched out fully, but it seems appropriate given the mindset of the era that a gentlemen would think of these types of people in broad sterotypes rather than specifics.
Lenox's next door neighbor, Lady Jane, had formerly employed a maid named Prudence Smith who recently turned up dead. Lenox's investigation into the death of Prue, her current high-ranking government employer Barnard, and the other servants/guests in Barnard's house is interesting without ever approaching suspense. A second death complicates matters, and flusters Lenox, because the second body was his main suspect for the first murder.
All in all the sense of time in the book is very successful, Finch has obviously done his research into the Victorian era. There are just a few moments, such as when Lenox is thinking about how beautiful the Parliament buildings are and how "no-one will ever care about Big Ben" that you get a sense of the modern author peeking through and poking fun, but mostly you can believe in Lenox's time and character.
Not a bad mystery especially if you like late 19th century period pieces. It is very reminiscent of the Holmes cannon. The story's pacing is good and the lead character is engaging enough. Should be a decent series.
Solid quick cozy read. I enjoyed the setting, Lenox, and the supporting characters. I agree with others that the “reveal” was more drawn out, but I didn’t mind. Definitely continuing the series. This was also my first read for #marchmysterymadness 2019.
mysterious
I loved the atmosphere and the characters, but wasn't as captivated by the actual mystery. I am interested in continuing on in the series, however, and seeing more of Lennox and company. 3.5 stars.
Fun Victorian-era mystery (written by an American). I appreciated the humor and wasn't bothered by the inauthenticity in language.. because I didn't really notice it like British readers would. Pleasing on audio.
A cozy historical mystery set in Victorian London without a lot of stakes or personality. I was absorbed enough while listening, but the characters were all mostly bland and the ending dragged on for quite a bit, tying up loose ends after solving the murder. I'm always intrigued by this book series when I see it at the library or on Overdrive, but I think I'll skip the others.