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graypeape's review against another edition
A quick, enjoyable read. Interesting, well fleshed out characters, with a good mystery. You know who the bad guys are from the beginning; seeing how our heroine and her cohorts figure everything out and bring them to justice is fun, as more and more information comes to light. This is the second book of a new series, but can stand alone. There is near constant referring back to the events of the first book, which is mostly necessary and helpful, but gets a little old at times, as does the repeating of events currently happening to characters within the story, though the author eases off on that as the book goes along. The ending is satisfying, comeuppance is had, and the romantic subplot is properly swoony.
rebecca_isreading's review against another edition
4.0
Thanks to the publisher, via Netgalley, for an advanced e-galley in exchange for an honest review.
3.5 stars, rounded. This is a solid and intriguing story, with plenty of scandal and intrigue included. It feels as though Victoria Thompson has so thoroughly captured time and place in this book, and the society that Elizabeth finds herself in after spending most of her life to that point as a con artist. Her relationship with upright Gideon is sweet as they navigate their different backgrounds to try to find common ground. Elizabeth's way of using her knowledge of how to con people for good intentions is entertaining. As the second in a series, this book did a good job of continuing stories from the first book while still furthering the plot lines and characters.
3.5 stars, rounded. This is a solid and intriguing story, with plenty of scandal and intrigue included. It feels as though Victoria Thompson has so thoroughly captured time and place in this book, and the society that Elizabeth finds herself in after spending most of her life to that point as a con artist. Her relationship with upright Gideon is sweet as they navigate their different backgrounds to try to find common ground. Elizabeth's way of using her knowledge of how to con people for good intentions is entertaining. As the second in a series, this book did a good job of continuing stories from the first book while still furthering the plot lines and characters.
longtimereader's review against another edition
5.0
This is book two in a series, and I just read this book. I was rather taken with it. It has a strong leading lady, romance and mystery. Ahhh, that's the makings of a good read! It's the 1920's so we can be nostalgic too. In the pages, you will find blackmail, scams and cons, society life, engaging characters and pretty much everything you'd hoped for in this type of novel. It's a delightful historical fiction story! I want to read more of this series and this author's books.
My copy came from Net Galley. My thoughts and opinions are my own. This review is left of my own free volition.
My copy came from Net Galley. My thoughts and opinions are my own. This review is left of my own free volition.
caillem's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
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? It's complicated
3.5
octoberbabye's review against another edition
4.0
The story was interesting, the characters believable, and the plot well developed.
fxtrtr's review against another edition
4.0
This was another good book in this series. I really enjoy Victoria Thompson's writing
argentrabe's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
leighannsherwin's review against another edition
5.0
Ever since her debut last year Elizabeth Miles has become one of my favourite heroines and this series one of my favourites. I like that it's not the usual mystery series, a body turns up and an investigation happens and it's solved. These are crime novels, with no real murder and a cast of intriguing characters help to investigate and find justice for the crime or crimes committed. In the second installment Elizabeth is trying to integrate into society. She and Gideon Bates have become secretly engaged and they are waiting a proper amount of time to announce their engagement following the events of the previous book in which she was fake engaged to Gideon's friends. While at church she befriends Priscilla Knight who has unfortunately become twice widowed due to what appeared to be accidents. Priscilla was left well off by her first husband but is shocked to learn on the death of her second husband that he has left her and her two young daughters destitute. Elizabeth convinces Gideon to help her uncover what happened to the money. During their investigation they uncover shocking secrets involving blackmail, prostitution, human trafficking, and possibly even murder all coming from an even more shocking source. A gripping, engaging read hard to put down at times. I look forward to seeing where Elizabeth's next adventure takes her.
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