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3.46 AVERAGE
3.46 AVERAGE
This was quite light and breezy read. I enjoyed the setting in 19th century Poland, which I haven't read much about before. I wouldn't say that it was at all spooky, as the blurb declares. Instead, I laughed and was delighted by some witty remarks. The illustrated cover is beautiful.
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
adventurous
funny
slow-paced
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
adventurous
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
N/A
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
mysterious
medium-paced
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence
Minor: Death, Torture, Xenophobia, Blood, Antisemitism, Murder
adventurous
dark
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
This historical mystery gives us an amateur detective in the form of the straight-laced busybody Zofia Turbotynska. In some ways the quintessential Victorian-era housewife, she manages the household (the maids are always found lacking), her husband's professorial career (with enough ambition for the both of them), and her public image (with either passive aggression or aggression with a thin veneer of politeness). She's tapped into the gossip mill, and many people owe her favors. As she slips into the role of investigator against the wishes of the authorities, she lives out a previously unrealized dream to act the witty detective from her favorite mystery novels, a wish buried so deep she would not have been able to put words to it. As the disappearances and bodies multiply, Zofia is not above blackmail, flattery, or lies to sniff out the truth. She will get her moment of victory, standing in front of all the suspects and explaining the who, how, and why of the crime to an attentive, nervous audience.
The book had a few standout elements that were foundational to my enjoyment. Zofia herself is a big part of that. She's a delightfully flawed person, definitely a product of her times, while also pushing the bounds of expected behavior and putting her wits to the test. The authors present her behavior with a wry humor that makes the experience that much more fun. The setting was also a big contributor. The story brings Kraków, Poland to life with details about the city layout, important events, and political environment to give an idea of daily life. This was a context that I had the barest knowledge of previously, so it was especially pleasant. Finally, the mystery itself is twisty and peopled by characters with all kinds of lies and secrets holding them together. I had no idea what happened until Zofia stood up in front of everyone and revealed the details. I felt like another member of her audience, hanging on her every word. This was such a fun read, and I will definitely be continuing with the series. I listened to the audiobook, and the voice acting contributed to my positive experience.
The book had a few standout elements that were foundational to my enjoyment. Zofia herself is a big part of that. She's a delightfully flawed person, definitely a product of her times, while also pushing the bounds of expected behavior and putting her wits to the test. The authors present her behavior with a wry humor that makes the experience that much more fun. The setting was also a big contributor. The story brings Kraków, Poland to life with details about the city layout, important events, and political environment to give an idea of daily life. This was a context that I had the barest knowledge of previously, so it was especially pleasant. Finally, the mystery itself is twisty and peopled by characters with all kinds of lies and secrets holding them together. I had no idea what happened until Zofia stood up in front of everyone and revealed the details. I felt like another member of her audience, hanging on her every word. This was such a fun read, and I will definitely be continuing with the series. I listened to the audiobook, and the voice acting contributed to my positive experience.
I often struggle with translated books (I don't know why, I just do) but this one I had no issues with.
Witty, adventurous and full of brilliant characters, this book kept me reading up into the night.
I loved the discriptions of Victorian life in Cracow and the incredible way this thrilling book took us through the investigation and especially the closing where Zofia brings the suspects and police together for the big reveal.
Grade A, four star read.
Witty, adventurous and full of brilliant characters, this book kept me reading up into the night.
I loved the discriptions of Victorian life in Cracow and the incredible way this thrilling book took us through the investigation and especially the closing where Zofia brings the suspects and police together for the big reveal.
Grade A, four star read.