Reviews

A Useful Woman by Darcie Wilde

ldv12's review against another edition

adventurous lighthearted mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

boitevide's review against another edition

lighthearted mysterious fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.75

sarah_moynihan's review against another edition

5.0

I was very intruiged by this book and I like the character of Rosalind. There was a bit of a slow start as we're introduced to the atmosphere and climate of the day, but that being said it's a very authentic feeling historical mystery. The mystery had a good plot and kept me engaged until the end and ready to read the next in the series. I would recommmend this book to anyone who is a fan of the histroical mystery genre.

coburnj3's review against another edition

mysterious fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

rebeccabadger's review against another edition

adventurous emotional lighthearted mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.75

reneesmith's review against another edition

4.0

Enjoyable!

jennygreen's review against another edition

funny lighthearted mysterious relaxing medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

This book was lifhthearted and simple. At times she over describe certain events or society rules. 

zlibrarian's review against another edition

5.0

This novel stands out for a few different reasons: the author’s careful research provides a believable, thoroughly involving Wilde nimbly describes the manners and social behavior of the time in ways that educate readers new to the Regency genre and build upon the existing knowledge of Regency romance fans. Wilde takes on a juicy subject, social capital, and works it into the motivations and fears of the characters. Her heroine is smart, but aware of her own imperfections. Wilde gives the reader an immersive sense of how people - typically, but not always, women -- with good bloodlines and little wealth found ways to survive and maneuver in Regency-era England.

I was reluctant to bid farewell to the characters and the Regency world that Wilde built so skilfully. As a librarian, I think that this is an excellent choice for genre-specific readers advisory presentations and blogs. A Useful Woman is on my collection development purchasing list.

cloverreads99's review against another edition

adventurous relaxing fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

nevclue's review against another edition

3.0

I am always searching for more historical mysteries, preferably with a lady protagonist. This fits the bill. There were many things I liked about this. I liked Rosalind's practicality and her clear-eyed assessment of what matters in society and how it affects her standing. I find the willful ignorance of whatever the current society's mores in order to show "spunk" or whatever annoying. However, I think the handling of Rosalind's romantic relationships were not handled with quite the same deftness. On the plus side, the author has clearly done her research on the time period and the characters are believable. The mystery was okay. I guessed most of it fairly early on but it was reasonably compelling.