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naluju's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
1950’s England
karlybug's review
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.0
Listen. I had a fine enough time with the first one, so I tried the second. I think I fell asleep sometime while listening and I'm not even sure I missed anything. I struggled through this one. My plan was to finish it and get to the third (and most recent) book, but I couldn't bring myself to get past the third chapter. Everything that happened in this immediately flew out of my brain as soon as I finished it. This was not for me, and that's okay. I'll probably try this genre again though, by another author; I want it to be good!
annaj2143's review
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.5
elothwen's review against another edition
Incredibly boring mid-century science and technology based plot. The best parts of the first book—Viviana being plucky, the boarding house, Tally, late night diners, etc.—were all missing here. The isolated setting did not work for me, and there was a whole lot of telling instead of showing, most especially The characters in this one were flimsy and unattractive, too, and the solution to the case wasn't very satisfying (especially since I didn't care about the case). I'm so sad because I adored the first book, but I won't be finishing the series.
Spoiler
regarding Viviana and Tommy. I DNF'ed at like 40% but I know they genuinely get engaged and I'm just baffled. Their behaviors together are cringeworthy and make little sense. We aren't actually allowed to know anything about them except they've worked together for years and she patches up his wounds. They have 0 chemistry. The bit when she curls up next to him in bed, they wake up cuddling, he kisses her forehead...what? It was just all strange to me. I barely know Tommy at all!sandylc's review
3.0
I like the lead characters and the story is interesting. It is a bit heavy-handed in its 1950's references.
lizdaniii's review
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Minor: Death and Murder
keeltrice's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Another excellent book in the Viviana Valentine series! I high enjoy watching the returning characters develop and the noir detective vibes of the writing. At the same time, the setting is so different from the first book that it keeps it fresh and allows us to learn more about the characters as we try to solve the mysteries they are confronted with. I’m looking forward to book 3 in the series.
becca_todaro's review
adventurous
funny
mysterious
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? It's complicated
3.75
A cute mystery but I missed the friendship between Viviana.
smtriska's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
mr255405's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
A great follow up to the first! An excellent, classic noir with a contemporary lens.