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3.73 AVERAGE
3.73 AVERAGE
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
3/5 stars! I enjoyed reading this for the first 75% or so of the book, but once it started getting to actually “solving” the murder I got irritated every single time they “solved” it and then were suddenly wrong and it was someone else. It happened literally at least 4 times.
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:
No
Fun, lighthearted and a bit ridiculous in a good way. Pokes fun at Regency romance, Gothic novels, and the tradition of the English detective.
Beatrice constantly saying, “You could get a job” to people was gold.
I did figure out the murderer by a little more than the halfway point but I did not figure out several other twists that had me gasping. This is a supremely well plotted and well executed novel with such a satisfying ending! Would recommend to anyone who loves their murder mysteries full of comedy.
I did figure out the murderer by a little more than the halfway point but I did not figure out several other twists that had me gasping. This is a supremely well plotted and well executed novel with such a satisfying ending! Would recommend to anyone who loves their murder mysteries full of comedy.
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
It was an interesting murder mystery in that there were 3 reveals for who the murder was. For me personally, it felt stunted. I recently read another book that flowed a lot better than this one.
I did like Beatrice and wanted her to succeed. I liked Drake also. I thought they were a good team. (Except for when Drake accused Beatrice's sister Louisa of murder (and outed her for being pregnant by Frake the Rake)). I do like that in the end, it was revealed that she was solving the other detective's work and that he felt he needed her to be on the team. I am glad that he and Alice chose to be a family even though their father disowned Drake's family.
Though, I feel like there were a lot of unnecessary plot lines. Like Caroline Winn and how she was French and about to kill Drake. I don't remember her being in the book at all before that happened. And why did they add the part about Drake's family. That felt unnecessary too. I don't know if I would have included Mary either. Maybe she was a trope I am not sure about.
I am glad that Louisa was able to tell her truth and that it was received well. I am also glad that Beatrice could be who she was meant to be, which didn't happen much back then.
I did think right from the beginning that it was Daniel. However, I did not think he was that heartless. To have Alice (his first wife) living in the tower. WTF. And then to try to kill Beatrice 2x and than ask her to marry you. WTF. He was awful. I am ok that he died trying to escape.
Book club questions:
1. Was Beatrice Steele believable as someone trying to solve a murder?
2. Who was your favorite character and why?
3. What are your thoughts about the pressure placed on Louisa to marry well? What could we compare that to in today's society?
4. What do you think the point of Mary Steele's character? Do you think she added anything to the book?
5. When did you suspect that Daniel was the murderer? Did the ending surprise you?
6. Did you find any similarities to Jane Austin novels?
7. What was your favorite/least favorite parts of the book?
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
A mysterious yet hilarious version of Bridgerton! I loved the main character of Beatrice, and while some of the side characters got confusing to keep track of, the author does a great job of helping you remember them. Every chapter had me guessing who done it and halfway through the book completely flipped everything I thought I knew.
Julia Seales serves up an enjoyable mix of Austen-esque charm and classic mystery vibes in this read. The middle bit especially hits the sweet spot, channeling 'Knives Out' with a generous dash of 'Pride and Prejudice'.
But let’s talk about Beatrice and Drake—they're the real stars here. Individually, they're “ok” characters, but when they team up, magic happens. You can't help but cheer them on as they crack the case and start to fall for each other.
4/5 stars (rounded up from 3.7)
But let’s talk about Beatrice and Drake—they're the real stars here. Individually, they're “ok” characters, but when they team up, magic happens. You can't help but cheer them on as they crack the case and start to fall for each other.
4/5 stars (rounded up from 3.7)
This book was delightful. If you are a fan of old school detective duos and silly, tongue-in-cheek humor, this is a must read. A most agreeable book!
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No