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caterinaanna's review
emotional
mysterious
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
chrissyreadit's review
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? No
4.0
cpjeanz's review
3.0
This was a fun little historical mystery that I had some issues with but overall was solid. I enjoyed the characters and while the resolution didn't blow my mind, it was still a good mystery.
Quick hits:
+ Main characters are good, each with their own motives and reasonable actions.
+ Hugh is a bit different of a main character and I appreciated his unique background which is somewhat mysterious.
+ The mystery feels fast paced and the timeline of the Duke's sentencing adds pressure to the pot.
+ Hugh and Audrey have great chemistry.
- Once one of the character details is revealed, the mystery became quite obvious to me considering the other bits of the story.
- Audrey falls into the trap of a lot of historical intrepid heroines in that she is supposed to be smart but yet is so impulsive that she puts herself into stupidly dangerous situations for no other reason than to prove a point, requiring the main partner to save them. It feels really contrived to me. I'm all about intelligent heroines, but it's increasingly frustrating when she makes decisions for no logical reason.
This was a fun experience. While I had issues which frustrated me, the characters, their chemistry and the mystery were good enough to give it a go. I would recommend this to anyone looking for a fun, cozy, historical mystery to read. I'll be picking up the next book in the series.
Quick hits:
+ Main characters are good, each with their own motives and reasonable actions.
+ Hugh is a bit different of a main character and I appreciated his unique background which is somewhat mysterious.
+ The mystery feels fast paced and the timeline of the Duke's sentencing adds pressure to the pot.
+ Hugh and Audrey have great chemistry.
- Once one of the character details is revealed, the mystery became quite obvious to me considering the other bits of the story.
- Audrey falls into the trap of a lot of historical intrepid heroines in that she is supposed to be smart but yet is so impulsive that she puts herself into stupidly dangerous situations for no other reason than to prove a point, requiring the main partner to save them. It feels really contrived to me. I'm all about intelligent heroines, but it's increasingly frustrating when she makes decisions for no logical reason.
This was a fun experience. While I had issues which frustrated me, the characters, their chemistry and the mystery were good enough to give it a go. I would recommend this to anyone looking for a fun, cozy, historical mystery to read. I'll be picking up the next book in the series.
backshelfbooks's review
4.0
This was a pretty intriguing start to a series! It was well written, well-paced, and kept me going from cover to cover. I will definitely keep up with this series. It's also currently on KU!
rainelle_barrett's review
5.0
This certainly an entertaining story. I absolutely loved how the book has put Duchess Audrey as one of the leading characters in the book. I found that I love reading her character. She was a very determined woman who felt that it was her duty to clear her husband, her friends name. Poor Hugh. I enjoyed his character as well even though he gripped at every single person who tried doing his job. Even little sir. The story is very entertaining. I was committed from the first victim of the book. Forensics certainly has changed over the course of the years. I thought that it was excellent writing as Hugh picked the reins to investigate the murders. The story is an easy read that is compelling to read. Until next time my fellow readers. Read on! I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
overflowingshelf's review
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-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? Yes
5.0
CW: Murder; death; blood; gun violence; homophobia; forced institutionalization
Hello to my new favorite series! Murder at the Seven Dials kicks off the Bow Street Duchess Mystery series, which I basically binge-read in one week and have zero regrets about it. This first book draws you in immediately with an intriguing mystery, fascinating characters, and the perfect hint of a slow burn romance. I’m obsessed! If you love the Veronica Speedwell or Lady Sherlock series, you’ll love this one!!
When the Duke of Fournier is found drenched in blood beside a murdered opera singer, it seems like an open and shut case for Officer Hugh Marsden. But Audrey Sinclair, the Duchess of Fornier, knows that her husband could not be the murderer. She’s determined to prove it to the arrogant Bow Street officer, even if it means using her peculiar ability to see things through touch to help guide the investigation. Exasperated by the meddling duchess, Hugh is convinced she is protecting her own secrets and the duke’s. But when Audrey’s discoveries persuade him the true killer is at large, he has no choice but to join her in the hunt and protect her from becoming the next possible victim.
I absolutely adored the mystery in this one! There were so many twists and turns that made it challenging (in the best way!) to figure out who the murderer was. I loved watching all the pieces come together as Audrey and Hugh both bring their own skills to the table. Audrey’s ability to see the past from objects lends the story a hit of supernatural, but I love that her ability doesn’t play too heavy a role in solving the mystery. It provides some helpful clues, but good old sleuthing from Audrey and Hugh is what catches the murderer. I also loved watching Audrey and Hugh butt heads during the investigation – he clearly does not want a duchess interfering with a Bow Street Runner investigation. Still, he also cannot help but acknowledge some of her deductions have merit.
The characters in this are so complicated and richly nuanced that I found myself instantly drawn to them. Audrey Sinclair, the Duchess of Fournier, is determined, clever, and stubborn. She knows her husband is innocent of murder and will do anything to prove it – even if that means rushing into dangerous situations without a plan. She trusts her gut instincts and isn’t afraid to push the boundaries. However, she also has a lot of insecurity and fears, especially when it comes to sharing her ability with others. Her spirit was crushed by those closest to her in the past, and she seems to find herself again through the investigation.
Hugh Marsden, a Bow Street officer, is the perfect foil to Audrey. He’s a seasoned investigator who does not take kindly to one of the upper crust sticking their nose into his investigation. He’s got a history with the nobility, having been raised as the ward of a Viscount, but also a scandal in his past that has colored his feelings towards those in the upper crust. I love that not everything about his history is shared, but we get a hint of what will come. His relationship with Sir, the young errand boy, shows a softer side to him that I enjoy. He can also admit when he’s wrong, and I loved his relationship with Audrey. As much as she annoys him by interfering, he also sees value in the evidence she uncovers and doesn’t dismiss her immediately.
Speaking of Hugh and Audrey’s relationship, we get the perfect hint of a romance between them. There is chemistry – an electric pull – between them that is hard to deny. I loved how Devlin teases what is to come in small and subtle ways – a slip of the tongue here, a glance there. I am so excited to see where the romance goes, as there are some serious obstacles in the way of them getting together, which I know will lead to a seriously amazing slow burn romance (my favorite!). But the connection between them is apparent, and I loved watching them learn to trust and rely on each other. They managed to get under each other’s skin enough that it will be hard to forget the other.
This book is on the shorter side, but Devlin manages to pack a lot into it! Her writing makes it clear when the point of view shifts and her characters burst off the page. Her plotting is smart and clever. She teases just enough information on the mystery to keep you on the edge of your seat without feeling blindsided by the reveal. I also love how she doesn’t give everything away with the characters – there is still so much more to explore and reveal with Audrey, Hugh, and Audrey’s husband, Philip.
I was immediately hooked when I started Murder at the Seven Dials! This is a fantastic start to a new historical mystery series, with a hint of romance and the supernatural to make it feel unique. As soon as I finished the book, I immediately picked up book 2, Death of Fournier Downs, as I could not wait to see what happens next. READ THIS SERIES! You won’t regret it as all the books are so bingeable, and the slow burn romance is to die for!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gun violence, Gore, Murder, Death, and Blood
Minor: Forced institutionalization and Homophobia
kvsreads's review
adventurous
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
hannahhena's review
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.25