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v_nessa's review against another edition
1.0
I just wasn't a fan of this book's writing style. The text was very straightforward with little interpretation, subtext, or clues. The characters could be interesting but there didn't seem to be much emotion involved. Sarah talks about how she and Hugh are good friends, good enough to share accommodations, but it feels forced because I don't feel like there is any connection between them. Sarah is helping the butler take care of household chores and Hugh, who was of higher status before being disowned, and let him steamroll their concerns about food, money, or keeping a roof over their heads.
I believe the incident with her father (and her memories of his disappearance) had potential to be an interesting story on its own, but it was added to muddy the waters and make it less emotionally impactful.
Sarah and Hugh are immediately framed for murder in no surprise to anyone after they photographed the people the day before they were found dead. (I personally really dislike this trope.) It felt like there was too much going on, likely on purpose to make the reader feel the protagonist's feelings of pressure, but for me, it detracted from my experience. I DNF'd early in the book, probably at 1/3 way in or before.
Thanks to Netgalley for access to an ARC in exchange for an unbiased review.
I believe the incident with her father (and her memories of his disappearance) had potential to be an interesting story on its own, but it was added to muddy the waters and make it less emotionally impactful.
Sarah and Hugh are immediately framed for murder in no surprise to anyone after they photographed the people the day before they were found dead. (I personally really dislike this trope.) It felt like there was too much going on, likely on purpose to make the reader feel the protagonist's feelings of pressure, but for me, it detracted from my experience. I DNF'd early in the book, probably at 1/3 way in or before.
Thanks to Netgalley for access to an ARC in exchange for an unbiased review.
novelesque_life's review against another edition
4.0
RATING: 4 STARS
2018; Crooked Lane Books
Sarah Bain and her crew are back and are now running a detective agency. After solving the Ripper case, Sarah can go back to her studio. Since they cannot take credit for the Ripper or that it was even solved, they don't have any experience to back up their new venture. Sir Gerald Marine posts a generous reward for his kidnapped son to be found so the crew jumps at the chance to get the job. When Sir Gerald hires them, it is the only the start of their trouble.
I always worry after loving the first book in the series, if it will continue to have that magic...and this one did! The gang has a even tighter chemistry and banter now that they have been with one another for a bit. I love the way Fitzmorris fits in the series and keeps the trio calm and take care of them. Sarah and Constable Barrett are the cutest thing ever. Of course he does not like her getting involved in the dangerous cases, but does see that she is smart and capable. It will be interesting to see where they go.
***I received a complimentary copy of this ebook from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.***
2018; Crooked Lane Books
Sarah Bain and her crew are back and are now running a detective agency. After solving the Ripper case, Sarah can go back to her studio. Since they cannot take credit for the Ripper or that it was even solved, they don't have any experience to back up their new venture. Sir Gerald Marine posts a generous reward for his kidnapped son to be found so the crew jumps at the chance to get the job. When Sir Gerald hires them, it is the only the start of their trouble.
I always worry after loving the first book in the series, if it will continue to have that magic...and this one did! The gang has a even tighter chemistry and banter now that they have been with one another for a bit. I love the way Fitzmorris fits in the series and keeps the trio calm and take care of them. Sarah and Constable Barrett are the cutest thing ever. Of course he does not like her getting involved in the dangerous cases, but does see that she is smart and capable. It will be interesting to see where they go.
***I received a complimentary copy of this ebook from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.***
kittykornerlibrarian's review against another edition
4.0
This is a twisty second installment to the Victorian Mystery series, and whenever I had to put it down, I always remembered exactly who was who and what was happening in the story. Sarah Bain and her friend Hugh have launched a private detective agency, and due to being at the wrong place at the wrong time, they are hired to investigate a famous kidnapping case. A baby, Robin, about 20 months old, has been kidnapped from his crib during the night, and his father hires Sarah, Hugh, and street urchin Mick to live in his home and investigate his family. The family's dark secrets come out over the course of the story, and Sarah also learns more about her own father than she did before. Sarah's romance with P.C. Barrett continues, and Hugh meets the love of his life. After many false starts, the kidnapping is solved. This is an engaging and fun series. Looking forward to the next.
leavingsealevel's review against another edition
2.0
I liked this better than book 1 and these books have like *every* element of mystery series I like, so I will persevere.
kbranfield's review against another edition
4.0
A Mortal Likeness by Laura Joh Rowland is a twisty turny historical mystery. This second installment in the Victorian Mystery series easily stands on its own, but I highly recommend book one, The Ripper's Shadow, as well.
Photographer Sarah Bain and her close friend Lord Hugh Staunton are attempting to get their private inquiry business up and running. Their current case involves suspected adultery and while attempting to obtain photographic proof, Sarah and Hugh inadvertently stumble into the middle of a double homicide and a kidnapping case involving a baby. Sir Gerald Mariner, whose son Robin is missing, suspects the kidnapper is someone close to the family so he hires them to investigate. Will Sarah and Hugh uncover the kidnapper's identity? Will they find Robin before harm befalls the missing boy? And what will the personal fallout be once Sarah's Police Constable boyfriend, Thomas Barrett, discovers she has not been completely honest with him about her involvement in the case?
Upon their arrival at Sir Gerald's estate, Hugh and Sarah must investigate a rather large pool of suspects. Robin's mother, Lady Alexandra is keeping to herself with only her sister Tabitha Jenkins by her side. They also discover Gerald has a bit of a strained relationship with his children from his previous marriages. Oldest son Tristan is a member of the clergy and he is no longer in line to inherit his father's vast wealth. Seventeen year old daughter Olivia is rather volatile, impetuous and angry with her father for shipping her off to boarding school. Non family members include bodyguard John Pierce who resents Hugh and Sarah's presence and their investigation. Sarah is deeply suspicious of medium Raphael DeQuincey but just because she believes he is a charlatan does not necessarily mean he is involved in Robin's disappearance.
Then there is the matter of baby Robin's last photograph which was taken about six months before his disappearance. Sarah picks up on a bit of an irregularity in the picture that deeply troubles her. She and Hugh learn some rather disquieting information from the servants that might support Sarah's suspicions. However, this theory is just one of many they consider throughout their investigation.
A Mortal Likeness is an intriguing mystery with a very perplexing crime to solve. Sarah and Hugh are extremely close but they find themselves at odds throughout their investigation and their friendship becomes precarious as they search for the truth. Sarah is dismayed when her romance with Thomas is threatened when he discovers her involvement in Robin's case. Laura Joh Rowland brilliantly keeps readers on the edge of their seats with a dazzling array of stunning twists and turns. While the current case is completely wrapped up by the novel's end, Sarah's discoveries about her long missing father will leave fans breathlessly awaiting the next installment in the Victorian Mystery series.
Photographer Sarah Bain and her close friend Lord Hugh Staunton are attempting to get their private inquiry business up and running. Their current case involves suspected adultery and while attempting to obtain photographic proof, Sarah and Hugh inadvertently stumble into the middle of a double homicide and a kidnapping case involving a baby. Sir Gerald Mariner, whose son Robin is missing, suspects the kidnapper is someone close to the family so he hires them to investigate. Will Sarah and Hugh uncover the kidnapper's identity? Will they find Robin before harm befalls the missing boy? And what will the personal fallout be once Sarah's Police Constable boyfriend, Thomas Barrett, discovers she has not been completely honest with him about her involvement in the case?
Upon their arrival at Sir Gerald's estate, Hugh and Sarah must investigate a rather large pool of suspects. Robin's mother, Lady Alexandra is keeping to herself with only her sister Tabitha Jenkins by her side. They also discover Gerald has a bit of a strained relationship with his children from his previous marriages. Oldest son Tristan is a member of the clergy and he is no longer in line to inherit his father's vast wealth. Seventeen year old daughter Olivia is rather volatile, impetuous and angry with her father for shipping her off to boarding school. Non family members include bodyguard John Pierce who resents Hugh and Sarah's presence and their investigation. Sarah is deeply suspicious of medium Raphael DeQuincey but just because she believes he is a charlatan does not necessarily mean he is involved in Robin's disappearance.
Then there is the matter of baby Robin's last photograph which was taken about six months before his disappearance. Sarah picks up on a bit of an irregularity in the picture that deeply troubles her. She and Hugh learn some rather disquieting information from the servants that might support Sarah's suspicions. However, this theory is just one of many they consider throughout their investigation.
A Mortal Likeness is an intriguing mystery with a very perplexing crime to solve. Sarah and Hugh are extremely close but they find themselves at odds throughout their investigation and their friendship becomes precarious as they search for the truth. Sarah is dismayed when her romance with Thomas is threatened when he discovers her involvement in Robin's case. Laura Joh Rowland brilliantly keeps readers on the edge of their seats with a dazzling array of stunning twists and turns. While the current case is completely wrapped up by the novel's end, Sarah's discoveries about her long missing father will leave fans breathlessly awaiting the next installment in the Victorian Mystery series.
michellini90's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
endlessmidnight's review against another edition
4.0
I really liked this, for the tale that it tells is a lot more complicated than it seems in the first place.
They are hired to find the truth as to why a baby was kidnapped. And I really liked how the twists here all worked out. There were many characters with a more interesting connection to the story rather than the ones I usually see.
And the whole story behind Sarah and Hugh together were an interesting one. They are friends, since Hugh is gay and she has her own lover. Just the Sarah is a photographer and Hugh helps in solving mysteries. I really liked the diversity here, and that Sarah was a rather strong character amidst it all.
As for the personal background, I liked how Sarah’s father affected her too. That he had a presence here and gives her a little more depth. And I think the next book will reveal a little more about her father and perhaps the main case of it. But in a sense, Sarah also affects this, her having some emotional investment and help also works too. Especially towards the end where all the twists came crashing down, with Sarah constantly wondering who was guilty and who was not.
Although there were wrong accusations, innocent people becoming guilty. And this are all normal with the evidence always hinting them to be such since they don’t ever talk about their emotions. All the while anyone here is a suspect and has a motive too. Not to mention, clandestine romances and secrets.
I think the title completely fits this story. And describes it to a tee. Most of the suspects here are complicated people, and quite like who we know from our everyday lives. Overall, I really liked this work for all it stood up for and the surprising mystery.
They are hired to find the truth as to why a baby was kidnapped. And I really liked how the twists here all worked out. There were many characters with a more interesting connection to the story rather than the ones I usually see.
And the whole story behind Sarah and Hugh together were an interesting one. They are friends, since Hugh is gay and she has her own lover. Just the Sarah is a photographer and Hugh helps in solving mysteries. I really liked the diversity here, and that Sarah was a rather strong character amidst it all.
As for the personal background, I liked how Sarah’s father affected her too. That he had a presence here and gives her a little more depth. And I think the next book will reveal a little more about her father and perhaps the main case of it. But in a sense, Sarah also affects this, her having some emotional investment and help also works too. Especially towards the end where all the twists came crashing down, with Sarah constantly wondering who was guilty and who was not.
Although there were wrong accusations, innocent people becoming guilty. And this are all normal with the evidence always hinting them to be such since they don’t ever talk about their emotions. All the while anyone here is a suspect and has a motive too. Not to mention, clandestine romances and secrets.
I think the title completely fits this story. And describes it to a tee. Most of the suspects here are complicated people, and quite like who we know from our everyday lives. Overall, I really liked this work for all it stood up for and the surprising mystery.
canada_matt's review against another edition
4.0
Continuing this series, Laura Joh Rowland takes readers back to Victorian England for more mysteries. Sarah Bain and Lord Hugh Staunton made a name for themselves while working on the Jack the Ripper case, though few know of their successes. They’ve chosen to open a private investigation firm, willing to work for anyone who has the means to pay them. While tailing a philanderer, Sarah and Hugh are able to capture a photo to substantiate their investigative claims. Soon thereafter, the subjects of the investigation turn up dead, with Sarah and Hugh the prime suspects. While dodging that bullet for a time, Sarah seeks to become involved in the kidnapping investigation of little Robin Mariner, baby to Sir Gerald and Lady Alexandra. While many others have sought to get in on the action, Sarah and Sir Gerald strike up some professional connection and she’s hired on the spot. Sir Gerald is certain that the kidnapping is tied to someone in his home, but does not want Sarah and Hugh to tip their hands for the time being. While trying to piece together suspects and motives, Sarah reexamines some of her photos from the philandering case, seeing a man who resembles her father. Sarah tracks down some leads and discovers that her father’s disappearance all those years ago is not entirely as straightforward as she might have liked. While stirring up a hornet’s nest in her personal life, Sarah must work alongside and love struck Hugh to learn if Robin Mariner’s kidnapper can be found, discovering that there was a ransom drop/pick-up that may clear her from the aforementioned double murder. The discovery of a body only thickens the plot and begins a series of events that could have dire results for more than the Mariner household. Will Sarah and Hugh find themselves as saviours to Sir Gerald or vilified for their accusations and sent off to jail? Rowland does well to continue this series, full of great plots and interesting characters. Recommended for those who love mysteries set in Victorian England that have unique twists.
I received an advance copy of the third book in this series, but wanted to get the proper context before delving in too deep. Rowland sets the scene well and pulls the reader in from the opening pages of the first novel, keeping the setting and plot developing throughout. This second novel is just as exciting, set a year or so after the Jack the Ripper goings-on. Sarah Bain remains an interesting character, sure to interest most readers. A photographer by trade, Sarah uses her amateur sleuthing capabilities in this novel, accentuated by grit and determination to get to the answer, no matter what hurdles stand before her. Lord Hugh Staunton, who made his mark in the opening novel, returns and has been dealing with some of the character revelations from the series debut. Hugh has been disowned by his family for his homosexuality and this is a thread that continues in this piece, though his presence is somewhat subdued after a fallout with Sarah over some potential suspects. Some of the secondary characters shape the story effectively, particularly as they propel the mystery of the kidnapped child to its climax. There are many interesting developments that occur using these minor characters, sure to keep the attentive reader enthralled. As in the opening novel, I liked the banter between the authorities and the amateur sleuths, which turns into a competition for Sarah throughout. Overall, the story worked well and kept my attention through to the final sentence. Rowland has created an interesting series that mixes history with key elements of a decent mystery. I will keep reading and hope to add Laura Joh Rowland to my list of authors to follow.
Kudos, Madam Rowland, for an interesting series continuation. I can see much coming from this series as the characters come into their own.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/248185-a-book-for-all-seasons
I received an advance copy of the third book in this series, but wanted to get the proper context before delving in too deep. Rowland sets the scene well and pulls the reader in from the opening pages of the first novel, keeping the setting and plot developing throughout. This second novel is just as exciting, set a year or so after the Jack the Ripper goings-on. Sarah Bain remains an interesting character, sure to interest most readers. A photographer by trade, Sarah uses her amateur sleuthing capabilities in this novel, accentuated by grit and determination to get to the answer, no matter what hurdles stand before her. Lord Hugh Staunton, who made his mark in the opening novel, returns and has been dealing with some of the character revelations from the series debut. Hugh has been disowned by his family for his homosexuality and this is a thread that continues in this piece, though his presence is somewhat subdued after a fallout with Sarah over some potential suspects. Some of the secondary characters shape the story effectively, particularly as they propel the mystery of the kidnapped child to its climax. There are many interesting developments that occur using these minor characters, sure to keep the attentive reader enthralled. As in the opening novel, I liked the banter between the authorities and the amateur sleuths, which turns into a competition for Sarah throughout. Overall, the story worked well and kept my attention through to the final sentence. Rowland has created an interesting series that mixes history with key elements of a decent mystery. I will keep reading and hope to add Laura Joh Rowland to my list of authors to follow.
Kudos, Madam Rowland, for an interesting series continuation. I can see much coming from this series as the characters come into their own.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/248185-a-book-for-all-seasons
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