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3.78 AVERAGE
3.78 AVERAGE
I really enjoyed the Veronica Speedwell series and this author so wanted to try her first series. I definitely like Veronica better. She has a lot more fire and brains than Lady Julia who feels always like she is a step behind and reckless. And as for their love interests, give me Stroker over Brisbane.
The book was interesting and offers elements rarely seen in a Victorian era book. Insights into the society that they would prefer not seen but likely there.
It is a good mystery and story. Not a page turner for me but it kept my attention.
The book was interesting and offers elements rarely seen in a Victorian era book. Insights into the society that they would prefer not seen but likely there.
It is a good mystery and story. Not a page turner for me but it kept my attention.
I really enjoyed reading this book. I found most of the characters appealing, and I loved the heroine and the overall tone of the book.
I have no idea if it's historically accurate - I imagine that in real life, Lady Julia's modern sensibilities might have ostracized her and perhaps crippled her ability to function in society more than has been portrayed in this book. I don't actually CARE if it's historically accurate, as long as it was a good read and I found her character relatable, but I can see that being a potential issue for someone else.
I DID cringe a couple times at Julia's romanticism of the idea of the dark, brooding, mysterious hero - like Heathcliff and Rochester. I found myself rolling my eyes that a grown woman would think life with Heathcliff would be a good thing. I haven't really warmed up to the hero of this book - He has that dark, brooding, mysterious thing going on, but he seems like he MAY just be good guy with some issues. I'm looking forward to seeing how his character develops in the next couple books.
9 out of 10 stars - maybe not a perfect book, but the perfect read for me right now. Can't wait to read the next one.
I have no idea if it's historically accurate - I imagine that in real life, Lady Julia's modern sensibilities might have ostracized her and perhaps crippled her ability to function in society more than has been portrayed in this book. I don't actually CARE if it's historically accurate, as long as it was a good read and I found her character relatable, but I can see that being a potential issue for someone else.
I DID cringe a couple times at Julia's romanticism of the idea of the dark, brooding, mysterious hero - like Heathcliff and Rochester. I found myself rolling my eyes that a grown woman would think life with Heathcliff would be a good thing. I haven't really warmed up to the hero of this book - He has that dark, brooding, mysterious thing going on, but he seems like he MAY just be good guy with some issues. I'm looking forward to seeing how his character develops in the next couple books.
9 out of 10 stars - maybe not a perfect book, but the perfect read for me right now. Can't wait to read the next one.
This was definitely my least favorite of the series. Julia seems very shallow and one-dimensional, and the solution to the mystery was a little too gross for my taste.
I was surprised by this book a little. I knew it was a historical mystery series, but I wasn't prepared for it being so engrossing. It was a really quick read and I found myself becoming more and more pulled in with each twist and turn and all the new "clues" we kept uncovering. I will admit I figured out the mystery of who-done-it probably about half way through, but I in no way figured out the motive. I honestly didn't even think that one was coming. I will say that I enjoyed that Deanna Raybourn was a little unconventional (at least unconventional for the time period this book was written) with the characters and the story.
I liked Julia a lot. Even when she seemed like she was getting in over her head, and when she wouldn't heed warnings to stay out of trouble, it never became irritating when she wouldn't listen. I was as eager to find out what was going on as she was.
Brisbane is a very mysterious character and I look forward to finding out more about him and his quirks as the series continues.
You can definitely see the relationship delveoping, but I like, for this story, that it doesn't happen right away. I like the build up and I like the characters slowly getting to know one another especially for Julia and everything that occured in this book.
I liked Julia a lot. Even when she seemed like she was getting in over her head, and when she wouldn't heed warnings to stay out of trouble, it never became irritating when she wouldn't listen. I was as eager to find out what was going on as she was.
Brisbane is a very mysterious character and I look forward to finding out more about him and his quirks as the series continues.
You can definitely see the relationship delveoping, but I like, for this story, that it doesn't happen right away. I like the build up and I like the characters slowly getting to know one another especially for Julia and everything that occured in this book.
Trigger warning: stereotypical and offensive representation of the Romani community; homophobia.
It is a long book, but I didn't really feel like it was. Because the mystery, the lies, the family of Julia, Julia herself, was so awesome. I couldn't stop reading. At the end, though, I was so disappointed.
First of all,the plot twist that Julia's husband was gay. Someone's sexuality should never be a plot twist. But that it is not really what I found annoying and offensive, nor Julia's anger because she feels betrayed (this is not about you, stop), it's the way the gay characters are portrayed. They're abusive and toxic. I mean, the story ends with Simon revealing that he killed his lover (and cousin) and then setting himself and Julia on fire. With the homophobia we have to tolerate everyday, finding gay characters that are evil because they are gay it's frustrating. I don't even know how to explain my anger.
Also, but not least important, the offensive way the Romani community is presented. I did a quick research in google about the community and I found out that all the characteristics the Romani characters have in this book are terribly offensive. A QUICK RESEARCH, people. They are thieves, untrustworthy, greedy, can't stay inside nor "have good manners". Julia is presented as this benevolent white woman trying to save a Romani woman from her community and their "cruel" rules. It is not okay. The Romani community are not imaginary animals, the way media presents them influence the way we see them. Raybourn is perpetuating prejudices, justifying the hate.
So not, I won't be reading the next books.
It is a long book, but I didn't really feel like it was. Because the mystery, the lies, the family of Julia, Julia herself, was so awesome. I couldn't stop reading. At the end, though, I was so disappointed.
First of all,
Also, but not least important, the offensive way the Romani community is presented. I did a quick research in google about the community and I found out that all the characteristics the Romani characters have in this book are terribly offensive. A QUICK RESEARCH, people. They are thieves, untrustworthy, greedy, can't stay inside nor "have good manners". Julia is presented as this benevolent white woman trying to save a Romani woman from her community and their "cruel" rules. It is not okay. The Romani community are not imaginary animals, the way media presents them influence the way we see them. Raybourn is perpetuating prejudices, justifying the hate.
So not, I won't be reading the next books.
A nice, quick read that gave me a mystery I didn't figure out in the first 20 pages.
Well, Lady Grey is no Victoria Speedwell. But it’s a debut novel, and it’ll do until the next VS move comes out.
Better than Tasha Alexander's similar "Lady Emily" series, in that it is less pedantic about chosen setting (Victorian England), which allows you to enjoy the spunky heroine and gothic story for what it is...a light and fun read.