Scan barcode
livres_de_bloss's review
3.0
These books are pretty entertaining by iBook standards but they’re so very long-winded.
katzreads's review
3.0
Read this during my trip to Scotland (2018). Very good. #5 in a series--look for others.
saranel81's review
2.0
I felt a little overwhelmed with all the characters. There was so much focus on the main characters and all their friends and relations that I had a really difficult time keeping track of the people actually involved in the mystery. The side characters had so much to do that it almost seemed like the mystery was a subplot. But two things in particular were what pulled me out of the story time and again.
First, Annie is a married woman now, so it stands to reason that she should be getting pregnant. This is a huge subplot. While I appreciated Annie's ambivalence about wanting to get pregnant so quickly after marriage, it became pretty obvious halfway through the story whether she was or wasn't. By the time the truth was revealed, it was anti-climatic because I'd already figured it out.
Second, I feel strongly that readers in mystery novels should be with the sleuth every step of the way in the mystery, discovering things as the sleuth does, getting to see things firsthand, as the sleuth does. There are many scenes in the book in which the reader learns information secondhand. There is literally too much telling and not enough showing. I think this goes back to the problem of "too many characters." I like Annie, I think she's a great sleuth. But there are so many scenes featuring other characters that her sleuthing is often reduced to reporting it to Nate when he comes home at night. In the past couple books, the focus seems to have moved away from solely being on Annie, and the less Annie in the book, the less I like it.
First, Annie is a married woman now, so it stands to reason that she should be getting pregnant. This is a huge subplot. While I appreciated Annie's ambivalence about wanting to get pregnant so quickly after marriage, it became pretty obvious halfway through the story whether she was or wasn't. By the time the truth was revealed, it was anti-climatic because I'd already figured it out.
Second, I feel strongly that readers in mystery novels should be with the sleuth every step of the way in the mystery, discovering things as the sleuth does, getting to see things firsthand, as the sleuth does. There are many scenes in the book in which the reader learns information secondhand. There is literally too much telling and not enough showing. I think this goes back to the problem of "too many characters." I like Annie, I think she's a great sleuth. But there are so many scenes featuring other characters that her sleuthing is often reduced to reporting it to Nate when he comes home at night. In the past couple books, the focus seems to have moved away from solely being on Annie, and the less Annie in the book, the less I like it.
liliales's review against another edition
5.0
I enjoy this series so much. The late 19th century has become one of my favorite topics, and this author is a true expert on it. The main characters are all friendly and interesting and the sort of people we wish everyone could be throughout our history. In that respect, it might be said these are "cozy" mysteries. However, they have more depth than most of the entries in that field, misjudged as it often is.
I have always loved descriptions of early department stores, and this one was thoroughly satisfying in that respect. As to the story, fans of the series will appreciate it very much. Standing alone, it might warrant only four stars instead of five. As part of the ongoing story, it's very rewarding.
I have always loved descriptions of early department stores, and this one was thoroughly satisfying in that respect. As to the story, fans of the series will appreciate it very much. Standing alone, it might warrant only four stars instead of five. As part of the ongoing story, it's very rewarding.
mad_about_books's review against another edition
5.0
As Annie's story continues, and her strength in her convictions increases, the books are taking a somewhat darker turn. It is a clever, if subliminal, way of getting the point across that women are, first and foremost, living, breathing and capable human beings. The age old idea that women need to be protected from the world is just wrong.
Although presented as cozy mysteries of the Victorian era, what truly recommends this series are its presentation of history, and its feminist leaning. The history in each novel is backed up with squibs of actual newspaper accounts, at the beginning of each chapter, that substantiate the fictional account. The feminist side shows that women, in the late 1800s, in America, were starting to assert their independence. It also does not discount the way in which men responded. There is Nate Dawson who learns to curb his tongue when trying to make his point that he wants to protect Annie. Then there are men who think of women as their chattel. On the surface, these may seem like sweet little mysteries, but the underlying message is what provides the backbone.
One last thing I realized while reading the series is that the titles of the novels and short works really do sum up the stories in their clever play on words.
Again, I will urge that you start reading the Victorian San Francisco mysteries from the beginning. I say this because it is the backstory that will make you come back for more. In any mystery series, the actual mystery is often secondary to the importance of learning what happens next in the lives of the characters. Dr. Locke's characters are very human and quite varied. It is through these well-developed individuals that the history comes alive.
Although presented as cozy mysteries of the Victorian era, what truly recommends this series are its presentation of history, and its feminist leaning. The history in each novel is backed up with squibs of actual newspaper accounts, at the beginning of each chapter, that substantiate the fictional account. The feminist side shows that women, in the late 1800s, in America, were starting to assert their independence. It also does not discount the way in which men responded. There is Nate Dawson who learns to curb his tongue when trying to make his point that he wants to protect Annie. Then there are men who think of women as their chattel. On the surface, these may seem like sweet little mysteries, but the underlying message is what provides the backbone.
One last thing I realized while reading the series is that the titles of the novels and short works really do sum up the stories in their clever play on words.
Again, I will urge that you start reading the Victorian San Francisco mysteries from the beginning. I say this because it is the backstory that will make you come back for more. In any mystery series, the actual mystery is often secondary to the importance of learning what happens next in the lives of the characters. Dr. Locke's characters are very human and quite varied. It is through these well-developed individuals that the history comes alive.
2sylvan's review against another edition
1.0
Lacking verve
It seemed to me that the characters in this book had little nuance. The plot seemed quite predictable and comfortable. I did not find it amusing or challenging. A book set in San Fransisco has the potential for such color and texture which was not to be found. I would not recommend the book.
It seemed to me that the characters in this book had little nuance. The plot seemed quite predictable and comfortable. I did not find it amusing or challenging. A book set in San Fransisco has the potential for such color and texture which was not to be found. I would not recommend the book.
nuphoc3's review
4.0
My only complaint for this book is that it seems like it goes on a little too long. I understand that the kind of crime that was committed does not always go quickly but still
katiemulcahy122's review
4.0
I love the Dawsons and the boardinghouse and all the history (this time about department stores). This series is my favorite kind of cozy mystery, where I like the characters and the story unfolds well. And now that I’ve caught up, I’m going to have to read all the short stories involved while I wait for the next one.
gnarlyrockerchick's review
hopeful
mysterious
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Murder
amandasbookreview's review
1.0
DNF.
I tried. But there is so much that prevented me from finishing this book. First, I was listening to the audiobook version. The reader was not that great. The accents were off, there were moments where she read way too fast, and there was absolutely no emotion in the voice.
As for the story. Nothing was happening despite there being too many points of view. It was a dull story with one dimensional characters and unnecessary information.
I am sorry. I am sure this is a wonderful book to some. But it did not work for me.
I tried. But there is so much that prevented me from finishing this book. First, I was listening to the audiobook version. The reader was not that great. The accents were off, there were moments where she read way too fast, and there was absolutely no emotion in the voice.
As for the story. Nothing was happening despite there being too many points of view. It was a dull story with one dimensional characters and unnecessary information.
I am sorry. I am sure this is a wonderful book to some. But it did not work for me.