Scan barcode
A review by jhbandcats
A Curious Beginning by Deanna Raybourn
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
I am in a distinct minority in that I was not bowled over by this book. It’s a feather-light trifle, fairly bloodless, without much tension.
The two main characters are fun, both outsiders in Victorian society. I enjoyed them a lot but the plot was so-so. Veronica, the heroine, is noted for her cleverness but she seems astonishingly dense for about the first half of the book. I *never* can figure out mysteries but even I knew what was happening from almost the beginning - though the circus was a surprise.
I’m not intrigued enough to read the next eight in the series. It just felt like the author was trying too hard. I don’t know how to explain it better. I read her Killers of a Certain Age and thought it was delightful. This was merely okay.
The two main characters are fun, both outsiders in Victorian society. I enjoyed them a lot but the plot was so-so. Veronica, the heroine, is noted for her cleverness but she seems astonishingly dense for about the first half of the book. I *never* can figure out mysteries but even I knew what was happening from almost the beginning - though the circus was a surprise.
I’m not intrigued enough to read the next eight in the series. It just felt like the author was trying too hard. I don’t know how to explain it better. I read her Killers of a Certain Age and thought it was delightful. This was merely okay.
Graphic: Infidelity, Sexism, Classism, Fire/Fire injury, Alcohol, Murder, and Violence