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A review by lene_kretzsch
The Lady's Guide to Death and Deception by Katherine Cowley
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
What a delightful and unexpectedly strong entry in this series!
After a relatively poor second volume, I was hesitant to read this third installment but am so glad I did as everything that plagued the second book (awkward integration of historical elements, poor character development, and lackluster pacing) is gone here. The history and historical characters are well rendered and beautifully integrated into Mary's ongoing story, Mary herself is better drawn and more interesting, and the plot moves along nicely, providing a few moments of real tension and suspense. Cowley seems altogether more confident in her voice and there are some exceptionally lovely bits of prose and some somber themes that are sensitively handled. I also loved the romance here-I've been anticipating it since the first book and was not disappointed. It was sweet, heartwarming, and touchingly awkward at times-all the things one would expect given this particular couple.
Other reviewers seem to feel this is the conclusion to this series and I will be satisfied if it is, but given how confident and strong this recent volume is I would be pleased to follow Mary's adventures further.
After a relatively poor second volume, I was hesitant to read this third installment but am so glad I did as everything that plagued the second book (awkward integration of historical elements, poor character development, and lackluster pacing) is gone here. The history and historical characters are well rendered and beautifully integrated into Mary's ongoing story, Mary herself is better drawn and more interesting, and the plot moves along nicely, providing a few moments of real tension and suspense. Cowley seems altogether more confident in her voice and there are some exceptionally lovely bits of prose and some somber themes that are sensitively handled. I also loved the romance here-I've been anticipating it since the first book and was not disappointed. It was sweet, heartwarming, and touchingly awkward at times-all the things one would expect given this particular couple.
Other reviewers seem to feel this is the conclusion to this series and I will be satisfied if it is, but given how confident and strong this recent volume is I would be pleased to follow Mary's adventures further.