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A review by thunguyen
Cut to the Quick by Kate Ross
5.0
When I learnt that the amateur sleuth of this series is one of the dandy set, I know I must read this. I've had enough of brooding heroes and dangerous gentlemen in my life (of reading historical romance mystery), and I especially don't like strait-laced dukes, thank you very much, now give me a peacock who can solve a murder.
Having said that, the only disappointment for me in this book was the lack of description of Julian Kestrel's clothing. His rakish life style, his easy flirting, his being barely a gentleman, his witty conversation, everything is what I was expecting, all I need to complete the character is a little bit more about his clothing, every single time he dressed for dinner.
That wasn't meant to be a sarcasm. I really wish there was more description of him being a dandy.
To the murder mystery, I'm surprised the writing turned out to be quite true detective style, with a doctor's examination of the body, crime scene investigation, establishment of all suspects' movements during the time window of death. These parts were written with quite some details, in lots of conversations and lengthy reasoning, not glossed over in a few sentences. There was cozy drawing room activities, but our protagonist didn't waste time going on picnics or dancing waltz, he was all focused on investigation.
The victim was a Jane Doe. The murder was in a closed house. The list of suspects was determined from the start. No one claimed to know who's the victim was. Everyone lied about something. It took 2/3 of the book to identify her. By then, a lot more family secrets were revealed as misdirection from the true killer. In the end, though I guessed the killer at the same time Julian did, it's still a surprise to learn of their motive.
Another thing unexpected about this book is how touching it feels on the subject of murder and life and death, mostly through Julian's eyes. While it's exciting to read smart and cool characters, ultimately it's their kindness that win my reader's heart.
Definitely keep reading the series.
Having said that, the only disappointment for me in this book was the lack of description of Julian Kestrel's clothing. His rakish life style, his easy flirting, his being barely a gentleman, his witty conversation, everything is what I was expecting, all I need to complete the character is a little bit more about his clothing, every single time he dressed for dinner.
That wasn't meant to be a sarcasm. I really wish there was more description of him being a dandy.
To the murder mystery, I'm surprised the writing turned out to be quite true detective style, with a doctor's examination of the body, crime scene investigation, establishment of all suspects' movements during the time window of death. These parts were written with quite some details, in lots of conversations and lengthy reasoning, not glossed over in a few sentences. There was cozy drawing room activities, but our protagonist didn't waste time going on picnics or dancing waltz, he was all focused on investigation.
The victim was a Jane Doe. The murder was in a closed house. The list of suspects was determined from the start. No one claimed to know who's the victim was. Everyone lied about something. It took 2/3 of the book to identify her. By then, a lot more family secrets were revealed as misdirection from the true killer. In the end, though I guessed the killer at the same time Julian did, it's still a surprise to learn of their motive.
Another thing unexpected about this book is how touching it feels on the subject of murder and life and death, mostly through Julian's eyes. While it's exciting to read smart and cool characters, ultimately it's their kindness that win my reader's heart.
Definitely keep reading the series.