A review by verydazedragon
Death and the Lit Chick by G.M. Malliet

mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

I dont personally think that this book was as suspenseful as the first. I found the plot to be mediocre at best, but the writing was just as charming as ever. As with the first book, I appreciated Malliet's effort to establish each character dynamic, but unlike in the first book, the connections were a little far-fetched and less believable. I did like the references to hallmarks of literature (to Jane Austen, Agatha Christie, and others), and I also like her subtle nod to the previous book. The budding romance fell between the detective and Portia was a nice touch. This book felt more worldly than its predecessor, more inclusive to the world at large, in spite of the characters being marooned, as it were, in the castle. I liked the more intimate, conflicted familial setting of book one much better. This book fell a bit flat for me, but I do enjoy her writing style and vocabulary, so I plan on pursuing the series.