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A review by aksmith92
A Most Agreeable Murder by Julia Seales
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Phew! What a packed, mysterious novel with a heavy dose of humor.
Beatrice Steele has a big secret - she loves murder, well, the solving of it, not actually doing it. She secretly reads the papers about an investigator named Sir Huxley and even writes to him about her thoughts. But, in Swampshire, where she is from and resides, ladies CANNOT partake in any of that. If anyone found out, her family would be ruined!
Well, a fateful night at the Annual Autumnal Ball held by the Ashbrooks results in murder, and somehow, Beatrice can put her skills to the test (quietly). We are taken on quite the murder mystery journey in this book, and I must admit I enjoyed it. I thought it was crisp - the prose was witty, yet Regency-area styled that had a nostalgic factor for me (for some reason). Although Beatrice's character annoyed me just a little, I still liked her character. There were also hints of satire in here that I just loved.
I will say that there was a lot packed into this, including the odd humor aspects like Mary (although I have a theory Mary is actually Beatrice and Louisa's imaginary friend Penelope since she is so strange and everyone "forgets" about her. In some instances, I'm like, hm, maybe that's wrong, but it's the theory I'm going with for now. ) and Mr. Steele's odd fascination with tricks. Additionally, the entire book was a bit extreme, almost on the verge of ludicrous. But I had a blast regardless.
I will say, I was adamant about who the murderer was from the beginning. I was like, IT IS THIS PERSON, I KNOW IT. I didn't back down even when much other information surfaced that would lead one in another direction. Even though I guessed it, I thoroughly enjoyed the ride to get there and the reasoning behind it, which I wasn't sure about!
I truly had fun while reading this one. I also love the cover - it's so pretty - and the little recipes and items at the back of the book.
Beatrice Steele has a big secret - she loves murder, well, the solving of it, not actually doing it. She secretly reads the papers about an investigator named Sir Huxley and even writes to him about her thoughts. But, in Swampshire, where she is from and resides, ladies CANNOT partake in any of that. If anyone found out, her family would be ruined!
Well, a fateful night at the Annual Autumnal Ball held by the Ashbrooks results in murder, and somehow, Beatrice can put her skills to the test (quietly). We are taken on quite the murder mystery journey in this book, and I must admit I enjoyed it. I thought it was crisp - the prose was witty, yet Regency-area styled that had a nostalgic factor for me (for some reason). Although Beatrice's character annoyed me just a little, I still liked her character. There were also hints of satire in here that I just loved.
I will say that there was a lot packed into this, including the odd humor aspects like Mary (although I have a theory
I will say, I was adamant about who the murderer was from the beginning. I was like, IT IS THIS PERSON, I KNOW IT. I didn't back down even when much other information surfaced that would lead one in another direction. Even though I guessed it, I thoroughly enjoyed the ride to get there and the reasoning behind it, which I wasn't sure about!
I truly had fun while reading this one. I also love the cover - it's so pretty - and the little recipes and items at the back of the book.