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A review by gladiolus17
The Death of Jane Lawrence by Caitlin Starling
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
I was COMPELLED. I was entertained. This book was a vibe.
I also felt some parts needed a little work.
I had this book on hold at the library and when it came in I completely forgot the synopsis and genre. When I started the book, I did not understand the genre. Partly this is my fault for forgetting, but I also believe this is in part that the book did not set up genre expectations correctly, and I mistakenly assumed this was a quirky historical romance.
The beginning set up weak stakes for the romance. Since Jane’s backstory was not revealed until later in the book, I did not understand why Jane was intent on the marriage being a business transaction.In hindsight I believe it was because Jane was old and that’s why no one wanted her? Or because her parents died? I don’t know for sure, so I wish that was established.
If I understood what was holding her back from the romance, I would have felt stronger for her and Augustine’s relationship.
I also felt first quarter Jane and the rest of the story Jane was inconsistent in characterization. In the beginning she is set up to be unemotional, but she is quickly thawed by Augustine’s kindness. She also shows high fear and emotionality for the rest of the book. With her encounter with the magician, she is accused of being monstrous, yet that theme is not explored, leaving me feel Jane’s character arc is incomplete.
The ending also left me confused. <
spoiler> Was Jane Eledy? (Sorry I listened on audiobook, so I don’t know how to spell Augustine’s late wife’s name.) I also felt Augustine’s cowardice and shame were quickly fixed without much effort on his end.
Even with the parts I was not keen on, I did enjoy a good portion of the book. The pace was quick, and the mystery kept me on my toes. It was the ending and how it was tied up left me with many questions, and not any emotional pondering I would hope for.
I also felt some parts needed a little work.
I had this book on hold at the library and when it came in I completely forgot the synopsis and genre. When I started the book, I did not understand the genre. Partly this is my fault for forgetting, but I also believe this is in part that the book did not set up genre expectations correctly, and I mistakenly assumed this was a quirky historical romance.
The beginning set up weak stakes for the romance. Since Jane’s backstory was not revealed until later in the book, I did not understand why Jane was intent on the marriage being a business transaction.
I also felt first quarter Jane and the rest of the story Jane was inconsistent in characterization.
The ending also left me confused. <
spoiler> Was Jane Eledy? (Sorry I listened on audiobook, so I don’t know how to spell Augustine’s late wife’s name.) I also felt Augustine’s cowardice and shame were quickly fixed without much effort on his end.
Even with the parts I was not keen on, I did enjoy a good portion of the book. The pace was quick, and the mystery kept me on my toes. It was the ending and how it was tied up left me with many questions, and not any emotional pondering I would hope for.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood and Gore