Scan barcode
A review by jessielzimmer
Profiteroles and Poison by Agatha Frost
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
medium-paced
3.0
This was a good outing in the Peridale series, not the worst but not the best. There was red herring that felt weird and underdeveloped. First the "villain" is bonkers crazy, and then normal again, and finally showing up at the victim's door easy as you please.
I understand Frost was trying to keep readers on their toes, but it felt weak. While I enjoyed the characters, mystery, and ultimate comeuppance of the villain, I wouldn't mind a *little* meatier of a murder next go round.
Also, how many murders have occurred in this village in 4-5 years? God lord! This has to be some sort of small town murder capital at this point.
Lastly, Jessie continues to be a major highlight of the series for me. The final scenes in the book with her and Julia often leave me teary-eyed. I wouldn't mind a murder or two featuring Jessie as a suspect in the future, or Jessie, Barker, and Julia having a PI business together.
My one major issue continues to be the same one I've always had, Julia regularly throws herself in danger with gusto. Frequently in the stupidest manner possible. And now she's pregnant and it's still happening. It's 2021, Frost, surely there's a way for Julia to still be a super-sleuth with a little distance.
This is where I think working with Jessie, Barker, and even Alfie could be useful. Let them go out and collect data, allowing Julia to do electronic sleuthing or one-on-one work. Putting her directly in the danger is stupid, and people should be calling her out on it. I can't believe Jessie, especially, hasn't said something.
Lastly, if I have to read about Alfie playing with his lip ring one more time I might throw something. Or Dot "push up" her hair and fiddle with her brooch. For the love of all that is holy, stop leaning on physical tics to try and cover for the lack of character development.
Speaking of character development, Jessie is the best example of it, but Katie continues to grow on me as the series rolls on. I hope that keeps up! I never expected to like her, but it's been heart-warming to watch her grow.
Despite this, I do enjoy the series. I think Frost's new Claire's Candles is quickly becoming the much stronger series, but Peridale is still a lovely place to visit for a pleasant read. 3/5 for me!
I understand Frost was trying to keep readers on their toes, but it felt weak. While I enjoyed the characters, mystery, and ultimate comeuppance of the villain, I wouldn't mind a *little* meatier of a murder next go round.
Also, how many murders have occurred in this village in 4-5 years? God lord! This has to be some sort of small town murder capital at this point.
Lastly, Jessie continues to be a major highlight of the series for me. The final scenes in the book with her and Julia often leave me teary-eyed. I wouldn't mind a murder or two featuring Jessie as a suspect in the future, or Jessie, Barker, and Julia having a PI business together.
My one major issue continues to be the same one I've always had, Julia regularly throws herself in danger with gusto. Frequently in the stupidest manner possible. And now she's pregnant and it's still happening. It's 2021, Frost, surely there's a way for Julia to still be a super-sleuth with a little distance.
This is where I think working with Jessie, Barker, and even Alfie could be useful. Let them go out and collect data, allowing Julia to do electronic sleuthing or one-on-one work. Putting her directly in the danger is stupid, and people should be calling her out on it. I can't believe Jessie, especially, hasn't said something.
Lastly, if I have to read about Alfie playing with his lip ring one more time I might throw something. Or Dot "push up" her hair and fiddle with her brooch. For the love of all that is holy, stop leaning on physical tics to try and cover for the lack of character development.
Speaking of character development, Jessie is the best example of it, but Katie continues to grow on me as the series rolls on. I hope that keeps up! I never expected to like her, but it's been heart-warming to watch her grow.
Despite this, I do enjoy the series. I think Frost's new Claire's Candles is quickly becoming the much stronger series, but Peridale is still a lovely place to visit for a pleasant read. 3/5 for me!