bookswithbets's reviews
773 reviews

Wind and Truth by Brandon Sanderson

adventurous challenging medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Cloud Cuckoo Land by Anthony Doerr

adventurous emotional mysterious reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

The Faceless Ones by Derek Landy

adventurous mysterious fast-paced

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

4.0

The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan

adventurous fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

A Slash of Emerald by Patrice McDonough

dark mysterious medium-paced

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

4.0

Thank you to Patrice McDonough and Kensington Publishing (through Netgalley) for a digital ARC in exchange for my honest review!

On the dark streets of London, 1867, Inspector Richard Tennant & Dr. Julia Lewis are once again pulled together to solve a growing case involving the rich and poor alike. If you enjoy clever historical mysteries then look no further. 

I thoroughly enjoyed my time with Tennant and Lewis as they expertly navigate another case together. Lewis is compassionate and diligent in her work as a doctor, especially in a time not prone to accepting women who choose their careers over all else. Tennant is a hound when it comes to sniffing out dishonesty and pursuing all avenues, even when they appear to be a dead end. Together they're an evenly matched team. 

Patrice McDonough is an expert at writing mystery novels that immerse the reader in the intricacies and politics of Victorian England. She doesn't romanticize London. She lays it out plainly as a playground for depravity. No one is safe, and as the case unfolds it becomes clear that there are no limits to what people are willing to do to get what they want. 

If you're looking for a mystery novel that has an abundance of history meshed in, then a Dr. Julia Lewis Mystery is for you. A Slash of Emerald is dark, dry, and all business.

Available February 25th, 2025.

The Traitor Baru Cormorant by Seth Dickinson

adventurous dark mysterious medium-paced

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

3.5

Playing with Fire by Derek Landy

adventurous dark funny mysterious fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

My Contrary Mary by Jodi Meadows, Brodi Ashton, Cynthia Hand

adventurous funny lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

When Among Crows by Veronica Roth

adventurous dark mysterious fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Fyre by Angie Sage

adventurous mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0