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polarbearlvr's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
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? No
5.0
I love the dynamic being developed in these stories. I laugh out loud at some of the "atrocities"
rereader33's review against another edition
3.0
I feel like a more appropriate title would be "Misogyny: a Murder Mystery" because dear God the misogyny was strong in this book.
That being said, the two main leads progressed a bit in character development so that I don't hate either of them as much. On top of that, because the writing is repetitive as hell, I could skim most of this and not miss much, so that's a plus. Overall, this was an improvement over the first one, but I'm still not that invested in the series.
That being said, the two main leads progressed a bit in character development so that I don't hate either of them as much. On top of that, because the writing is repetitive as hell, I could skim most of this and not miss much, so that's a plus. Overall, this was an improvement over the first one, but I'm still not that invested in the series.
rebroxannape's review against another edition
3.0
Finishing my second of the Gaslight mysteries, I’ve decided that other than the promise of the overarching relationship building between our protagonists, and some promising subplots, the individual mysteries have little to offer me. The writing is too simplistic and basic. It’s all action and dialogue, with the occasional foray into a minor history lesson. There is nothing thought-provoking. There is no wit or humor. It reads like it's written for a pre-teen except for the adult themes. Here is an example:
Here is what passes for humor:
Get it?
The killer is so obvious that I was dumbfounded by our heroine’s stupidity and blindness.
Exactly, Sarah, Dirk fits the profile of the Killer. But she doesn’t even suspect him until she is shown photographic evidence. She confronts him, but he gives her an alibi for one of the four of the killings, and she immediately decides he is innocent after all without even checking it out first. She confides some of the facts of the case by way of an apology and targets a witness who can identify him. A day later, Dirk murders the witness.
Yes, you did, Sarah. You really did. You are an idiot.
Some things are baffling:
Defend himself? He just made a full confession including the motive to beating 3 women to death, not to mention attempting to toss her off a Ferris Wheel, but fell off himself instead. What would be his defense?, pray tell.
It turns out that the original victim who got Sarah interested in the case was killed by her brother-in-law, who is a wife-beater, which Sarah has gobs of experience in identifying the symptoms and characteristics thereof. There is no doubt about it. Yet…
Who else, Sarah? Who. Else.
Including the bruises on his hands that same day. And so on.
I hope I am not being too harsh. but this is one of the highest-rated in the series. There is a lot to like in the first two, but for me, a mystery has to have either an intriguing puzzle, or some wit and humor, or great descriptions or thought-provoking insights into social or psychological conditions. Or some snappy entertaining writing. I’m a sucker for a good romance, but the one in this is shaping up to be fairly predictable. I am interested in the subplots, including Sarah’s reconciliation with her wealthy snobby family. When she is not trying to solve a mystery, Sarah is likable and admirable. I can download the series from the library. So, who knows? I may be trying the next one, barring nothing better coming alongl They are fast and easy, for sure.
https://rebekahsreadingsandwatchings.com/
Sarah found this the most pleasant of all the rides at the park, so she readily agreed. The line was long, but it moved quickly since the wheel was large and held many cars.
Here is what passes for humor:
SARAH LOOKED DOWN FROM HER PERCH AT the top of the Ferris wheel. The view indeed was breathtaking. She couldn’t seem to breathe at all.
Get it?
The killer is so obvious that I was dumbfounded by our heroine’s stupidity and blindness.
Sarah hadn’t thought of that. Another reason to ask Dirk to go with her. He’d know exactly how a man like that would behave since he himself was a man like that.
Exactly, Sarah, Dirk fits the profile of the Killer. But she doesn’t even suspect him until she is shown photographic evidence. She confronts him, but he gives her an alibi for one of the four of the killings, and she immediately decides he is innocent after all without even checking it out first. She confides some of the facts of the case by way of an apology and targets a witness who can identify him. A day later, Dirk murders the witness.
I killed her, Malloy, just as surely as if I beat her myself!” The tears were welling in her eyes, hot as lava, burning and stinging and begging to be shed. ,
Yes, you did, Sarah. You really did. You are an idiot.
Some things are baffling:
Sarah saw no need to blacken the name of the entire Schyler family by accusing their son of murder when he wasn’t able to defend himself.
Defend himself? He just made a full confession including the motive to beating 3 women to death, not to mention attempting to toss her off a Ferris Wheel, but fell off himself instead. What would be his defense?, pray tell.
It turns out that the original victim who got Sarah interested in the case was killed by her brother-in-law, who is a wife-beater, which Sarah has gobs of experience in identifying the symptoms and characteristics thereof. There is no doubt about it. Yet…
“You didn’t get those bruises from falling down the stairs,” Sarah said. “Someone hit you. Was it your husband?
Who else, Sarah? Who. Else.
Could Lars Otto have been the killer (of the first victim, his sister-in-law) all along? That would explain so much…
Including the bruises on his hands that same day. And so on.
I hope I am not being too harsh. but this is one of the highest-rated in the series. There is a lot to like in the first two, but for me, a mystery has to have either an intriguing puzzle, or some wit and humor, or great descriptions or thought-provoking insights into social or psychological conditions. Or some snappy entertaining writing. I’m a sucker for a good romance, but the one in this is shaping up to be fairly predictable. I am interested in the subplots, including Sarah’s reconciliation with her wealthy snobby family. When she is not trying to solve a mystery, Sarah is likable and admirable. I can download the series from the library. So, who knows? I may be trying the next one, barring nothing better coming alongl They are fast and easy, for sure.
https://rebekahsreadingsandwatchings.com/
spevensie's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
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
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Domestic abuse
Minor: Rape and Sexual assault
littletaiko's review against another edition
4.0
The sense of place is what really sets these mysteries apart. Sarah's mid-wife abilities are in high demand. One of her patient's sister has been murdered and due to the circumstances it's unlikely the police will investigate too hard unless there is a reward involved. Sarah reaches out Sergeant Malloy for assistance. Their burgeoning friendship is delightful as well.
elarsonwhittaker's review against another edition
2.0
sarah was so naive in this book. she constantly made the wrong decisions and i kept wanting to tell her to stop. i was also disappointed the once again the rich villains got away with murder by dying and saving themselves and their families from scandal. the poor man who only murdered one person (yes, still bad but not as bad as a serial killer who liked the power of killing destitute young women) had to do prison time, leaving his family to pretty much starve on the streets.
i was proud of myself for guessing the murderer super early on in the book though.
i was proud of myself for guessing the murderer super early on in the book though.
lisalor16's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
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? No
5.0
bikes_books_yarn's review against another edition
4.0
The second mystery in the Gaslight Mystery Series.
Sarah is called over to Little Germany and expects to deliver a baby when she gets there - instead she finds the police and neighbors at the expectant mother's house (Agnes Otto) and is told that Agnes' sister has been beaten to death. Agnes' sister Gerda just arrived from Germany and fell in with the 'wrong crowd' becoming a charity girl - which sounds like a mild form of prostitution. (Meaning I don't think she sells herself for sex but is kind of close to doing that.)
The police at this time are very corrupt so Sarah tells Agnes that you need to bribe the police to find the killer. Alas they are broke so Sarah has no choice but to investigate - and she of course brings Detective Frank Malloy into it as well.
I really enjoyed this and it makes me realize I really need to pick up where I left off on the series and keep reading. I have hopes that Sarah and the detective will hook up at some point... :)
Sarah is called over to Little Germany and expects to deliver a baby when she gets there - instead she finds the police and neighbors at the expectant mother's house (Agnes Otto) and is told that Agnes' sister has been beaten to death. Agnes' sister Gerda just arrived from Germany and fell in with the 'wrong crowd' becoming a charity girl - which sounds like a mild form of prostitution. (Meaning I don't think she sells herself for sex but is kind of close to doing that.)
The police at this time are very corrupt so Sarah tells Agnes that you need to bribe the police to find the killer. Alas they are broke so Sarah has no choice but to investigate - and she of course brings Detective Frank Malloy into it as well.
I really enjoyed this and it makes me realize I really need to pick up where I left off on the series and keep reading. I have hopes that Sarah and the detective will hook up at some point... :)