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cassielaj's review against another edition
emotional
informative
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Fiona Davis is the MASTER of the dual timeline and applies her skills so adeptly to historical mysteries centered on New York City landmarks. I really enjoyed this book theft mystery that spans generations of the Lyons family. Laura’s 1913 storyline captured the restlessness of a wife and mother who dreams of more in a society that doesn’t see her as an equal to her male counterparts. Sadie’s storyline, in a different way, chronicles a woman’s longing for more. As more pieces were added, I began to wonder how this would wrap up nicely, but I was really impressed with how everything tied together. I would definitely recommend this book for lovers of history, mystery, and books.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Sexism, Grief, Misogyny, and Suicide
Moderate: Death of parent
jeannine's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
I loved the premise. I loved the dual timelines. But there were layers in the story that seemed superfluous or perhaps even added to make the tragic events even more devastating? There was a “but wait, there’s more!” quality in the middle of the book when everything seems to be going wrong for both main characters.
The mystery was interesting and I wish that had been the focus. Heaping on one sad secondary event after another made this become a bit depressing.
I also felt that the conclusion was abrupt and not especially satisfying.
The mystery was interesting and I wish that had been the focus. Heaping on one sad secondary event after another made this become a bit depressing.
I also felt that the conclusion was abrupt and not especially satisfying.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Grief, Misogyny, Sexism, Suicide, and Infidelity
Minor: Death, Death of parent, Domestic abuse, and Grief
le3713's review against another edition
emotional
informative
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Couldn't put it down! I enjoy all of Fiona Davis' books, but the literary aspect of this one sealed the deal.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny
Moderate: Suicide, Death, and Kidnapping
kerrygetsliterary's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
informative
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Biphobia, Death, Death of parent, Dementia, Domestic abuse, Grief, Homophobia, Infidelity, Lesbophobia, Misogyny, Sexism, and Suicide
ellenwilberg's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
informative
mysterious
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Death of parent, Domestic abuse, Grief, Infidelity, Misogyny, Sexual content, Suicide, and Terminal illness
kates_books's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
informative
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
I'm not sure what I exactly expected this book to be, but it was not at all what I imagined. There were so many more layers to it than I expected. There was mystery, LGBTQ representation, feminism, family dynamics, love stories, historical information, character growth. I enjoyed the dual perspectives, especially with the twist that it is a grandmother/granddaughter relationship between the two narrators. I also really enjoyed the mystery and cliff-hangers that certain chapters ended with before switching perspectives, thus making the reader wait a bit until you go back to whichever narrator was left with that cliffhanger. There were mini plot twists throughout the story too that I really enjoyed. It also had a sort of happy ending and it was tied up very well.
Content Warnings
Minor: Bullying, Death, Death of parent, Sexism, and Suicide
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