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odurant8's review against another edition
5.0
Another literary masterpiece from Wein. Readers who have not yet read Code Name Verity will hopefully be intrigued enough to pick up that title next. Julie is a flawed but captivating character, and her friendships with Travellers surprise her, having grown up in privilege. During the course of the novel, she will discover how different her life experiences have been compared to others, and her worldview will shift. It's part coming-of-age, part history, and part mystery, with a little romance. Wein adds background notes and sources for further reading.
abbyl819's review against another edition
4.0
I absolutely loved the first 2 books in this series, Code Name Verity and Rose Under Fire, but this one was a little disappointing. Although I am definitely not saying this was not a good book, it was not as good as the first two. I didn't feel that the Julie we know and love from Code Name Verity was portrayed as the same person here. It was fun reading about her again, but if I hadn't known, I would not have thought she was the same person. Her personality was so different, as was reading through her perspective. It made it seem like Lady Julia and Julie/Verity aren't even related. Overall, this was a good mystery that kept me guessing until the last page, but I was disappointed in the portrayal of Julie throughout the book.
geerfear's review
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual assault
book_concierge's review against another edition
3.0
Book on CD performed by Maggie Service
3.5***
15-year-old Julia-Beaufort Stuart comes home from finishing school for one final summer at the family’s ancestral home: Strathfearn House. She has many fond memories of time spent with her older brothers, Sandy and Jamie, and especially with her grandfather, the recently deceased Earl of Strathfearn. Now the property has been sold and is being converted into a school for boys. The construction workers have pretty much taken over the house and grounds, with the family ensconced in a few upstairs rooms, and the morning room. But a chance encounter by the river, will result in charges of murder and theft.
This is a prequel of sorts to Wein’s Code Name Verity, giving readers a little background on the character of Julia. It’s a good mystery and coming-of-age tale set in 1938 in the Scottish Highlands.
Julia is awakening to the pleasures of love, and she has two somewhat competing crushes. The construction manager, Francis Dunbar, is obviously forbidden. He is “much” older (in his 30s), and has no idea that she’s only fifteen, and she’s rather forward in showing her attraction (at least in private). Then there’s the enigmatic Ellen McEwen. She and her brother Euan are members of a family of Travelers who have worked seasonally on the Strathfearn estate for generations. Ellen is confident, bold, accomplished and angry. But she also immensely attractive to Julia.
The plot focuses on the estates treasure trove of ancient artifacts, including Bronze-age spear points, centuries-old hand-crafted items, and a jar full of Scottish river pearls, some purportedly once belonging to Mary Queen of Scots. When the archeologist hired to inventory the collection goes missing, at about the same time that Julia is found near the river with her head bashed by an unknown solid object, the local officials are quick to suspect the Travelers. Julia is certain they had nothing to do with either event, but she really cannot remember how she came to be injured.
I thought Wein did a good job of moving the plot forward and keeping the reader guessing. There are plenty of suspects and certain bits of evidence point first in one direction and then in another. I figured it out barely ahead of Julia. I was a little disappointed in how the final act played out, but still thoroughly enjoyed the novel.
There are several really good supporting characters in the book. Librarian Mary Kinnaird stands out for her dedication as the curator of the library’s collections, and her accomplishments despite her disabilities. Born with Treacher Collins Syndrome, her facial features are distorted, and she has some hearing loss, but she’s a fierce defender and stands her ground more than once. Julia’s nanny, Solange, who is also the French companion of Julia’s grandmother, stands out as well; although, she is a bit weepy and prone to hysteria. And on the other side of the coin, Sergeant Angus Henderson, the water bailiff, is a power-drunk bully who goes toe-to-toe with Julia one time too many.
The author’s note at the end of the novel gives additional historical information about Travelers as well as Scottish river pearls. Very interesting and makes me want to read more.
Maggie Service does a marvelous job voicing the audiobook. She sets a great pace, and brings Julia, Ellen, Euan and Jamie to life.
3.5***
15-year-old Julia-Beaufort Stuart comes home from finishing school for one final summer at the family’s ancestral home: Strathfearn House. She has many fond memories of time spent with her older brothers, Sandy and Jamie, and especially with her grandfather, the recently deceased Earl of Strathfearn. Now the property has been sold and is being converted into a school for boys. The construction workers have pretty much taken over the house and grounds, with the family ensconced in a few upstairs rooms, and the morning room. But a chance encounter by the river, will result in charges of murder and theft.
This is a prequel of sorts to Wein’s Code Name Verity, giving readers a little background on the character of Julia. It’s a good mystery and coming-of-age tale set in 1938 in the Scottish Highlands.
Julia is awakening to the pleasures of love, and she has two somewhat competing crushes. The construction manager, Francis Dunbar, is obviously forbidden. He is “much” older (in his 30s), and has no idea that she’s only fifteen, and she’s rather forward in showing her attraction (at least in private). Then there’s the enigmatic Ellen McEwen. She and her brother Euan are members of a family of Travelers who have worked seasonally on the Strathfearn estate for generations. Ellen is confident, bold, accomplished and angry. But she also immensely attractive to Julia.
The plot focuses on the estates treasure trove of ancient artifacts, including Bronze-age spear points, centuries-old hand-crafted items, and a jar full of Scottish river pearls, some purportedly once belonging to Mary Queen of Scots. When the archeologist hired to inventory the collection goes missing, at about the same time that Julia is found near the river with her head bashed by an unknown solid object, the local officials are quick to suspect the Travelers. Julia is certain they had nothing to do with either event, but she really cannot remember how she came to be injured.
I thought Wein did a good job of moving the plot forward and keeping the reader guessing. There are plenty of suspects and certain bits of evidence point first in one direction and then in another. I figured it out barely ahead of Julia. I was a little disappointed in how the final act played out, but still thoroughly enjoyed the novel.
There are several really good supporting characters in the book. Librarian Mary Kinnaird stands out for her dedication as the curator of the library’s collections, and her accomplishments despite her disabilities. Born with Treacher Collins Syndrome, her facial features are distorted, and she has some hearing loss, but she’s a fierce defender and stands her ground more than once. Julia’s nanny, Solange, who is also the French companion of Julia’s grandmother, stands out as well; although, she is a bit weepy and prone to hysteria. And on the other side of the coin, Sergeant Angus Henderson, the water bailiff, is a power-drunk bully who goes toe-to-toe with Julia one time too many.
The author’s note at the end of the novel gives additional historical information about Travelers as well as Scottish river pearls. Very interesting and makes me want to read more.
Maggie Service does a marvelous job voicing the audiobook. She sets a great pace, and brings Julia, Ellen, Euan and Jamie to life.
emilyshakespeare's review against another edition
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? It's complicated
4.5
carladelgado's review against another edition
5.0
Truly wonderful and brilliant! Code Name Verity has been my favorite since 2014, and I just read The Pearl Thief now. Elizabeth Wein has always been such a great author. She explained prejudice in such a way that it can be easily understood by young readers. There's also a bit of mystery in it aside from the main character's growth and self-realization. This is surely one of my most favorite reads this year!
Spoiler
Also, can I just say, I loved how Julie's bisexuality was explored. It wasn't explicitly said as such, but that's the thing, all it boils down to anyway is a matter of who you're attracted to. It's just as simple as that, and the book perceived it in a healthy way. There's no necessary fuss about it because it's normal.bookpixel's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
roseleaf24's review against another edition
4.0
Good, not great. Of course, as I'm comparing it to Wein's masterpiece Code Name Verity, a "great" rating would have a LOT to live up to. This is not CNV. It's less engaging, but also much less dangerous. I appreciated the lighter nature of this book, though it is still very serious. I loved getting to see Julie in her home setting, and this background on her character. I enjoyed the historical context of Scotland and the river pearls and the Travellers. But don't read this one first and then decide whether or not to read Code Name Verity. Read Code Name Verity, then read this one if, like me, you were so taken with it you want more, or you love a really good, historical fiction mystery with a unique setting.
sarahlreadseverything's review against another edition
3.0
I'm really sad about this one. I loved both Code Name Verity and Rose Under Fire, and this just dragged by comparison. The writing was as good as ever, but the story slow and the characters less compelling. Oh well.
dipikap's review
adventurous
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75