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readerette's review
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
I was really hoping to love this, as a story about an independent woman who loves her family and wants to find a place for herself after the death of her husband. However, the quantity of drama included in this story made it somewhat unbelievable, and the characters kept behaving contrary to their apparent natures. The brother-in-law, aloof at first, becomes vicious while trying to take Frances' money, then almost kindly after his wife tries to kill Frances. The sister goes from spoiled to incisive in seconds. Alicia vacillates between insipid and sophisticated. George "proposes" to Frances but why? He barely seems interested in her besides a bit of a neighborly crush. The intent may have been to make it harder to tell "whodunnit" but the odd traits/behaviors felt forced. It's too heavy for a romance, too frivolous for a good mystery or drama, and too old-fashioned for a fresh take on a period piece. I also found the climax odd, as the threat the attacker made seemed unlikely to stand up to any scrutiny.
Content Warnings
Minor: Cursing, Death, Infidelity, Murder, and Sexism
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