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embroidery_by_booklover's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
A wonderful start to a historical mystery series! I love an independent women, and a romantic interest who accepts the FMC as she is.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Alcohol, Classism, Murder, Grief, Gun violence, and Infidelity
thekissballad's review against another edition
mysterious
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
4.0
There were definitely some faults, but I was drawn in and quiet enjoyed this cozy, historical mystery.
It was obvious at times that an American was writing a British historical mystery, but I wasn't overly distracted by it since Frances and family - minus her daughter - are also American.
I did solve the mysteries before the big reveal, but I expect to be able to when ready mysteries, whether cozy or not.
It did drag and get repetitive at times, especially when they were recapping all the clues with new people, but sometimes the new person gave them a new way of viewing all the clues so it wasn't all bad.
I will definitely be continuing the series whenever I can get them.
It was obvious at times that an American was writing a British historical mystery, but I wasn't overly distracted by it since Frances and family - minus her daughter - are also American.
I did solve the mysteries before the big reveal, but I expect to be able to when ready mysteries, whether cozy or not.
It did drag and get repetitive at times, especially when they were recapping all the clues with new people, but sometimes the new person gave them a new way of viewing all the clues so it wasn't all bad.
I will definitely be continuing the series whenever I can get them.
Content Warnings
Minor: Infidelity, Violence, and Death
eugbooks's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Gun violence, Infidelity, and Murder
bookfilledcottage's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
An addictive mystery with complex and relatable characters set during the end of the 1800s? Sign me up!
The story was a perfect blend of cozy mystery and character growth during an interesting historical era of many changes. There were so many twists and turns that I never knew what to expect next.
I would definitely recommend it to fans of Agatha Christie, The Gilded Age and Sherlock Holmes.
Cannot wait to continue this saga!
The story was a perfect blend of cozy mystery and character growth during an interesting historical era of many changes. There were so many twists and turns that I never knew what to expect next.
I would definitely recommend it to fans of Agatha Christie, The Gilded Age and Sherlock Holmes.
Cannot wait to continue this saga!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death
mrsdarcylynn's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
This was a solidly okay book- nothing groundbreaking, but very listenable on audio (except how the narrator has an English accent…despite the main character being an American heiress…)
I thought the mysteries were compelling, everything wrapped up neatly in the end, and there were numerous romantic angles to look at through various characters. Nothing too saucy, but it was fun!
Veronica Speedwell has ruined me for these kinds of stories, but this series is a good stand in as I’m waiting for the newest Speedwell novel.
I thought the mysteries were compelling, everything wrapped up neatly in the end, and there were numerous romantic angles to look at through various characters. Nothing too saucy, but it was fun!
Veronica Speedwell has ruined me for these kinds of stories, but this series is a good stand in as I’m waiting for the newest Speedwell novel.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexism
Moderate: Death and Murder
nebraskanwriter's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
1.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Death of parent, Grief, Murder, and Violence
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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