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kateypage's review
3.0
I was intrigued by this book and went in with an open mind as detective series' set in Victorian times are a path I have yet to venture down. What drew me to this book was the fact it is loosely based on a true story, the murder of Mary Sophia Money on 22nd September 1905 in Surrey. Smith has used the mystery surrounding this murder and turned it into something brilliant.
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The structure of the book is set out in casebook entries, mainly from our leading character- Earl Byrd. Occasionally there is input from other lead characters and a few flashbacks too. In some books i've read, when the chapters "jump around" it can be confusing, but Smith has executed this in such a way that it flows well.
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Initially, it took me some time to get stuck into the plot. I felt a LOT of characters were introduced in a short amount of time and I found myself flitting backwards and forwards between pages to remind myself who was who! The language took a bit of getting used to as well, and I found myself googling a few words. But once I got my head around it, I couldn't put it down and it was well worth the perserverence. The language just added authenticity to the setting of the book.
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Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I rejoice at finding a mystery that is not at all predictable (yay!). The book is the first in a series and I will definitely be reading the next ones.
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The structure of the book is set out in casebook entries, mainly from our leading character- Earl Byrd. Occasionally there is input from other lead characters and a few flashbacks too. In some books i've read, when the chapters "jump around" it can be confusing, but Smith has executed this in such a way that it flows well.
⠀
Initially, it took me some time to get stuck into the plot. I felt a LOT of characters were introduced in a short amount of time and I found myself flitting backwards and forwards between pages to remind myself who was who! The language took a bit of getting used to as well, and I found myself googling a few words. But once I got my head around it, I couldn't put it down and it was well worth the perserverence. The language just added authenticity to the setting of the book.
⠀
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I rejoice at finding a mystery that is not at all predictable (yay!). The book is the first in a series and I will definitely be reading the next ones.
⠀
vickyslibraryofbooks's review
4.0
When I started this book I didn't realise it was a historical fiction but definitely a historical thriller none the less. The way the author wrote the description of how the scene was playing out, I felt like I was there and I could smell the rancid smell she was describing, just amazing writing.
This has a sherlock Holmes vibe to it with a bit of Macbeth words thrown in for good measure.
There were characters thrown at you at different times so had to go back and reread certain pages to make sure I understood what I read.
I loved the two main characters, Major and Miss Emily, the way the author wrote about them and the secrets that will be revealed as the series goes on.
If you are a historical fan I would definitely recommend you read this series
I must admit though I don't think I have ever used Google so much while reading a book.
This has a sherlock Holmes vibe to it with a bit of Macbeth words thrown in for good measure.
There were characters thrown at you at different times so had to go back and reread certain pages to make sure I understood what I read.
I loved the two main characters, Major and Miss Emily, the way the author wrote about them and the secrets that will be revealed as the series goes on.
If you are a historical fan I would definitely recommend you read this series
I must admit though I don't think I have ever used Google so much while reading a book.
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