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kiperoo's review
5.0
Holy crap, this book is a thrill ride! SPECTACLE is filled with twists galore and hints of mysteries that keep the reader guessing until the end. I'm a huge historical fan, and while there are definitely some fantasy elements, I absolutely loved that it was chock full of historical details. Plus, Paris in the nineteenth century? Bonjour. So well done!
backshelfbooks's review
4.0
Here’s the setup of Spectacle: 1880s Paris. Every day the unidentified bodies of people who have died are displayed publicly in the city morgue in hopes that each body can be claimed and identified. Our protagonist, Nathalie, is spending her summer writing the morgue column for a huge Paris newspaper. This is a really uncommon position for a 16 year old girl, so he has to write the column anonymously. Every day she writes about the dead, unidentified bodies of the people she sees through the morgue glass. But when a serial murderer starts terrorizing the city, things get complicated. Nathalie starts having visions about the victims’ last moments, and she starts having weird lapses in memory. This, of course, distresses her, and the story continues as she, her friends, and a very attractive police officer work to understand what’s going on.
The comparisons to Stalking Jack the Ripper are mostly justified– both stories are historical mysteries, and both deal in some fashion with the gruesome monotony of dead bodies. The main characters feel similar too; Audrey Rose and Nathalie could be related in another life. But there are a lot of differences between the series too. While Maniscalco’s Stalking series was largely romance based, the romance here is delicately sprinkled through the story. The mystery here is much more the focus of the plot, and I think that works well for the book as a whole. And, of course, Stalking Jack the Ripper doesn’t have much in the way of fantastical or paranormal elements. In Spectacle, the paranormal is very central to Nathalie’s story and in the development of the mystery plot.
I think other valid comparisons could be made between Spectacle and Roshani Chokshi’s The Gilded Wolves or Libba Bray’s The Diviners (both of which, coincidentally, I did not care for). The paranormal/fantastical elements of these YA books are also a big part of the narrative, and all of these are historical fiction/fantasy. The Gilded Wolves is actually set in Paris during the exact same time period as Spectacle. But where those books failed to deliver compelling plots for me, Spectacle just worked so well.
The atmosphere built throughout Spectacle is silently spooky and very delightfully Parisian. The build up to the last act is slow and deliberate, and the twists and turns of the last act had me flipping page after page and staying up late. Nathalie’s friends are side characters, but they actually have dimension. Her love interest, Christophe, is nice, understanding, and pretty uncomplicated. Nathalie, herself, is strong-willed, loyal, and not afraid to seek tough answers. She grows a lot through the book, too, and I loved seeing her character develop.
As for what I didn’t like, there isn’t much. I do think that Nathalie could have been aged up, and it would have made more sense for the time period. She feels 18 in the book, not the 16 she actually is, and I would have believed that she would actually be writing this newspaper column more had she been a little older. My understanding is that the sequel takes place two years after the end of this book, so she is actually 18 in the next installment.
Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for the eArc I received in exchange for an honest review. My Blog
The comparisons to Stalking Jack the Ripper are mostly justified– both stories are historical mysteries, and both deal in some fashion with the gruesome monotony of dead bodies. The main characters feel similar too; Audrey Rose and Nathalie could be related in another life. But there are a lot of differences between the series too. While Maniscalco’s Stalking series was largely romance based, the romance here is delicately sprinkled through the story. The mystery here is much more the focus of the plot, and I think that works well for the book as a whole. And, of course, Stalking Jack the Ripper doesn’t have much in the way of fantastical or paranormal elements. In Spectacle, the paranormal is very central to Nathalie’s story and in the development of the mystery plot.
I think other valid comparisons could be made between Spectacle and Roshani Chokshi’s The Gilded Wolves or Libba Bray’s The Diviners (both of which, coincidentally, I did not care for). The paranormal/fantastical elements of these YA books are also a big part of the narrative, and all of these are historical fiction/fantasy. The Gilded Wolves is actually set in Paris during the exact same time period as Spectacle. But where those books failed to deliver compelling plots for me, Spectacle just worked so well.
The atmosphere built throughout Spectacle is silently spooky and very delightfully Parisian. The build up to the last act is slow and deliberate, and the twists and turns of the last act had me flipping page after page and staying up late. Nathalie’s friends are side characters, but they actually have dimension. Her love interest, Christophe, is nice, understanding, and pretty uncomplicated. Nathalie, herself, is strong-willed, loyal, and not afraid to seek tough answers. She grows a lot through the book, too, and I loved seeing her character develop.
As for what I didn’t like, there isn’t much. I do think that Nathalie could have been aged up, and it would have made more sense for the time period. She feels 18 in the book, not the 16 she actually is, and I would have believed that she would actually be writing this newspaper column more had she been a little older. My understanding is that the sequel takes place two years after the end of this book, so she is actually 18 in the next installment.
Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for the eArc I received in exchange for an honest review. My Blog
emco_0's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
medium-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
2.0
dannycakez8808's review
4.0
4.5 stars
This book is awesome!! Why is it not getting more attention?! I absolutely loved our main character Nathalie and her unique abilities. The Victorian setting and gothic themes in the book were very well done. It was dark and full of murder. A very unique spin on a murder mystery series. The writing flowed well and it was very atmospheric. Since this is a mystery I don't want to give away too many details. I'd highly recommend this for fans of Jackaby, Truly Devious, & Ninth House!
This book is awesome!! Why is it not getting more attention?! I absolutely loved our main character Nathalie and her unique abilities. The Victorian setting and gothic themes in the book were very well done. It was dark and full of murder. A very unique spin on a murder mystery series. The writing flowed well and it was very atmospheric. Since this is a mystery I don't want to give away too many details. I'd highly recommend this for fans of Jackaby, Truly Devious, & Ninth House!
alyram4's review against another edition
5.0
4.5/5 stars!
I really loved this! I wasn't so sure how I would feel about this book from just the blurb itself, but after the first few chapters I was hooked! I started reading this late at night, and I struggled to put it down to get some sleep. I'll just say outright that this is a must-read! Definitely on my preorder list once I get back from vacation!
Nathalie discovers an amazing, but also confusing, ability while at the morgue viewing to write for her column in the paper. She struggles to figure out what her visions mean, and why she's getting these all of a sudden. She finds herself tied to the Dark Artist killer terrorizing the streets, and sees that her newfound ability may go deeper than she expected. She delves in the world of scientific magic, psychics, and even the asylum to find some sort of possible explanation for everything, and why she's been made to help find the killer.
I loved most of the characters in this book. I loved learning about Nathalie, her mad aunt, her close friends, and even Chirstophe. The mystery aurrounding the Dark Artist killer, and Nathalie's ability, was so well done. You think something may finally be over, only to realize there are loose strings that still need tying. The books delves deep into scientific magic, and how it is deemed as normal for some, but fearful or shameful for others. Nathalie's struggle of both the acts of the killer, and finding why she's tied to it all, had me glued to the book.
I couldn't get enough of the macabre setting and tone. The ending, while absolutely perfect, has me wanting more. I wanted to know what the future held for Nathalie, and how Paris recuperates from all the events. I absolutely loved this. It's a bit of a long read, but very well worth it and excellently done. I can't wait for this to release so I can get myself a copy lol! Definitely recommended!
ARC given to me by the publisher for free in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I really loved this! I wasn't so sure how I would feel about this book from just the blurb itself, but after the first few chapters I was hooked! I started reading this late at night, and I struggled to put it down to get some sleep. I'll just say outright that this is a must-read! Definitely on my preorder list once I get back from vacation!
Nathalie discovers an amazing, but also confusing, ability while at the morgue viewing to write for her column in the paper. She struggles to figure out what her visions mean, and why she's getting these all of a sudden. She finds herself tied to the Dark Artist killer terrorizing the streets, and sees that her newfound ability may go deeper than she expected. She delves in the world of scientific magic, psychics, and even the asylum to find some sort of possible explanation for everything, and why she's been made to help find the killer.
I loved most of the characters in this book. I loved learning about Nathalie, her mad aunt, her close friends, and even Chirstophe. The mystery aurrounding the Dark Artist killer, and Nathalie's ability, was so well done. You think something may finally be over, only to realize there are loose strings that still need tying. The books delves deep into scientific magic, and how it is deemed as normal for some, but fearful or shameful for others. Nathalie's struggle of both the acts of the killer, and finding why she's tied to it all, had me glued to the book.
I couldn't get enough of the macabre setting and tone. The ending, while absolutely perfect, has me wanting more. I wanted to know what the future held for Nathalie, and how Paris recuperates from all the events. I absolutely loved this. It's a bit of a long read, but very well worth it and excellently done. I can't wait for this to release so I can get myself a copy lol! Definitely recommended!
ARC given to me by the publisher for free in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
vickit's review
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
This book was perfect to get into the fall/spooky vibes.
I really liked the premise of this book with the visions being like memories and the killer stalking her while she tries to stop him. The pacing was very slow with much of the chapters having a whole lot of mundane things happening but it felt like a way to connect with Nathalie. I loved the writing in this book and the amount of detail; it really helped shape the world and atmosphere. I liked the magic system? of the book with the blood transfusions; it was refreshing to have a way to get powers rather than being born with them, and in such a believable way. It also made it creepier, especially with the ending with Zoe Klampert and what she was trying to do. I was initially a bit disappointed when The Dark Artist was killed but the Zoe Klampert plot line made up for it. I hated Agnes’ death after we had really only interacted with her through letters and the lunch with Nathalie. It was really frustrating because you knew that The Dark Artist did it to hurt/anger Nathalie. The cliffhanger at the end was interesting with finding out that Nathalie’s power is connected to Death/the bodies themselves and the severe memory loss but really enough to make me want to start the second book immediately .
annsbibliotherapy's review
5.0
I loved this book, from the first encounter Nathalie had at the morgue I was hooked into the story, the integration of the minor characters was amazing. And that last word, ending a book with why, it gave me chills.
raincheckandread's review
2.0
Disclaimer: I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you to Netgalley and Avon for this free copy. All quotes in this review are taken from the Advanced Reader Copy and may change in final publication.
A murder mystery set in Paris in 1887 is dashed with a bit of a magical, scientific world. If you enjoy slow-paced, character study murder mysteries, this is for you!
Spectacle's synopsis is an intriguing concept. Paired with the setting in Paris, I was eager to enter this story. I was hoping it would remind me of [b:Stalking Jack the Ripper|40727470|Stalking Jack the Ripper (Stalking Jack the Ripper, #1)|Kerri Maniscalco|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1530823449l/40727470._SY75_.jpg|47434536] or [b:Jackaby|20312462|Jackaby (Jackaby, #1)|William Ritter|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1410170969l/20312462._SX50_.jpg|28147221], but alas - it did not. While Stalking Jack the Ripper had a budding romance that kept readers attention, Spectacle did not, which was a bit disappointing for me.
Though, it did include one of my favorite aspects of Jackaby, in that the author includes a paranormal-esque tie in to the story for our main character. The paranormal aspect did not overshadow the story, but instead was in balance with the rest. I do feel like the author could have dipped a bit more into the lore and background on this, perhaps creating an 'underworld', but it did not.
One of the downfalls of the story, for me, is that it was very slow. It definitely is a character study, in that you are within Nathalie's thoughts - a lot. I don't mind some thought-speak, but the plot seemed to suffer for it, without much action happening. For me, there was not enough investigating. Instead, it just seemed like Nathalie was on the outside of the mystery just viewing things if they passed by.
I did listen to the audio book for this, which I enjoyed! The narrator was wonderful at French accents, bringing life to Nathalie as a character. I would suggest that if you do not prefer slow-paced books, the audio book would be the way to go. It's an easy listen for if you have to do something like laundry at the same time.
Overall, this book was a 2.5 for me. I didn't hate it, but it was so slow it was hard to enjoy it.
A murder mystery set in Paris in 1887 is dashed with a bit of a magical, scientific world. If you enjoy slow-paced, character study murder mysteries, this is for you!
Spectacle's synopsis is an intriguing concept. Paired with the setting in Paris, I was eager to enter this story. I was hoping it would remind me of [b:Stalking Jack the Ripper|40727470|Stalking Jack the Ripper (Stalking Jack the Ripper, #1)|Kerri Maniscalco|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1530823449l/40727470._SY75_.jpg|47434536] or [b:Jackaby|20312462|Jackaby (Jackaby, #1)|William Ritter|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1410170969l/20312462._SX50_.jpg|28147221], but alas - it did not. While Stalking Jack the Ripper had a budding romance that kept readers attention, Spectacle did not, which was a bit disappointing for me.
Though, it did include one of my favorite aspects of Jackaby, in that the author includes a paranormal-esque tie in to the story for our main character. The paranormal aspect did not overshadow the story, but instead was in balance with the rest. I do feel like the author could have dipped a bit more into the lore and background on this, perhaps creating an 'underworld', but it did not.
One of the downfalls of the story, for me, is that it was very slow. It definitely is a character study, in that you are within Nathalie's thoughts - a lot. I don't mind some thought-speak, but the plot seemed to suffer for it, without much action happening. For me, there was not enough investigating. Instead, it just seemed like Nathalie was on the outside of the mystery just viewing things if they passed by.
I did listen to the audio book for this, which I enjoyed! The narrator was wonderful at French accents, bringing life to Nathalie as a character. I would suggest that if you do not prefer slow-paced books, the audio book would be the way to go. It's an easy listen for if you have to do something like laundry at the same time.
Overall, this book was a 2.5 for me. I didn't hate it, but it was so slow it was hard to enjoy it.
ettegoom's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
medium-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? No
3.0
An interesting concept, but it felt strangely uncaptivating to read.
I found the writing strangely unemotive, with some peculiar turns of phrase which made me wonder whether English was a second language for the author?
I think that the biggest flaw for me was the identity of the killer... I was trying to find the breadcrumb trail through the whole story, wondering which of her associates it would be... and was disappointedthe killer is never a complete stranger, that's not how it works .
The romantic attraction was an irritating element, which wasn't really necessary and there were several moments that seemed a little far fetched and poorly developed. I hated the letter at the end. Actually, I just disliked the conclusion all up really... the cliffhanger was interesting though?
I didn't love it, but I'd probably read a sequel should one turn up at some point. It's a debut novel, so can only get better, surely?
I'm intrigued by the insightful plot element.
I found the writing strangely unemotive, with some peculiar turns of phrase which made me wonder whether English was a second language for the author?
I think that the biggest flaw for me was the identity of the killer... I was trying to find the breadcrumb trail through the whole story, wondering which of her associates it would be... and was disappointed
The romantic attraction was an irritating element, which wasn't really necessary and there were several moments that seemed a little far fetched and poorly developed. I hated the letter at the end. Actually, I just disliked the conclusion all up really... the cliffhanger was interesting though?
I didn't love it, but I'd probably read a sequel should one turn up at some point. It's a debut novel, so can only get better, surely?
I'm intrigued by the insightful plot element.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Mental illness, Forced institutionalization, Blood, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Self harm, Grief, Stalking, Suicide attempt, and Schizophrenia/Psychosis
Minor: Chronic illness and Miscarriage