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nadxjx's review
adventurous
mysterious
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? Yes
4.25
ejanephillips's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
funny
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
morgonwashere's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Just as great as book one. This series I can read in one day since I get so invested into Will and her journey being a detective and the crimes she solves.
belwood303's review against another edition
4.0
This is a very delightful mystery series. Strong female characters even when they are femme or at least dressing up for the part. Can't wait for more.
oleanderinjapan's review against another edition
5.0
Another absolute banger from Stephen Spotswood!
10/10 would recommend.
As Mr. Spotswood puts it, "Never a shortage of people wanting to be told a good story." and boy does he know how to tell a good one :)
"As ugly as it might be, I find anger very useful at times. To drive me forward when it would be so much easier to stop. This ugly engine at the heart of what I do.”
She took a deep, shuddering breath. Like a swimmer coming up after a long dive.
“And it’s not always a bad thing to let the anger show,” she said. “Sometimes it’s useful for people to be afraid of you. As long as it’s the right people.”
"But people tend to expect others to live up to the level of nastiness they themselves are capable of."
10/10 would recommend.
As Mr. Spotswood puts it, "Never a shortage of people wanting to be told a good story." and boy does he know how to tell a good one :)
"As ugly as it might be, I find anger very useful at times. To drive me forward when it would be so much easier to stop. This ugly engine at the heart of what I do.”
She took a deep, shuddering breath. Like a swimmer coming up after a long dive.
“And it’s not always a bad thing to let the anger show,” she said. “Sometimes it’s useful for people to be afraid of you. As long as it’s the right people.”
"But people tend to expect others to live up to the level of nastiness they themselves are capable of."
annineamundsen's review against another edition
4.0
Diversity challenge: chronic illness (it's not the mc but it's very prominent and discussed in the book)
Another fun murder mystery!
Another fun murder mystery!
sbn42's review against another edition
4.0
This was the second book in the series, which I didn’t realize until I got it. Fortunately the few references to the first book came with enough context that it wasn’t a problem.
Set in the late 1940s, Pentecost and Parker, private investigators, have been called to investigate the stabbing murder of the tattooed lady at the circus Parker used to work for. Pentecost is a classy lady with the experience, and Parker, a teen runaway, is her early 20s protégé.
The knife thrower was arrested by the local police chief, even though the only thing he had was the knife thrower’s confession that he was drunk that night and didn’t remember anything. How much would Parker fit in with her former circus family, and what would they share with her?
I was impressed with the way carnies were portrayed. Having done a stint at an amusement park, it felt very true to life. It also did a good job showing how small towns operate. This entertaining whodunnit was difficult to figure out until the last couple chapters. I will definitely go back and start the series at the beginning.
Set in the late 1940s, Pentecost and Parker, private investigators, have been called to investigate the stabbing murder of the tattooed lady at the circus Parker used to work for. Pentecost is a classy lady with the experience, and Parker, a teen runaway, is her early 20s protégé.
The knife thrower was arrested by the local police chief, even though the only thing he had was the knife thrower’s confession that he was drunk that night and didn’t remember anything. How much would Parker fit in with her former circus family, and what would they share with her?
I was impressed with the way carnies were portrayed. Having done a stint at an amusement park, it felt very true to life. It also did a good job showing how small towns operate. This entertaining whodunnit was difficult to figure out until the last couple chapters. I will definitely go back and start the series at the beginning.
eyress's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
billiesgotbooks's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
4.5