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princessbilbo's review against another edition
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
I wasn't vibing with the mystery in this one. Mainly because I didn't really love the characters. A lot of inner monologs felt repetitive. I'm still willing to continue the series though.
shortshanks's review against another edition
3.0
Interesting premise for a mystery series, set just after WWI with a main character who was a female member of the British Secret Service of spies. Thoroughly enjoyed the characters, twists, and plot. Excited to listen to the next one.
(My only small complaint is that the narrator in the audiobook tends to get a little sing-songy, which makes it hard to listen to over a long period of time.)
(My only small complaint is that the narrator in the audiobook tends to get a little sing-songy, which makes it hard to listen to over a long period of time.)
isitreallyjessie's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
msmonicam's review against another edition
3.0
I could tell one of the women would be behind it. Although the main character would defend the other women, they were written very stereotypically save for a few moments. I would have enjoyed this book alot more if the women had been more involved and better written.
jarvm's review against another edition
4.0
Sooooo mid Masterpiece Mystery, which of course, means I loved it. Very dark and stormy night--the butler in the library with the candlestick-- which made it more fun.
On an unrelated note, the impact of WWI on the UK and Europe, in general, is never something I considered before. It does not really live on in the US imagination as it does in the UK (the poppies from Flanders Field, etc.). I definitely plan on diving into that history more, as it's extremely interesting. What a fascinating time in Europe especially given the number of men who died or came back from the war completely shell-shocked. The impact that has on a generation moving in the 20s is such an interesting landscape for a mystery.
On an unrelated note, the impact of WWI on the UK and Europe, in general, is never something I considered before. It does not really live on in the US imagination as it does in the UK (the poppies from Flanders Field, etc.). I definitely plan on diving into that history more, as it's extremely interesting. What a fascinating time in Europe especially given the number of men who died or came back from the war completely shell-shocked. The impact that has on a generation moving in the 20s is such an interesting landscape for a mystery.
pikusonali's review against another edition
3.0
Rating: 3.5
It is always exciting to discover a new mystery series, especially a one that packs a lot of punch and promise. On top of it, I really like reading historical fiction. It lends the story a certain background, a certain charm that makes everything more appealing. In Verity Kent, I think, I've found a courageous heroine, who does not allow herself to be bogged down by societal norms in the early 20th century. She is a feminist, and a fearlessly independent woman, who knows how to take care of herself. The setting of the first novel is an island, sort of like Agatha Christie's 'And Then there were none' but the similarities end there 'coz the premise of the novel is completely different. The book holds your attention right till the end, the mystery is interesting, and the plot twist unusual. It might not be the best historical fiction mystery out there but it has a lot of promise. If this first book is anything to go by, Huber's Verity Kent mystery series is going to be one potent fun-ride.
It is always exciting to discover a new mystery series, especially a one that packs a lot of punch and promise. On top of it, I really like reading historical fiction. It lends the story a certain background, a certain charm that makes everything more appealing. In Verity Kent, I think, I've found a courageous heroine, who does not allow herself to be bogged down by societal norms in the early 20th century. She is a feminist, and a fearlessly independent woman, who knows how to take care of herself. The setting of the first novel is an island, sort of like Agatha Christie's 'And Then there were none' but the similarities end there 'coz the premise of the novel is completely different. The book holds your attention right till the end, the mystery is interesting, and the plot twist unusual. It might not be the best historical fiction mystery out there but it has a lot of promise. If this first book is anything to go by, Huber's Verity Kent mystery series is going to be one potent fun-ride.
cekisha's review against another edition
3.0
I enjoyed the writing and the setting was done in an interesting Agatha Christie's fashion. I'm not a huge fan of WWI fiction but that is not what made me dislike this book. It was that I found distasteful.
Not really interesred in the sequel.
Spoiler
bringing the dead husband back and introducing the love triangleNot really interesred in the sequel.
ginaparrish's review against another edition
4.0
I enjoyed this historical mystery more than I thought. The writing was tight and the plot well thought-through. The only reason it didn’t hit five stars for me was because the romantic elements verged on oversentimental, particularly in the second half of the book. For all the nuance in a certain relationship, I would have preferred more restraint. Also, the mystery could have involved a bit more fair play, more of a puzzle to solve. Other than that, I am excited to read the next one. I’ve read the first four of the Maise Dobbs novels, which take place in the same time period, and after reading this one I think this series has the potential to be better. It may be a matter of taste, but having read some of the other authors Anna Huber has been compared to in reviews (Elly Griffiths, Jacqueline Winspear, etc.) I think she measures up better.
burningupasun's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 out of 5... it was alright. Not as enjoyable as her other series (Lady Darby) for me, but still not bad! A good intro, at least, even if this one wasn't the best. I'm still interested in reading the next one for sure.
wyvernfriend's review against another edition
3.0
Verity Kent is slowly coming to terms with the fact that she's a widow; and she gets an invitation to a house party that's going to have several of her husband's friends and co-army veterans there. It's somewhat awkward, particularly as one of the men there is attracting her, Max, who was her husband's commanding officer. When one of the men there dies and they're isolated on the island the party is on, things get very complicated. She works with Max to investigate hoping that they will discover who is behind the murder. And then there was another death and things keep getting complicated. The war casts a long shadow. It's an interesting read that I really enjoyed and found interesting. I'm curious to see what happens with Verity next.