manestad's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
cajunliterarybelle's review against another edition
3.0
The first third actually had me questioning if I wanted to fully read this book. There was so much about the architecture, building, and remodeling of the Dakota, and that is exactly what bored me in Devil in the White City (very different book with different author). However, by around page 130 I became really invested once the characters' mysteries were established and possible connections were hinted at between the two timelines. Theo is a despicable man just as Melinda is an awful person. For a while, I couldn't sympathize with Sara or Bailey, but they are both products of their circumstances who made bad choices. As with Davis's other books I've read, I guessed at the answers but only partway. Sara's story led to a pleasant surprise (for the reader, not her) in another iconic historical and with a famous character. This excited me and caused me to want to maybe learn more later. Despite the slow start, I do recommend reading this to find out what happened to Theo Camden, Sara Smythe's mental state, and how it all connects to the 1985 events.
prncss1204's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
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? Yes
3.0
mandysbookcollection's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
cece412's review against another edition
4.0
A very interestingly designed novel. It tells two stories at the same time during two different time periods. I loved this approach and especially getting to see details from the past become important in the future. My one complaint was that it is pretty difficult to tell two stories in only 350 pages. There where times when I would've appreciated the story to be flushed out more instead of being told something happened and then jumping forward in the story by a week. I did really appreciate how this book wasn't a romance. There was nothing romantic about the main character and the love interest getting together, in my opinion. I would have given it a half star rating except for the ending reveal, which I did not see coming at all. Overall, this book was griping and mysterious as it compares living in New York during very different time periods.
jennarbruno's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
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
4.0
kari13's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
christenebs's review against another edition
3.0
What I love about Fiona Davis is the way she turns historic buildings, that withstand the test of time, into her main character. My interest mostly laid with The Dakota and of course with Sara Smythe’s intriguing story line. I love the duel plot lines from different centuries. I look forward to reading Ms. Davis’ next book which I believe revolves around Grand Central Station.
danireneewood's review against another edition
3.0
3.5. It was an entertaining listen while working. The twists weren’t so much twists (pretty easy to see most things coming) but the characters kept it going.