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fa1th_'s review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Scandal Above Stairs was the second novel of the Mystery Below Stairs series, and I gotta say, I might love this even more than the first book!
Returning to Kat Holloway's world, we started a few months after the case of the first book (Death Below Stairs) and most of the main cast of the previous book returns. Right of the bat, I love all of the returning characters in this book, the supporting cast like Daniel's son James, Lady Cynthia, and Mr. Thanos were all helpful and adorable. I also love the character development we got this book, both Kat and Daniel opened up a bit more and their feelings towards each other also matured as well. We had learned something about Daniel's past for the first time too. I think Kat and Daniel really fit for each other and their relationship energy was just, immaculate. The banter was so cute and funny, but Daniel was also gentle and open about his feeling for her, even my cold dark heart was melted. Going through the second book made me realize the found family energy was really the part of the core in this series. Cynthia, James, Elgin, and even the new character Tess (I also love her!), they were all kind of an outcast and different from their own social group, so Kat and Daniel created a trusting and supportive home for all of them. I wrote in my notes while reading that Kat and Daniel might as well just adopt all of them, also please adopt me.
Again, I gotta sing praises to the main characters. Kat Holloway captured my heart completely too this second time around. She was capable, intelligent, a keen observer, and she's also kind and loving and compassionate too. She cared for those in need, and she'a great cook because I got hungry every time she described her cooking and recipes, had my mouth watering. The relationship between Kat and Daniel took its time, and it was beautiful to read! Both of them had baggage and traumatic past, so they were protective of themselves but also protective of each other, unsure about how to approach this growing feelings, and it was honestly kind of therapeutic.
The mystery of this book was stronger than the first book, I liked it. It was a bit messy in the latter half, but still entertaining and I got through this book in one day. The writing had a stronger grasp on the theory side and overall more well-connected. Antiques thieve was always interesting.
Returning to Kat Holloway's world, we started a few months after the case of the first book (Death Below Stairs) and most of the main cast of the previous book returns. Right of the bat, I love all of the returning characters in this book, the supporting cast like Daniel's son James, Lady Cynthia, and Mr. Thanos were all helpful and adorable. I also love the character development we got this book, both Kat and Daniel opened up a bit more and their feelings towards each other also matured as well. We had learned something about Daniel's past for the first time too. I think Kat and Daniel really fit for each other and their relationship energy was just, immaculate. The banter was so cute and funny, but Daniel was also gentle and open about his feeling for her, even my cold dark heart was melted. Going through the second book made me realize the found family energy was really the part of the core in this series. Cynthia, James, Elgin, and even the new character Tess (I also love her!), they were all kind of an outcast and different from their own social group, so Kat and Daniel created a trusting and supportive home for all of them. I wrote in my notes while reading that Kat and Daniel might as well just adopt all of them, also please adopt me.
Again, I gotta sing praises to the main characters. Kat Holloway captured my heart completely too this second time around. She was capable, intelligent, a keen observer, and she's also kind and loving and compassionate too. She cared for those in need, and she'a great cook because I got hungry every time she described her cooking and recipes, had my mouth watering. The relationship between Kat and Daniel took its time, and it was beautiful to read! Both of them had baggage and traumatic past, so they were protective of themselves but also protective of each other, unsure about how to approach this growing feelings, and it was honestly kind of therapeutic.
The mystery of this book was stronger than the first book, I liked it. It was a bit messy in the latter half, but still entertaining and I got through this book in one day. The writing had a stronger grasp on the theory side and overall more well-connected. Antiques thieve was always interesting.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder and Violence
Moderate: Child abuse, Death of parent, and Domestic abuse
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