suzannalundale's review against another edition
1.0
Frankly, I resent the fact that I felt I needed to finish listening to this book. I was *just* interested enough in the mystery to want to see how it turned out. It wasn't the glaring anachronisms that wounded me - Ipthar knows I'd not be able to read historical fiction at all if I were that precious. It wasn't even the holes in plot and reasoning large enough not only for the proverbial camel, but for his wealthy friend, as well. The abysmal quality of the writing holds the answer to this tiny whodunit. I'm frankly surprised this author is as popular as she is. I believe I semi-skimmed one of hers a few months ago, and the story was...fine, I think, but apparently the skimming spared me the deeper acquaintance with the author that I now enjoy. I shan't seek to deepen the acquaintance.
emac021's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
medium-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? Yes
3.5
rjsthumbelina's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.25
good_quiet_kitty's review against another edition
2.0
Sometimes you say to yourself, I'm going to eat cake frosting for dinner. You know you shouldn't. Yes, it is technically food. But you won't gain anything from it. It tastes good at the time, but you regret it later.
That's the best way to describe my reading experience.
That's the best way to describe my reading experience.
jessiebwriting's review against another edition
4.0
I do enjoy a good Quick novel. Adam Hardesty is probably one of my favorite male characters of hers as is Caroline Fordyce one of my favorite female characters. This story had a great romance and mystery to it. Definitely kept me on my toes. I loved the various showdowns that took place and Hardesty is a very swoon worthy character.
bibliomania_express's review
adventurous
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
ccgwalt's review against another edition
3.0
An enjoyable novel with all the things one expects from Amanda Quick. A competent heroine (Caroline was at least not as obtuse as some of Quick's heroines), brooding hero in lust with the heroine, said hero trying to help heroine solve mystery, happy ending. Overall not an exceptional book, but entertaining, and a good way to spend a few hours.
The narrator was decent and didn't add or subtract from my enjoyment. So all-in-all a win.
The narrator was decent and didn't add or subtract from my enjoyment. So all-in-all a win.
readwithchey's review against another edition
5.0
Like all of my favorite historicals, this gem combines romance, mystery, humor, and a touch of the supernatural. An underrated treat!
The heroine in this novel, Mrs. Caroline Fordyce, is a romantic suspense novelist who is rather famous among the ton. A window, she’s given freedoms and respect that she wields like a sword. She’s witty and determined and damn smart. We love her. The hero, Mr. Adam Hardesty, is a dashing, mysterious man determined to solve a murder of a local “psychic” to protect his siblings. Dark, sarcastic, fiercely protective. We also love him. Mrs. Fordyce quickly becomes his prime suspect and unlikeliest ally. We stan.
This novel is more than just a murder mystery, it’s got secrets galore. The heroine has secrets. The hero has secrets. Interwoven in all those secrets & mysteries is a budding romance, biting humor, quirky relatives, and a few seances. It’s perfection from start to finish!
The heroine in this novel, Mrs. Caroline Fordyce, is a romantic suspense novelist who is rather famous among the ton. A window, she’s given freedoms and respect that she wields like a sword. She’s witty and determined and damn smart. We love her. The hero, Mr. Adam Hardesty, is a dashing, mysterious man determined to solve a murder of a local “psychic” to protect his siblings. Dark, sarcastic, fiercely protective. We also love him. Mrs. Fordyce quickly becomes his prime suspect and unlikeliest ally. We stan.
This novel is more than just a murder mystery, it’s got secrets galore. The heroine has secrets. The hero has secrets. Interwoven in all those secrets & mysteries is a budding romance, biting humor, quirky relatives, and a few seances. It’s perfection from start to finish!
kaixxx's review against another edition
3.0
I enjoyed this story but not as much as Quicks other books. It pulls you in at the beginning with a murder but I found at times it didn't keep my interest. I loved the characters Caroline is a sensational novelist and Adam has a secret from his past that he is trying to keep. They must join forces to find the killer, to do this they pretend that they are engaged as they go through society. I liked following the story as they fell in love and solved the murder. A good story,not my favourite of Quick's but still a good read. Xxx