pizzaghost's review
4.0
Daiyu Wu has to fight for any scrap of respect as a blind Chinese woman in 1930s Dallas. That's at least four strikes against her, but between her constant companion Jacques (not Jackie) and her dog Prince Razor (sometimes he's a Prince, sometimes he's a Razor) she is determined to make her way through polite society and uncover a killer. Someone had the audacity to use a ballgown, of all things, to commit a murder and then dump the weapon at her family's laundry. Was it the popinjay who can't get enough of his China Doll, the jealous ex, or someone else entirely? Dai's on the case!
This Christie-esque cozy has plenty of unexpected twists as Dai explores the beautiful landscape of high society Dallas. Having Jacques narrate for both Dai's and the reader's sake was a stroke of brilliance since he's had a lifetime of experience describing a scene.
The mystery is original and the choice of having a visually impaired detective was extremely clever. It opens the door to so many unusual clues and really zooms in on body language, word choice, and tone that a non-impaired detective might brush off. Dai navigates a world that is completely set against her, but absolutely refuses to be underestimated. Who wouldn't love her?
What didn't work for me was, well, Jacques. I found him repetitive and he had a strange combination of defensiveness and subservience. I just wanted him to go away so I could experience the story from Dai's perspective, but I understand there was a Watson and Sherlock kind of thing going on. I hope he settles down in the next installment because I'm sure we'll see much more of Daiyu Wu's expert-level crime solving in the near future!
Thanks to the author for providing a copy of this book. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This Christie-esque cozy has plenty of unexpected twists as Dai explores the beautiful landscape of high society Dallas. Having Jacques narrate for both Dai's and the reader's sake was a stroke of brilliance since he's had a lifetime of experience describing a scene.
The mystery is original and the choice of having a visually impaired detective was extremely clever. It opens the door to so many unusual clues and really zooms in on body language, word choice, and tone that a non-impaired detective might brush off. Dai navigates a world that is completely set against her, but absolutely refuses to be underestimated. Who wouldn't love her?
What didn't work for me was, well, Jacques. I found him repetitive and he had a strange combination of defensiveness and subservience. I just wanted him to go away so I could experience the story from Dai's perspective, but I understand there was a Watson and Sherlock kind of thing going on. I hope he settles down in the next installment because I'm sure we'll see much more of Daiyu Wu's expert-level crime solving in the near future!
Thanks to the author for providing a copy of this book. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
unfoldingpages's review
mysterious
medium-paced
4.0
3.5/5 stars
Honestly, I was surprised by how much I enjoyed the book. I was intrigued as to how the author would execute the blind detective, and I am not disappointed. The story was told similar to Sherlock and Poirot's novel. There is an assistant or another character that tells the story rather than the detective themselves.
The set of characters are a fascinating bunch. It would keep you guessing as to who among them is the murderer since they all have their motives. The reveal and how the story wraps up is satisfying as everything would tie up well.
The only thing that I didn't like about the story is the unnecessary chapters about a side character's jealous behavior and what comes after. Although it showed how much Dai's family stands in the society, I think we have enough scenes to show that, so I don't see the need for that chapters.
Honestly, I was surprised by how much I enjoyed the book. I was intrigued as to how the author would execute the blind detective, and I am not disappointed. The story was told similar to Sherlock and Poirot's novel. There is an assistant or another character that tells the story rather than the detective themselves.
The set of characters are a fascinating bunch. It would keep you guessing as to who among them is the murderer since they all have their motives. The reveal and how the story wraps up is satisfying as everything would tie up well.
The only thing that I didn't like about the story is the unnecessary chapters about a side character's jealous behavior and what comes after. Although it showed how much Dai's family stands in the society, I think we have enough scenes to show that, so I don't see the need for that chapters.
yetanothersusan's review
4.0
If Sherlock Holmes were female, Chinese, and blind, he would be Daiyu Wu. Similar to the Holmes stories, Wu's story is told her through assistant Jacques. With this perspective, the reader is also given a visual insight into the setting as he describes the scene around them to Daiyu. I liked how this worked! I also liked how the Wu family navigated the very racial environment of 1930s Texas and Daiyu expressed her independence. She didn't let her sex, disability, or race keep her from doing what she wanted. Other than the direct comparison to the Holmes character, the story is set up very similar to many Agatha Christie books with many interconnected characters, each with a motive for being the killer. In fact, the characters themselves even reference the Dame near the conclusion. The overall setting of the book was very well expressed and I enjoyed getting to know the characters. The only element that I was not thrilled about was Jacques' possessiveness of Daiyu. It seemed over the top. But, I will be waiting for the next in this unique series!
Thanks to Cozy Mystery Review Crew for a copy of the book. This review is my own opinion.
Thanks to Cozy Mystery Review Crew for a copy of the book. This review is my own opinion.
baskerville_book_reviews's review
5.0
This is the second time recently that I’ll be referring to a story as Sherlock Holmesesque; well as the second time I’ve listened to a story with a blind female protagonist who relies on her other senses to solve mysteries.
The story is well-paced and uses the time period well. I think you’d be hard-pressed to write a story about arsenic poisoning on a green dress set in the modern era. I appreciate this as it would have been senseless otherwise.
I like the characters in this story. They’re believable, annoying funny, relatable. I could see myself listening to or reading other books in the series just to get to know them more.
It took me a while to get used to the narrator. It sounds like he’s got a mouth full of cotton. It took me longer to be able to speed up the book than normal because I wasn’t able to understand what he was saying. Overall, he did a great job and I found his voice relaxing to listen to. At the end of one chapter, some dialogue is repeated 4 – 5 times. Another time at the start of a chapter, there are audible clicks which are also distracting.
Minor issues with the audiobook version aside; I enjoyed this story very much and recommend it to anybody who likes mysteries or Sherlock Holmes stories.
NOTE: This copy was provided to me free of charge as a digital review copy. The opinions stated in this review are mine and mine alone, I was not paid or requested to give this book a certain rating, suggestion, or approval.
The story is well-paced and uses the time period well. I think you’d be hard-pressed to write a story about arsenic poisoning on a green dress set in the modern era. I appreciate this as it would have been senseless otherwise.
I like the characters in this story. They’re believable, annoying funny, relatable. I could see myself listening to or reading other books in the series just to get to know them more.
It took me a while to get used to the narrator. It sounds like he’s got a mouth full of cotton. It took me longer to be able to speed up the book than normal because I wasn’t able to understand what he was saying. Overall, he did a great job and I found his voice relaxing to listen to. At the end of one chapter, some dialogue is repeated 4 – 5 times. Another time at the start of a chapter, there are audible clicks which are also distracting.
Minor issues with the audiobook version aside; I enjoyed this story very much and recommend it to anybody who likes mysteries or Sherlock Holmes stories.
NOTE: This copy was provided to me free of charge as a digital review copy. The opinions stated in this review are mine and mine alone, I was not paid or requested to give this book a certain rating, suggestion, or approval.
caroline_carnivorous's review
5.0
I received an advance reader copy of this for free.
The premise intrigued me at once. A blind asian american woman, solving a murder where the murder weapon is a BALLGOWN laced with arsenic - in a historial setting?! Sign me the heck up!
It immediately hooked me from the start, and it was impossible to put down. The chapters are pretty short and keep the story thrilling. I actually loved that it's from Dai's companion Jacques' POV, and I assume that since this is a series, we will learn more about him in the future. I also really liked Aiden.
I think this is a great book to come out now with all the asian hate there is right now, especially in the US. Big plus for empowered disabled people and women!
I definitely wanna read on in this series.
The premise intrigued me at once. A blind asian american woman, solving a murder where the murder weapon is a BALLGOWN laced with arsenic - in a historial setting?! Sign me the heck up!
It immediately hooked me from the start, and it was impossible to put down. The chapters are pretty short and keep the story thrilling. I actually loved that it's from Dai's companion Jacques' POV, and I assume that since this is a series, we will learn more about him in the future. I also really liked Aiden.
I think this is a great book to come out now with all the asian hate there is right now, especially in the US. Big plus for empowered disabled people and women!
I definitely wanna read on in this series.
charliadams's review
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
slow-paced
4.0
Cozy mysteries, I forgot how fun they can be, amateur sleuths taking on the puzzles with the help of a few friends, families, colleagues, and/or strangers. They are fun to read and watch on tv. The sleuths can be creative and go to areas they do not have to get a warrant like law enforcement. This book was fun. It checked all the boxes for this genre and added the extra historical feature. Tempo of the story was good for the genre. I, as a reader, am used to the fast pace of fantasy, and had to reset my brain for the slower pace. This book was a wonderful introduction and set up for the rest of the series.
The main character, Daiyu (or Di for short) Wu, is smart, observant, quirky, and has a thirst for learning. She is not afraid to ask questions and/or be upfront on her feelings. Di doesn’t let her blindness stop her, and I think she uses it towards her advantage, as in, she can use her heightened senses for the smallest things we, who have sight, would overlook. She is a sleuth you can tell when holding something back or thinking things over. I enjoyed this character. For me, she was a well-written character and am looking forward to more growth and development in future novels.
We do not see the story from Daiyu’s perspective. Instead, we see the story through her handler/ childhood companion, Jacques. Taken in as a child, Jacques, treats Daiyu and the Wu family with respect and care. What I like about this character is he acts like her brother and protector. He tries to understand what goes through Di’s mind as they both try to solve the puzzle. I believe Jacques is the one who keeps Di on the ground, or when she allows him to, because she is naïve of the outside world.
Our two other cast members are just as well written. I love how both of them bring something to the story. Dr. Aiden Campbell is introvert and self-conscious, smart, and observant, but also blunt. Dr. Campbell opens up when into their work and comfortable when around someone they trust. Truman Pierce is the very opposite of Dr. Campbell. He is an extrovert and, what can I say, full of himself. But Truman is kind of teddy bear when you get him away from the spotlight. While Di approached Dr. Campbell, Truman buts his way in. These characters were fun to read and I hope they make appearances in future novels.
The set is during the 1930s Dallas, Texas. I know very little next to nothing about this era, but fortunately you do not need to. As a reader, you can understand the story. The way the author intertwines the story with this era brings you into this world with no problems. There is the Chinese racism during this time, and brought into the story, but it was not so much to bring you out.
This book was a good read. It was refreshing seeing a nontraditional character, as in a blind character, as the lead character. I recommend this book if you like amateur sleuth stories and historical cozy mysteries.
*I received an ARC from the author and this is my honest opinion.
mayathebookworm's review against another edition
4.0
Check out this review and more on my blog, Maya’s Reviews.
Thank you to Gloria Oliver for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
//TW: death, murder, poison, violence, racism, xenophobia//
// Quick Statistics //
Overall: 4/5 Stars
Plot: 5/5 Stars
Setting: 4/5 Stars
Characters: 4/5 Stars
Writing: 4/5 Stars
Memorability: 5/5 Stars
// Quick Review //
Black Jade is a fascinating and intricately written novel that is a great start to the Daiyu Wu Mystery series. Filled with a copious amount of twists and turns, the novel is unique and sticks out amongst the throng of historical mysteries.
// Other Information //
Publisher: Dimension Palace Publishing
Page Count: 246 pages
Release Date: May 11, 2021
Series: Daiyu Wu Mystery #1
// Book Description (via Goodreads) //
Could an old-fashioned ballgown be used to commit murder?
Daiyu Wu is aware that fear of the Yellow Terror has made her nationality a rare breed in the Lone Star State. Being Chinese and blind makes her doubly unique in 1930 Dallas. Despite these impediments, anyone who dismisses her for either fact does so at their peril.
One day, at her family-owned laundry business, Dai detects the scent of burned garlic. With the help of her companion, Jacques, the source is soon discovered. It is a green ballgown. The gown has money pinned inside it to pay for the cleaning, but oddly, it came with no address label to identify its owner. Her extensive knowledge leads Dai to believe someone has committed murder using arsenic. The perpetrator is trying to use White Laundry to hide the evidence. But no mention of foul play turns up in the newspapers, and there's not enough proof to convince the police there's been a crime.
Her curiosity and intellect stimulated like never before; Dai ignores the possible consequences and sets out to solve the mystery with the help of her canine companion, Prince Razor, and her confidant, Jacques Haskins. It's either that or let the killer get away with it — assuming a spoiled popinjay, his jealous self-appointed girlfriend, and Dai's overprotective parents don't get in her way.
// Characters //
Black Jade was full of both lovable and despicable characters that I either gushed over or wanted to knock some sense into. The story is written from the perspective of Jacques, the assistant (kind of) and the eyes of Daiyu Wu, or Dai.
Dai and Jacques’ relationship reminded me heavily of Peggy and Jarvis’ in Agent Carter. Dai is a brilliant young woman who is hardly limited by her disability in terms of her capability of discovering and solving a murder. Jacques is the oblivious assistant who is just along for the ride. Of course, I should mention Dai’s adorable pupper, Prince Razor, who also assists the investigation of Laura Cooper’s potential murder.
Dai (who does not typically interact with others as a result of racial and ableist prejudice) and Jacques become entangled with an assortment of characters involved in the investigation or the murder itself. Dr. Aiden Campbell assists Dai in acquiring physical evidence while Dai tries to become close with those close to Laura. Shannon, Pierce, Lord Paul Domberry, Lady Lizzie Domberry, Mrs. Grey, and William Asquith are among the most important.
Shannon was Laura’s jealous roommate, envious of the relationship that Laura had with William. Lizzie (William’s sister) and Paul Domberry are both keen to place importance upon the status of the family. Mrs. Grey, the family caretaker? Even more so. Pierce, however, is just infatuated with Dai (understandably), which Jacques finds quite annoying.
This deadly mixture of characters leads to an interesting sequence of events that was not only mysterious and murderous, but pure drama-filled.
// Writing and Setting //
Personally, I would have enjoyed reading the story from Dai’s perspective. While visually the story would have been limited, I think that the uniqueness of Dai’s self would add even more to the story. Especially since she was the main character, I think it would have made a little more sense.
Black Jade occurs in Dallas during the 1930’s. Oliver did an excellent job of bringing the story to life through the descriptions that Jacques gives of his surroundings.
// Plot //
I cannot express enough how unpredictable this novel was. As an avid reader of mystery, I expected to figure out who the murderer was earlier on in the story. However, by the end I had not the slightest idea who it might be until Dai figured it out. There were so many details that seemed to implicate every character Dai came in contact with in the murder of Cooper. The incalculable nature of the novel allowed for me to become truly invested in the discovery of who had killed Laura Cooper.
// Overall Review //
A striking mystery, Gloria Oliver has done a spectacular job of creating an unforeseeable story filled to the brim with nonpareil characters. With an excellent first novel, the Daiyu Wu Mystery series is promising and I am so excited to read the following novel.
Author's Website // Amazon
Thank you to Gloria Oliver for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
//TW: death, murder, poison, violence, racism, xenophobia//
// Quick Statistics //
Overall: 4/5 Stars
Plot: 5/5 Stars
Setting: 4/5 Stars
Characters: 4/5 Stars
Writing: 4/5 Stars
Memorability: 5/5 Stars
// Quick Review //
Black Jade is a fascinating and intricately written novel that is a great start to the Daiyu Wu Mystery series. Filled with a copious amount of twists and turns, the novel is unique and sticks out amongst the throng of historical mysteries.
"Sometimes it's nice to pretend to be something other than what you are."
// Other Information //
Publisher: Dimension Palace Publishing
Page Count: 246 pages
Release Date: May 11, 2021
Series: Daiyu Wu Mystery #1
“To live is to take chances. My path must be my own.”
// Book Description (via Goodreads) //
Could an old-fashioned ballgown be used to commit murder?
Daiyu Wu is aware that fear of the Yellow Terror has made her nationality a rare breed in the Lone Star State. Being Chinese and blind makes her doubly unique in 1930 Dallas. Despite these impediments, anyone who dismisses her for either fact does so at their peril.
One day, at her family-owned laundry business, Dai detects the scent of burned garlic. With the help of her companion, Jacques, the source is soon discovered. It is a green ballgown. The gown has money pinned inside it to pay for the cleaning, but oddly, it came with no address label to identify its owner. Her extensive knowledge leads Dai to believe someone has committed murder using arsenic. The perpetrator is trying to use White Laundry to hide the evidence. But no mention of foul play turns up in the newspapers, and there's not enough proof to convince the police there's been a crime.
Her curiosity and intellect stimulated like never before; Dai ignores the possible consequences and sets out to solve the mystery with the help of her canine companion, Prince Razor, and her confidant, Jacques Haskins. It's either that or let the killer get away with it — assuming a spoiled popinjay, his jealous self-appointed girlfriend, and Dai's overprotective parents don't get in her way.
// Characters //
Black Jade was full of both lovable and despicable characters that I either gushed over or wanted to knock some sense into. The story is written from the perspective of Jacques, the assistant (kind of) and the eyes of Daiyu Wu, or Dai.
Dai and Jacques’ relationship reminded me heavily of Peggy and Jarvis’ in Agent Carter. Dai is a brilliant young woman who is hardly limited by her disability in terms of her capability of discovering and solving a murder. Jacques is the oblivious assistant who is just along for the ride. Of course, I should mention Dai’s adorable pupper, Prince Razor, who also assists the investigation of Laura Cooper’s potential murder.
Dai (who does not typically interact with others as a result of racial and ableist prejudice) and Jacques become entangled with an assortment of characters involved in the investigation or the murder itself. Dr. Aiden Campbell assists Dai in acquiring physical evidence while Dai tries to become close with those close to Laura. Shannon, Pierce, Lord Paul Domberry, Lady Lizzie Domberry, Mrs. Grey, and William Asquith are among the most important.
Shannon was Laura’s jealous roommate, envious of the relationship that Laura had with William. Lizzie (William’s sister) and Paul Domberry are both keen to place importance upon the status of the family. Mrs. Grey, the family caretaker? Even more so. Pierce, however, is just infatuated with Dai (understandably), which Jacques finds quite annoying.
This deadly mixture of characters leads to an interesting sequence of events that was not only mysterious and murderous, but pure drama-filled.
“It was hard to imagine how a human being could begin such a thing and watch it unfold, yet do nothing to stop it because it served [spoiler] selfish ends and feelings of superiority.”
// Writing and Setting //
Personally, I would have enjoyed reading the story from Dai’s perspective. While visually the story would have been limited, I think that the uniqueness of Dai’s self would add even more to the story. Especially since she was the main character, I think it would have made a little more sense.
Black Jade occurs in Dallas during the 1930’s. Oliver did an excellent job of bringing the story to life through the descriptions that Jacques gives of his surroundings.
// Plot //
I cannot express enough how unpredictable this novel was. As an avid reader of mystery, I expected to figure out who the murderer was earlier on in the story. However, by the end I had not the slightest idea who it might be until Dai figured it out. There were so many details that seemed to implicate every character Dai came in contact with in the murder of Cooper. The incalculable nature of the novel allowed for me to become truly invested in the discovery of who had killed Laura Cooper.
“‘We are all selfish creatures in our own way. If we forget that others are as important as ourselves and turn our backs on empathy and mercy, we are lost.’”
// Overall Review //
A striking mystery, Gloria Oliver has done a spectacular job of creating an unforeseeable story filled to the brim with nonpareil characters. With an excellent first novel, the Daiyu Wu Mystery series is promising and I am so excited to read the following novel.
Author's Website // Amazon
claudiaamteixeira's review
3.0
*3.5 stars
I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review. It promises to be a good detective series, with an important message, to not let disabilities or heritage stop you. I found the writing style somewhat enjoyable, and switching between first-person and third-person made it hard to follow at times.
The main character is sharp and the plot is creative and interesting. Overall, I enjoyed it
I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review. It promises to be a good detective series, with an important message, to not let disabilities or heritage stop you. I found the writing style somewhat enjoyable, and switching between first-person and third-person made it hard to follow at times.
The main character is sharp and the plot is creative and interesting. Overall, I enjoyed it
beehan__'s review
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
4.0
I did very much enjoy this novel!
"Black Jade" is a fast-paced but easy to read murder mystery. While the story was well thought through and executed the author also didn't shy away from putting the story in a historical context including racism and ableism as topics to tackle within the story.
The only thing I didn't enjoy was that I was able to predict the ending which took a bit of the tension of the story line out.
Still a very good read though, I hope for a sequel!
(I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.)
"Black Jade" is a fast-paced but easy to read murder mystery. While the story was well thought through and executed the author also didn't shy away from putting the story in a historical context including racism and ableism as topics to tackle within the story.
The only thing I didn't enjoy was that I was able to predict the ending which took a bit of the tension of the story line out.
Still a very good read though, I hope for a sequel!
(I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.)
Content Warnings
Minor: Ableism, Xenophobia, and Racism
More...