kcherry's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
whittneyshea's review against another edition
5.0
So much better than expected!
I picked this up for a good escapist read about a family scandal in the 1890s, but got so much more. Willig brings larger, more thought-provoking themes here. For example, I found myself thinking about the roles of women, then and now, and how we react to the pressures of society. What a great read!
I picked this up for a good escapist read about a family scandal in the 1890s, but got so much more. Willig brings larger, more thought-provoking themes here. For example, I found myself thinking about the roles of women, then and now, and how we react to the pressures of society. What a great read!
tesjd21's review against another edition
3.0
A little slow to begin, but once you get past the crime that becomes the catalyst for the story, the whole thing moves along rather well. I liked the development of the sister Janie, who becomes the main character rather quickly. This particular story wasn’t quite as gripping for me as some of Willig’s other novels, it was still gripping and well-written.
youngseoul's review against another edition
2.0
I struggled with this book. I wanted to like it since the premise intrigued me but my expectations quickly fell. I did enjoy the gothic tone of the book but I found the book predictable and lost interest quickly. I may try reading this one again.
tashalou's review against another edition
5.0
I feel like Lauren Willig could rewrite the alphabet and I would read it and rate it 5 stars. So needless to say, I loved this one too. It was gorgeous and heart-breaking, but also hopeful and suspenseful.
lynniew13's review against another edition
4.0
Difficult start and characters a bit confusing, but glad stuck with it. 3.75
giselaelisabeth's review against another edition
1.0
Audiobook. A lot of the characters have similar names and it was a really hard time remembering who had done what and when. The book was really slow phased and just so much random things and jumping in time in every chapter.
thain's review against another edition
4.0
Intriguing Gilded Age drama with alternating storylines, as a sheltered spinster tries to learn the truth about the tragedy surrounding her brother's English wife with the help of an intrepid reporter. Mystery, romance and good period details.
dinosgorohr's review against another edition
4.0
4.5stars
it’s 4:34am but i did it. i stayed up and i finished it. i’m in love with this book. there were a few spots that kind of dragged or my mind just kind of wandered, but overall this book was an amazing read. there were so many times that i thought i had it all figured out and then within the next few pages my theory was just blown out of the water, not even actually close to what was going on. idk. just read it. do it. please.
it’s 4:34am but i did it. i stayed up and i finished it. i’m in love with this book. there were a few spots that kind of dragged or my mind just kind of wandered, but overall this book was an amazing read. there were so many times that i thought i had it all figured out and then within the next few pages my theory was just blown out of the water, not even actually close to what was going on. idk. just read it. do it. please.