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rachelibrary's review against another edition
3.0
I received a Kindle ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Suspicion by Alexandra Monir tells the story of seventeen-year-old Imogen Rockford. Imogen is a would-be normal New York teenager connected to a noble family in England who own the village of Wickersham in County Oxford. After a fire killed her parents at Rockford Manor seven years before, Imogen swears she wants nothing more to do with the place -- until she receives news that both her grandfather and cousin are dead, and she is the last Rockford left and heir to Rockford Manor. Imogen travels to Rockford to assume her title as Duchess of Wickersham and uncovers both a supernatural ability and a deadly plot that puts her life at stake.
I liked the idea of Princess Diaries-meets-paranormal, and look how gorgeous that cover is! I was thrilled to receive an advance copy of this book, and the first two thirds of it were a great read. The writing was nothing particularly special, but it wasn't horrible. I enjoyed reading about Imogen discovering that she was a duchess, and as someone who's fascinated by the British peerage system, I loved the peek into that lifestyle.
Unfortunately, I think the author should have either stuck with a revamped Princess Diaries or told the story of Imogen being an Elemental (someone who controls the elements of earth, fire, air, and water), but not both. I would have loved to see more of Imogen as a proper duchess, not worrying about her cousin's murder or tracking down facts about Lady Beatrice and the water-stone. I would have loved to have seen the supernatural elements to Rockford, the Maze, the Shadow Garden, and Imogen herself developed more. But I think putting them together made the story feel piecemeal and slapdash.
Sebastian was a pleasant enough love interest, but there was nothing truly remarkable about him besides his amazing polo skills and impossibly good looks. The insta-love was a bit unwelcome, but I've read worse.
Overall, there were things about this book and the writing that irked me, but it was a fast-paced and interesting story, and very hard to put down. I read the final third of it, and then some, in less than 12 hours. I'd recommend this book to fans of soft fantasy or British things -- just don't go in expecting too much.
Suspicion by Alexandra Monir tells the story of seventeen-year-old Imogen Rockford. Imogen is a would-be normal New York teenager connected to a noble family in England who own the village of Wickersham in County Oxford. After a fire killed her parents at Rockford Manor seven years before, Imogen swears she wants nothing more to do with the place -- until she receives news that both her grandfather and cousin are dead, and she is the last Rockford left and heir to Rockford Manor. Imogen travels to Rockford to assume her title as Duchess of Wickersham and uncovers both a supernatural ability and a deadly plot that puts her life at stake.
I liked the idea of Princess Diaries-meets-paranormal, and look how gorgeous that cover is! I was thrilled to receive an advance copy of this book, and the first two thirds of it were a great read. The writing was nothing particularly special, but it wasn't horrible. I enjoyed reading about Imogen discovering that she was a duchess, and as someone who's fascinated by the British peerage system, I loved the peek into that lifestyle.
Unfortunately, I think the author should have either stuck with a revamped Princess Diaries or told the story of Imogen being an Elemental (someone who controls the elements of earth, fire, air, and water), but not both. I would have loved to see more of Imogen as a proper duchess, not worrying about her cousin's murder or tracking down facts about Lady Beatrice and the water-stone. I would have loved to have seen the supernatural elements to Rockford, the Maze, the Shadow Garden, and Imogen herself developed more. But I think putting them together made the story feel piecemeal and slapdash.
Sebastian was a pleasant enough love interest, but there was nothing truly remarkable about him besides his amazing polo skills and impossibly good looks. The insta-love was a bit unwelcome, but I've read worse.
Overall, there were things about this book and the writing that irked me, but it was a fast-paced and interesting story, and very hard to put down. I read the final third of it, and then some, in less than 12 hours. I'd recommend this book to fans of soft fantasy or British things -- just don't go in expecting too much.
lisamparkin's review against another edition
2.0
The writing is a overly flowery and amateurish the twist was a total let down. It was a lot of telling and not enough showing. Super bummed - I had such high hopes for this one.
tashalane's review
5.0
I received an arc of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are of my own and I was not compensated for this review.
I just finished reading and as I sit back and reflect and look at how I felt through reading and here at the end I have to say my liking it goes up as I sit here and think about it. The cover first caught my attention when I requested it and then I actually got a copy, I couldn’t wait to start reading. Once I started I couldn’t stop. There was so many emotions in this book. Loss of loved ones not just loved ones but both parents at the same time. How devastating. The struggle to find ones place in life. The age old question of Where do I belong in this big vast world. The Unrequited attraction. The lies within the family. This book was a realistic adventure with a fairy-tale, supernatural touch. I absolutely loved this book.
My favorite part has to be the end. Out of all the way I imagined the final twists and turns never, never would I have imagined what actually happened. No, not at all did I see that coming. That to me makes this book all that much better because although I don’t mind being able to foretell the ending, but not being able to makes it even that much more surprising and great! Very few books have been able to do that to me and I am always extremely happy to find another! Thank you Alexandra Monir for writing this awesome story! I look forward to reading more of your work.
If you haven’t noticed I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was a very entertaining, fast-pace, emotional, amazing, magic filled journey. You should read it for yourself and see!
I just finished reading and as I sit back and reflect and look at how I felt through reading and here at the end I have to say my liking it goes up as I sit here and think about it. The cover first caught my attention when I requested it and then I actually got a copy, I couldn’t wait to start reading. Once I started I couldn’t stop. There was so many emotions in this book. Loss of loved ones not just loved ones but both parents at the same time. How devastating. The struggle to find ones place in life. The age old question of Where do I belong in this big vast world. The Unrequited attraction. The lies within the family. This book was a realistic adventure with a fairy-tale, supernatural touch. I absolutely loved this book.
My favorite part has to be the end. Out of all the way I imagined the final twists and turns never, never would I have imagined what actually happened. No, not at all did I see that coming. That to me makes this book all that much better because although I don’t mind being able to foretell the ending, but not being able to makes it even that much more surprising and great! Very few books have been able to do that to me and I am always extremely happy to find another! Thank you Alexandra Monir for writing this awesome story! I look forward to reading more of your work.
If you haven’t noticed I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was a very entertaining, fast-pace, emotional, amazing, magic filled journey. You should read it for yourself and see!
tartbarbie's review
4.0
Imogen Rockford is third in line to become head of Rockford Manor as a Duchess but the odds of that even happening are slim to none. When a typical family vacation turns tragic Imogen is forced to return home to live with her guardians at only just ten years old. It’s been seven years since Imogen has had contact with her grandfather and her cousin but when she receives a notice that her guardians try to avoid she risks upsetting them to find out what is happening. What Imogen learns is that her grandfather has passed and her cousin is also gone leaving her the heir of Wickersham. Knowing her father would want her to take over if the time came Imogen agree’s to return to England.
Imogen has a lot to learn now that she’s become the Duchess of her family home, and learning just how who to bow to will be just the start. Arriving at Wickersham Imogen is pulled into forgotten memories, strange occurrences and her long time crush on Sebastian. Imogen digs deeper into the past learning that her distant relative had the same ability of being able to control the elements. Maybe her cousin didn’t have an accident after all but she was murdered and it’s up to Imogen to figure out the truth but at what cost? Will the guy she’s crushed after her whole life be connected to her cousin’s death?
I liked Imogen she’s an interesting character she’s living the life her cousin should be with the mystery of her own life shifting around her. I liked that she is honorable accepting her fate as a Duchess instead of running from it like her guardians wanted her to. I wasn’t sure how I felt about her maid Maisie because at first I felt sorry for her having to grow up watching two girls have the life I’m sure she wanted. Fast forward 7 years she’s still around the manor but she has some issues. I also didn’t trust Sebastian at first but he quickly grew on me proving he would support Imogen through it all.
I’ve had this one sitting on my bookshelf since it came out. I’m in love with the stunning cover it’s just gorgeous one of my favorite covers. I suggested it to my little bookclub based on the cover and the promise of a mystery. I found the story interesting, but while it does have paranormal elements which I love we just didn’t get enough of what was really going on with Imogen’s elemental abilities. I wish that the story had more of the paranormal elements. However the twist at the end didn’t see it coming and I loved it finding that it worked out better than I would have expected. Suspicion is a fast paced story that is easy to get lost in Imogen’s world as she starts her new journey as a Duchess. I would love to see more of the story because I just don’t feel it was over yet so maybe we will see another book in the future. Overall I enjoyed it found the characters easy to connect with and the concept captivating. This is my first book by the author but I really enjoyed her writing style. Looking forward to checking out her other books and fingers crossed for another book.
Imogen has a lot to learn now that she’s become the Duchess of her family home, and learning just how who to bow to will be just the start. Arriving at Wickersham Imogen is pulled into forgotten memories, strange occurrences and her long time crush on Sebastian. Imogen digs deeper into the past learning that her distant relative had the same ability of being able to control the elements. Maybe her cousin didn’t have an accident after all but she was murdered and it’s up to Imogen to figure out the truth but at what cost? Will the guy she’s crushed after her whole life be connected to her cousin’s death?
I liked Imogen she’s an interesting character she’s living the life her cousin should be with the mystery of her own life shifting around her. I liked that she is honorable accepting her fate as a Duchess instead of running from it like her guardians wanted her to. I wasn’t sure how I felt about her maid Maisie because at first I felt sorry for her having to grow up watching two girls have the life I’m sure she wanted. Fast forward 7 years she’s still around the manor but she has some issues. I also didn’t trust Sebastian at first but he quickly grew on me proving he would support Imogen through it all.
I’ve had this one sitting on my bookshelf since it came out. I’m in love with the stunning cover it’s just gorgeous one of my favorite covers. I suggested it to my little bookclub based on the cover and the promise of a mystery. I found the story interesting, but while it does have paranormal elements which I love we just didn’t get enough of what was really going on with Imogen’s elemental abilities. I wish that the story had more of the paranormal elements. However the twist at the end didn’t see it coming and I loved it finding that it worked out better than I would have expected. Suspicion is a fast paced story that is easy to get lost in Imogen’s world as she starts her new journey as a Duchess. I would love to see more of the story because I just don’t feel it was over yet so maybe we will see another book in the future. Overall I enjoyed it found the characters easy to connect with and the concept captivating. This is my first book by the author but I really enjoyed her writing style. Looking forward to checking out her other books and fingers crossed for another book.
ladysamxoxo's review
5.0
This book was incredible. Lea, my fellow Paperback Princess, actually sent it to me back in March as a housewarming gift. I started reading it soon after, but I was forced to stop on account of life getting in the way. But I picked it back up a couple weeks ago knowing I had to finish it.
CONTINUE READING
CONTINUE READING
canadianbookaddict's review
4.0
I had never heard of this author before but the description sounded interesting so I decided to give it a chance.
I did enjoy this book. I loved the mystery with a hint of romance and it didn't take me long to read it because it was entertaining. I know some reviewers didn't like this book but personally I really did enjoy it. I though it is well written and I loved the fact that most of the book takes place in England . Characters and location are well described and I could very well imagine it all. Heck I even had a dream about this book last night.
I now want to read more books by this author and I have added all of her books in my to buy list.
I give this 4 out of 5
I did enjoy this book. I loved the mystery with a hint of romance and it didn't take me long to read it because it was entertaining. I know some reviewers didn't like this book but personally I really did enjoy it. I though it is well written and I loved the fact that most of the book takes place in England . Characters and location are well described and I could very well imagine it all. Heck I even had a dream about this book last night.
I now want to read more books by this author and I have added all of her books in my to buy list.
I give this 4 out of 5
thecozyreaderwbo's review against another edition
3.0
Suspicion had the premise to be an excellent book.
However, I believe the layout and details put into the beginning chapters was done all wrong.
Too much time was spent leading up to Imogen's move to Rockford Manor. Once there Imogen's story moved much faster, maybe even too fast.
Overall, the concept and the characters were great. Unfortunately I did not love it all that much.
However, I believe the layout and details put into the beginning chapters was done all wrong.
Too much time was spent leading up to Imogen's move to Rockford Manor. Once there Imogen's story moved much faster, maybe even too fast.
Overall, the concept and the characters were great. Unfortunately I did not love it all that much.
zeldasayre's review against another edition
1.0
Skimmed most of the last part of the book. Yikes, yikes, yikes. By far the worst book I've read in a while.
mangoseaquest's review
4.0
While this book completely hooked me with the storyline,the suspense, and the twist-and-turns of the journey that Imogen experienced; there was one major issue that continuous caused problems: grammar. I'm not a huge grammar snob, I'm sure there are mistake in this review; but there were many mistakes that made reading this story difficult include a gender change back and forth.
Overall I would totally suggest this book. Just read carefully. :)
Overall I would totally suggest this book. Just read carefully. :)
sc104906's review
4.0
Imogen Rockford and her cousin Lucia were orphaned when they were very young, by a freak accident that occurred at her family's manor. Imogen returns to her home in New York and grows up with a close friend of the family. She cuts all ties with the rest of her family, especially Lucia, who she blames for the fire that killed their parents.
Years later, Imogen must return to her family estate because she is now duchess. Lucia and her great grandfather are dead, leaving her as the last heir. There is a constant element of mystery surrounding the estate and Imogen wants to know what lead to the death of her cousin.
Battling feelings for her dead cousin's boyfriend, Imogen takes on the mystery.
I found this book compelling and similar to Rosemary Clement Moore's Splendor Falls. The hint of supernatural and the modern-Gothic setting create an interesting novel.
Years later, Imogen must return to her family estate because she is now duchess. Lucia and her great grandfather are dead, leaving her as the last heir. There is a constant element of mystery surrounding the estate and Imogen wants to know what lead to the death of her cousin.
Battling feelings for her dead cousin's boyfriend, Imogen takes on the mystery.
I found this book compelling and similar to Rosemary Clement Moore's Splendor Falls. The hint of supernatural and the modern-Gothic setting create an interesting novel.