srivalli's review
3.0
Okay, so this is the first time I am reading a DR book, rather books.
Now, since it is a bundle I had three books to read as one. The opening line was awesome. I had great expectations but then Book 1 almost disappointed me.
Still, I continued and Book 2 was maybe okay. Book 3 was a little better but, I skimmed through a few pages in all the books.
If 25-30% of Julia's ramblings were removed, the story would have progressed better. The chemistry wasn't that great until almost the ending.
The crimes were neither easy nor hard to guess so that's okay.
I'm not sure if people of that era used a few words written in the book.
I was torn between liking and hating Julia, but finally, she's good enough. Not great, but good.
Brisbane, of course, was the typical brooding hero, and it was the same with him. Like at times, dislike at times.
I'll continue reading the series to see how they manage their temperments.
Now, since it is a bundle I had three books to read as one. The opening line was awesome. I had great expectations but then Book 1 almost disappointed me.
Still, I continued and Book 2 was maybe okay. Book 3 was a little better but, I skimmed through a few pages in all the books.
If 25-30% of Julia's ramblings were removed, the story would have progressed better. The chemistry wasn't that great until almost the ending.
The crimes were neither easy nor hard to guess so that's okay.
I'm not sure if people of that era used a few words written in the book.
I was torn between liking and hating Julia, but finally, she's good enough. Not great, but good.
Brisbane, of course, was the typical brooding hero, and it was the same with him. Like at times, dislike at times.
I'll continue reading the series to see how they manage their temperments.
stefievee's review against another edition
4.0
I normally don't go for novels that seem like they have a strong romantic component but I was intrigued by the historical context and the detective mystery aspect in the small passage I read at the bookstore. I have since purchased all of the books (5 to date I believe) and have never been disappointed.
The romance is certainly present, but it is not overpowering, and the mystery style is far more prominent. I like the main character because she is multi-dimensional and adapts to the other characters (I have seen a lot of protagonists in books remain rigidly the same the entire length of the novel). She is at times afraid, at times fearless, at times unsure and at times very confident. She has realistic human flaws and ambitions. She could also be considered a feminist character, which is a nice little clash with the fact that the stories are set in the (I estimate) Victorian era.
Most importantly, I have never found myself discovering the solution to the mystery before the protagonist does (which has happened on occasion while reading or watching other detective books/tv shows), so I find the intrigue to be quite well-crafted.
The author also likes to work in some topics that are not typical in this type of fiction; notably homosexual relationships (that are not demonized - very refreshing), medicinal drug use, Romani culture etc.
The romance is certainly present, but it is not overpowering, and the mystery style is far more prominent. I like the main character because she is multi-dimensional and adapts to the other characters (I have seen a lot of protagonists in books remain rigidly the same the entire length of the novel). She is at times afraid, at times fearless, at times unsure and at times very confident. She has realistic human flaws and ambitions. She could also be considered a feminist character, which is a nice little clash with the fact that the stories are set in the (I estimate) Victorian era.
Most importantly, I have never found myself discovering the solution to the mystery before the protagonist does (which has happened on occasion while reading or watching other detective books/tv shows), so I find the intrigue to be quite well-crafted.
The author also likes to work in some topics that are not typical in this type of fiction; notably homosexual relationships (that are not demonized - very refreshing), medicinal drug use, Romani culture etc.
riley_anne's review against another edition
5.0
A little slow in the beginning of the first book, but excellent overall.
savvyliterate's review against another edition
The series appeals to me on a number of levels. Julia herself is a fantastic character and her growth throughout the novels is amazing. She's a dormant little mouse to start with, but as she discovers her true self, she begins to blossom. Her family -- she's one of nine siblings -- are all fantastic. I love reading about her siblings and how they just literally waltz into her life. Seriously, the beginning of the fourth book has Julia's meal in Europe interrupted when two of her siblings just randomly show up and everyone acts like it's a normal thing. The mysteries are engaging as well, though I do admit to largely skimming the third book because I was so eager to see what happened to Julia and Nicholas that I skipped ahead to their scenes. I wound up staying up until 9 a.m. this morning to finish all three books if that says anything.
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