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scottjp's review against another edition
2.0
The Spook Lights Affair is a light mystery revolving around the apparent suicide of a wealthy debutante one foggy night during a party in San Francisco, 1895. Detective Sabina Carpenter was hired to look after the girl and the tragedy is seen as a failure on her part. But Sabina senses that not all is as it seemed, and she pursues her own investigation in order to salvage her agency's reputation.
Meanwhile, her partner, John Quincannon, is working on a bank robbery case: $35,000 stolen and not a single suspect. Who could resist trying for the 10% reward?
I don't read a lot of historicals so this was something of a novelty for me. The setting feels authentic (and the authors assure us that it is, in their afterword), and the mist-shrouded streets have a lot of atmosphere. The novel's weakness lies in its dearth of characterization. The characters serve the plot and little more. I couldn't even tell you much about Carpenter and Quincannon themselves, for whom this is their second outing. John has a big crush on Sabina, but she prefers to keep their relationship professional. He likes poetry. That's...about it. Any such information we do get is simply stated, rather than worked into the story naturally. The duo are likable enough, but they don't feel quite as real as the physical world they inhabit.
All in all, a pretty bare-bones mystery that I found less than satisfying.
Meanwhile, her partner, John Quincannon, is working on a bank robbery case: $35,000 stolen and not a single suspect. Who could resist trying for the 10% reward?
I don't read a lot of historicals so this was something of a novelty for me. The setting feels authentic (and the authors assure us that it is, in their afterword), and the mist-shrouded streets have a lot of atmosphere. The novel's weakness lies in its dearth of characterization. The characters serve the plot and little more. I couldn't even tell you much about Carpenter and Quincannon themselves, for whom this is their second outing. John has a big crush on Sabina, but she prefers to keep their relationship professional. He likes poetry. That's...about it. Any such information we do get is simply stated, rather than worked into the story naturally. The duo are likable enough, but they don't feel quite as real as the physical world they inhabit.
All in all, a pretty bare-bones mystery that I found less than satisfying.
ashpanda88's review against another edition
4.0
3.5 stars but I'll round up to 4. I loved the historical setting of California and the banter between the 2 main characters. Sherlock even makes an appearance! I did find the plot predictable but still enjoyable.
rdyourbookcase's review against another edition
3.0
I had a lot of fun reading the first one. I was expecting a light, historical mystery, and that’s what I got. Also, I was expecting a lot of fun Sherlock Holmes cameos. Unfortunately, there were hardly any. I like the main characters, but honestly, I’m reading this for Sherlock. This series would be great for older teens who are transitioning to adult books. I’ll still read the next few, and hopefully the mystery will be stronger or we’ll get to see more of our favorite old-school detective!
liberrydude's review against another edition
3.0
Another quick read in which we witness the hiring of Jake Runyon and the beginning of the collapse of Tamara's relationship with Horace. A simple request from a company to find the identity of a murdered homeless man who used to sleep on their property unleashes demons from the past who come after the agency.
bookworm_630's review
3.0
New authors for me. I found it to be a light, engaging mystery with interesting main characters and a well done historical setting.
diannel_04's review
Private detective Sabina Carpenter is hired to babysit the spoiled daughter of a rich family only to watch her apparently commit suicide by jumping off an overlook. Her partner Quinncannon is on the trail of the person who robbed Wells Fargo of $3,500. All in all it was not a very good book although I did manage to finish it. I wouldn't recommend anyone bother with this series.
sheltzer's review
3.0
Sabina Carpenter has been hired to keep an eye on a young debutante who her parents suspect is carrying on a dalliance with an unsuitable young man. While at a party, the girl appears to commit suicide and Sabina must work on clearing her name and restoring her reputation.
Meanwhile, John Quincannon is attempting to find burglars who robbed Wells, Fargo so he can collect a $3000 reward. Towards the end, the two detectives find that their cases intersect.
Unfortunately, that does not mean that they work together. I think the book is at its best when Sabina and John are in the same room, but that only happens for 20 pages or so. I'm guessing due to how the authors are writing the novel. Because they are never together, their dynamic is never quite fleshed out.
I may be done with this series. It's lacking a sparkle that other books have and there's too many books I want to read and not enough free time during the day.
Meanwhile, John Quincannon is attempting to find burglars who robbed Wells, Fargo so he can collect a $3000 reward. Towards the end, the two detectives find that their cases intersect.
Unfortunately, that does not mean that they work together. I think the book is at its best when Sabina and John are in the same room, but that only happens for 20 pages or so. I'm guessing due to how the authors are writing the novel. Because they are never together, their dynamic is never quite fleshed out.
I may be done with this series. It's lacking a sparkle that other books have and there's too many books I want to read and not enough free time during the day.
littlereadersakura's review
4.0
I enjoyed reading this one and happy that I solved the case along with them. I think the series is one that everyone should give a try at l least once.
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