afox98's review against another edition
5.0
Outstanding book. Loved the fragile/tough dichotomy of the Lacey character. While some of the crime scene details were tough to read (graphic), they were absorbing. Some great twists. Suspenseful and well done. I will definitely read the others in this series.
laurenjodi's review against another edition
5.0
Now You See Me
4.5 Stars
An intriguing and original take on the Jack the Ripper murders with some excellent twists and turns that keep you riveted.
The heroine, Lacey Flint, is rough around the edges and some readers may find it difficult to engage with her, but to me the amalgamation of strength and vulnerability make her particularly appealing. In terms of her investigative skills, Lacey has good instincts and cares about people but she is an inexperienced detective and also a bit of a loose cannon who has problems with authority. It will be interesting to see if she learns from her mistakes in the next book.
The murder mystery is intense and the historical detail is well-researched and insightful. It should be noted that the descriptions are quite graphic and grisly so the book may not appeal to those who prefer less gruesome elements in their reading.
Bolton’s writing style is immersive and gives just the right amount of information about the characters and the crimes to whet the appetite for more. The hint at a romance between Lacey and Marc Joesbury is enough to satisfy the romantic in me and I look forward to seeing how their relationship develops in the series.
4.5 Stars
An intriguing and original take on the Jack the Ripper murders with some excellent twists and turns that keep you riveted.
The heroine, Lacey Flint, is rough around the edges and some readers may find it difficult to engage with her, but to me the amalgamation of strength and vulnerability make her particularly appealing. In terms of her investigative skills, Lacey has good instincts and cares about people but she is an inexperienced detective and also a bit of a loose cannon who has problems with authority. It will be interesting to see if she learns from her mistakes in the next book.
The murder mystery is intense and the historical detail is well-researched and insightful. It should be noted that the descriptions are quite graphic and grisly so the book may not appeal to those who prefer less gruesome elements in their reading.
Bolton’s writing style is immersive and gives just the right amount of information about the characters and the crimes to whet the appetite for more. The hint at a romance between Lacey and Marc Joesbury is enough to satisfy the romantic in me and I look forward to seeing how their relationship develops in the series.
shari0134's review against another edition
5.0
**Kindle**
I like Lacey so far and the story is creepy. I am all in. Great start.
I like Lacey so far and the story is creepy. I am all in. Great start.
abscarlet's review against another edition
5.0
This book was wild from start to end. It begins with a young female detective witnessing a stabbing right next to her car on her way out from work. From then, it only gets crazier.
There continue to be many more murders and they all seem to have a common theme. It is obvious that the killer is the same in each murder, and they all seem to be modeling that of Jack the Ripper.
Each time the team thinks they have caught the killer, another piece of evidence or another murder or another loophole is presented, proving them wrong once again. And when the murderer is finally revealed, it’s someone who was never expected.
This book is a great read for anyone who enjoys thrillers or murder mysteries. The author is an amazing writer and, though the book is long, never loses the readers’ attention.
This is easily one of my favorite books to this day. I can not wait until my library adds the rest in the series.
There continue to be many more murders and they all seem to have a common theme. It is obvious that the killer is the same in each murder, and they all seem to be modeling that of Jack the Ripper.
Each time the team thinks they have caught the killer, another piece of evidence or another murder or another loophole is presented, proving them wrong once again. And when the murderer is finally revealed, it’s someone who was never expected.
This book is a great read for anyone who enjoys thrillers or murder mysteries. The author is an amazing writer and, though the book is long, never loses the readers’ attention.
This is easily one of my favorite books to this day. I can not wait until my library adds the rest in the series.
puella_ignotum's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
shoelessmama's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
informative
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
Bolton is very nearly a never miss for me. A ripper copycat could easily have felt unoriginal but I enjoyed every minute of this... however, Lacey herself and her narration were a big driver here. I found myself turning to google to learn more about the areas of London to which this story takes us- especially Camden Market, Regent's Canal, and the catacombs. I will definitely be continuing on with this series.
abnieszka's review against another edition
4.0
Really, really liked it. Dark and fascinating. I want more :)
erika98's review against another edition
3.75
I picked this book because I thought it would be a good thriller/mystery to kick off spooky season. I think I was right?
This story takes place in London starting on August 1st and goes throughout the fall all while tracking down a 🥣🔪.
I liked the aspect of this story that almost makes it a little bit of historical fiction? The story follows a copycat killer of Jack the Ripper’s spree and the author weaves facts and myths of the legendary murderer into the story effortlessly.
If you looked up unreliable narrator in the dictionary, Lacey Flint would be sitting right there waiting for you. This book was entertaining and they aren’t kidding when they say it’s a physiological thriller because I had a headache trying to figure this book out. I can honestly say that I wasn’t able to figure out the twists this book held before they happened.
It is also CRIMINAL that there wasn’t a legitimate romance subplot in this book because the tension between Lacey and another character is out of this world to only have some mild flirtation.
I don’t know if I’ll continue the series because I didn’t love Lacey enough as a main character to want to continue following her story and the second book’s synopsis didn’t draw me in like this one did. The only reason I’d continue is to see how the reveals from this book bleed into the next AND to find out if a romance ever forms where I want it to.
This book could have also been 50-100 pages shorter so I don’t know if I’m up for another overly long book with these characters.
kbranfield's review against another edition
5.0
Now You See Me is the sensational first installment in S.J. Bolton’s series starring Lacey Flint. This page turning murder mystery is full of unexpected, mind boggling twists and turns that are quite stunning. Please click my link text to read my review in its entirety.
bet27's review against another edition
4.0
For anyone intrigued by Jack the Ripper -- this book will be right up your (dark) alley. I stumbled across this while looking for authors similar to Tana French writing about female detectives and was almost immediately captivated. The plot is a packed web of multi-layered secrets and mysteries, and though the fact this is the first in a series meant certain things couldn't be true, I was continually surprised by what was unearthed. Lacey isn't necessarily likable but she's definitely compelling. I look forward to seeing where the following books go.