Scan barcode
burningupasun's review against another edition
4.0
Trigger warnings for: attempted rape, sexual assault.
I'm so torn on this book! On the one hand it had some questionable moments, mostly ones that betrayed a bit of the times when it was set (and to some extent when it was written, because it's only been in the last few years that dialogue about a lot of this has evolved better). One of the plots of the book featured a character who was a hermaphrodite, who self-identified as a man, and was in love with an outwardly-presenting woman who self-identified internally as a male. Of course, none of this terminology and such was around at the time when these books are set, so some of the discussions around them (mostly by the background characters and one particularly offensive cop) got occasionally problematic. To be fair the author/book pushed back against that, and the 'good' characters were much more open-minded. Still, it got a bit uncomfortable at times, and the addition of the near-rape at the end didn't help.
But the setting was really good, and I loved seeing Phryne step out of her patterns and her position and go undercover to try something new. Plus her open-mindedness was a delight, as always, and the circus setting was lovely. Probably more like 3 1/2 stars but I came away thinking I really liked most of it so I'm bumping to 4.
I'm so torn on this book! On the one hand it had some questionable moments, mostly ones that betrayed a bit of the times when it was set (and to some extent when it was written, because it's only been in the last few years that dialogue about a lot of this has evolved better). One of the plots of the book featured a character who was a hermaphrodite, who self-identified as a man, and was in love with an outwardly-presenting woman who self-identified internally as a male. Of course, none of this terminology and such was around at the time when these books are set, so some of the discussions around them (mostly by the background characters and one particularly offensive cop) got occasionally problematic. To be fair the author/book pushed back against that, and the 'good' characters were much more open-minded. Still, it got a bit uncomfortable at times, and the addition of the near-rape at the end didn't help.
But the setting was really good, and I loved seeing Phryne step out of her patterns and her position and go undercover to try something new. Plus her open-mindedness was a delight, as always, and the circus setting was lovely. Probably more like 3 1/2 stars but I came away thinking I really liked most of it so I'm bumping to 4.
awesomebrandi's review against another edition
4.0
This was definitely the most heart pounding Phryne book I've read so far! It had me stressed for our heroine. But, it was also probably one of the best as well. Some rough imagery in this one, compared to the others I've read so far.
wyvernfriend's review against another edition
4.0
Basically Phryne runs away and joins the circus. Ostensibly to help with some friends in the circus who are seeing accidents happen around them but can't see what's happening. She has to learn how to be a member of the circus and finds it a challenge to be away from her luxury. There's a look at how those who were determined to be freaks at the time could find space in a circus to be themselves.
It was interesting and made me think. The mystery wasn't as interesting as the circus life.
It was interesting and made me think. The mystery wasn't as interesting as the circus life.
mborer23's review against another edition
3.0
Phryne runs away and joins the circus because she's bored with her luxurious life, and because one of her amorous companions needs help. She becomes an expert trick rider after about three lessons because of course she does, and oh yeah, solves a murder along the way.
Despite a rather ham-fisted handling of a love story between two trans* characters, this is an enjoyable enough romp through the highly improbable world of The Hon. Phryne Fisher. In fact, this may be the title with which I have learned to temporarily shut off the critically-thinking part of my brain and just enjoy Phryne's world.
Despite a rather ham-fisted handling of a love story between two trans* characters, this is an enjoyable enough romp through the highly improbable world of The Hon. Phryne Fisher. In fact, this may be the title with which I have learned to temporarily shut off the critically-thinking part of my brain and just enjoy Phryne's world.
parishiltonwashere101's review against another edition
mysterious
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
kelleamy11's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
s_lorenz's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0