keely_fuller's review against another edition
5.0
weird !!!!!! loved it ! didn’t realize till page 70 her name was Bridie not Birdie
raeleechoins's review
3.0
Oh my lord, this was one of the most painful books I’ve ever read. Its obnoxious mediocrity almost killed me several times.
jhayden's review
5.0
The writing is beautiful and very atmospheric. This is done in part by her use of old fashioned Victorian England words but I frequently had to look them up so I’m glad I read this as an ebook. The sentence structure was sometimes difficult, at times I had to read slowly and ask myself “what is this sentence saying?” like in English class. So this book was not an easy read but I felt it added to the atmosphere of the story which in itself was grimy, mysterious, and supernatural. Really enjoyed this book!
bonniereads777's review
4.0
Let’s get one thing straight: Jess Kidd’s writing is gorgeous. She is the epitome of the expression “painting pictures with words.” I could vividly see, hear, feel, smell, or touch everything she described. I will seek out her work again.
Things in Jars is set in Victorian London in two timelines and is about a female detective investigating the kidnapping of a child. However it is much more than that. Folklore, mythical creatures, and the supernatural are also part of the story. The storyline was not really my cup of tea, but this still gets four stars for some of the best writing talent I’ve ever seen.
I received a free copy of this book from the publishers via Netgalley. My opinions are my own.
Things in Jars is set in Victorian London in two timelines and is about a female detective investigating the kidnapping of a child. However it is much more than that. Folklore, mythical creatures, and the supernatural are also part of the story. The storyline was not really my cup of tea, but this still gets four stars for some of the best writing talent I’ve ever seen.
I received a free copy of this book from the publishers via Netgalley. My opinions are my own.
nicopenny's review
4.0
Thank you Ruthanne for telling me to read this!! Everyone should read this! I love ghosts and detectives and magic!!
jodar's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
I enjoyed the writing style, which evoked the Victorian gothic, creepy and putrid atmosphere very effectively, even poetically at times. The MC is an attractive personality: decisive, intelligent, prepared to put herself at risk for others’ sake. She doesn’t get everything right, but acts reasonably in light of what she knows or suspects.
As I expected with this type of novel, there’s little nuance in the characterisation: the good are good, the bad are bad. But one character struck me as silly and absurd: the MC’s ghost friend cum love interest. I’m bemused by some British authors’ fondness for this sort of fatuous supernaturalism. The MC–ghost–policeman love triangle felt puerile and ridiculous.
At the end I came away feeling that overall this is a great, well-told story with a satisfying conclusion, but with one major flaw.
As I expected with this type of novel, there’s little nuance in the characterisation: the good are good, the bad are bad. But one character struck me as silly and absurd: the MC’s ghost friend cum love interest. I’m bemused by some British authors’ fondness for this sort of fatuous supernaturalism. The MC–ghost–policeman love triangle felt puerile and ridiculous.
At the end I came away feeling that overall this is a great, well-told story with a satisfying conclusion, but with one major flaw.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement, Death, Physical abuse, Violence, Kidnapping, and Child abuse
Moderate: Bullying, Murder, Sexual assault, and Gore
cmoneysan's review
adventurous
mysterious
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
3.0
Everything was so good and then everything felt like it fell off by the end :(
miellewis's review
3.0
3.5 stars. she falls in love with her childhood friend’s (?) ghost. thought there was going to be more there :/
deb_entwistle's review against another edition
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0