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thebeardedpoet's review
5.0
This is the fifth Sherlock and Lucy James book in the series both Christi and I have been enjoying. Great characterization and smooth writing make for a great "read aloud" book for us. The emphasis on this one is advancing the "soap opera" aspects, the Lucy and Jack romance and the relationship between Lucy and Sherlock as investigators and as daughter and father. Even so, the mystery and suspense aspects were solidly done too.
mad_about_books's review
5.0
It was pretty obvious from the start of the series that Detective Constable Jack Kelly was added to the regular cast of characters as a love interest for Lucy James. What was not obvious was how long it would take them to figure out that, as a couple, they were meant to be. It doesn't help that each of them spends a lot of time trying to divine what the other is thinking and getting it all wrong.
Character development in this series puts a lot of emphasis on intelligence and capability. Both Jack and his young sister Becky are both. Lucy James could be seen as a female Sherlock Holmes were it not for her impetuous nature and somewhat fiery demeanor. I'm guessing that if you have gotten this far into the series you know the relationship between Lucy and Sherlock and how that old adage about apples falling from the tree applies but with caveats.
In previous books we had the benefit of two points of view, that of Watson and that of Lucy James. In DEATH AT THE DIOGENES CLUB the entire story is presented from Lucy's point of view. Given this perspective, we learn more about how Lucy defines herself, and how she learns to face her greatest fears. The book still has all the requisite clues and action to keep it well within the boundaries of Holmesian canon while provoking a tear or two along the way.
All in all I count this as a most satisfying read.
Character development in this series puts a lot of emphasis on intelligence and capability. Both Jack and his young sister Becky are both. Lucy James could be seen as a female Sherlock Holmes were it not for her impetuous nature and somewhat fiery demeanor. I'm guessing that if you have gotten this far into the series you know the relationship between Lucy and Sherlock and how that old adage about apples falling from the tree applies but with caveats.
In previous books we had the benefit of two points of view, that of Watson and that of Lucy James. In DEATH AT THE DIOGENES CLUB the entire story is presented from Lucy's point of view. Given this perspective, we learn more about how Lucy defines herself, and how she learns to face her greatest fears. The book still has all the requisite clues and action to keep it well within the boundaries of Holmesian canon while provoking a tear or two along the way.
All in all I count this as a most satisfying read.
claudia_is_reading's review against another edition
5.0
This time the whole story is told from Lucy's POV so we are more immersed in her side of the investigation but we are also privy to the way in which she sees herself, which is quite revelling. I just love her wit and her big, big heart.
We also get to know a lot more about Jack's background and how said past brings danger into his life and Becky's. Again, I enjoyed the realism of the stories, Jack wasn't miraculously cured after the wounds sustained in the previous book, his leg is giving him trouble and his feelings of depression are very logical in his situation. But... he's too stubborn to just give up, and with the chance of becoming a Sargent in his future, he's, more than ever, willing to keep fighting and get the final prize. If he survives this adventure, that is :P
Fantastically well-narrated, and a great addition to the series :)
We also get to know a lot more about Jack's background and how said past brings danger into his life and Becky's. Again, I enjoyed the realism of the stories, Jack wasn't miraculously cured after the wounds sustained in the previous book, his leg is giving him trouble and his feelings of depression are very logical in his situation. But... he's too stubborn to just give up, and with the chance of becoming a Sargent in his future, he's, more than ever, willing to keep fighting and get the final prize. If he survives this adventure, that is :P
Fantastically well-narrated, and a great addition to the series :)
vesper1931's review
4.0
The death of a General Pettigrew has occurred at the Diogenes Club, Lestrade has his suspect but Holmes is not convinced. And life and crime becomes more complicated.
Really enjoying this well-written series. Such interesting characters
Really enjoying this well-written series. Such interesting characters
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