majkia's review against another edition
4.0
Rating: Chinese demon, guardian Pekineses, 1920s starlet !
Good fun with an early version of urban fantasy. A 1920s starlet finds herself stalked by a Chinese demons and it takes her and a lot of friends to save her!
Good fun with an early version of urban fantasy. A 1920s starlet finds herself stalked by a Chinese demons and it takes her and a lot of friends to save her!
kcollett75's review against another edition
4.0
The title is pure camp, and also fits perfectly with the sort of silent movie Christine is making in early 1920s Hollywood. Her sister-in-law Norah comes from her own tragedies in England during WWI to be Christine’s companion and help her with her three personable Pekinese dogs, who figure prominently in the story, as do mysterious murders, a cursed necklace, an ancient Chinese wizard, a cute and sensible photographer, and the demon Rat God to whom Christine has been unwittingly pledged. The blurb on the front—“Too beautiful to live, too wild to die”—is completely random and irrelevant to the book (though it would fit with one of those silent movies). Hambly is, as usual, competent and evocative.
melihooker's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
This book has a great setting, 1920s Hollywood, and just the type of glitz and glam you would expect for the time. You've got a murder mystery that really amps up in action midway. Pretty consistent pacing, fun story, colorful characters. Recommend for reader who want a murder mystery with some supernatural elements that love a 1920s Hollywood setting. Must read for lovers of the Pekingese breed of dog!
thecanary's review against another edition
4.0
When, in 1923, movie star Chrysanda Flamande (real name Christine Blackstone) sweeps into her sister-in-law’s life, Norah finds herself moving from a small village in England into the glittering circles of Hollywood’s most famous directors and stars. And after her husband’s death in WWI, Norah needs someone to take care of and to learn to live again.
But as the latest movie goes forward, things keep going wrong. A mysterious old Chinese man, brutal murders, a rigged explosion (instead of the fake one), and restless dreams plague the two women. Someone has chosen Christine to be the rat god’s bride sacrifice, and it’s up to Norah, a broken wizard, and three Pekingeses dogs to keep Chris safe.
The real suspense of the tale comes from the reader’s knowledge that something is after Christine and watching Norah putting it all together. The dramatic irony of what the reader knows vs what the character know is excruciating–in the best way possible.Hambly writes with delicious, vivid prose and crafts characters with heart, making it impossible not to investment in them. The entire story is steeped with the atmosphere of the silent film era, and Norah’s slow recovery from her husband’s death to finding love again is the perfect subplot.
Check out the full review (and excerpt) here1
But as the latest movie goes forward, things keep going wrong. A mysterious old Chinese man, brutal murders, a rigged explosion (instead of the fake one), and restless dreams plague the two women. Someone has chosen Christine to be the rat god’s bride sacrifice, and it’s up to Norah, a broken wizard, and three Pekingeses dogs to keep Chris safe.
The real suspense of the tale comes from the reader’s knowledge that something is after Christine and watching Norah putting it all together. The dramatic irony of what the reader knows vs what the character know is excruciating–in the best way possible.Hambly writes with delicious, vivid prose and crafts characters with heart, making it impossible not to investment in them. The entire story is steeped with the atmosphere of the silent film era, and Norah’s slow recovery from her husband’s death to finding love again is the perfect subplot.
Check out the full review (and excerpt) here1
bookhero6's review against another edition
4.0
I admit it. I read this book for two reasons: the awesomeness of the title and the cover. I wholly expected to have to stuggle through its awfulness. But it was fantastic! A little bit historical mystery, a little fantasy, a little romance, and a little fake mythology blend together amidst the backdrop of the silent film era of Hollywood to create a delightful read. It's because of this book that I have since picked up ever book by Barbara Hambly that I have encountered in my bargain books hunts!
alenaski's review against another edition
It was difficult to decide how to rate this book. It is incredibly well written and researched and I've read some of Barbara Hambly's other books and really enjoyed them. But, especially for a book that was written in the 1990s, it utilizes a lot of exoticism about China and there are plenty of cultural stereotypes in the book that verge on caricature.
This book is about an actress and her sister-in-law who get caught up in a cursed Chinese necklace. Ms. Hambly sets the stage incredibly well--this book feels so well-researched and so full of local color and detail that it really did feel like I was getting a chance to see Los Angeles of yore. The plot pulled me and was very engaging.
BUT, I really didn't like how Chinese-Americans and American views of Chinese mysticism were included in the book. I kept asking myself why Ms. Hambly made the decisions that she did regarding the use of Chinese mysticism. It felt pulpy and like something I would expect from the time period. Not from seventy-years later. Chinese-Americans in the book are relegated to exotic and mysterious figures. The three main characters are white. There are period-relevant references to the prejudice against Chinese-Americans (as well as other people of color). And I just kept asking myself why and not coming up with a good answer.
This book is about an actress and her sister-in-law who get caught up in a cursed Chinese necklace. Ms. Hambly sets the stage incredibly well--this book feels so well-researched and so full of local color and detail that it really did feel like I was getting a chance to see Los Angeles of yore. The plot pulled me and was very engaging.
BUT, I really didn't like how Chinese-Americans and American views of Chinese mysticism were included in the book. I kept asking myself why Ms. Hambly made the decisions that she did regarding the use of Chinese mysticism. It felt pulpy and like something I would expect from the time period. Not from seventy-years later. Chinese-Americans in the book are relegated to exotic and mysterious figures. The three main characters are white. There are period-relevant references to the prejudice against Chinese-Americans (as well as other people of color). And I just kept asking myself why and not coming up with a good answer.
pedanther's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Body horror and Death
Minor: Racism, Injury/injury detail, Sexual assault, Toxic relationship, Cultural appropriation, and Murder
blackaliss's review
adventurous
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.25
Solid period piece, so much so the supernatural plot elements are underwhelming in comparison. Come for the ancient Manchurian curse, stay for the insightful look into 1920s Hollywood and the delightful Pekes with each their own personality.
Content Warnings
Minor: Cultural appropriation
It’s not disrespectful or appropriative at all, but the white author does write about Chinese people and mysticism, which might send today’s audience into hysterics. The book is not for you if you’re overly sensitive.kikiandarrowsfishshelf's review against another edition
4.0
This is a fun book. It actually made me look at pekingese dogs as something more than bedroom slippers.