1234567_run's review
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.0
mrose21's review against another edition
3.0
This was OK but not very interesting. Unfair to give it a bad rating as such because I think this was more a burn out of mysteries for me so I may revisit after a bit.
foxon's review against another edition
3.0
Sidney's interactions with everyone he meets (but especially his maid) are uniformly hilarious in that he is always the worst and the people are always baffled by his... lets call them eccentricities, to be charitable. But my laugher died a quick death when we got to the end and I had to read several chapters consisting of body horror and even just writing that makes me want to die to BEWARE READER!
Spoiler
a character is being slowly eaten alive by maggots, when there is no cure and he is constantly picking them out of his skincook_memorial_public_library's review against another edition
3.0
Recommended by Haley.
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rilester's review against another edition
lighthearted
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
3.5
usbsticky's review against another edition
1.0
I almost got to the end of this book but I dnf at 88% and didn't want to finish it.
I actually liked the characters and the writing. The writing was pretty easy to read and get into. I understood the character of Grice even though apparently a lot of readers don't like him (which means the author did a good job because he is supposed to be unpleasant). I also sympathized with March (his ward). But I started with book #2 and it doesn't adequately explain their relationship, which it should because every book in a series should stand on its own and allow the reader to get in on the story with a bit of explanation.
But ultimately I didn't care to finish the book because the explanation got too bogged down and lengthy. If it takes that much to get clear for the reader, then the author didn't do a good job. I think it just got too complex with too many characters and the author trying too hard.
I probably won't try another book in the series (despite liking the characters) because there are much better books out there. I'm not rating this book a 2/5 as in 40%. I'm rating this 2 stars because by GR's inane star system, 2 stars means it was ok.
Edit: I forgot to add. The author also inserted a lot of backstory into odd places in the book. The backstory was annoying and sometimes took over the main story. Eventually I just skipped over it. Authors, do not do this. If I want a completely unrelated story which reading this book, I'd just read another book together at the same time. Downgraded to 1 star = did not like it.
I actually liked the characters and the writing. The writing was pretty easy to read and get into. I understood the character of Grice even though apparently a lot of readers don't like him (which means the author did a good job because he is supposed to be unpleasant). I also sympathized with March (his ward). But I started with book #2 and it doesn't adequately explain their relationship, which it should because every book in a series should stand on its own and allow the reader to get in on the story with a bit of explanation.
But ultimately I didn't care to finish the book because the explanation got too bogged down and lengthy. If it takes that much to get clear for the reader, then the author didn't do a good job. I think it just got too complex with too many characters and the author trying too hard.
I probably won't try another book in the series (despite liking the characters) because there are much better books out there. I'm not rating this book a 2/5 as in 40%. I'm rating this 2 stars because by GR's inane star system, 2 stars means it was ok.
Edit: I forgot to add. The author also inserted a lot of backstory into odd places in the book. The backstory was annoying and sometimes took over the main story. Eventually I just skipped over it. Authors, do not do this. If I want a completely unrelated story which reading this book, I'd just read another book together at the same time. Downgraded to 1 star = did not like it.
marilynsaul's review against another edition
5.0
Wow! I didn't see that coming!!! This book kept me entertained while arguing with doctors about discharging my dear hubby. March Middleton is such a strong, snarky, no-holds-barred woman, and I channeled her and got my hubby home!! Hooray!!
lian_tanner's review against another edition
4.0
I'm enjoying this series so much - partly because of the humour, but also because March is such a wonderful protagonist. Endlessly criticised and put down by her guardian and the other men around, she fights back in dry and delightful ways. And she's not averse to a bit of head-butting when necessary.
With this second book, I'm beginning to suspect that Grice is not quite the heartless misanthrope he pretends to be. Mostly, yes. But not completely.
With this second book, I'm beginning to suspect that Grice is not quite the heartless misanthrope he pretends to be. Mostly, yes. But not completely.
lazygal's review against another edition
2.0
I've read that this is supposed to be Sherlock Holmes meets Edward Gorey, and perhaps that's the case. But Gorey had a certain sly, weird sense of humor and this book? Not so much. The mystery of who is killing the members of the Last Death Club could have been more interesting had the lead detective, Sidney Grice, been more likeable. Example? At the beginning there are references to blue carbuncles and ginger haired men, which gave me high hopes that we'd get Holmsian references throughout, instead there are Grice's inventions and references to his brilliance but with less humor than one would want. Even the House of Foskett, which made me think "Miss Havisham", doesn't quite live up to its promise.
maggymags's review against another edition
5.0
Excellent series. Good narration. Moves at a good pace.