Reviews

Murder In Westminster by Vanessa Riley

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titagee's review against another edition

mysterious medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

2.5

I really wanted to like this book. I like the perspective of a Black voice in Victorian England. I love the mystery. I love the research into the Abolitionist movement outside of America.

Didn't like the lack of character development. Didn't like feeling as though this were book 3 or 4 in the series and not book 1. Didn't like the huge gaps in the backstory of how we get to where we are in the story of this woman, what is her familial relationship to the cousin and God- father, what were the other cases solved, how she got involved with the Abolitionist movement (especially since she seems naive how her behavior will be perceived in Victorian England).

The wrap up was less about the mystery and more about her relationship. Very unsettling. Some issues addressed in the story could have been addressed alone in a whole other book rather than waste the reader's time in this book.

I am, however, curious enough to see if there will be any explanation of the missing information in the next book. If not, maybe the author will write a prequel.

chanteld's review against another edition

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mysterious sad tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

I want to continue with the series.

leasummer's review against another edition

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3.0

Good story, entertaining. Took me awhile to get into the story. The original murder is in the prologue and that threw me off for awhile until I established who the characters were.
The pacing was mixed. I would kind of zone out just to realize something important had happened. I didn’t see the murdered in advance. I’m not sure how I feel about the relationships in the book. There’s obviously an attraction between the neighbors. But our sleuth is married to a man who never once makes an appearance even by letter. Loved the diverse cast of characters though and the setting.

hatsforbees's review

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I'm so sad, I really wanted to love this, and probably would have, if it weren't for what I have to call the main male character, Henderson. Abigail Worthing finds her neighbor dead, and the horrible husband who fought with her all the time is a pretty good suspect. But since this is a whodunnit, we know first option is never who done did it, so he's at least not a wife murder. But I still found him just profoundly unlikable, and he was seemingly being set up to be a love interest for our main character (who I did like! She deserves way better!). I absolutely can not stand him, and given that he's still around for the other two books, I figured I should just cut my losses. So disappointing, because the other characters, and setting were really interesting!

allthebookssheloved's review against another edition

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3.5

I had some issues but not enough to stop me from continuing the series.

What I liked:
- The premise is very interesting.
- Lady Worthing is a lovable character one can relate to, like and root for.
- The mystery was revealed in decent progression and the plot twist was good.
- Historical education was well done.

What bothered me:
- This reads like the second book in a series, not the first; so many missing pieces, unexplained connections between the characters and unanswered questions. I hope we get more clarification as the series continues. This series cannot work as interconnected standalones. A prequel novella would have made it more understandable.
- So many repetitive phases. I can’t tolerate one more mention of creaking floorboards.
- the relationship between Worthing and Henderson is walking a fine line between a budding friendship and an emotional affair. I need to see how it will progress in the next book.

This is the first book I read for Ms. Riley and while I can’t call it perfect; I enjoyed it and want to read more of her unique point of view on historical fiction.