blairlovesbooks's review against another edition
4.0
Supercilious and blunt, the protagonist of "Borrower of the Night" is not immediately likable. By the end of the novel, she's shown enough humanity and personality that she is easily forgiven.
The premise of the story is a bit outlandish. It's hard to imagine an academically-entrenched art historian greedily adopting the role of amateur sleuth. However, once you've accepted the premise it makes for an enjoyable read. The setting and circumstances are deliciously gothic, the history (the portions of it the author purports to be accurate) is interesting and accessible, and the interplay between characters is fun to read.
If you're looking for cozy mystery with a less-than-saccharine bent, this novel, and likely this series, is for you.
The premise of the story is a bit outlandish. It's hard to imagine an academically-entrenched art historian greedily adopting the role of amateur sleuth. However, once you've accepted the premise it makes for an enjoyable read. The setting and circumstances are deliciously gothic, the history (the portions of it the author purports to be accurate) is interesting and accessible, and the interplay between characters is fun to read.
If you're looking for cozy mystery with a less-than-saccharine bent, this novel, and likely this series, is for you.
liacooper's review against another edition
3.0
3.5* i despised all the misogny and the female infighting in this story. the mystery itself and the plot was entertaining, a ridiculous caper which is what i wanted. the Vicky Bliss stories read to me like mad cap grown up nancy drew which i enjoy. im relieved by the ..."romantic" resolution. i was concerned that would go somewhere i REALLY didnt want it to go but Peters pulls it out at the end. I hope the next story foregoes Tony as a character and will be better overall.
twistinthetale's review against another edition
2.0
This was rambling, somewhat shambolic mystery novel. Loved the Amelia Peabody books but this series leaves me a little cold.
kimsquatch's review against another edition
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.0
cgbart's review against another edition
4.0
3.5? Enjoyable, but I definitely prefer the Amelia mysteries. Might give the next one a go at some point, though!
tyrshand's review against another edition
5.0
The reader was perfect, making this an extremely enjoyable, adventuresome romp.
jessalynn_librarian's review against another edition
3.0
Vicky Bliss has always been my favorite Elizabeth Peters heroine - maybe because there aren't so many books about her that you lose track of them. It's been ages since I read any EP, but I heard there's a new Vicky Bliss out so I decided it was the perfect time to reread the series.
This was about what I remembered - lashings of humor, and engaging narrator who isn't afraid to poke fun at herself and pretends to be humble, an array of possible villains, an art history mystery, and fairly tame in the sex/language/violence department. No gruesome murders (only attacks by walking suits of armor and, of course, the eventual demise of the baddie), the characters are constantly using profanity but it's always describe as "I swore profusely" or "He used a few choice words," and sexual tension but not much else. Which is why they were perfect when I was in high school.
This one is missing our dashing and sardonic hero from the later Vicky books, but it's still a fun and entertaining read, despite a few signs of age (Vicky travels to West Germany, they write scholarly papers on typewriters, etc.)
This was about what I remembered - lashings of humor, and engaging narrator who isn't afraid to poke fun at herself and pretends to be humble, an array of possible villains, an art history mystery, and fairly tame in the sex/language/violence department. No gruesome murders (only attacks by walking suits of armor and, of course, the eventual demise of the baddie), the characters are constantly using profanity but it's always describe as "I swore profusely" or "He used a few choice words," and sexual tension but not much else. Which is why they were perfect when I was in high school.
This one is missing our dashing and sardonic hero from the later Vicky books, but it's still a fun and entertaining read, despite a few signs of age (Vicky travels to West Germany, they write scholarly papers on typewriters, etc.)
inger70's review against another edition
4.0
Nothing new to say about how much I love Amelia and her little gang of crime solvers!
luosymekawa's review against another edition
adventurous
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
3.0