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jbleyle63's review
3.0
Thanks to several short story appearances in Ellery Queen's Mystery mag, I was already familiar with this series set in late 19th century San Francisco. The plot is a bit thin for this one but enjoyed the Sherlock Holmes imitator and the main protagonists. Entertaining enough that I will probably read more from this series produced by the award-winning [and married] Muller and Pronzini.
alissabar's review
3.0
There were several interesting elements in this story that led me to pick it up and try it. . . late 1800's San Francisco, mystery, and Sherlock Holmes. However, the Sherlock Holmes part was disappointing. I found him quite annoying, which has never been a problem I've run into before. It could be that when I read about him with Watson as my narrator I'm getting the story from someone who actually likes him. In this book the two narrators think he is pushing himself into their case and they aren't too pleased with him. I did enjoy the rest of it.
cabonin's review
3.0
Unfortunately, the authors' overuse of period slang and brands gets in the way of the story. The story and the characters had potential, but the language could stand to be dialed back. I'm glad the authors did their research on the time period; however, I wish they were a little less eager to show it off.
hollylynna's review
3.0
Fun mystery..first in a series. Loved the setting of 19th century San Francisco and the who dunnit.
sheltzer's review
3.0
This book was a pleasant read. It seemed a little flat to me. I wanted more. I liked the pairing of Carpenter and Quincannon, but there wasn't very much interaction between the two of them. I wanted both of their characters individually to be more fleshed out.
I wonder if the introduction of Sherlock Holmes (allegedly) was a mistake when introducing the series as the characters each interacted more with him than with each other. And it really just reminded me of how much I want another [a:Steve Hockensmith|146628|Steve Hockensmith|http://d.gr-assets.com/authors/1303116599p2/146628.jpg] Holmes on the Range novel.
I wonder if the introduction of Sherlock Holmes (allegedly) was a mistake when introducing the series as the characters each interacted more with him than with each other. And it really just reminded me of how much I want another [a:Steve Hockensmith|146628|Steve Hockensmith|http://d.gr-assets.com/authors/1303116599p2/146628.jpg] Holmes on the Range novel.
mspris's review against another edition
1.0
I have tried several times to get through this first book now but I just can't do it. I'm not a fan. I think it's likely the writing style of the author but there are things about the main characters that I find myself actively disliking.
sdramsey's review
3.0
I did enjoy this book, although strangely, I think I might have liked it better in print than I did in audio. I felt an odd disconnect between the characters and the voice narrators--they didn't seem to fit, somehow. Of course, this is a personal preference and YMMV.
I liked the setting and the characters, though--Carpenter more than Quincannon--and the introduction of a reputed Sherlock Holmes. The time period was well-done and the plot moved along at a good pace. The ending left me a bit let down as there seemed to be a lot of explanation needed. However, I would read another book in the series--but I'd stick to print this time.
I liked the setting and the characters, though--Carpenter more than Quincannon--and the introduction of a reputed Sherlock Holmes. The time period was well-done and the plot moved along at a good pace. The ending left me a bit let down as there seemed to be a lot of explanation needed. However, I would read another book in the series--but I'd stick to print this time.