ashnight's review against another edition
5.0
In this installment we start to see how Kiera and Gage handle being married and inquiring at a murder in Ireland. They have to deal with not getting the information that they require at the star and are waking in to the mystery almost blind.
The evolution of these characters makes this a very enjoyable series. They are not married and have to deal with the ups and downs that come with that.
They mystery also provide lost of twist and turns as you are unsure of what the motives behind the murder is, be it: Religion, politics, love, hate, or something else.
I love this series and cannot wait for more.
The evolution of these characters makes this a very enjoyable series. They are not married and have to deal with the ups and downs that come with that.
They mystery also provide lost of twist and turns as you are unsure of what the motives behind the murder is, be it: Religion, politics, love, hate, or something else.
I love this series and cannot wait for more.
laurenjodi's review against another edition
4.0
As Death Draws near
4 Stars
Kiera and her new husband, Sebastian Gage, are enjoying their honeymoon in the idyllic countryside of the Lake District when they receive a missive from her father-in-law requesting their assistance in investigating the death of a young Irish nun. Upon arriving in Ireland, Kiera and Gage are faced with the locals' suspicion and mistrust as well as the growing unrest between the Catholic and Protestant populace. Can they solve the crime before they are caught up in the violence?
While the mystery is not as gripping in this installment, the setting and characterization more than make up for it.
The murder investigation progresses slowly as Kiera and Gage endeavor to garner information about the victim and motives from recalcitrant witnesses. The twists and turns of the case are intriguing enough to keep turning the pages, but some of the revelations are predicable, and the final confrontation with the killer is anti-climactic.
In contrast, the rural Irish setting as well as the historical background on the religious and political aspects of what, in later years, becomes the infamous Troubles is particularly interesting and adds an extra layer of nuance to the mystery.
As with the previous books in the series, the real highlight is the ongoing character development. It is often difficult for mystery authors to maintain the excitement of any romantic elements, especially once the couple marries. However, this is not the case for Sebastian and Kiera whose relationship continues to evolve and strengthen both in terms of their physical intimacy as well as their emotional bond.
In conclusion, As Death Draws Near is first-rate addition to the series and the hints regarding the next book, which will apparently focus on Gage's family secrets, are very intriguing.
4 Stars
Kiera and her new husband, Sebastian Gage, are enjoying their honeymoon in the idyllic countryside of the Lake District when they receive a missive from her father-in-law requesting their assistance in investigating the death of a young Irish nun. Upon arriving in Ireland, Kiera and Gage are faced with the locals' suspicion and mistrust as well as the growing unrest between the Catholic and Protestant populace. Can they solve the crime before they are caught up in the violence?
While the mystery is not as gripping in this installment, the setting and characterization more than make up for it.
The murder investigation progresses slowly as Kiera and Gage endeavor to garner information about the victim and motives from recalcitrant witnesses. The twists and turns of the case are intriguing enough to keep turning the pages, but some of the revelations are predicable, and the final confrontation with the killer is anti-climactic.
In contrast, the rural Irish setting as well as the historical background on the religious and political aspects of what, in later years, becomes the infamous Troubles is particularly interesting and adds an extra layer of nuance to the mystery.
As with the previous books in the series, the real highlight is the ongoing character development. It is often difficult for mystery authors to maintain the excitement of any romantic elements, especially once the couple marries. However, this is not the case for Sebastian and Kiera whose relationship continues to evolve and strengthen both in terms of their physical intimacy as well as their emotional bond.
In conclusion, As Death Draws Near is first-rate addition to the series and the hints regarding the next book, which will apparently focus on Gage's family secrets, are very intriguing.
msbedelia's review against another edition
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
A solid installment of a satisfying cosy(ish) mystery series.
ptaradactyl's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
I could have done without the 4 pages of conversation with the Mother Superior talking about god’s will for life.
I like Gage and Kiera’s interactions and wanted more of those
I like Gage and Kiera’s interactions and wanted more of those
adelita18's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
funny
informative
inspiring
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
courtneymines's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
andreaw's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
linaria's review against another edition
3.0
Kiera and Gage investigate a murder that takes place in an Abbey. The book takes place in Ireland, in a time when there was a lot of tension between the Catholic and the Anglican churches. Amidst a backdrop of protests, they try to determine why nuns keep dying.
It was nice to see Kiera and Sebastian now that their relationship is established. The book is still light on the romance, but it's nice that the author isn't introducing unnecessary drama between them. I still maintain that everyone in these books is incredibly dense. Plus they whole
If you like the book series, it's really just more of the same. It's perfect for when I want to unwind and listen to a well-narrated audiobook.
It was nice to see Kiera and Sebastian now that their relationship is established. The book is still light on the romance, but it's nice that the author isn't introducing unnecessary drama between them. I still maintain that everyone in these books is incredibly dense. Plus they whole
Spoiler
she's a spy plot point was so obvious I wanted to scream.If you like the book series, it's really just more of the same. It's perfect for when I want to unwind and listen to a well-narrated audiobook.
amybear's review against another edition
4.0
Kinda meh. I give it 3.5 rounded up since it's still good, just a dud for the serious which makes me harsh on it.