Scan barcode
msjk427's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I really enjoy this series, despite the premises usually being very dark and even disturbing. Sometimes there are triggers (in this one there's a few), and I find if I skim those parts and then get my head right I can continue, because really the plot and story line is usually just so good. The sisters are flawed and relatable in this series, and the evolution of Emily in particular really resonated with me. This particular story actually made me cry as the topics are very relevant to even modern times: exploitation, corruption, perversion being normalized, and trafficking of children. Unfortunately, it seems humans haven't gotten much wiser in the last 175 years or so. If you enjoy mystery, history, and don't mind some darkness, this is worth the read.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Murder, Pedophilia, and Physical abuse
Moderate: Animal cruelty, Blood, Rape, Violence, Adult/minor relationship, Sexual violence, Sexual assault, and Torture
outsmartyourshelf's review
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.0
Lydia, the daughter of Branwell's married ex-lover, eloped with a young actor, Harry Roxby, & they have been living in dire straits in London ever since. Harry is now being held for ransom by the leader of a notorious criminal gang & his safe return depends upon Lydia finding a missing jewel. Lydia contacts the Bronte sisters & begs for their help & the three sisters plus Branwell head for London.
The third book in this series is slightly darker in tone involving the kidnapping of young girls for nefarious purposes. Again, the incorporation of people such as Victorian authors Charles Dickens & Catherine Crowe lends itself well to the story. There was also the author's take on what could possibly have sparked the beginning of Wuthering Heights in the imagination of Emily Bronte. I didn't enjoy it quite as much as the first two books so I have rated it 4 stars. I recommend this series for any historical mystery fans.
My thanks to NetGalley & publishers, Hodder & Stoughton, for the opportunity to read an ARC. I am voluntarily giving an honest review.
The third book in this series is slightly darker in tone involving the kidnapping of young girls for nefarious purposes. Again, the incorporation of people such as Victorian authors Charles Dickens & Catherine Crowe lends itself well to the story. There was also the author's take on what could possibly have sparked the beginning of Wuthering Heights in the imagination of Emily Bronte. I didn't enjoy it quite as much as the first two books so I have rated it 4 stars. I recommend this series for any historical mystery fans.
My thanks to NetGalley & publishers, Hodder & Stoughton, for the opportunity to read an ARC. I am voluntarily giving an honest review.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Pedophilia
More...