Reviews

City of Schemes by Victoria Thompson

novelesque_life's review against another edition

5.0

RATING: 4.5 STARS
2021; Berkley Publishing

I am so happy that this series keeps getting better! In book four, we have Elizabeth and Gideon planning their wedding (yay!). And, even better the Great War is over so the men and women are now coming home. The consequences of the war are not the same for everyone, and Thompson does a great job in keeping that in mind when writing this book. I label this series as a "cozy" historical mystery as nothing is overly graphic in violence and sex. Yet, this is not as fluffy as "cozy" may sound. The covers for the novels are also gorgeous and give off that light series vibe. I would compare it to [a:C.S. Harris|22067|C.S. Harris|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1283051864p2/22067.jpg] series but with less graphic murder scenes. If you have not read this series or Sebastian St. Cyr series, oh my, you are in for such great treats. I am all caught up with the latter series and each book gets better (much like this one).

***I received a complimentary copy of this ebook from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.***

reading_srsly's review against another edition

adventurous lighthearted mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

shadowmaster13's review against another edition

adventurous emotional tense fast-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

4.0

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Content Warnings

Minor: Pandemic/Epidemic

nasselin's review

5.0

If I could give a book series at 10/10, this series would definitely get it. Full of suffragette history and strong women, this series goes far in providing strong women characters. The men of the book also provide agency to the women, and it's so refreshing to read. Victoria Thompson is QUEEN of the historical mysteries, and I will read all of them.

deby's review

4.0

This entry in the series was satisfying as always. The characters are strong and well-developed. I enjoy the writing in Victoria Thompson's books more than I enjoy the writing in many historical mysteries or adventures. The plots are inventive and entertainingly complex, if far fetched at times. I look forward to reading the next one (and to reading the next entry in the Gaslight series).

slc333's review

4.0

3.5 stars. An entertaining read. I do enjoy Elizabeth and how she brings her interesting past to bear in her new life. I also like Anna and how keen she is to help. Actually I like all the characters - Gideon and his understanding and support for for Elizabeth, Jacob, Elizabeth's whole family.

puria's review

5.0

This was a good book that kept me guessing. I could see the weaving of the plot all around me but I couldnt figure out how it was done and what the final picture would look like and I quite enjoyed it. These books are always a delightful heist book combined with a historical lesson of sorts. This one talked about the returning soldiers and the conditions post war, post flu.

I know in this day and age it astounds me that they keep pulling off capers in the same city and go unrecognized but I can see how things were very different a hundred years ago.

I am adding a star for the LGBTQ+ characters that are prominent in the book.

rebecca_isreading's review

4.0

Thanks to the publisher, via Netgalley, for an advance e-galley for honest review.

This series continues to be really enjoyable, and in this fourth book, Elizabeth and Gideon have to deal with some rude interruptions and challenges as they are planning for their wedding. The cons that are being run in this story are often humorous, and Elizabeth's way of using her knowledge of cons and schemes to really help those in their circle is so clever and interesting to read. Combined with the look into post-WWI New York City society, this makes for another great book in this series.

argentrabe's review against another edition

adventurous mysterious fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

lebron_librarian's review

funny lighthearted mysterious relaxing fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No

4.5