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A review by eyreguide
The Diabolical Bones by Bella Ellis
5.0
The second entry in the Brontë Sisters Mystery series was a wonderful surprise. While I enjoyed the the first book (The Vanished Bride) very much, somehow this book exceeded my expectations. I think because the author dived even more deeply into the personalities and dynamics between Charlotte, Emily, and Anne. Reading this novel felt like being with friends - some who don’t always get along, but who love each other deeply. I felt like the author captured their personalities so precisely - in a way that reflected perfectly what we know about their characters.
The story moves quickly too, with the mystery unfolding rapidly, and red herrings thrown on the path. I felt like “The Diabolical Bones” was a stronger mystery than the first book - more unsettling, suspenseful, and baffling. And one that readily invites the Bronte sisters into investigating so that it was very natural for them to decide to find the origins of the bones.
I also love that the three sisters (and sometimes Branwell) all work together for most of the story. The first book sometimes found the sisters split up and following different leads, but having the three interacting while detecting in this book was a treat. Their personalities really do complement each other. The story also introduces potential romantic interests (some based on the real lives of the Brontës and some invented) and I loved seeing that side of their lives fleshed out. They are isolated and alone as a family, and only one sister eventually married, but they all have something to say on the nature of love, and it is illustrated by the way they approach romantic entanglements.
This is another fantastic installment in the series, and one that felt even more intimate and welcoming into the lives of the Brontës than the first book. It’s also fun to see the little nods to the different characters and plot devices that come up in the Brontës’ novels - the author shows off her knowledge of the Brontë’s works expertly. The premise of the sisters as detectives fits in so perfectly with their experiences, that I can not wait until their next adventure.
Many thanks to the publisher for a free review copy.
The story moves quickly too, with the mystery unfolding rapidly, and red herrings thrown on the path. I felt like “The Diabolical Bones” was a stronger mystery than the first book - more unsettling, suspenseful, and baffling. And one that readily invites the Bronte sisters into investigating so that it was very natural for them to decide to find the origins of the bones.
I also love that the three sisters (and sometimes Branwell) all work together for most of the story. The first book sometimes found the sisters split up and following different leads, but having the three interacting while detecting in this book was a treat. Their personalities really do complement each other. The story also introduces potential romantic interests (some based on the real lives of the Brontës and some invented) and I loved seeing that side of their lives fleshed out. They are isolated and alone as a family, and only one sister eventually married, but they all have something to say on the nature of love, and it is illustrated by the way they approach romantic entanglements.
This is another fantastic installment in the series, and one that felt even more intimate and welcoming into the lives of the Brontës than the first book. It’s also fun to see the little nods to the different characters and plot devices that come up in the Brontës’ novels - the author shows off her knowledge of the Brontë’s works expertly. The premise of the sisters as detectives fits in so perfectly with their experiences, that I can not wait until their next adventure.
Many thanks to the publisher for a free review copy.