I really loved this foray for Laura Purcell into YA fiction. It has all the trademarks of her excellent work especially the gothic setting and atmosphI really loved this foray for Laura Purcell into YA fiction. It has all the trademarks of her excellent work especially the gothic setting and atmosphere. Laura Purcell is one of my go-to authors. Excellent stuff! Many thanks to Netgalley for an arc of this book....more
Loving the fact that Julian has managed to inadvertently collect a whole entourage of people to help him in his enquiries. I approve of the interplay Loving the fact that Julian has managed to inadvertently collect a whole entourage of people to help him in his enquiries. I approve of the interplay between Julia’s and Hyperia (even if her sensibilities seem a bit modern for the time). I like the way each book ends by leading into the next mystery....more
This series is developing in a very interesting way and I enjoy many aspects of it- beyond Julian and Perry’s relationship, the relationship between JThis series is developing in a very interesting way and I enjoy many aspects of it- beyond Julian and Perry’s relationship, the relationship between Julian and his brother is moving in good direction. Also I enjoy the fact that (so far) murder has not played a part, rather scheming and plots. Attention has been paid to why Julian has skills suitable to sleuthing. Will definitely be continuing on with this series....more
Despite the pretty thin and weird motive for murder, I still enjoyed this story. I like the simmering atmosphere between Audrey and Hugo and also thatDespite the pretty thin and weird motive for murder, I still enjoyed this story. I like the simmering atmosphere between Audrey and Hugo and also that neither have acted on it -yet. Looking forward to meeting them next time....more
This was pretty enjoyable! I read the CS Harris series set in Regency England which sets the gold standard in regency historical fiction, so for me toThis was pretty enjoyable! I read the CS Harris series set in Regency England which sets the gold standard in regency historical fiction, so for me to say that is high praise. Hugh, a Bow Street runner and Audrey, wife of the accused made a good team investigating two murders. Audrey has a secret skill of her own which helps to solve the crime (pretty conveniently!). I will probably continue with the series as it was a light and undemanding read....more
I thoroughly enjoyed this shift in genre by K J Charles. I’ve read several of their fantasy books and enjoyed them all but this worked really well. I I thoroughly enjoyed this shift in genre by K J Charles. I’ve read several of their fantasy books and enjoyed them all but this worked really well. I read it almost one sitting. I didn’t really find the characters terribly compelling but all in all I think the author should give us more! Many thanks to NetGalley for an arc of this book....more
I found this book rather disjointed and somewhat lacking in the anticipated gothic vibe. The main character Catherine was not compelling in any way. TI found this book rather disjointed and somewhat lacking in the anticipated gothic vibe. The main character Catherine was not compelling in any way. The most interesting parts were actually about the miners. Many thanks to Netgalley for an arc of this book....more
Bridget Collins’ books seem to get better and better! I tried to savour this book but it was just too good and I rushed through it. This was gothic inBridget Collins’ books seem to get better and better! I tried to savour this book but it was just too good and I rushed through it. This was gothic in feel- and the factory town of Telverton was sinister.I wasn’t really sure what to make of the main character- maybe *odd* covers it. Arachnaphobics beware! Many thanks to Netgalley for an arc of this book....more
What a beautiful and evocative piece of writing. Set on a tiny island off the coast of Wales, this is a love letter to a way of life in its dying throWhat a beautiful and evocative piece of writing. Set on a tiny island off the coast of Wales, this is a love letter to a way of life in its dying throes and on the Eve of WWII. Two students come from Oxford come to gather material for their book. Manod, our young protagonist, becomes seduced by the idea of leaving for the mainland and a different type of life. The real stars of the show though, are the nature and creatures which dominate islanders lives, and the old sea faring folk tales. Many thanks to Netgalley for an arc of this book....more
I found this story strangely flat. On reading the blurb and seeing the cover, I expected a gothic and atmospheric read, but I didn’t feel that either I found this story strangely flat. On reading the blurb and seeing the cover, I expected a gothic and atmospheric read, but I didn’t feel that either the writing or story delivered. Many thanks to Netgalley for an arc of this book....more
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