02.08.10
Review of They Found Him Dead
Thank you Danielle at Sourcebooks for providing me a copy of this book. These Georgette Heyer mysteries are becoming a fast addition to my library and I’m starting to like them more each time I pick one up.
They Found Him Dead is the third in the Superintendent Hannasyde series (I’ve only read the first one, Death in the Stocks) however it’s not necessary to read them in order. I found they don’t have any background information regarding previous cases so it’s perfectly find to start in any order you please. In this story, Hannasyde and his partner/helper Hemmingway investigate the death of Silas Kane. Although it looks like an accident, things take a turn for the worse when the next heir in the Kane family is shot and the following heir is threatened. There’s an extensive suspect list, and everything is not what it seems….
I find that when I read Georgette Heyer novels, I keep on thinking; “Okay this one was better than the last one I read…” then I read this one and it’s like: “Okay nevermind, this one was THE BEST one I’ve read so far!” I have a feeling that’s going to keep happening whenever I read one of her mysteries (I still have yet to try her regency ones). I absolutely loved this one and will put this one up as one of my favorite mysteries from Heyer as of yet.
As usual, there is a rather large list of suspects and everyone seems to have some sort of motive for the murder. However, what’s different from this book and the others is, I found there was quite a bit more action and the characters in this book have much more personality and are “fleshed” out, and they have their own distinct personalities. The action added a lot more intrigue to the book and kept me interested. I had a hunch who was behind the plot, but because of the frequent twists and the suspicion being thrown all over the place I kept on second guessing myself. However, even though my first guess was right, the way it was solved was interesting and never the way I expected it to be. The plot was engaging and intriguing. It’s not a thriller per se, but it’s got the feel of a classic whodunit mystery which will keep the reader interested. There’s a bit of comedy included, with witty backtalk and remarks that will induce a chuckle or two.
As I have mentioned previously, the characters in this book were one of the most interesting I’ve ever read from Heyer’s works. Rosemary has to be one of the most annoying and most self absorbed I have ever read. Although she was extremely irritating, she also made me laugh the most because of her stupidities, and the fact that although other characters have told her to be quiet, it just doesn’t faze her. I liked Lady Harte even though her arrival in the book is a little too late. She was sharp and the way she had spoken to Rosemary was funny and to the point (Eventually, I think Rosemary got the hint).
The only complaint I had with this book is, it got a little dry towards the end of the book. You don’t literally find out who was behind the murders until the last few pages. It went in a mini circle for no reason. Otherwise, this is one of Heyer’s better mysteries.
Overall, an enjoyable read filled with mystery and intrigue. Greatly recommended for Georgette Heyer mystery fans everywhere.
I give it a 9 out of 10.
Musing Monday 2/8
Today’s MUSING MONDAYS post is about a random book.
I’ve seen several bloggers mention reading multiple books this week. Do you frequently read more than one book at a time? Do you try to limit this to a certain number? Do you have different books for different purposes/topics?
- Yes, I read more than one book at a time. Some of them are library books so I have to read them before the due date. Most of them are different books from different genres, or different books because of the different challenges I’m participating in. What I read during the day depends on my mood and I pick something from the ‘currently’ reading pile. Ahhh decisions, decisions 
02.04.10
Did Not Finish: Rumors
Ok I tried. I even went past my 100 page limit. Then I noticed, I kept getting tired of the endless running in circles routine. It was starting to drag. Will and Elizabeth were pissing me off because they were so sickeningly sweet together they started to give me cavities. The intrigue and plotting were there but it just wasn’t enough anymore to capture my attention. I simply couldn’t read any further.
To add more injury, I simply looked up this book and the remaining book summaries (Envy and Splendor) and was left satisfied with that. I didn’t need to read an extra 400 pages about what gowns they were wearing, what rumor was next, what Penelope was thinking (the answer was usually Henry) what Diana was thinking (answer is..guess what? Henry again!) and if goody girl Elizabeth was going to come to the rescue. *sighs* I didn’t have the patience anymore and found my thoughts wandering off. I simply couldn’t go any further. Oh well. At least I now know what happens after. I’m thinking I should stop reading books about high society. It seems I can’t really stick with them (like the Blue Blood series – that didn’t last long with me) they just don’t interest me like I thought they would.
What are your thoughts if you have read The Luxe series?
Booking Through Thursday 2/4
The northern hemisphere, at least, is socked in by winter right now… So, on a cold, wintry day, when you want nothing more than to curl up with a good book on the couch … what kind of reading do you want to do?
- Ohhhhh it’s a tie between mystery thrillers and historicals. Fantasy comes to a close third too. Or, better yet those big huge EPIC fantasy novels during winter makes awesome reading! I want some cocoa and cookies now please. Thx.
02.03.10
Review of The Devil’s Queen
From the books I have read about Catherine De Medici, she’s known to be a very cunning evil witch who snaked her way to the French Crown. If you’ve read The Dark Queen by Susan Carroll, she’s not the most nicest person you’ve ever read. So when I picked up this book, I wanted to know what was it that really made her this way. I was in for a big surprise.
The Devil’s Queen feature the life of Catherine De Medici, from the time of her incarcerations, to her betrothal to the Dauphin of France, then to her reign as Queen. It adds mysticism and astrology into the plot, as Catherine is desperate to have children (and adds to the speculation if she was a witch or just fascinated with astrology). It also features the infamous St Bartholomew’s Day Massacre and the possible parties responsible for it.
I was surprised reading this book. It shed a very different light on Catherine De Medici. She wasn’t the cunning sly witch I was so used to reading. In fact, it was the opposite. The book put her as a young girl, who married and had a husband who was in love with someone else and everyone in the French court knew it. She couldn’t have children which put tremendous pressure on her. This is where she meddles with magic and “witchcraft” to help her. This book definitely put Catherine in a very sympathetic light and I thought it was an interesting read.
I actually felt myself drawn to Catherine and felt for her during her hard times – especially during her marriage and her desperation to have children. She didn’t seem like the evil Queen we all know her as. Eventually when she did have children, she seemed like a very devoted mother, and despite her rocky marriage, she was also very devoted to her husband (even though he wasn’t). The plot is told entirely in Catherine’s point of view, which is interesting and it highlights her intelligence and her willingness to learn politics even though women didn’t have a place for it. I admire her strong will and determination to hold her position in court, even though she’s been shadowed by Diane de Poitiers. Her relationship with Diane is a strange one, it went from enemies to a silent agreement and respect for one another. The references to magic and astrology is the main theme in the book and it shows Catherine’s hobby turn into something more serious that had a great impact on her life and for those around her. I thought that was an interesting addition
The plot was well done and well written. The events that turned to the St Bartholomew’s Day Massacre was interesting as many people were blamed (Including Catherine) for it. I liked how Catherine, eventually found out that turning things to her advantage and by avoiding events that are meant to be has serious consequences, and things still don’t turn out the way she wanted it to be, she accepted it, in the end, and it just seemed that it had made her a better person and free from all the pressure, and the worries that were heaped onto her during the book. When she found out about Edouard’s involvement in the Massacre, perhaps that was her breaking point. I was personally shocked about it and I could feel Catherine’s emotions. It certainly did feel like a slap in the face.
I felt the ending did drag out and could have been faster paced. It seemed to drag and slow to a snail’s crawl and extremely redundant. Also, there are certain parts of the book where an execution is involved (a rather gruesome one) and a hunt gone wrong. This may not please those that are squeamish.
Overall an interesting view on one of history’s most vilified Queens. Certainly sympathetic and very different from what we are all used to seeing in Catherine De Medici. I recommend this to historical fiction fans. It was a great read.
I give it an 8 out of 10.
02.01.10
Review of Arcadia Snips and the Steamwork Consortium
Thank you Mr Rodgers for providing me a copy of this book to review! it was much appreciated and a wonderful opportunity to read a different genre other than the usual ones I delve into.
Arcadia Snips and the Steamwork Consortium is a murder mystery, an adventure, and comedy all rolled into one fun novel. It takes place in a city called Aberwick where steamworks, machines, cogs, gears, inventions are all over the place hence, it should be categorized under steampunk. It’s about a girl named Arcadia Snips (would rather be called, ‘Snips’) who was called to solve a mystery in order to avoid prison time. With the help of a feminist, the son of family of scientists, and various other characters, Snips has to prevent the destruction of Aberwick and dodging a few enemies at the same time. Along the way, many past secrets are discovered, concerning herself, her father, and friends.
This is actually one of the first steampunk books I have ever read and enjoyed. I never really set my foot in the genre and am glad I started out with this book to get me into it. It was a fun read, never boring, exciting, and well written. I loved the wit and quirkiness that goes with it. Everything in the book just seems to fit hand in hand and everything just fell into place. I wasn’t prepared for the ending, (which was great! and could be classified as a cliffhanger) and the different inventions mentioned in the novel were interesting and very imaginative. The novel was fast paced and the action sequences were well written and well done. You will definitely not be bored with this novel.
I liked how it switched back and forth, from the past, and then into the present. It gave you a clear understanding on how events came to be and explains why things in the present are the way they are. The chapter titles are crucial and it’s important for the reader to read these carefully. It summarizes the chapter without getting the reader confused as the book does contain a lot of characters and plot, and it goes at a very fast pace. You won’t be dissapointed with the action and fighting scenes and if this book were a movie, it would be an amazing one.
The characters in this book are numerous, but if you pay attention the main ones, then you won’t get as confused or lost. Arcadia Snips would obviously be a favorite. I loved her wit, her humor (I love that ‘Susan’ part) and her grittiness. It reminded me almost of a female Oliver Twist but with a lot more bite and a spine of steel. The rest of the characters are very likable and the villains are exactly that (your classic evil guy). In a way I would have liked to see Arcadia and William together, it did seem like it was going that way but it’s hard to say. They’re like partners in adventure, but there’s an underlying feeling of romance budding. It’s very small and vague, but you can see it’s there. They’re very different personality wise, but I think they would make a rather nice couple as they compliment each other nicely.
The only criticism of this book would be it’s extremely fast paced, the reader would have to pay attention closely to events. Which should not be a problem as it’s interesting enough to get your attention anyway. Some may consider the plot to go just a little too fast, with no real character development, but then again, this book is meant to be a quick, fun read and not something to be deeply analytical about.
Overall a wonderful adventure to read! I really am hoping there will be more Arcadia books out as I’m sure the adventure will not stop there. I recommend this novel to all those who love the steampunk and science fiction genre. However those who are in for something different, with humor and a fun fast paced adventure, do check this book out. You will not regret it.
I give it a 9 out of 10.
01.29.10
Review of The Vampire’s Assistant
It is recommended you read Cirque du Freak first just to know the background information on Darren and Mr Crepsley and the Cirque du Freak show. The majority of the characters do show up from the first one, so it’s a good idea to know who’s who before you start this book.
The Vampire’s Assistant carries right after Cirque du Freak. Darren is now fledgling of Mr Crepsley (well half fledgling) and a very reluctant one at that. He refuses human blood and instead feeds off of animals instead. Darren feels lonely and resentful however, and Mr Crepsley decides it’s time to go back to Cirque du Freak and live with them for a while. Little does Darren know that despite making two new friends, he’s asking for a lot more when he goes back. It all has to do with a vegetarian and a Wolf-Man.
I thought this one was just as good as the first one. It was a quick fast paced read and well written. I liked the descriptions of the “Little People” which reminded me of a real ugly twisted version of munchkins. What was also interesting was the relationship between Mr Crepsley and Darren. Although they dislike each other, they also both realize that they have to work together as well and it’s those times when I think their relationship is great to see. Sometimes when I see them fighting, Darren just acts like as spoiled brat I’m surprise Mr Crepsley puts up with him upto now.
Whether Darren has developed, I’m not sure. There are moments when he still acts like a child (which he is) and then there are times when he has moments of maturity I didn’t like him very much in this novel because of his behavior it seemed almost quick and changeable in temperment. At times I liked him for his humor and ability to have fun despite his circumstances, and other times he just acted like a spoiled selfish brat who needed a good scolding. You don’t really read much about the characters around him, as the book focused a lot more on Darren and his relationships with other characters. I wish I could have read more on Mr Tiny and his little people. They sounded really creepy and I wonder if they return anytime soon in the next novel.
Also missing is Steve. He was such a central figure in the first one, yet not even mentioned in this book. Perhaps he’ll be coming soon in the next few books? I hope so! their next meeting would really prove to be interesting. There were many unanswered questions for me but I realize this is a book with less than 200 pages and you can only fit as much information as you. Besides, it makes you want to carry onto the next book in the series. I will definitely be continuing onto reading this one. The ending wasn’t much of a cliffhanger as it was in the first book, but it was a good one, to close one part of the story in Darren’s life.
Overall a good quick read and a great sequel to Cirque du Freak. I will be reading the next one as soon as I can get my hands on it.
I give it an 8 out of 10.
