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| 3.90
| 901
| Mar 04, 2013
| Mar 04, 2013
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it was amazing
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It's a free short story from Seanan McGuire, 0.05 in the InCryptid urban fantasy series, and revolving around a family of renegade "monster hunters".
It's a free short story from Seanan McGuire, 0.05 in the InCryptid urban fantasy series, and revolving around a family of renegade "monster hunters". The couple focus is on the wedding between Jonathan Healy and Frances Brown. It's 1932, four years since Fran and Jonathan arrived in Buckley Township. If you're interested, there is a chronological listing of the InCryptid books on my website. My Take A story that starts out incredibly sweet and keeps Fran's character so true. It takes only a few paragraphs that set Jonathan's character as incredibly thoughtful and sweet as well. It's amazing how easily and quickly McGuire sets this stage and informs us of the Healy family background as well as Fran's in so few pages. It only takes a few paragraphs to set a scene of foreboding as well. The Story It's a day for joy in so many ways as Fran is about to get married, her family arrives, and she learns that she's forgiven. The Characters Fran Brown, a.k.a., the Priestess of Unexpected Violence, is pregnant. And she thinks the mice are the best thing about the Healy family. Jonathan is the son of the house. Enid and Alexander are Jonathan's parents; also known as the Patient Priestess and the God of Uncommon Sense. The Aeslin mice are thrilled about their upcoming marriage. It's now the Campbell Family Carnival: Juniper told fortunes as "Madame Geneva" and is close enough to Fran to be her sister. Elmer went and found out why Paul had to die. Paul Campbell had been the circus owner, but he was killed by Fran after he conjured up a Questing Beast. The Cover and Title The cover reflects Fran's previous home and some of the wedding guests with its wide-angle view looking up at this section of the ornate lime-green, gold, and red of the merry-go-round's canopy against a blue-green sky. The title is how Fran is "Married in Green". ...more |
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Jul 13, 2015
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Mar 21, 2013
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ebook
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| 3.86
| 1,008
| Apr 10, 2012
| Apr 10, 2012
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it was amazing
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It's a free short story from Seanan McGuire, 0.03 in the InCryptid urban fantasy series, and revolving around a family of renegade "monster hunters".
It's a free short story from Seanan McGuire, 0.03 in the InCryptid urban fantasy series, and revolving around a family of renegade "monster hunters". The couple focus is on Jonathan Healy and Frances Brown. If you're interested, there is a chronological listing of the InCryptid books on my website. My Take It's Fran's introduction to Jonathan's parents. Surprisingly, Fran is insecure in this, and yet strong at the same time, as her pride stiffens up. Especially when she overhears the berating Jonathan is getting from his parents. The Story It's taken months on a trip that should have taken days, and Jonathan is beyond relieved to ride onto the Healy family homestead. It's a welcome to rival the prodigal son's and raise up an uneasy feel in Fran. The Characters Jonathan "city boy" Healy is the son of the house. Railroad is the horse Jonathan "liberated" from the train in "One Hell of a Ride". Alexander is his father who works at the library. Enid is his mother. Fran Brown, the Priestess of Unexpected Violence, aka, the Flower of Arizona, is a trick knife thrower, the star attraction of the Campbell Family Circus, who has been taking their adventures in stride on the trip back to Buckley Township. Rabbit is the horse she adores. The Cover and Title The cover has a haunted quality with the dark light surrounding the Healy homestead, yet there's a narrow spotlight on it, highlighting the green hill in front of the house. The title is Jonathan's welcome and his relief, for there is "No Place Like Home". ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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not set
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Jul 13, 2015
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Mar 21, 2013
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ebook
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| 3.89
| 1,141
| Feb 22, 2012
| Feb 22, 2012
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it was amazing
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It's a free short story from Seanan McGuire, 0.02 in the InCryptid urban fantasy series, and revolving around a family of renegade "monster hunters".
It's a free short story from Seanan McGuire, 0.02 in the InCryptid urban fantasy series, and revolving around a family of renegade "monster hunters". The couple focus is on Jonathan Healy and Frances Brown. If you're interested, there is a chronological listing of the InCryptid books on my website. My Take I adore McGuire's InCryptid series, mostly for the mice, lol. It's a fun urban fantasy, even though this short story is more of a back story providing family history on the Healys. McGuire has done an interesting twist on urban fantasy and monster hunting with her renegade family who believes in a "live and let live" policy when it comes to the monsters. Oh, they'll still kill those horrors, but only if they're killing others. This story introduces us to Fran and her character even as McGuire introduces her to the Healy family life and career. And it's a pip. The Story It's one hell of a ride on the train Jonathan and Fran are on, as the train breaks through a hole in reality, and the two of them have to wrangle boundary imps and keep a train running to survive. The Characters Jonathan Healy is a monster hunter traveling with a colony of Aeslin mice who are hailing right along and behave better when orders are phrased as a commandment. Frances Brown had been the star attraction of the Campbell Family Circus — she's really good with knives — who has decided to tag along with Jonathan. Rabbit is her beloved horse. Vince was the husband of the old lady passenger. Clark, a Pliny's gorgon, is the train's engineer. The Cover and Title There's a steampunk quality to the cover with its wide-angle view looking up at the black steam engine, a mass of smoke steaming up into the night sky behind that full moon. The title is that ride through Hell, for it is "One Hell of a Ride". ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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not set
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Jul 12, 2015
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Mar 21, 2013
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ebook
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| 0425182711
| 9780425182710
| 0425182711
| 4.01
| 718
| Dec 01, 2000
| Dec 01, 2001
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really liked it
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Tenth in the Dame Frevisse medieval mystery series revolving around Dame Frevisse, a nun in a Benedictine order in 1442 England. My Take I do love how e Tenth in the Dame Frevisse medieval mystery series revolving around Dame Frevisse, a nun in a Benedictine order in 1442 England. My Take I do love how easy it is to sink into the time period in Frazer's Dame Frevisse stories. The language, the architecture, the food, the dress, the manners, and the legal system when it comes to marriage and wards. Thank god for today's customs as I would have hated being a commodity to be traded and used. I believe it's this attitude against women and men that made me so uncomfortable with this story. It's excellent, but it made my heart race with fear for Katherine and pity for the younger Robert. Then Lady Blaunche's reactions to that first death...oh, god. Madness can be universal. Fortunately, peoples' reaction to it is also universal. Robert Fenner is between a rock and a hard place: in love with Katherine, his ward, but married to the self-absorbed, demanding Lady Blaunche. It's a sorry household, and we see the raw underside with the anger and greed, the love and the hate. Lord, that woman is such a spoiled brat, contaminating those around her. Destroying lives, destroying herself. The Story A failed abduction and the worry over the Allesleys' demands have caused Robert to decide to place Katherine with the sisters at St. Frideswide's to keep her out of harm's way. And provides Frazer with the opportunity to interject Dame Frevisse into the Fenners' lives. Forced to choose between marriage and being turned out into the streets, Lady Blaunche seemed the better alternative at the time, but it's been a difficult number of years, now culminating in her insistence on keeping a dower estate that doesn't belong to her as well as replaying a variation on how she originally trapped Robert, only with Katherine. It's Lady Blaunche who arrives to collect Katherine, and she requests Dame Claire's aid in returning home, which means another sister must accompany them. A very fortunate turn of events as it happens when Dame Frevisse's detecting skills are required. The Characters The scrivening business is slowly pulling St. Frideswide's out of the hole it fell into with Domina Alys at the helm. Domina Elisabeth is still in charge, and she, Dames Perpetua, Johane, and Frevisse are busily finishing a commission. Dame Emma and Sister Amicia are helping Dame Juliana in the garden. Abbot Gilberd, Elisabeth's brother, has sent them a wealthy novice, Sister Margrett, and the Domina has also enticed a couple of students, Helen and Lucy, into being schooled with the sisters. Sister Cecely fled back into the world. Dame Claire and Sister Thomasina are in charge of the medicinals. Father Henry is still the priory's priest. We first met the honorable Robert Fenner in The Novice's Tale , 1, when he fell in love with Sister Thomasine. Lady Blaunche was widowed, again, and took a fancy to Robert seven years ago. She's the type who must have it all her way and will work herself into a frenzy to ensure it. Emelye and Avys are her waiting-women; Mistress Avys is teaching Katherine about herbs and their uses. Benedict is Blaunche's eighteen-year-old [now] son from her second marriage. Their children are Robin, John, and Tacine, a nickname for Thomasine, with whom Benedict gets on very well. Katherine Stretton, an orphaned heiress, is Robert and Blaunche Fenner's ward; Mistress Dionisia is her waiting-woman. Master Geoffrey Hannys is the household clerk. Jack and Matthew are two of Robert's men who guard Lady Blaunche and Katherine on their journeys. Eudo is a watchman. Master Skipton is the steward. Father Laurence is the household priest. Gil is Robert's manservant. Ned Verney is Robert's friend. Ralph Verney is Ned's younger brother and a lawyer in the Court of Common Pleas at Westminster. Sir Walter is the head of the Fenner family. Master Humphrey is the bailiff in charge of one of Sir Walter's properties. Will Hayton tried to abduct Katherine; the Haytons figure it's safe to thwart the Fenners as Sir Walter's star seems to be waning. The Sir Lewis Allesley is demanding the manor of Northend back; it should never have been part of Blaunche's dower. Drew is Sir Lewis' heir, likely to marry Katherine. Masters Durant, Hotoft, and Fielding are three of the six arbiters. The Cover The cover is split between a subdued red on the right and an elongated graphic of Brinskep Manor with a body visible through the window. The title refers to Robert, for it is The Squire's Tale. ...more |
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1
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not set
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Feb 18, 2013
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Mar 19, 2013
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Mass Market Paperback
| ||||||||||||||
| 1416593136
| 9781416593133
| 1416593136
| 3.92
| 1,787
| Feb 17, 2009
| Feb 17, 2009
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really liked it
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Fourth in the Neville Family historical romance series set in 1830 London. The couple focus is on Tristan Talbot and Lady Phaedra Northampton. My Take Fourth in the Neville Family historical romance series set in 1830 London. The couple focus is on Tristan Talbot and Lady Phaedra Northampton. My Take This was very good. A nice subtle build up with intelligent characters. What a treat! Carlyle has built a story with great depth and emotion in a fluffy romance with an unexpected level of flirtation between two characters who want nothing to do with the other. The manner in which Carlyle reveals Phae's own concerns about her particular desires is amazingly well done. Very natural. In fact, this is a light and fluffy BDSM on the protagonists' side. It's not all that historically accurate, but I find I can forgive quite a bit when the author provides such a good story. I just adore Nash. He's so kind and considerate for a man of that time period. I do like how he blackmails Phaedra. Tristan's thoughts about his father and their past is a sad endorsement on the importance of communication. The Story Lady Phaedra and Miss Armstrong almost witness a murder when someone falls into Mr. Kemble's shop with a knife in his back. A murder with political ramifications and the earl requests that Tristan investigate the why of the man's murder, for it could have dire consequences for Britain. Phaedra has her own investigation to accomplish: finding Priss' mother before something terrible happens. She is determined that Priss shall have her mother. Protecting Nash from whatever she's fallen into... It's fate that throws these two together and not always the one you want. The Characters Lady Phaedra Northampton has a soft heart, partially influenced by a traumatic event when she was younger. Agnes is her maid, and she has a sister, Millie Dales, who's in trouble. Priscilla is Millie's daughter. Phoebe is Phaedra's younger sister; she and their mother, the Dowager Marchioness [Edwina], are a matched pair---both dimwits. Stefan, the Marquess of Nash, is Phaedra's stepbrother. Xanthia is his pregnant wife, and they have one son, Luke. Tony Hayden-Worth is the messy younger brother with the even messier wife, Jenny. Aunt Henslow is Edwina's more intelligent sister. Tristan Talbot, Lord Avoncliffe, is a rake of the worst sort. It's not so much the married women as the consorting with the lower class. Uglow is his valet and bodyguard. His father, the Earl of Hauxton, is very important at Whitehall. And he's dying. He's never approved of Tristan. And Tristan has done his best to deserve that. Pemberton is his father's butler. Nebbett is one of Hauxton's assistants. Cousin Harold, Tristan's heir, will come in very handy, although he won't know it. George Kemble is a shopkeeper of "Elegant Oddities and Fine Folderol". Mr. Gorsky, a Russian, owns a brothel and is hopeful of Lady Phaedra's aid. Hmmm, whatever has Phae been up to?? Flora is one of the girls. Mrs. Wooten manages the house across the street. Miss Zoë Armstrong is a bastard daughter accepted by society. Yeah, right. Lady [Eliza] Blaine is a friend from their home village who is married to a minor baronet. Lord Robert Rowland is a distant relation to Zoë and provider of illicit cheroots. Lord [Max] de Vendenheim is one of Peel's people at the Home Office. Madame Lilya Vostrikova has set herself up quite nicely in her retirement. Lavrin appears to be one of her lieutenants. The Cover The cover is all sweetness and innocence with Phaedra in a virginal empire dress (?), nightdress (?) trimmed with lace and green ribbon. The title is certainly suitable, as Phaedra is Tempted All Night. ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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not set
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Jan 19, 2013
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Mar 14, 2013
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Paperback
| ||||||||||||||
| 0062015680
| 9780062015686
| 0062015680
| 3.85
| 4,798
| Jan 29, 2013
| Jan 29, 2013
|
really liked it
|
Fifteenth in the Inspector Ian Rutledge historical mystery series revolving around a Scotland Yard inspector battling his own demons from World War I.
Fifteenth in the Inspector Ian Rutledge historical mystery series revolving around a Scotland Yard inspector battling his own demons from World War I. My Take For the most part, I was dissatisfied with this story's events. The clues that Rutledge pulled together seemed bogus, as if invented to fit the story. And part of me wonders if I'm feeling this way simply because I can't stand the new character's, Markham's, approach. Otherwise, I enjoyed Todd's usual descriptive expertise in setting the manners and scenery of a 1920s England. I don't understand the point of chapter one in this. Okay, it introduces us to Matthew Traynor, but how does it relate to the story otherwise? Teasers about Meredith Channing with a quick encounter with former Chief Inspector Cummins. Bowles is still out from his heart attack; too bad, it wasn't fatal. For the artists, most of the story takes place in Constable country. Makes me want to visit... It's a lot of back-and-forth and twisty turns with no one---especially that sister!---wanting to give one scrap more information than necessary. Combine that with that tidy-up-by-yesterday attitude, and it's a disaster. I have to wonder why Rutledge didn't check out the new garden beds… I also wonder if Belford is part of Rutledge's future. Rutledge does a very fine balancing act of following Markham's orders and his own conscience; he kept me wondering at times. Oh, at last, a proper pedaling! I was beginning to wonder when I kept finding the curate peddling along. The Story A body is dumped on a nice street in London. One for which no identification can be established, although he looks suspiciously like a missing person no one has yet missed. The Characters Inspector Ian Rutledge is with Scotland Yard and using the work to keep his own demons at bay. Hamish MacLeod is one of them. A ghost of the man Ian ordered shot on the battlefield. Frances Rutledge is the sister who worries over him. Peter Lockwood was an airman in the war and at school with Ian before that. She's considering saying yes to his marriage proposal. Dr. Fleming is the man who treated Ian when he got back from the war. Scotland Yard Sergeant Gibson used to connive with Rutledge, but now seems to be hunkering down under the rules. Sergeant Fielding is quite good at ferreting out information. Acting Chief Superintendent Joel Markham is an import from Yorkshire. Doesn't seem the right choice for so many reasons. Not the least of which is he's much too interested in closing cases, but not closing them with accuracy. He's the type of cop who gives people reason to not cooperate. Edgar Billings is hunting for someone. The French family Howard French is the late grandfather and notable for the watches he gave his son, Laurence, and son-in-law, David Traynor, as well as his dipping his wick outside his marriage. Laurence's oldest, Michael, was killed in the war; Lewis, the younger son, now runs the London branch and switches between their country home in Essex and the London house. Agnes French is the bitchy sister and she lives at the house in Stratford St. Hilary in Essex. Nan is the maid who has been with her forever. Matthew Traynor, a grandson, runs the Madeira end of the firm. Frederick Gooding is the senior clerk at the London Branch of French, French, and Traynor, Exporters. Simmons is the junior clerk. Williams is the curate in Dedham. Mary Ellen Townsend is Lewis' fiancée;. Dr. Townsend is her pleased papa. Valerie Whitman is a previous fiancée...at secondhand; Gooding is her grandfather. Constable Brooks is the local man while retired Sergeant Terrill was on scene that night of the attack. Mr. Hayes---of Hayes and Hayes---is the French lawyer. Galloway is the jeweler who feels he owes Rutledge. Belford is a bit too quick to deduce; Rutledge thinks he's MI5. Mr. MacFarland was the French family tutor back when Afonso Diaz stormed the house, angry over being cheated. Billy Harden is a nearsighted witness. Gerald Standish is one of those missing. Mrs. Bennett and her husband believe they are doing ex-cons a favor by taking them in as servants on their estate. They can't afford staff anymore, and this is a much cheaper alternative. Dr. Burgess is a drunk, using alcohol to escape his own war demons, and no longer practices, except on the ex-cons. The ex-cons include Bob Rawlings working as a gardener with Diaz. Baxter and Benjamin R. Waggoner are men in London with whom Rawlings is communicating. The Cover The cover is shades of brown, up close and underneath a wooden bridge with a stone tower at one end as the rain is pouring down. I'm guessing it's that confirming scene toward the end. The title is Rutledge's biggest problem, finding that Proof of Guilt. ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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not set
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Mar 05, 2013
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Mar 14, 2013
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Hardcover
| ||||||||||||||
| 0312674546
| 9780312674540
| 0312674546
| 3.94
| 3,736
| Jan 01, 2010
| Jan 04, 2011
|
liked it
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Third (& last?) in the Lord Peter Wimsey and Harriet Vane historical mystery series carried on from Dorothy L. Sayers by Jill Paton Walsh. My Take It is Third (& last?) in the Lord Peter Wimsey and Harriet Vane historical mystery series carried on from Dorothy L. Sayers by Jill Paton Walsh. My Take It is a recollection of Lord Peter's rising as a detective to his "death" as a detective now that he has something of more immediacy to occupy his thoughts, using the stories and intrigue surrounding the Attenbury emeralds through the years. This was a sad tale, partly because it doesn't even feel like a Dorothy Sayers and partly because there is so much loss. We do learn what happened when Peter came home from the war, a broken man. How Bunter came to enter his service and save him. There are bits of fun along the way; I did enjoy reading of Peter's first case and his fledgling efforts---that linen closet was rather funny. Sugg was an idiot. One of those policemen who give all cops a bad name with his making up his mind based on class rather than evidence. All in all, this feels more like a mopping up before the door is closed on a series begun by Dorothy Sayers. And I would have much preferred that it had gone on living. Including Jerry. The Story It begins over breakfast and the paper when Harriet asks Peter about the Attenbury emeralds. The case that saw him begin his career as a detective and one on which he first met Sergeant Parker...and Inspector Sugg. A story that unravels and reveals incident after incident, murder after murder through the years The Characters Lord Peter Wimsey is 60 years old in this story and very comfortable with his life, his wife, and his children. Harriet is still writing her detective stories and still learning about Peter's past. The last time we visited the Wimseys, they only had two children who were three and one years old. Now they have Bredon, Paul, and Roger who are 16, 14, and __, respectively. Lord Peter's manservant and friend, Mervyn Bunter, is with Lord Peter as well. Hope is still doing her photography. They have a son, Peter, a.k.a., PB, whom the Wimseys consider family and who is at school with the Wimsey boys. Mrs. Trapp is still cooking for the Wimseys. Gerald is Peter's older brother and the Duke of Denver. Helen is still the duchess and a nasty piece of work. The sunny Viscount St. George is no more having died during the war in the Battle of Britain. Honoria Lucasta Wimsey, their mother and the dowager duchess, is still alive; her maid, Franklin, is still with her. Mrs. Farley is still housekeeper at Duke's Denver while Thomas continues as butler. Dr. Fakenham is the physician there. Jim Jackson and Bob are gardeners at Duke's Denver who help the boys take inventory. Dick Jenkins is the new lodgekeeper; old Bill's son. Lady Mary does charity work for the Prisoners' Aid Association, and CID Chief Inspector Charles Parker is still hard at work at Scotland Yard. Their children are Charles Peter, 23, (call him Charlie; he'll finish up his degree and wants to join the air force); Mary is called Polly and wants to be a policewoman like her dad; and, Harriet is 16 with an itch to play hockey. The Attenburys include: The recently deceased Arthur Abcock was the Earl of Attenbury who has been succeeded by Edward, his grandson---his father, Roland, died. And Edward has a huge problem with those bloody emeralds again! His mother, Sylvia, Lady Abcock, and the rest of the family are insistent on Edward's keeping their country seat in spite of the death duties. (His sister Verity died when a bomb hit a nightclub she was in.) Claire is now the dowager Lady Attenbury and Edward's grandmother; Sarah was her maid at the start of Peter's story. Ladies Charlotte (she was engaged to a scoundrel, Reginald Northerby, but later married Frank Morney and they run a stud); the wild Diana, who was eventually claimed by the Marquis of Writtle and almost did a Northerby; and, Ottalie (never did marry and she sings these days) are her daughters. Jeannette was Charlotte's maid at the start. Mrs. Ethel DeBerris is widowed and related to the Attenburys through Claire, Lady Attenbury; Ada is her daughter and still good friends with Lady Ottalie. Freddy Arbuthnot is a friend of Peter's and of the Attenburys; he's still doing his financial wizardry. And still happily married to Rachel. Cavenor Bank has an issue with the emeralds Mr. Sander is a director of the bank and trying on some threats, which Peter counters nicely. Mr. Orson and Mr. Whitehead are employees. Various people involved in the emerald problems through the years Inspector Sugg was an idiot policeman then, and has been down through the years, allowing his prejudices to close his mind down to the possibilities. Miss Pevenor is compiling a history of jewelry. Nandine Osmanthus is attempting to recover a part of the emeralds for his employer, the Maharaja of Sinorabad. Mr. Handley and his son are pawnbrokers. Mr. Tipotenios attempts to recover a pawned emerald. Sir Impey Biggs defended the naughty Diana. Mrs. Prout was a cleaner at the House of Lords. Captain Rannerson was desperate to sell his horse, Red Fort. Rita Patel who helped identify bodies and their belongings during a bombing in 1941 during the war. Joyce and Sue worked at the Coventry Street mortuary. Inspector Vaud is bit much like Sugg; too willing to make his theories more real than the facts. Bill Rumm is a safecracker friend of Peter's who helps out. Mr. Bird may be a retired insurance company owner, but he can't stay away from the office. The Cover and Title The cover continues the silhouette concept, just more spare and as a darkened black-and-white photograph of a couple walking, as though they were in the park: Harriet in her knee-length coat and Peter in his hat and overcoat against a gradated background of a teal blue rising to a pale teal. The title is the focus throughout the story, The Attenbury Emeralds ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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not set
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Feb 24, 2013
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Mar 14, 2013
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Hardcover
| ||||||||||||||
| 0553593145
| 9780553593143
| 0553593145
| 3.02
| 106
| Jan 01, 2013
| Apr 28, 2013
|
liked it
|
Fifth in the Pennistan historical romance series with this story set in 1819-20 London. The couple focus is on Lord Jess Pennistan and Beatrice Brent.
Fifth in the Pennistan historical romance series with this story set in 1819-20 London. The couple focus is on Lord Jess Pennistan and Beatrice Brent. I received an ARC from the publisher. My Take Blayney is one of those authors who puts a modern twist on an historical romance. In her case, it's a more egalitarian stance for the women and a contemporary feel for the emotions. The previous stories that I've read were all within what I privately refer to as the Poppy's Coin series, which I've enjoyed very much. This one, not as much. There was just a bit too much of the modern about this story, although it won't hold me back from diving into the Pennistan series because I did like the characters. For the most part, I enjoyed this short story. I'll always love a feisty heroine! Especially one who likes to read. Their father is obsessed with their marrying very well---a title at a minimum, but neither of the girls is as concerned with who they marry. And daddy dearest has his own affairs to concern himself with. Blayney does a nice job of teasing out the details behind Jess and Crenshaw's dispute. It does paint a very honorable picture of him. It's too bad he has to suffer for it. There are also a number of romances in this house party. At least one of which doesn't end so well for the person involved. Thank god. I enjoyed the countess' style of entertaining: the small statues and setting each of her guests a task to tell the other what they enjoy most and either demonstrate it, provide a lecture, or teach a skill. It certainly leads to a variety of possibilities. My only other whine---other than about the modernity---is that silly incident at the dinner table when Cecelia is playing monkey-see, monkey-do. I thought the girls were intelligent, and yet Cecelia is behaving like an idiot. I mean, c'mon...salting the wine?? And no one else at the table is doing any of this, so how can she possibly imagine that this is the thing to do? The Story There's bad blood between Lord Jess and Crenshaw---a dispute that will come to a head when Jess insists on gambling to get that land back. Meanwhile, Beatrice and Ceci are about to enjoy their first house party; their godmother's intention is to ensure that they are comfortable in Society before the Season begins. And the jaded Jess encounters the feisty Bitsy. The Characters Beatrice and Ceci are twins whose very wealthy father, Abel Brent, a mill owner, is intent on their snaring lords. Ellis Brent is their brother, rescued by Lord Jess. Roger Tremaine is Beatrice's best friend and her father's machine designer. Leonie Darwell is the lady's maid engaged for the girls; she's quite the champion of Lord Jess. Jasmine, the Dowager Countess of Haven is godmother to the girls and intent on easing them into society. Mr. Hogarth is the art curator and librarian at Havenhall. Lord Jessup Pennistan is the son and brother of a duke. A very angry duke. Callan is his easygoing valet. The Reverend Michael Garrett is a vicar at Pennsford and Jess's brother-in-law; Lady Olivia is Garrett's wife. Annie Blackwood was the daughter of the young Pennistan's governess; she was practically incorporated into the family. Lynford is the oldest brother, the fifth Duke of Meryon married to Elena; Rexton is their son and heir. Lord Gabriel is married to Lynette; their children include Marie, Owen, and Angela. Lord David is married to Mia---she's pregnant. Lord William, Viscount Bendasbrook is now the Marquis of Destry and the heir to a dukedom. He's a bit of a klutz conversation-wise and falls in love with Cecilia. The rest of the houseparty includes: Baron Crenshaw is a very bad man. Mrs. Jane Wilson and her daughter, Katherine, Miss Wilson; the Earl of Belmont is quite good with puzzles; and, Nora Kendrick is a widow recently re-entering Society. Sadie is a young girl in the wrong place. The Cover The cover is a blue brocade background with Beatrice in a blue gown being embraced by a half-dressed Jess. Very formulaic. The title refers to Beatrice and Jess always having time for One More Kiss once they're married. ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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not set
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Mar 26, 2013
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Mar 11, 2013
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Mass Market Paperback
| ||||||||||||||
| 0316224588
| 9780316224581
| 0316224588
| 4.08
| 17,319
| 2012
| unknown
|
it was amazing
|
Eighteenth in the Detective Inspector Rebus mystery series revolving around ex-DI Rebus in Edinburgh while being third in the Inspector Malcolm Fox my
Eighteenth in the Detective Inspector Rebus mystery series revolving around ex-DI Rebus in Edinburgh while being third in the Inspector Malcolm Fox mystery series revolving around Rebus' nemesis in the Complaints. My Take I was so not expecting Rankin to pop up with another Rebus book...and I am absolutely thrilled that he did. Rebus had retired in Exit Music , 17, back in 2007, and Rankin has him popping back up as a civilian working with the cold case squad. There's just a hint of possibility that Rebus may get taken back now that they raised the retirement age...and from the work Rebus does in this story, the Edinburgh police would be nuts not to take him. I am definitely curious as to which way Siobhan ends up swinging. She's had a bit of time in which to see Page operate, and now it's back to Rebus' free wheeling methods which end in results. Hmmm... It is interesting that Rankin's newest series, Malcolm Fox, intersects with this. As the names Tony and Joe Naysmith cropped up, I couldn't figure out why they sounded so familiar until I was checking my notes. Uh-huh, it will be interesting to see what pops in the fourth Malcolm Fox. And if there's a nineteenth Rebus! Rankin has certainly left the possibilities open for it. This particular story leaves me wondering if Rebus is right and it is just ego that's got Fox ticked off. Especially when there's such ground opening up under other policemen who should be investigated. Tony definitely has his own questions about Fox's obsession. Another interesting venue to explore. The new bad guy whom Rankin has introduced is a new complication, and I'll be curious to see what Rebus, Clarke, and Cafferty do about him. I can see where Complaints would be concerned about a cop hobnobbing with a crook, but then again, where else are the cops going to get information? Oh man, Rebus does have fun with DCI James Page with Led Zeppelin song titles. Really, it was pretty stupid of Hammell to be so trusting with someone whose family he's screwed over. Then there's Dempsey's attitude. Gimme a break. She's equating Rebus with every other Tom, Dick, or Harry calling in with tips? When he's the one who broke it? You can't help but love Rebus for all his drinking when he's the one out getting things accomplished while those above him are more worried about camera face-time, playing groupie, and lunching with the higher-ups. That and he's taking the piss out of everyone! It's a different sort of business-as-usual with Rebus, and we're the richer for it. The Story It's a colder case than usual that finds Rebus pushing people's bells. One that will tear the socks off a variety of participants and leave Rebus questioning what he truly wants. The Characters RETIRED Detective Inspector (DI) John Rebus is working in Serious Crime Review Unit (SCRU), the cold case squad, as a civilian and still enjoying his music. His daughter, Samanatha, is either shacked up or married to Keith, and they're trying to get pregnant. The cops at Gayfield Square in Edinburgh include: DI Siobhan Clarke is doing well for herself. Detective Chief Inspector (DCI) James Page is all for first names and looking good for the cameras. He's also doing Siobhan. Other cops include Ronnie Ogilvie, Detective Constable (DC) Christine Esson is their computer person, and DC Dave Ormiston has a bit going on the side. Fellow retired cops in SCRU Hmmm, do you think there's a hidden message in that acronym? Detective Sergeant (DS) Daniel Cowan is in charge, and he's one of those more interested in his own progress rather than case progress. Retired DC Elaine Robison and retired DI Peter Bliss work away at the cases along with Rebus. The Complaints Inspector Malcolm Fox wants too badly to catch Rebus at anything while Tony Kaye has his doubts and Joe Naysmith is just along for the ride. The cops at Northern include: DCS Gillian Dempsey is reckoned to be brilliant. Gavin Arnold is a flexible cop, even if he's not so hot at darts. Nina Hazlitt is bugging Rebus about her daughter Sally who went missing along the A9 back in 1999. Other missing persons include Zoe Beddows. Annette McKie is the latest to go missing. Her mum, Gail McKie, is devastated. Fortunately, another crime boss, Frank Hammell, is in the wings to support her. Derek Christie is Gail's ex. Darryl Christie is their eighteen-year-old son, Annette's older brother. A very quiet, observant lad with big plans. Joseph and Cal are the younger brothers. DI Gregor Magrath retired some years ago after he started up the Serious Crime Review Unit. Kenny Magrath is his brother and an electrician; Maggie is his loyal wife. Cafferty is still around and kicking, even though he's "retired". He's quite appreciative of Rebus bringing him back from the dead. Thomas Robertson has a form and was conveniently placed on the road crew on the A9. Bill Soames is in charge and Stefan Skiladz is the interpreter. Susie Mercer has some useful information as does the farmer, Jim Mellon. Ruby is the cadaver dog. Raymond is Dempsey's nephew and a journalist. The Cover The cover is a metaphor for what it's all about: hitchhiking down a lonely road. Oh, no kidding! It opens with a grave and closes with one, with at least one man Standing in Another Man's Grave. ...more |
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not set
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Mar 07, 2013
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Mar 11, 2013
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Hardcover
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| 1416527168
| 9781416527169
| 1416527168
| 3.86
| 1,850
| Jan 01, 2008
| Jul 22, 2008
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liked it
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Third in the Neville Family post-Regency historical romance. The couple focus is on Camille Marchand and Kieran Neville, Lord Rothewell. My Take This wa Third in the Neville Family post-Regency historical romance. The couple focus is on Camille Marchand and Kieran Neville, Lord Rothewell. My Take This was not one of my favorites in this series, and I suspect it's due to Rothewell's illness as well as the aimless feel to Carlyle's writing. I do hate an unhappy ending, and Carlyle is modern enough in her approach that this was a definite possibility. I did enjoy the contradictions Carlyle posed in this with Rothewell not caring about her bastardy and yet wanting to protect her against gossip. I am a little surprised that Carlyle didn't bring Lord Ender and the others along in attempting to make trouble. It was simply there, done, and we're outta here. It is an interesting contradiction with Rothewell's family trying to talk Camille out of the marriage. And, no, not for the expected reasons. I do wish Carlyle hadn't left Christine Ambrose dangling like a loose thread. I want to know what Rothewell did to ensure her silence, dang it. And just who did Lady Louisa marry?? And why doesn't she address Rothewell's sexual preferences? She's certainly made enough pointed references in the first two books, and now she avoids it? I'm disappointed that Carlyle didn't bring William Wilberforce into this when she discusses Kieran and Tony's plans to push for abolition. After all, he was only the leader of the abolitionist movement in England. The Story In a game of vingt-et-un, Rothewell wins a woman in need of rescue. A chance decision that leads to rounds of question after question for both parties. Each determined to hold fast to themselves, to protect their own hearts. Lashing out at the other even as they melt into each other. But the deadlines loom for Camille and Rothewell. She must marry and bear a child. Rothewell to do what he can to protect her before he dies. The Characters Camille Marchand is the bastard daughter of the runaway Lady Halburne and her seducer, le Comte de Valigny. With her mother's death, all she has is her father. Poor thing. Emily is her maid. Comte de Valigny is almost ruined and an unceasing gamester and rakehell. He intends to barter his daughter for cash. Chin-Chin is a tiny little Asian dog whom Trammel introduces to the household. Lord Halburne is the spurned husband. Kieran Neville, Baron Rothewell, is wealthy due to his and his siblings' efforts despite their horrific upbringing. But he carries a tremendous weight on his soul, one he can't allay. Instead, he dissipates his way to a hopeful oblivion. Trammel is his Negro butler while Miss Obelienne is both Trammel's wife and the cook. Lucas is the brother betrayed and betraying. Annemarie the reason for the betrayals. Martinique is Annemarie's daughter who seems to have been adopted by the Nevilles. Xanthia is their young sister recently married to Lord Nash in Never Lie to a Lady , 1, and now pregnant. Lady Phaedra makes an appearance along with her mother. Tony Hayden-Worth gains an ally in his abolitionist plans. Gareth Lloyd, the Duke of Warneham, plays a small part and his wife is pregnant (see Never Deceive a Duke , 2). Pamela, Lady Sharpe, has born a son at last, Lord Longvale, for her lord. And their daughter, Lady Louisa, has married the heir to an earl. Christine Ambrose is Lord Sharpe's half-sister and extremely fast. Pamela's mother is Olivia, the current Lady Bledsoe, and the Nevilles' selfish, scheming, uncaring aunt. George Kemble shows up, just to keep his hand in. I had hoped to watch him decorate Rothewell's house. Lord Enders is a pig, Sir Ralph Henries, and Mr. Calvert are the others present at that fateful card game. Dr. Redding is the first, rather useless doctor; Dr. Hislop is much more down-to-earth. The Cover The cover is an exposed Camille in her grayed-lavender empire gown. Sitting near a settee in her boudoir, filmy curtains forming a background for a white satin jacquard pillow edged in lace, Camille is clutching the front of her gown up above her thighs. Is it terror? Or is it a seductive move? The title is as Camille discovers, Never Romance a Rake as it will break your heart. ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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not set
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Mar 03, 2013
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Mar 08, 2013
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Paperback
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| 0451415396
| 9780451415394
| 0451415396
| 3.69
| 1,870
| Mar 01, 2013
| Mar 05, 2013
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it was amazing
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I'm guessing it's the first in the Renegades of the Revolution historical fiction series revolving around a female spy and a noble British major. (Tho
I'm guessing it's the first in the Renegades of the Revolution historical fiction series revolving around a female spy and a noble British major. (Thorland appears to be promoting this as if it were part of a series, but I can't find any other information about it...) My Take This was just excellent. And interesting to read right after C.C. Humphreys' Jack Absolute (Jack Absolute, 1) revolving around the exact same time period, place, and those characters who were not fictional! Do read Jack Absolute and then The Turncoat if only for Humphreys' read on Benedict Arnold's character. It's not a deep story, but well filled with drama and tension and no little wit... "André says you would make a fine Kate," Peggy offered… The unexpected start is of an unscrupulous major bent on seduction whom we can't help but like, although the seduction scene between Tremayne and Kate isn't believable. I don't see a woman with her background being so amenable, whatever the reasons that may be presented for her compliance while Tremayne is very believable. I do love how very subtle Thorland is in creating this unscrupulous man while retaining our sympathy. And she continues to bat our sympathies back and forth between Kate and Tremayne so that we can't help but read on to discover the next exchange in their relationship. And it's a relationship fraught with danger. The threat of discovery. The challenges to Tremayne's honor. Kate's own responsiveness to Bay but her preference for Tremayne, both of which form the gauntlet she must run in her loyalties. Nor is Kate's sudden transformation from country mouse to sophisticated lady believable. It happens too fast and she's too perfect in her role. Although Kate is all too human in other aspects: her anger with André and her susceptibility to Bay and Tremayne. What drives this story is the tension of Kate's role and Tremayne's in trying to protect Kate while being true to his own country. Their interactions, the British attempts to discover Mrs. Ferrers and her agents. The feel of the time period that Thorland brings to this of amateur performances, of painting, of epigrams and military tactics of the ancients. The casual relating of rape and pillage in the countryside as if it were normal, expected actions. Yes, it's revolting, but it's also typical of the time, not something unexpected, and that's how Thorland conveys these events, as if she were a contemporary of that time. I love the following exchange as it shows Bay with a fair skill but with sybaritic intent while Kate displays her education and grace under fire: Bay has done a sensual sketch of Kate as a classical goddess with nymphs and satyrs drilling in military formation in the background. There is some conversation before Bay asks if he can "color it in for you?" Bay follows this up with a drawing technique to help Kate with her own drawing. It's not a deep tale, but it is filled with drama and tension, bringing a very human quality to the nonfictional characters as well as to the story itself. The Story Arthur Grey has chosen to join the Revolutionary War on the side of the Rebels, and it's up to Kate and Mrs. Ferrers to slow Caide's battalion down. To prevent their catching up with Grey and the wagon train carrying supplies. It's what the dragoons do to Millie, her family, and her home that sets Kate down this road. It's the disgrace behind losing the letters that force Tremayne on his. The Characters Kate Grey is a proper Quaker, but a fierce patriot with a fiercer desire to never wed. Well-educated and encouraged to debate by her father. He's known as the Grey Fox, Arthur Grey, who married a Quaker, but he's ready to head back to war for his country. Sara and Margaret are the servant girls at Grey Farm. Silas Talbert is a patriotic neighbor. Millicent Ashcroft is Kate's pregnant friend and nearest neighbor. Her husband Andrew is part of the Congress. Mrs. Angela Ferrers, a.k.a., the Widow, is a Rebel spy. Mr. Sims is her lawyer. Major Peter Tremayne, Viscount Sancreed, carries Howe's plans against Philadelphia. The trick played creates problems, but of a different sort from the problems created by meeting Kate. Phillip Lytton is caught in Tremayne's disgrace but makes a recovery. Colonel Sir Bayard Caide commands a battalion of His Majesty's Horse. He's also a brutishly ruthless pervert and addict, Tremayne's cousin, and luckily for Tremayne, one of Howe's favorites. Lieutenant Dyson is a brute and a toady. Lydia Dare, an heiress, has recently become engaged to Caide. She is staying with the Valbys while her "father" is away. The incredibly stupid and undiplomatic Peggy Shippen and Peggy Chew are Tory daughters in Philadelphia whose names are connected with André's. Anstiss Black is the best dressmaker in Philadelphia. Mr. Du Simiti&eagrave;re is obsessed with his Indian museum. The Royal Army The hesitating General Sir William Howe is accompanied by his mistress, Mrs. Elizabeth Loring, and her accepting husband, Mr. Joshua Loring, the Commissioner of Prisoners. Captain John André is Howe's spymaster. A very intelligent and acute man with no scruples. General Clinton and General John Burgoyne are mentioned. The Hessian allies Colonel Carl Emil Ulrich Von Donop of Hesse-Cassel is in disgrace over his relationship with an enemy spy. Captain Ewald and Sergeant Bachmann are some of his Jaeger troops. The Colonial Army General George Washington and Alexander Hamilton accept Kate's decision. Mrs. Washington aids Kate after her striping. Greene is defending Fort Mercer. General Benedict Arnold has a small part to play with Andr&eacue;. The Cover The cover is perfect: a golden glow with a close-up of Kate's torso in her fancy colonial dress with a haze of a Philadelphia street scene behind her. The title is true on several levels from the compromises made by Major Tremayne and others to the turning of an individual's coat in order to deceive. Yes, Turncoat is so appropriate on so many levels. ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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not set
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Apr 17, 2013
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Mar 08, 2013
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Paperback
| ||||||||||||||
| 141652715X
| 9781416527152
| 141652715X
| 3.78
| 1,898
| Jul 24, 2007
| Jul 24, 2007
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really liked it
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Second in the Neville Family historical romance series. The couple focus is on Gareth Lloyd, er, I mean His Grace, the Duke of Warneham, and the widow
Second in the Neville Family historical romance series. The couple focus is on Gareth Lloyd, er, I mean His Grace, the Duke of Warneham, and the widowed Duchess. My Take Carylyle continues her unique take on the post-Regency period with her feisty women and rakish, but caring men. It was not a nice place with the old duke. I'd say the world is better off without him or his ideas. Now that he's dead, the duchess is determined to have a say in her life from here on no matter what her father demands---she has some very modern notions---while Gabriel is determined she shall be happy. I did enjoy it for the warmth of the series' characters---and the addition of Antonia, although this was an odd story with some truly horrible people in it. And it certainly sounds to me as though Gareth getting press ganged did him a world of good---if only so he wasn't raised as a "proper" Ventnor. We do learn what happened to force Gareth onto the youthful path he had to follow. Could almost make you appreciate social workers and their interferences. It's a lot of vague references for which Carlyle sometimes spills out additional information, dribble by dribble. The duchess' madness was one of those vague bits; Carlyle only hints at the possibilities. I'm certainly glad we've become more enlightened in our times about grief. The whole rainstorm/sex encounter was rather odd. Almost as if Carlyle was looking for a different encounter from the usual and just gave up and used this one to help reinforce her desire to have Antonia appear mad. Another vague bit. A lot of trouble caused by bullies, and we're still allowing them to get away with it today. The Story Seems Gareth Lloyd is really Gabriel Ventor, the new Duke of Warneham. A position he struggles against until Rothewell talks him into going down to Selsdon Court to see what's what only to find madness and too many mysterious deaths. The Characters Gareth Lloyd is who he became; Gabriel Gareth Lloyd Ventnor is who he was. He is an owner, along with Xanthia and Kieran Neville, of Neville Shipping. His parents were Ruth and Major Charles Ventnor. Rachel and Malachi "Zayde" Gottfried were his Jewish grandparents (Zayde had some very practical ideas about life). George Kemble is back and helping out down at Selsdon Court as valet/secretary/what-have-you. Is there anything this man cannot lay his hand to? Vicomte de Vendenheim-Sélestat works at the Home Office. Mr. Peel is the Home Secretary. The Ventnors of Selsdon Court Cyril is/was the son and heir. Coggins is the butler; Mrs. Musbury is housekeeper; Mr. Benjamin Watson is the estate agent; Metcaff is a discontented footman (and one of the duke's bastards); and, Statton is a pensioner who's come back to work in the stables with this quinsy going around. Howard Cavendish is the lawyer charged with finding the only remaining ducal heir. The delicate, widowed duchess is Antonia Notting, the old duke's fourth wife (the old boy was desperate to get himself an heir); Nellie Waters is her maid. Lord Swinburne, the earl, is her father with a new young wife, Penelope. James, Viscount Albridge is her dissolute brother. Eric, Lord Lambeth, was Antonia's first husband. He and their three-year-old daughter Beatrice died. Reverend Needles crammed Gabriel's head full as a child. Captain Larchmont of the Saint-Nazaire became the young Gabe's "protector". Sir Percy (gay) and Lady Ingham; Dr. Martin Osborne, the village doctor (his mother, Mary Osborne died three years ago); and Rev. Hamm and his wife (whom the duke seduced) dine weekly at Selsdon Court. John Laudrey is the local justice of the peace. Celeste de la Croix was a high-flyer and the toast of London---and married to Jean de la Croix. Sir Harold Hardell is a barrister now and a former schoolmate of the late duke's. He and the bullying, lying Jeremy, Lord Litting, the first duchess' nephew, were guests that night the duke died. Xanthia Neville is about to be married to Stefan, Marquess of Nash. Kieran Neville, Lord Rothewell, is her dissolute brother. Trammell is Rothewell's butler. Knollwood Manor is the decrepit dower house that Gareth wouldn't wish on an enemy. The Cover The cover is a shower of yellows from the softly hazy background to Antonia's buttery yellow satin empire-waisted gown, falling off her shoulders. The title is appropriate, for the culprits should never discount one's friends and Never Deceive a Duke, especially this one. ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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not set
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Feb 14, 2013
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Mar 06, 2013
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Mass Market Paperback
| ||||||||||||||
| 0571254403
| 9780571254408
| B002RI9ZU4
| 3.52
| 5,482
| May 20, 2008
| Sep 17, 2009
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it was amazing
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First in the Josephine Tey historical mystery series revolving around Josephine Tey and Detective Inspector Archie Penrose. My Take It's an interesting First in the Josephine Tey historical mystery series revolving around Josephine Tey and Detective Inspector Archie Penrose. My Take It's an interesting treatment of history with Upson using a real-life author, Josephine Tey, and her play, Richard of Bordeaux, as the point around which the murders are laid. There's a beautiful piece in here in which Terry examines the fame and frustration of being in a hit play. He also reminisces over what got him started---this was so sweet. Then of course there's McCracken's piece in the police station. Oh. My. God. She's incredible. I'm not surprised she has such a miserable existence. The murders are themselves dramatic, so fitting for the setting. What's odd about the story is the coldness, even though the characters have feel so real; it's certainly interesting "listening in" on everyone's thoughts about the play, its future, and their own parts in it. This just makes me cry. Upson talks of men being feted off to war and, after all the suffering and loss they undergo, when they come home they're ignored, pushed aside. No one wants to know. No one wants to help those who have been injured fighting for their country. And, nothing has changed... Maybe if countries had to pay a decent pension to soldiers injured in war, they'd reconsider going to war in the first place. There's no end of possibilities with so many involved who are being cast aside or refused their dreams. Annddd, another reason to require parents to receive a license before having children. Heck, maybe Mrs. Vintner should have required a psychological exam before marrying the jerk! This is a weak point for me: if nicotine poisoning kills so fast, how did he have time to get from the stage to his office? This is just sad. So many deaths because of one jerk. So many lives affected. I keep crying as I think about it. The Story Two senseless and seemingly unrelated murders turn out to have a lot more in common than anyone could expect. The Characters Josephine Tey fell into writing both as a way to fulfill her days and later to cope with her father's illness. The success of Richard of Bordeaux is both satisfying and worrying. Jack Mackenzie is the lover she lost to war. Detective Inspector Archie Penrose was with Jack in the war; they had met and become friends while studying medicine. Now he looks out for Josephine. I think he's secretly in love with her. Sergeant Bill Fallowfield is his colleague. Sir Bernard Spilsbury is the Home Office Pathologist. The Motleys are two sisters, Veronique "Ronnie" and Lettice, "who had revolutionised theatre design"; they're also Archie's cousins. Yes, Archie is fascinated with the theatre. George is Lettice's "long-suffering fiancé". Dora Snipe is their cook/housekeeper. Elspeth Simmons helps her mother create unique hats, and she's recently fallen in love. Uncle Frank Simmons shares Elspeth's love of the theatre; he thinks of her as the daughter he never had. Aunt Betty runs a hat shop out of their home with the hats that Elspeth's mother, Alice, makes. John Terry is the lead actor, and he's gay. Lydia Beaumont is the lead actress, and she's gay. This at a time when gays were definitely don't tell! Marta Fox is her lover and a writer. Lewis Fleming, Terry's understudy, is struggling with his anger over his wife's, Ruth's, illness, and contemplating the commission of a sin. Hedley White works for Esme, and Bernard is taking an interest in him. He's fascinated by the theatre and by Elspeth. Rafe Swinburne is a cocky, conniving actor, who wouldn't recognize his own bed unless his name were written on it; he rides a 1932 Ariel Square Four. Esme McCracken, the stage manager, is also a writer, and she'll tell you how much better she is than anyone else at the drop of a hat. A nasty, vicious thing she is. Bernard Aubrey is a theatre impresario, making his fortune backing plays. He and his wife, Grace, simply exist in the same house. Arthur is his nephew, and Bernard felt responsible for his death during a tunneling "accident" in France during the war. Elliott Vintner wrote one successful book and never another one again. Tommy Forrester is the waiter who found the body. The Cover The cover is a black-and-white graphic of a train pulling into a station, plumes of steam visible in the cold. The title is a play off on a repeated phrase. ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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not set
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Mar 23, 2013
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Mar 04, 2013
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Kindle Edition
| ||||||||||||||
| 1464201080
| 9781464201080
| 1464201080
| 3.68
| 142
| Jan 01, 2013
| Mar 01, 2013
|
it was ok
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Second in the Plinius Secundus historical mystery series set in the time of ancient Rome (111-ish AD) with a fifty-year-old Pliny the Younger. This st
Second in the Plinius Secundus historical mystery series set in the time of ancient Rome (111-ish AD) with a fifty-year-old Pliny the Younger. This story takes place in the province of Bithynia on the shores of the Black Sea. This is a story ARC I received from the publisher. My Take I had been looking forward to this as I do enjoy historical mysteries, unfortunately, this one was more hysterical in its clumsy and obvious execution. Oh, don't get me wrong, Macbain's research is amazing and made me feel as though I was there in Nicomedia. But, oh lord, the detail and clews laid out in the investigation were amateurish, and the melodrama was overwhelming. I felt like I was reading a bad soap opera. The prologue was a reasonable start if obvious, but then Macbain doesn't go anywhere with it. It all flops over to the Roman side with Pliny, leaving it until Pliny finally starts to make real progress in his investigation before pulling the prologue's participants back into the story. I did like that Macbain's protagonist is not a muscle-bound hunk and had a modest demeanor, but I always thought of Pliny as being a much more intelligent man. Not this excuse for a "detective". Oh, please, Suetonius' idea of writing the "mystery" when they solve it? "Laundering money"? Then Calpurnia's sudden breakdown in front of Pancrates? They know there's all this corruption, and no one thinks to put a guard on the likely suspects? Too funny, Macbain provides the true thoughts of the conquered even as they kowtow to the new governor. I love that Pliny writes Calpurnia "love letters that made her blush", and I like both Pliny and Calpurnia for their compassion for others. Explain why Balbus would get "no toga, no laurel wreath, no coin in the mouth"?? It's sad: technology may advance, but man's greed remains the same. The Story By command of the Emperor Trajan, Pliny the Younger sets sail for Nicomeda, the capital of Bithynia-Pontus to clean up the corruption plaguing the area, for Trajan needs a reliable province from which to lead his attack. There have been seven governors before Pliny and each has been more corrupt than his successor. Meanwhile, the countryside is awash in unfinished civic projects with a hostile---and troublesome---populace. The Characters Gaius Plinius Secundus, a.k.a., Pliny the Younger, is the new governor of the province of Bithynia-Pontus. Calpurnia is his young, artist wife, still in awe of being married to so imposing a man: a Roman senator, a lawyer, the nephew of Pliny the Elder, and a confidante of the emperor. The sober, talented Zosimus is Pliny's secretary, a freedman, and his friend. The vivacious Ione, Calpurnia's maid, is Zosimus' wife, also a freedwoman. Four-year-old Rufus is Zosimus and Ione's son. Members of Pliny's staff include: Gaius Suetonius Tranquillus, one of Pliny's protégés, is constantly writing monographs, biographies, etc. Postumius Marinus is Pliny's doctor, having trained in the Ludus Magnus. I do like the doctor! The precise and observant Caelianus is Pliny's chief clerk; Fannia is his wife and Calpurnia's rather useless ally. Galeo is his senior lictor. Aquila is his chief centurion. The scarred, lame Nymphidius has come out of retirement to be his staff officer; Faustilla is his wife, a ribald old lady. Faustia and the clumsy Memmia are wives of Pliny's staff officers. Cassia is an engineer's wife. The Worshippers of Mithras Barzanes, a Persian, is the high priest of Mithras, owning a square mile of land in the hills. The Sun-Runner is the Father's second-in-command, followed by the Lion, the Persian, and the bridegroom with Ravens the lowest ranked. The Romans Marcus Vibius Balbus is the fiscal procurator of the province and a bully. He was one of the Praetorian Guard that night 14 years ago that Pliny still fears. The implacable Fabia is his wife. Aulus is their son who suffers the Sacred Disease. Silvanus is his chief accountant. Lurco is Fabia's powerful slave. Atilia is the fat wife of a Roman businessman The Angry Greeks The wealthy, egotistical Diocles the Golden Mouth is famous as an orator, a former archon, a member of the city council, and quite eager to verbally attack Pliny. Timotheus is the Greek tutor Diocles has found for Calpurnia. I would have thought she'd have been smarter after fourteen years in Rome with all the plots and backbiting... Pancrates is a scam artist, hailed as a god, the Oracle of Asclepius, with his paid "ears" in every household. Agathan is a young wealthy man with an artist's eye, interested only in his own pleasures. Baucis is Agathon's housekeeper, who tries to warn Ione. Sophronia owns a high-end brothel, the Elysium, the profits of which Argyrus, her half-brother, plunders. Byzus is her accountant. Glaucon is a wealthy, weak-minded provincial eager to prove his competence to his brother, Theron. Didymus is a banker. Arasmes is the elderly Persian who serves as their spokesman. Anicius is the last incompetent governor and a friend of Pliny's. The Cover The cover is fabulous! I love the ancient battle scene at the top that begins to fall away as mosaic tiles onto the statue of Mithras killing the bull. Beautiful gold and orange tones tempered by the blue. The title reflects how the god Mithras is depicted, as The Bull Slayer. Then again, it could be a metaphor for Pliny's actions...hmmm... ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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not set
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Feb 26, 2013
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Feb 27, 2013
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Hardcover
| ||||||||||||||
| 0312651325
| 9780312651329
| 0312651325
| 3.59
| 11,935
| Jan 08, 2013
| Jan 08, 2013
|
liked it
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An historical romance set in 1894 Newport Beach at a time when the poor lords of England were hunting the rich American heiresses. My Take This is not w An historical romance set in 1894 Newport Beach at a time when the poor lords of England were hunting the rich American heiresses. My Take This is not what I was expecting from an Evanovich tale. It was too bland, too banal, too over the top. Sure, there was some humor in it, but it was somewhat heavyhanded, especially with the women's suffragette message thumping throughout and the evil Snidley Whiplash villain. No, I don't object to the message. Not at all. I'm all for the cake-loving Caroline to get her way. I simply expected much more of Evanovich. Most of the story was based in Newport Beach, providing the background, setting up the character conflicts, bracing us for the melodramatic reveal in England. Light, fluffy, yawn. It was sweet how very much Caroline envied Jack's ability to travel and explore. Makes you want them to be able to marry. I did like Caroline's intelligence and determination---must have gotten that one from her mama. The Story A lightweight romance about the poor beset heiress who simply wants her independence and the singleminded mother who wants her daughter to marry a duke's heir whom even the duke doesn't want to inherit. Caroline much prefers an upstart Irishman who buys up breweries. The Characters Caroline Maxwell knows what she wants---chocolate cake and Jack. Her two sisters---Amelia and Helen---are unable to lie to their determined Mama, Agnes Maxwell. A lady who is determined that Caroline will marry a title. Annie is Caroline's new, complicit maid; Miss Peek-Jacobs is the martinet Mrs. Maxwell hires to force feed Debrett's Peerage into Caroline. Bertha is mama's maid. Bernard Maxwell is her indulgent father. Jack Culhane has expanded on his Irish father's efforts, and now Jack concentrates on buying up breweries. He'll do anything it takes to get the ones he wants. He's best friends with Eddie Maxwell, Caroline's brother. O'Toole is his valet. His dad is Patrick, who realizes what a mistake he made. Flora Willoughby is an old flame of his father's, who preferred to tread the boards. "Gustav Muller is Jack's brewmaster from Liberty Brewery in Philadelphia." Heinrich Krantz is the latest brewer whom Jack intends to conquer. Friends of Jack and Eddie's include Charles Vandermeulen, Robert Conable, and Harold VanAndel. Mildred Longhorne is a bosom friend of Mama's. Harriet Vandermeulen is the very determined friend of Caroline's with a very unrealistic goal. Lord Bremerton, Marcus, is the heir of the Duke of Endsleigh. He'll be perfect. Mrs. Parker is the housekeeper at Bremerton's country house, Chesley House; Cora is the sole maid married to Jamie; Lady Carew is a relative of Bremerton's and rather dotty; and, Adele is Bremerton's first wife. The Cover The cover has a brilliant glossy white background encircled with frilly golden curlicues. The authors' names are prominent and you can almost find the title in all those lines. The title is very accurate as mama has The Husband List of who is acceptable. ...more |
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not set
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Feb 07, 2013
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Feb 23, 2013
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Hardcover
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| 1432826239
| 9781432826239
| 1432826239
| 3.51
| 158
| Dec 2012
| Dec 19, 2012
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liked it
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An historical mystery set in 1480 Florence with an adherent of Lorenzo the Magnificent, Guid'Antonio, investigating again. Yup, just learned it is a se An historical mystery set in 1480 Florence with an adherent of Lorenzo the Magnificent, Guid'Antonio, investigating again. Yup, just learned it is a series---the Five Star Mystery. I have no idea why she's calling it the "Five Star" as White has a long way to go to achieve that rating. For some reason I'm feeling generous in giving White a "3"---must be all the good research and few mechanical errors. It certainly isn't the copious loose threads and wandering storyline. My Take Kudos to White for the beautifully researched background for 1480 Florence. She did a lovely job of interweaving history into her mystery. That said, I found the telling of the tale to be very melodramatic and, in some ways, I couldn't wait to be done with it. The writing is immature and needs tightening. White kept dragging it out, and I was getting so bored, although I did enjoy how well she set her scenes. Her characters need more depth. Lorenzo the Magnificent did not come across all that magnificently, but more as an unsure young man stepping into his father's shoes much too early. Nor was I impressed with the lackadaisical approach of Guid'Antonio and Amerigo to their investigation. It was a lot of talk without much action until the end. What was with their going off to examine the baths and then they turn around before they ever get there? As for questioning the father…that seemed rather obvious, and not something to postpone. Whatever did they discover about the Virgin's tears? Why was Giuliano with the Pazzis anyway? Okay, so Guid'Antonio has been away from Florence and his family for two years. Nobody writes? Nobody keeps him informed as to what is happening in the city? Nobody says anything to Amerigo? There are all these hints dropped about Maria's fidelity… The possibility for tension with his wife is set up...and it goes nowhere. I'm not buying Maria's whining about how Guid'Antonio worked for Lorenzo alone. If she's been raised in Italy, in Florentine society, she has to know how to keep her bread buttered…! Although, White did provide a LOT of tension in the opening chapters. Teasing me with all these ominous hints of changes and infidelity. I must say, if things really had gotten so bad, wouldn't someone, Cesare?, have mentioned that the men should be careful on their first day back in the city? Why is the changed lock never explained? I can't imagine that Guid'Antonio has gone off without any servants, nor that he and Amerigo would be riding alone all that distance. Family boss? White throws out these little barbs from Guid'Antonio about Lorenzo, which also go nowhere. White also makes a point of marking the difference between the rotten food available in the market with the enticing food that appears on the Vespucci table, but we never learn where it comes from. For that matter, where is Elisabetta at dinner? What's with all the story padding with Lorenzo's mistresses and the one who got away from Guid'Antonio? Yes, padding. White throws these tidbits in to bring in the sex, and she'd have been better off concentrating on the love scenes Guid'Antonio has with his wife. Unless, of course, she's setting the stage for future installments. What was the point of the little sojourn off to Lorenzo's farm? Felt like more padding to me. Then after all his promises to Maria, there's that ending. On the plus side, the lack of conflict over it is typical White. White has set it up to perform as a series. While I appreciate her attention to history and incorporating it accurately into the story, I would love it if she would provide the same attention to her characters and the actual execution of her plot. The Story It's been twenty-seven years since Mehmet took Constantinople and the unity wrought by that disaster has evaporated, especially with Sixtus IV needing more and more cities for his family to rule. Makes me think of Napoleon propping up all those thrones with his siblings' backsides. After serving two years as ambassador to the French court of Louis XI drumming up support for the Medicis, Guid'Antonio and his young secretary/nephew, Amerigo, are finally heading home. The Characters The forty-four-year-old Guid'Antonio Vespucci is both friend and supporter of Lorenzo de'Medici and has a doctorate of law. Maria del Vigna is his second wife; Giovanni is his five-year-old son. Mona Alessandra del Vigna, Maria's mother, is ill. Cesare Ridolfi is his manservant. The one who stayed in Italy while his master went to France. Olimpia Pasquale is the lusty nurse for his son. Domenica is Cesare's mother and the household cook. Amerigo Vespucci is the twenty-six-year-old nephew who accompanied Guid'Antonio to France as his secretary. Doesn't seem to have learnt much in terms of thinking before he speaks. Antonio is Amerigo's older brother and a notary who has kept the Vespucci businesses earning while Guid'Antonio and Amerigo were in France. Nastagio is Amerigo and Antonio's father and very anti-Lorenzo; Elisabetta is his bitchy wife. Brother Giorgio is another uncle, and he hasn't been told the state of the family finances. Lorenzo de'Medici is the thirty-one-year-old unofficial head of Florentine government. He is married to Clarice Orsini, a Roman, and they have two sons: Piero and Giovanni. Giuliano is his younger brother. Bianca is their sister, unfortunately married to Guglielmo de'Pazzi, Francesco's brother. Angelo Poliziano had been a friend of Lorenzo's until he paid him back with cowardice. Lorenzino and Giovanni are under Lorenzo's guardianship; too bad he's thieving from them. Lucrezia Tornabuoni de'Medici is Lorenzo's powerhouse of a mother. The government of Florence Chancellor Bartolomeo Scala is worn down with governing Florence and worrying over his wife Madalena's sixth pregnancy. Alessandro Braccesi is Scala's assistant. There are nine Lords Prior including: Tommaso Soderini, who is also the Gonfaloniere of Justice and Lorenzo's uncle by marriage---and suspected of plotting against him; Antonio Capponi; Pierfilippo Pandolfini; and, Piero di Nasi. Palla Palmierie is Florence's chief of police (?). Sandro Botticelli is finishing up a fresco in the Ognissanti Church, a commission from the Vespuccis. Leonardo da Vinci has just opened his own shop. Luca Landucci is an apothecary, who will work on figuring out how the tears work in exchange for advance warning. Neri Saginetto owns a pleasant tavern that he runs with help from his beautiful daughter Evangelista. Brother Martino Leone seems to have gone mad with Brother Paolo trying to chase him down and both of them guarded by Ferdinando Bongiovi. Roberto Ughi is the father abbot and a supporter of Sixtus. Brother Battista Bellincioni is the almoner. The beauteous Camilla Rossi da Vinci is married to a fat wine merchant, Castruccio Senso. Margherita is her ancient nurse; Luigi is her young slave. Jacopo Rossi da Vinci is her very angry father. Senso is doing business with Salvestro Aboati. The enemies of Medici Florence The Pazzi conspirators Francesco de'Pazzi struck the remaining blows once Bernardo Bandini's axe fell. Piero Vespucci, a relative, is in the Stinche while his son, Marco, is exiled. Pope Sixtus IV wants Lorenzo and the Medicis dead and gone. He's recently completed the construction of the chapel that will come to be known as the Sistine, but he needs the Florentine artisans to make it beautiful. Count Girolamo Riario is one of Sixtus' nephews and a vicious, greedy man. King Ferrante of Naples has allied with the pope. Prince Alfonzo leads Ferrante's troops against Florence. The Cover The cover has a Renaissance feel to it with an intricate gray-green carved border blending into the waters under the golden-hued bridge outside the city of Florence, and its tinted golden sky blending into the weeping Virgin. The title terrifies the Florentines into wondering if God has abandoned them when they learn of The Sign of the Weeping Virgin. ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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not set
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Feb 10, 2013
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Feb 20, 2013
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Hardcover
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| 1416527141
| 9781416527145
| B0092FRFW0
| 3.88
| 2,163
| Jun 19, 2007
| Jun 19, 2007
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it was amazing
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First in the Neville Family historical romance series. The couple focus is on Xanthia Neville and Lord Nash. Might want to fix that one line: "...being First in the Neville Family historical romance series. The couple focus is on Xanthia Neville and Lord Nash. Might want to fix that one line: "...being backward gets one nowhere, does it?" "Doesn't it" would work so much better. My Take It's certainly an intriguing start to the romance, and not one that I've ever encountered before. I do love how perfectly suited Xanthia and the romantic Stefan are for each other, and Carlyle takes advantage to write a great story as she plays against the mores and expectations of the time. A woman playing against the expected role of a post-Regency lady with the gentlemen who support her. It's an unexpected twist on an historical romance, and while Carlyle includes a few other departures from normal behavior for this time period, she incorporates enough to satisfy me and make me want to buy this series so I can read it again and again. The animosity between Gareth and Xanthia is handled weirdly. She keeps saying one thing and thinking another, more like an immature teenager than the savvy, mature businesswoman she's supposed to be. Clever bit, using Pamela's condition to force Xanthia into the ton. Carlyle is also setting up all sorts of future possibilities. All very nicely played. Crack me up. Wait'll you read the scene where Kemble is decorating the counting house. Then there's Xanthia's first meeting with Lady Nash and Lady Phaedra. I want to read Never Deceive a Duke if only to read more about this interaction! The Story The prologue sets the evil background that threatens the Nash family. It's at Lady Sharpe's ball that Xanthia encounters Nash, giving her an idea of his character---its highs and lows. So when she and Kieran are importuned by de Vendenheim regarding gunrunning as well as the Greek versus Turk issues, well, Xanthia has her own ideas. The Characters Miss Xanthia Neville is a very independent lady, who runs the family business, Neville Shipping. Much more preferable than balls, parties, and picnics. At almost thirty, she is considering an affaire as she doubts ever finding a husband. Baron Rothewell, Kieran, is her brother and completely disinterested in the business. In life for that matter. Gareth Lloyd is the company's business agent and a long-time friend of both siblings. He'd like to be much more. Trammel is the Neville butler. Olivia is their extremely self-centered aunt. Stefan Mihailo Northampton, the Marquess of Nash, who considers himself a "gamester and professional sybarite" never expected to inherit the title or Brierwood. Gibbons is his valet. Swann is his man of affairs. Miss Lisette Lyle is his increasingly disinterested mistress. When his father married Edwina, Stefan got step-siblings: Tony Hayden-Worth is a politican married to Jenny ; Lady Phaedra is in her early twenties; and, Lady Phoebe is much like her mother, something of an idiot. Lady Sharpe, Pamela, is the Nevilles' cousin, and she is in an interesting way. Lady Louisa is her daughter, who has just come out. Mrs. Christine Ambrose is her sister-in-law and "an amoral cat" with some very erotic connections. Lady Bledsoe is the Nevilles' aunt and Pamela's mother. Lord de Vendenheim-Sélestat, Max, is a vicomte and is with Mr. Peel in the Home Office. Mr. Kemble is...hmm...how shall I say this, an expert opportunist. In this story, he is thrust into being Xanthia's bodyguard. And interior decorator, snicker. Lady Henslow is the dowager Marchioness of Nash's sister, making her Nash's step-aunt. Mrs. Wescot is the wife of an idiot whom Nash takes pity on. Comtesse de Montignac is a blackmailer riddled with syphilis...ick. Pierre is her tolerant husband, an attaché to the French embassy. The Cover The cover is a complement of blues and peach with the long-legged Xanthia in a gorgeous navy silk off-the-shoulder gown as she reclines against a cloud of pale blue. The title is a bit confusing and would be better titled Never Lie to a Lord. ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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not set
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Feb 04, 2013
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Feb 19, 2013
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Paperback
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| 1451698984
| 9781451698985
| 1451698984
| 3.55
| 2,501
| Jan 01, 2013
| Jan 15, 2013
|
really liked it
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First in the Summerset Abbey historical fiction series. The focus here is on Prudence Tate, an unwitting victim of class prejudice. My Take While this i First in the Summerset Abbey historical fiction series. The focus here is on Prudence Tate, an unwitting victim of class prejudice. My Take While this is a full-length novel, it's really more of a prologue as it sets up the series and introduces the characters along with their particular issues. Based on what I've read in Summerset Abbey, it should be a tumultuous read ahead with all the clamor over the upstairs/downstairs attitudes, women's rights, unions, the uppity Buxtons' obsession over scandal as they sweep their missteps under the rug, the more-open Buxtons' who appear to have split along personality lines, and all the brouhaha set up by Prudence's existence. Prudence may be the central pivot in this story, but Brown has set up some interesting side characters, and I'll be very curious to see where their new interests take them. The Buxtons are two sides of one class: the entitled aristocracy and the enlightened nobles. The entitled are aghast at the enlightened...and vice versa. And I don't think the entitled have a leg to stand on, especially in their neighbors' opinions. My Whines include: If they're so concerned about Prudence, why don't the girls insist on her waiting on them 24/7? Why not sneak Prudence into Victoria's bed? Why not insist she come along on their walks or rides? Philip knew what awaited Prudence outside his circle, so why didn't he take steps to protect her? I can't imagine that a lady's maid would work in the kitchen. And I don't buy it that neither Rowen nor Vic know this or that they don't take steps to ensure her presence in their rooms more than in her cubby. So after all that whining, this was good if thin. Well-researched with a great cast of characters to take on the issues at the turn of last century, but for all the social issues, there isn't any real depth. It simply skims the surface. A nasty look at class prejudices with a cast of characters that Brown pulls you in with wanting to love, to hit, to care for, to destroy. I hate the ending, as it doesn't really end. And maybe that was the point, so we want to read the next in this new series. I look forward to reading A Bloom in Winter this coming March. The Story Sir Philip Buxton, the girls' father, has just died. And their uncle intends to upset their little family completely, for he and the countess despise how Philip raised his girls. And they hate a woman of whose existence they shouldn't even be aware. Summerset Abbey is a house of love and hate equally distributed downstairs and upstairs, and it revolves around Prudence. There's a mystery about our Prudence, and she's certainly exciting a lot of attention from everyone! The Characters Prudence Tate is their governess' daughter, who was raised as one of Sir Philips' girls. And she'll ever be grateful to him for it. Alice Tate was her mother and there's some huge secret about her! Victoria is the frail younger sister with a secret while Rowena is the older sister and a member of the National Union of Women's Suffrage Societies. Sir Philip Buxton was a botanist, a bohemian who appreciated art, literature, and informality, and considered Prudence part of the family. Sir Philip's household staff consisted of: Hodgekins is the butler; Mrs. Tannis is the housekeeper; Carl is the footman; Katie is both lady's maid and scullery maid; and, she's in on the secret. The Earl of Summerset, Conrad, is their snobby uncle, Philip's older brother, who will function as the guardian of their financial trusts. I'm confused as to the countess' name as she is referred to throughout as Aunt Charlotte, but is imposingly introduced at one point as Ambrosia Huxley Buxton. Between the two, they despise Prudence and are busily scheming how to get rid of her. Colin and Elaine are their children. The staff at Summerset Abbey includes: Mrs. Harper is the housekeeper; Hortense is Lady Summerset's French maid; Cairns is the butler; Nanny Iris Coombes took care of Philip and Conrad when they were young; Susie, the scullery maid, and Andrew Wilkes, one of the footmen, befriend Prudence; and, Katz is the earl's valet. Particular friends of Colin's include Lord Billingsley, Sebastian, who notices Prudence at the funeral; Lord Cliveon; and, Kit, who takes an interest in Vic. Lady Edith Billingsly is Sebastian's mother; she has her own plans for whom her son will marry. Sir Philip's friends include: Rupert Brooke is a "high-strung and handsome young poet"; Ben Tillet is "the iron-jawed unionleader"; and, Roger Fry is "the controversial artist". Douglas Dirkes is the big man with a possibly Scottish accent who owns a motorcar manufacturing plant and is now experimenting with airplanes. Jon Wells is a Buxton neighbor, and the pilot who crashed. George Wells is his older brother, and neither of them like the Buxtons. Wesley Tate is Prudence's cousin; Mildred is her grandmother. Miss Fister runs the typing and shorthand school. The Cover It's all creams and summer blue sky with, I'm guessing, a beautifully dressed Prudence in her creamy, elaborate evening gown in front of a very majestic and imposing Summerset Abbey. The title is the setting for this introduction to the series of the same name, Summerset Abbey. ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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not set
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Feb 15, 2013
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Feb 15, 2013
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Paperback
| ||||||||||||||
| 1455520799
| 9781455520794
| 1455520799
| 3.93
| 5,110
| Feb 26, 2013
| Feb 26, 2013
|
it was amazing
|
Third in the Darkest London historical paranormal romance series revolving around three Ellis sisters in 1883 . The primary couple focus is on Poppy L
Third in the Darkest London historical paranormal romance series revolving around three Ellis sisters in 1883 . The primary couple focus is on Poppy Lane, a.k.a., Mother, and Winston Lane with a secondary focus priming the pump, so to speak, between Mary Chase and Jack Talent. I received an ARC from the publisher. My Take This story is the absolute best of the three and just so, oh, so very incredibly romantic. A tragic romance absolutely dripping with love in a tangled tale that twists in and around itself including a twist on the romance angle with a couple who have separated. Callihan has a lovely approach with both parties being wrong as well as right. I absolutely love how these two counter their pride and reveal the depths of their love. Their first encounter after the months since Win left is...icy…in every sense. Two people held apart by their pride even as each is desperate for the other. There are so many lovely quotes I could relate that reveal the love that Win and Poppy have for each other...it'll make you cry. I am wholly myself when I am with you. Callihan makes use of flashbacks, switching back and forth between current day and fourteen years ago, allowing us to eavesdrop on Win's courtship of Poppy while observing the deterioration of that union today. It definitely shows the dangers of saying always and never. Poppy is learning the toll that her double occupations has had on her life. I do love that she sees to the heart of the problem. Despite its setting in 1883, it could be today with the same issues couples have now with taking time to be with each other, with Win's complete acceptance and appreciation for Poppy's skills and abilities. How turned on he is by the lethality of his Boadicea. I'm confused. At one point Callihan says Winston has lost his job, and a bit further on, he's musing over Sheridan's encouraging him to take a vacation. So, which is it? I'm truly impressed that Poppy and Mary Chase manage to get over to Calais in two days, seeing as it appears to take that long for Archer's ship, the Ignitus, to sail from Calais to England. The ship certainly lives up to its name for there are some fiery encounters aboard. Seems very unfair to be maneuvered into death; that ought to nullify the contract immediately. Demons are not inherently evil. Every living being has a choice as to how it will live its life. One doesn't often encounter a sexual act incorporating bookish metaphor: her long legs spread open like the pages of a book offering up their secrets. Of course, one is not often warned about encountering naked dwarves either. I did enjoy Poppy's response to Win on that score: "Who said he enjoyed women?" But Win's response to her quip is, oh, so much better...and funnier! Only to be caught up short by Manet's The Absinthe Drinker. Oh, YES! Fabulous ending. And very clever! I look forward to more from Callihan! The Story Poppy Lane and Winston have separated. He's furious that she's lied to him from the start about her being Mother, the leader of SOS. But Winston soon learns that he has his own skeletons in the closet. He's also a target for a demon determined to "take her heart and destroy it". The Characters Poppy Ellis Lane has lead a double life for all their fourteen years of marriage. One life of which she hadn't informed her husband. She operates a bookstore in London as well as acts as the head, Mother, of The Society for the Suppression of Supernaturals (SOS). Their mother, Mary Margaret Ellis, was "the seventh daughter of the Earl of Lister" who married an East Ender, Hector Ellis. Former Inspector Winston Lane is experiencing anger management problems. As you can tell by the "former". Besides Poppy, that job with the CID was everything to him. Absolutely everything. He's also a younger son of the the now-deceased Duke of Marchland and cousin to the queen. Osmond is his older brother, the duke. The man who forgot him. Winston complains about his mother's treatment of him---that she treated him as a pet but closed her ears whenever he expressed an opinion. "The idea of me was far preferable to her than the actual man." He's also angry over Poppy's continued rejection of his proposals; "the wall she erected whenever she remembered how disparate their families were." Ranulf and Archer are concerned about Win's recovery from the attack and have sent Jack Talent, a shapeshifter and Ian Ranulf's valet, to guard Winston. Daisy is a GIM, a fate she chose to avoid a much worse one. She's married to Ian Ranulf (see Moonglow , 2). Lucien Stone is the current head of GIM. Miranda is the youngest sister and married to Lord Benjamin Archer ( Firelight , 1). Mary Chase is also a GIM, but she desperately wants to be a Regulator. There is a mutual hate between Mary and Jack. Augustus is a demon who appears as an angel; he saved Win in the alley in Moonglow , 2. Lena, a Sanguis demon, is an SOS lieutenant and the official go-between for Mother and any requests for her aid. It is imperative that Mother's true identity be hidden. A fact that Daisy ignores. Mr. Smythe is Mother's secretary. Michael Scott is a shock journalist with the Cryer whom SOS uses. Grevis is the fusspot librarian who objects to sex in the library. Who knew. The Evernights are a family of tinkerers. Extremely talented ones. Think "O" from James Bond! Holly Evernight is the chief firearms master. Eamon Evernight, her grandfather, built the colonel's hand and made his reputation with SOS. Mr. Jones, Lord Isley, Apep are all one. A Primus demon who entices the weak into signing their souls away. Moira Darling is the price of Win's soul. Komtesse Krogstad is a demimonde and highly social with an interest in supernatural activities. Henri is the naked dwarf with unusual accoutrements. Mrs. Amy Noble won't have time for regret or her party. Colonel Alden is an art collector. And a survivor. A GIM is a Ghost in the Machine, "the best spies in the underworld". The primary goal of SOS is to "keep the world from learning the truth" about supernaturals. Regulators are field agents for SOS. Primus demons "are the ancients, born of the collective thoughts, fears, and hopes of humanity when it was young" while the Onus demons are the offspring of Primus. The Nex are a resistance group who want to expose supernaturals with Isley as its founder and head. The Cover It's a chilly cover in the snow with Winston in an embroidered white shirt, open to mid-chest, passionately enveloping a Poppy seemingly rising up out of a snowy embrace, dressed in a gleaming satin and velvet navy off-the-shoulder ballgown with a deeply v'd back, the heat of her wild red hair billowing in the wind with a veiled London and its bridge in the background. The title provides an inkling of the power of Poppy's gifts, for it's a power so cold it feels like a Winterblaze. ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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not set
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Jan 14, 2013
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Feb 13, 2013
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Mass Market Paperback
| ||||||||||||||
| B00957T5YQ
| 4.03
| 17,314
| unknown
| Mar 19, 2013
|
it was amazing
|
I received an ARC from the publisher. Second in the Montgomerys and Armstrongs historical romance revolving around the aforementioned families in medie I received an ARC from the publisher. Second in the Montgomerys and Armstrongs historical romance revolving around the aforementioned families in medieval Scotland. The couple focus is on Genevieve McInnis and Bowen Montgomery. My Take Based on this second installment in the series, it appears that Banks is incorporating a heroine with a disability---Eveline was deaf in Never Seduce a Scot , 1, and now we have the disfigured Genevieve---in this historical romance series along with an unexpectedly enlightened group of men. This particular installment is more melodramatic than others of Banks' with plenty of twists and turns, and it will certainly drag you in and make you want to kick and scream at many of the characters. I know I wanted to! I find it interesting that Banks claims that the McHugh clan consisted of distant relations and a band of misfits who banded together, and yet the whole lot of them seem to think they're so much better than Genevieve. That they are so concerned about staying McHughs and having a McHugh laird. Talk about desperate people… The women are horrible, but they do at least have more balls than their men. And I'd've loved to take a stick, a sword, a whip, a...anything...to most all of 'em! Oh, god!!! I just want to smack them 24/7! WTF? Genevieve leads the M&A boys inside the castle and the gathered McHughs---including Taliesan---cry against her? What did these idiots think she was going to do? Send them to the stables to take over the clan? Taliesan's retort was lovely. A beautiful statement of honor and friendship, insisting that dishonor is basing choice what one can gain or lose and that she prefers honor to any possible gain. And, yes, Bowen is falling in love, until he learns just why Eveline was targeted by Ian McHugh. I am not, however, seeing Genevieve falling in love with Bowen when she's tending him. After all of Banks' overt melodrama, I had not expected her to get this subtle about Genevieve's interests. Ohh, I just love how Bowen does fall in love, and the efforts he makes. I don't understand why he thinks he can never marry her. Extremely few women live at home till they die. What I don't understand is why he doesn't follow her home? If you can set your own emotional reaction aside---I cried a lot, it's fascinating to read Bowen's progress in learning the very proud and much-maligned Genevieve's back history and how she came to this state. Banks has created a rich tapestry of emotion---pride, honor, self-preservation, and a deep and growing love---in this story. It's not one you can forget, and I'll have a hard time forgiving. The Story The Montgomery has run Ian McHugh through and Patrick has fled. Graeme has gone back to the castle to tend to his wife, Eveline, while his and her brothers are returning to the McHughs to claim the castle and seek their vengeance for the McHughs' treatment of Eveline. They fully expect to batter down the castle gates until they see a white flag flying and only the very young Ansel sent by Corwen to present the McHugh surrender. A surrender that is muted by their shocking reception of the much beleaguered Genevieve who yet seeks to stay the Montgomerys and Armstrongs from harming those in the McHugh clan. Now, Genevieve seeks only her freedom and a moment of peace…but it all comes down to choice. The Characters No matter how skilled she is with a bow and arrow, Genevieve McInnis still was not as lucky as Eveline Armstrong Montgomery (see Never Seduce a Scot ), for no one came to rescue her from Ian McHugh, the blackguard son of Patrick McHugh, laird of the McHughs. Her McInnis side Lachlan McInnis is the laird and Genevieve's father; her grieving mother is Elizabeth. Sybil was her best friend before Genevieve was kidnapped. The Montgomerys and Armstrongs Bowen and Teague are Graeme's, Laird Montgomery's, brothers. Geoffrey and Deaglan guard Bowen when he's recovering. Eveline and Graeme Montgomery are happy. The blunt Rorie Montgomery is their very independent sister, eager to make friends. Father Drummond is teaching Rorie to read and write---forward lass! Brodie and Aiden Armstrong are Eveline's protective brothers, although Brodie does seem to be getting friendly with Teague. Tavis Armstrong is laird and Eveline's father. Taliesan is cousin to Patrick McHugh's late wife; she would be Genevieve's only friend in the castle. If Genevieve would allow it. The McHughs are consistent in their cowardice and blame-laying... Patrick McHugh hates the Montgomerys and the Armstrongs these days. All for lack of a spine on his part. Tearlach McHugh was the first to step forward, well, after the women came forward first and saved their bacon. I'd like to tie Claudia McHugh and her ilk to a ducking stool! Peter and Hiram McHugh know a great deal about the castle workings and are placed in charge. Maggie McHugh's husband and the bullying Corwen McHugh receive their just deserts. The McGrieves ally themselves with McHugh. Silly buggers. The Cover The cover is two different green plaids: one for the background and another to cover a naked Genevieve and Bowen. The title tells it true, for Genevieve McInnis is a Highlander Most Wanted. ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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not set
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Jan 15, 2013
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Feb 13, 2013
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Kindle Edition
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my rating |
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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| 3.90
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it was amazing
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Jul 13, 2015
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Mar 21, 2013
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| 3.86
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it was amazing
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Jul 13, 2015
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Mar 21, 2013
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| 3.89
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it was amazing
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Jul 12, 2015
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Mar 21, 2013
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|||||
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| 4.01
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really liked it
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Feb 18, 2013
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Mar 19, 2013
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|||||
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| 3.92
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really liked it
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Jan 19, 2013
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Mar 14, 2013
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|||||
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| 3.85
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really liked it
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Mar 05, 2013
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Mar 14, 2013
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|||||
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| 3.94
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liked it
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Feb 24, 2013
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Mar 14, 2013
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|||||
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| 3.02
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liked it
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Mar 26, 2013
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Mar 11, 2013
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|||||
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| 4.08
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it was amazing
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Mar 07, 2013
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Mar 11, 2013
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|||||
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| 3.86
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liked it
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Mar 03, 2013
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Mar 08, 2013
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|||||
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| 3.69
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it was amazing
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Apr 17, 2013
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Mar 08, 2013
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|||||
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| 3.78
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really liked it
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Feb 14, 2013
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Mar 06, 2013
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|||||
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| 3.52
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it was amazing
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Mar 23, 2013
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Mar 04, 2013
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| 3.68
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it was ok
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Feb 26, 2013
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Feb 27, 2013
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| 3.59
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liked it
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Feb 07, 2013
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Feb 23, 2013
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| 3.51
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liked it
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Feb 10, 2013
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Feb 20, 2013
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| 3.88
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it was amazing
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Feb 04, 2013
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Feb 19, 2013
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|||||
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| 3.55
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really liked it
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Feb 15, 2013
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Feb 15, 2013
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|||||
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| 3.93
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it was amazing
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Jan 14, 2013
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Feb 13, 2013
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|||||
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| 4.03
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it was amazing
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Jan 15, 2013
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Feb 13, 2013
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