Sign of the Four - Arthur Conan Doyle

The Sign of Four by Arthur Conan Doyle
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

3.5 Stars, rounded up.

I did enjoy the mystery a lot, and am warming up to Watson and Holmes, but the extra story of the villain that was tacked on the end was again too much of a tangent. It was enough for me to take off half a star from my rating. At least I knew about it beforehand this time, so I wasn't too surprised when the last quarter was a second story. I was still waiting for it to get over with, although there were a few interesting parts in there. I heard that this is the last Sherlock Holmes story with the entire story of the crime dumped at the end, and that Doyle found his style after this. If so, I am looking forward to the more mature stories to come.

Scarlet - Marissa Meyer

Scarlet by Marissa Meyer
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I'm still liking this series - it still has that unique feel to it, with the cyborgs and sci fi world barely recognizable as our own future. But this was a lot slower to get going than the first book. It was very much one of those build-up to the next book kind of installments.

I do like the addition of the new characters and thought the fairy tale tie-in was well done. I'm looking forward to seeing the results of all the build-up - and to finding out how in the world the next fairy tale fits the story that needs to happen.

The Shadowy Horses - Susanna Kearsley

The Shadowy Horses by Susanna Kearsley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Shadowy Horses was another quick, enjoyable read by Susanna Kearsley. It's not a time-slip like the others that I've read, but more of a contemporary ghost story, although it's really not what you would call a chilling one. I expected a bit more of an eerie, Gothic atmosphere, and got more Scottish flavor instead (which is really not a bad thing).

The story centers on an archaeological dig in an old fishing town where a mad old scholar believes he's found the final resting place of the Roman Ninth Legion. I enjoyed the details of the dig and the cast of characters involved. I even liked the romance aspect of it. All-in-all, it was just the kind of escape I was looking for at the beginning of my summer holidays.

The Steel Queen - Karen Azinger

The Steel Queen by Karen Azinger
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

This was a fairly ambivalent 3 star Medieval-type fantasy right until the end, which I hated. It felt like an attempt to be shocking like Game of Thrones, but came completely out of left field. I was not happy. I am also not happy with the cliffhanger but I don't think I care enough to find out what happens next.

There were a few characters here that I liked, and a few that I hated (as I was supposed to - POVs are alternating from good vs. evil characters). I didn't really like having to read the viewpoint of the evil ones, but that's me. I don't enjoy getting into the minds of the dark side, and began skimming those. But it was an interesting approach to see how evil actively built its influence.

I suppose it was actually pretty good for a self-published novel, just a bit too dark for me. There were some spelling errors that I had to ignore, and some jumps in character that could have been developed more smoothly. But it did hold my attention, and like I said, I 'liked it' when it was focused on the 'good' characters, right until the end.

Silent in the Grave - Deanna Raybourn

Silent in the Grave by Deanna Raybourn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Lady Julia Grey series is one of my favorites series ever. It's one of those that jumped out with the first line and grabbed me in: "To say that I met Nicholas Brisbane over my husband’s dead body is not entirely accurate. Edward, it should be noted, was still twitching upon the floor." From that line onward, I was completely besotted with it. I was a bit nervous for this re-read in case it didn't match up. Thankfully, I loved it almost as much the second time around. Knowing the culprit took some of the tension out this time, but being able to revisit the characters more than made up for it.

I've read other books in the Historical Mystery genre since this, which was my "discovery book" for the genre, so I now have a more judgmental eye. I still think the mystery is decent, although the actual investigation is much less of a focus than Julia and her journey from a mouse of a widow into a woman finding out who she is. I am also less tolerant of romance these days, and this was a lot more romance than I remember it being! But as far as romances go, this is a good one, and one I enjoyed re-reading. Seriously, Brisbane is one of my favorite male leads ever.

I'm keeping my rating at 5 stars, in part because this was my first discovery of a genre that now (almost) rivals Fantasy in my affections. It brought me back my love of Victorian times after I had (mostly) exhausted the classics and become tired of re-reading my favorites. The added suspense, romance and wit made it irresistible to me. I've since found a huge cache of books earmarked for my future, all thanks to this one little library find. It goes on the shelf of life-changers in that respect.

I've found that the witty humor is unique to Deanna Raybourn in this genre. I actually chuckled out loud a couple of times before I caught myself. I have read other historical mysteries that feel dry and dark in comparison, even if they are more focused on the mystery than the adventurous spirit of the heroine.

The characters are where Raybourn really shines. I remember all of them as if they are friends, and fully realized people. Even the minor characters. This series has some of my favorites of all time - the mysterious and tempestuous Brisbane, full of barely restrained energy. The intelligent, unconventional, and sometimes idiotic and impulsive Julia. (Sometimes I want to shake her as much as Brisbane must!) Fleur, Portia, Julia's brothers, the gypsies, the raven, the former prostitute turned lady's maid. All add something fresh to the story.

The Victorian setting is lush and filled with atmosphere, and the mystery and suspense, and even the romance, just add more depth and purpose to the story. The small touch of paranormal also sets this apart from many other Victorian mysteries. It's a great combination. I fell for it completely. Twice.

Raybourn earned a place on my favorite authors list through this series the first time around. She maintained her spot as a favorite with the 1920s standalones that she wrote afterwards - she is capable of diversity! And now re-reading this just confirms it. I love her. I can't wait for her new series coming out in the Fall. I'm going to lap it up.


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Original Review 4/23/2012:

I've discovered a new favorite genre! I love the mix of historical fiction, mystery, and little bit of love story. The characters are full, intriguing, mysterious, and witty. The setting is fully realized, the atmosphere intoxicating. The mystery is twisting, convoluted, and absolutely satisfying. Fantastic!

Prince of Dogs - Kate Elliott

Prince of Dogs by Kate Elliott
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is definitely a slow-moving series. I knew it from the first book, but I didn't feel it as much then. Maybe I should have taken a break before starting book two, because I found myself a bit impatient at the slowness this time around. I felt like events had built to a point in the last book that I was anxious for more to happen, only to have it spread out more and begin to build all over again.

So, the pace is slow. Not much actually happens in this installment. It is a second book, and it feels like it. I couldn't believe that one character's situation really did not change at all until near the end. And Liath went back to the same problem she had before, and I really, really want some major development in that area soon!

I already knew it wasn't an action-driven series. But being character-driven means I care about those I already know and want to get back to them, and to see changes for them. It felt like a long time before I had any quality time with Alain or Liath. They were mainly viewed through minor characters' eyes at first. That's the main reason I was feeling impatient.

I did like the perspective of Rosvita, the scholar nun, and I hope we get plenty more of her in future books because she's one of my favorites. But there were other new and side characters who got a lot more attention for the first half of the book and I was just waiting to see how they fit into anything important. I'm still kind of waiting on that. I'm sure it's coming if I can just be patient. For a seven book series, some development is to be expected.

Although I enjoy character-driven books, I do also like something to happen. It did, eventually. There was just a lot of buildup with the minor points of view. It didn't really start to pick up until after the halfway mark when the main characters finally came back into focus.

Although I was a bit impatient until that point, I really miss reading this. I keep thinking about it and wanting to get back to it. I'm loving the world, which feels so real, and there are moments of real emotion about the characters. That includes loathing - it's impossible not to loathe Hugh! I can't wait to see him brought low. I hope it's truly satisfying. And Sanglant - his part was so horrifying. I can't wait to read more about how he adjusts after what happened to him. I hope I don't have to wait long.

I am really tempted to go ahead and jump into the next book already, but I feel like I should take a break this time. I just know I need to be in the mood for savoring a slow mover. Maybe just a short break is enough and I'll be ready to get back into it.

Heaven's Queen

Heaven's Queen by Rachel Bach
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I had a lot of fun reading this series, and was happy with the ending. So much has changed by book 3 that it felt very different from where the series began. I did kind of miss the merc serving on a ship with a strange crew. But I was satisfied with how everything came out, both for the universe and for Devi. It was fast-paced and entertaining. Pretty much, I loved it!