Suzi
As with Strange Houses, I love how inventive these books are. The way of breaking down each story and mystery, the inclusion of the floor plans and pictures, then finding out how they all fit together at the end.
For this one however I do think the end was a bit far fetched and some of the conclusions were a a stretch based on what was in the files.
This has been a series of highs and low, with this instalment being a definite high for me.
Obviously we know Kateryn Parr survived Henry, but it was still so tense being in her head for the years she was with him, not knowing if he would turn on her without notice and she would end up like the other wives.
Brilliantly written as alway, but some of the descriptions of Henry at the end of his reign - overweight, greedy, unwell and moody with his leg wound - were so visceral I gagged.
I really enjoyed learning more about Parr, as I feel like the preceding wives get a bit more spotlight due to their dramatic exits. Parr loved to read and learn and she was the first woman to publish in English under her own name! What a fascinating woman.
PRK could write about a blade of grass in a field and I would eat it up.
I hadn't heard anything about this case (unlike Say Nothing and Empire of Pain where I was aware of both subjects to an extent), but it was just as interesting and compelling as something I was already invested in. His writing has such a narrative flow whilst also being pertinent and compassionate to the subject.
This was a great follow up to the first book in the series - such a twisty plot with a satisfying ending. The setting of Cumbia and a little of Newcastle was fantastic and liked the little Northern-isms throughout the story. I love the growing friendship between Poe and Bradshaw and need more of this in future books. Onto the next!
YES!! Absolutely yes, THIS was the book I needed to kick me out of my fantasy reading slump. It was just so good! Yes there was a couple of tropes shoved in like it's just expected, but it was original and brutal and exciting and I loved it. I did figure out who was behind things, but I still liked the reveal and how our gal took it all down. Try and stop me from reading the next book ASAP!
This definitely one of the most consistently good series I've ever read - to still be writing bangers at book 23 is quite the achievement.
That said, this one didn't quite live up to the greats of the series. The curse and witchcraft element was a unique way to go and I didn't see the ending coming which is always a win for a thriller.
Fantastic as always! Dan Jones is easily my favourite author of historical non-fiction.
I've read plenty about the Plantagenets and Tudors but less about the earlier monarchs, so this was very interesting to get a deep dive into Henry V's early life and later his reign.
As usual Dan Jones packs the book full of facts and information without weighing it down and making it tedious, he has a great narrative flow which always makes his books enjoyable.
I love the show so always wanted to try the books, this one was nicely similar to the show but also different in ways. Honestly I think the show is better overall!
Naturally after watching the show, I knew about the problematic parts of this before going in, so it wasn't such a shock, but i do think it was unnecessary and the situation could have been written differently without that happening.
I do think I'll continue with the series as the audio narrator is great and they're quick listens between other bigger books. I've also heard the later books are better!
What a weird little book! I absolutely did not see where this was going but it was great.
I really liked the format with all the blueprints throughout and the fast pace of the transcript style writing.
I do think it perhaps jumped from "oh this is weird" to "yeah this is a murder house" way to quickly, but given where it ended up i suppose it all makes sense by the end!
I've already ordered the other 2 books from the author, and definitely think "Japanese creepy house horror mystery" is a new niche genre hit for me. 🙌
I absolutely love the Lake District so reading a murder mystery/police procedural (another fave of mine) set in that area was a recipe for a win!
Honestly I liked everything about this one - great characters, great setting, great mystery plot and a twist I didn't see coming! I actually gasped at the big reveal!
A definite hit for me and I'll be continuing the series very soon.
After loving The Wolf Den trilogy I was excited to read whatever the author put out next, and this didn't disappoint.
Very little is known about Boudicca's daughters, so I really enjoyed the story the author made for them. The author's note at the end is a great addition in understanding her approach to this.
The first half following the Iceni rebellion was brutal and devastating, whilst the second half in Rome had more political maneuvering as well as some more hopeful and happier moments.
There were a few time jumps which were quite abrupt and jarring, so much so I felt I'd missed something in the story, but apart from that this was fantastic.
This book is perfectly titled, as it ended up being not what I thought it would be!
I love this author's thrillers and this one has everything which makes them great - they're fast paced, well plotted and full of twists. This one is definitely more on the political side of things so some people will bounce of it but it really worked for me.
Definitely up there for my top thriller of the year already.
Rereading the series ahead of book 6 coming out this year, and first time on audio!
I know it's not for everyone but I love this series and will reread it many times, it feels like a comfort read by this point. ❤️
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Still love this on a third re-read. :)
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Second time reading this and I still absolutely love it! I love the characters and the world with the various courts. I've noticed so much more during this re-read and will look forward to rereading it again in the future. Now onto ACOMAF!
How did not know this was going to be a trilogy?! Now the wait for the next book will feel like forever!
This is a great atmospheric, gothic fantasy with a super slow burn romance. I loved the unique world, the imposing Weavingshaw manor, the lore of the Avon family and the investigation the characters work through.
I did feel like the whole underworld element could have been fleshed out a bit more but perhaps we'll get more of this in the next book, whenever that gets announced.
Contains spoilers
I've generally liked everything I've read from these authors but this one was probably the one I've liked the least.
The story is good - grieving mother sees a picture of her son, believed to be dead, online which sparks her to find him.
The issue is that the plot points are unrealistic and overly convenient, and I couldn't get over a few things.
Why would the school inform parents of a crash where children died? This would be the police.
The sister believing blatant lies was unbelievable.
Why would she not tell her husband that she's going after the son? The insurance reason makes no sense, I can't imagine a good father wouldn't drop everything to find his child.
Perhaps if this was longer it could have been written a bit better, but this one won't stay with me long term.
