That's What I'm Talking About
I generally review romance, paranormal and urban fantasy. I tend to pick review books that I want to read, so generally my reviews will be positive. I always give my honest opinion: good, bad, and indifferent.
Note: on my blog I use a letter grading system. I've listed the ratings below. For sites with stars, I have listed the equivalent rating. If I didn't finish the book, I will not rate it with stars.
A+ Personal Favorite (5 stars)
A Loved It (4.5 or 5 stars)
A- Enjoyed A Lot (4 or 4.5 stars)
B+ Liked It A Lot (4 stars)
B Liked It -- Recommend (4 stars)
B- Liked It -- But I had a few small issues (3 or 3.5 stars)
C+ Liked It -- But I had issues (3 or 3.5 stars)
C Finished It -- Liked some, didn't like some (3 stars)
C- Finished It -- Liked a little, didn't like a lot (2 or 2.5 stars)
D Not A Big Fan (2 stars)
E Don’t Waste Your Time (1 star)
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TW: Reading this book was like watching a Train Wreck
DNF: Did Not Finish
updated July 9, 2015
Currently reading
Review: The Curious Case of the Clockwork Menace
The Curious Case of the Clockwork Menace is a wonderful whodunit mystery set in Bec McMaster’s London Steampunk world. It is listed as book 3.5, but story does go back 3 years in time. The book shares the story of one of Perry and Garrett's cases, one of some significance that is mentioned in book #4, Forged by Desire. It can be read as a stand alone story, or in conjunction with Forged, and in fact, I didn’t ever read it until after I finished Forged by Desire. In the context of the series, it is a great piece of backstory, and is clearly an event that helped bring Perry and Garrett together in Forged.
The nighthawks are commissioned by Lord Rommell after his lead actress and mistress Nelly Tate goes missing. Soon detectives Perry, the lone female nighthawk, and Garrett find themselves with a handful of suspects, one dead shop owner, and an impatient member of the Echelon, wanting this all put behind him. What the pair wasn't expecting was a growing tension which develops between the longtime partners and friends. Please note: this is NOT the story of Perry and Garrett's romance; their story is told in Forged by Desire.
The mystery of what happens to Nelly Tate is involved and engrossing. As the plot thickens, the author provides additional clues and diversions to keep the detectives, and this reader, guessing up until the end. And while the story would stand on its own merits with the mystery alone, Ms. McMaster expertly weaves a budding awareness of something more than friendship between long-time friends.
Having read Perry and Garrett's story in Forged by Desire first, I enjoyed learning about this event, which is mentioned a few times within Forged. However, it is a well-written stand alone mystery. I was riveted to the book; engrossed by the details and unfolding plot. The pieces of the puzzle were all there, it was just a matter of putting them in place. The mystery is superbly executed, and I enjoyed trying to figure it all out.
My Rating: A- Enjoyed A Lot
